Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 26, 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 IMAGE IS EVERYTHING In politics as in life, image is everything for individuals, organizations, political parties, religious groups and governments. Making a statement without saying a word that makes sense equates to one’s image. Image means different things to different people, but the importance of its impact is not well understood by some individuals. There are several meanings and explanations for image, but the one that stands out has a key political connotation which should be understood by particularly our leaders image is the set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of competence or incompetence and character as judged by the public. Image is also a holistic package beyond external looks that encompasses one’s smile, body language, conversational techniques and one’s overall ability to interact with people in the workplace as well as in social and political settings. The image depicted by our leaders says quite a lot about who they are and what they represent. The levels of importance attached to image vary depending on circumstances. For example, when preparing for an interview or a general deportment in public fora, Image, along with professionalism and proper demeanour go hand in hand. Maintaining a positive image is sometimes very difficult for most of our politicians because of their arrogance, especially during debates in Parliament and other public forums. Many have admitted that they are aware of their poor image mainly because of neglect of their constituents or not being able to fulfill some of their promises to them. They are hoping that time, which is said to heal all wounds, will allow them to start their journey of renewal before their mandate ends. Many senior officials in the current administration have acknowledged their shortcomings. Acknowledging their mistakes and taking steps to correct them are critical in avoiding criticism which happens quite often when they disappoint the public. Maintaining a positive image with the public includes these and many other genuine and good behavioral traits. Image like personality is always noticeable, and based on what is seen, opinions, judgments and perceptions are easily formed by the public which may or may not be accurate. Our leaders ought to know that an extremely important element that complements image is a high level of self-confidence which must be visible in their every move and public statements. In fact, it has been proven that strong self-confidence is the hallmark of a positive image for our leaders to have in order to influence youths and others into emulating them. Because the concept of image is not well understood by some of our politicians, especially those running the country, they tend to believe that their positions give them the freedom to do whatever they want without any consequence. This has been their mistaken beliefs that have led to such poor performance of governance and widespread disapproval by the public and the media. Recently, many in the hierarchy have attacked the media, especially Kaieteur News, for exposing some of the less admirable and questionable traits of Exxon Mobil in several countries. But instead of using the factual information handed to them free of cost to re-negotiate a better deal with Exxon, they resort to attacking Kaieteur News. In doing so, they have exposed their political naivety and unmitigated arrogance by showering praise on and going out of their way to describe Exxon Mobil as a reputable oil company without doing due diligence. They should be reminded that such a callous approach has worked against the last administration. Improving the image of the government should be top priority. It could redound to some excellent benefits, including increasing its confidence and trust among the people, because as we all learn at some time: Image is everything.

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.

GuySuCo should be completely privatized as a priority policy Dear Editor, It is my belief that there should be a clear line of demarcation between playing politics and doing what is best for our country. It is my humble opinion that some politicians feel that the elections campaign is a ceaseless journey from one General Election to the next. Such an approach will never be fruitful for our country and its people. After the results would have been announced the focus should be social and economic development. Nothing else matters. My focus in this missive will be to objectively explore the rationale for sugar becoming ‘bitter’ and what can be done to make it ‘sweet ‘ again. The decline of the sugar industry should be placed squarely on the shoulders of previous governments who have grossly mismanaged the industry and subjecting it to massive corruption and cronyism. This can be seen from the persons selected from the Chairman, the Board of Directors, the CEO and even some managers at the individual estate level. These negatives have indeed filtered right down to the low level management. Theft, squander mania, mismanagement, cronyism and poor investment decisions or no capital inves tments characterized and pervaded the entire sugar industry. Things were bound to fall apart and they did. Moreover, the EU price cuts were known long before 2006 so it should not be used to mask the ineptitude of the previous administration and it’s so called plan to ‘turnaround’ the industry did in fact worked-it turned it the other way around! The EU gave the previous administration $34.8 billion dollars

which should have been used to upgrade and restructure the industry but it must be agreed that this money was not spent usefully.The Skeldon Modernization Project was the death knell of the industry, not only did it bankrupt it but nothing ever worked-from the factory to the fields- and it starved the other estates of much needed capital injections. The downfall of the Wales Estate is a prime example. The estates had to practice ‘voodoo crop husbandry’ which caused a massive decline in the yield per hectare. The canes simply got fewer and fewer. This was a direct result of not applying the correct amount of fertilizers on a timely basis and the same with the application of weedicides and pesticides. The Commission highlighted over 31 problems which would have contributed to this decline. There has been an increasing decline in production, productivity and this was reflected in the increasing losses from$2.3 billion in 2009 to over $16 billion per annum in 2016. This has forced the previous and this government to inject billions of tax dollars with no solution in sight (more than $60 billion to date, including $32 billion by this Government). But the opportunity costs forbid such subsidies. The money could have been used more profitably in other sectors. However, this does not mean closures of the estates. The Commission of Inquiry had made it pellucid that ‘the Sugar Industry should not be a liability to the State. It needs to re-establish itself as a significant and positive contributor to national development.’ Yet the industry continues to be a liability. Let us look at the Skeldon Estate. During a live TV program on

NCN with the agriculture Minister and myself I had mentioned that it is estimated that approximately $3 billion have been spent on this Estate alone for the past 2 years to keep it afloat. This is in excess of $ 15 million US. Despite this massive injection of cash the Estate continues to crumble. Is it time to take the fatalistic attitude and conclude that sugar is no longer profitable? My answer is simple. Sugar is profitable and can be profitable if it is placed in the right hands. It will not be wrong to say that since nationalization in 1976 the industry has been on a gradual decline only buffered by a preferential EU market. Therefore, we must heed the recommendations made by the COI. It says that ‘the COI has deemed that a continued state-run Guysuco in its present from /structure is strategically unacceptable. It would be an inefficient financial and economic decision. A decisive shift to private ownership and control of the assets now employed in sugar production has to be an essential element of any long-term resolution of the present paradoxical situation.’ The COI also quoted the Caricom’s Council for Trade and Economic Development which concluded that ‘Agriculture needs to be treated as a business and not a social welfare project.’ This is quite applicable to Guysuco when the massive bailouts are considered. The COI further added that ‘business is better run by businessmen as opposed to politicians. Whenever the lines are crossed between managerial prerogatives and political intervention the results are negative. History has proven that it is difficult for politicians (Continued on page 5)

As the chairman of the broadcast authority, I did my work meticulously Dear Editor I write to offer some further clarifications about the nature of the contributory consultations which led to the Broadcasting Amendments of 2017. Before doing so please allow me to state that it is a source of personal pride, it is now in the public domain that for a period of time I made the Boardroom of GNBA into a temporary office where I spent considerable hours. During that period, I took the time to review every single word in every Minutes of the Board I succeeded along with Minutes of the subcommittees, I examined every available policy document going way back to the days of the Advisory Committee on Broadcasting, I examined every single application for Broadcasting License, I read every Board correspondence going in and out of the GNBA since its inception, I read every available cabinet decision regarding the Authority, I gathered information on the organizational structure and much more. Through this exercise I was able to trace organizational and regulatory efficiency levels in order to construct models for future pathways. I did not

treat my appointment flippantly or with casual engagement. As I am wont to do, I submerged myself into the tasks at hand and gave it the seriousness, thoroughness and personal effort it deserves. I know of no other way, I couldn’t possibly just ‘cock-ten’ or sky lark and use street gossip and “Dem Boys Seh” as my primary source of information upon which to arrive at informed judgments. So, yes, I am proud for having poured countless hours into these meticulous details in an effort to bring some semblance of order to broadcasting on behalf of the Guyanese people. I remain forever grateful to the management team for having provided the necessary support. I also wish to clarify that during my perusal of the necessary documents I found that the majority of Broadcasters were not honoring their obligations as it relates to the annual broadcasting licensing fees, upon further inquiry I realized that the core method employed up to that point fell into the “Big Stick” category. I challenged management to try the “carrot method.” The management team was not clear what range of authority they had to

pursue outstanding payments since it was habitual to wait for instructions from my predecessor. I advised the team to look at other similar regulatory agencies such as GRA, GCAA, GEA and GFA; it is unusual to wait on instructions from the Chairman to go about billing clients and make arrangements to clear arrears as long as it is not expressly forbidden by law. Management subsequently approached me with a suggestion to invite each Broadcaster for a one on one meeting with the Authority to discuss their indebtedness and possibly make payments in tranches. I could not (and did not) object because I see this as one of the fundamental functions of the Authority. At that point, I requested to sit in on the meetings for the expressed purpose of canvassing the views of Broadcasters with respect to possible adjustments to the regulatory framework to bring about (what they referred to as) “a level playing field.” On the issue of consultations, I will clarify a few points in another letter since I don’t want to make this letter too long. Leonard Craig

Saturday August 26, 2017

Finance Minister says Harmon can explain ministerial insurance DEAR EDITOR, I refer to headline titled, “Procurement procedures not followed in insurance deal for ministers Ramsammy”, which appeared in Kaieteur News, Friday, August 25, 2017, at page 8. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is alleged to have said that ministers benefitted from a large salary increase of “‘up to 100%”’ almost immediately upon assuming office in May 2015. This is a blatant falsehood, one of which Kaieteur News is aware; yet, it was printed with not even an Editor’s Note. As all the public knows, the salary of the Prime Minister, Vice Presidents, Senior Ministers, Junior Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly,

Leader of the Opposition, and other Members of Parliament were increased by varying percentages - from 5%, in the case of the Prime Minister to 50%, in the cases of Senior Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly and Leader of the Opposition. He is also quoted as saying, “They benefitted from a further increase in 2016 and 2017 ...” Again, Editor, this is another falsehood. Since the salary increase of 2015, none of the categories of Parliamentarians mentioned above have been granted any further salary increases. As such, Ministers and the other categories are receiving the same salary today that they were receiving in September 2015.

Regarding the insurance for ministers, I believe that the Minister of State can speak competently about the process that led to the selection of the present insurer. Suffice it to say, here, that the government is meeting 50 percent of the monthly premiums. The other 50 percent is borne by the insuree. The move to insure ministers and their families is new to Guyana, but not elsewhere. At least, taxpayers would not have to bear the unconscionable medical expenditure incurred by a significant number of ministers, party and other officials, and other persons in the previous PPP/C administrations. Winston Jordan Minister of Finance

A citizen complains about the weaknesses in the legal system DEAR EDITOR, From time to time we see that criminals get sentenced in the Magistrates’ courts, appeal their cases, take them to the High court and get bail, and while out on bail, they commit some hideous crimes such as murder, rape and robbery under arms. Another thing; criminals get sentenced in the Magistrates’ courts, appeal their case, and take them to the High court after they walk out of court “a free man”. When are we going to put our foot down on such nonsense? Picture

this; an individual rapes or kills one of your relatives, goes to trial and for some reason or another, he gets off (wins the case), comes back in the same village or town and brags about his victory, how do you think the relatives of the victim feel? Have you ever put that into consideration? Also, persons being caught with illegal guns and ammunition, persons discharging loaded firearms at people or even a policeman, of course when caught, get a soft sentence like two (2) years. Such

people during their exploits, hurt, murder and rob innocent people of their hard earned money and valuables. When you the intended victim retaliates like shooting them with a licensed gun or hurt them in some other way, you will be dealt with seriously by law enforcement officers, as if you were the perpetrator. Right now crime is on the increase and to a certain extent getting out of control. So please don’t make Guyana a safe haven for criminals. Derick Bacchus

As the chairman of the broadcast ... From page 4 to resist temptations to intervene on behalf of their constituents which are more often than not at odds with good business practices.’ Therefore, Guysuco must be privatized and the Skeldon Estate should be used as a privatization model in this privatization process. GAWU’s empty rhetoric should not even be considered since they have no solutions to Guysuco’s myriad of problems. They can only do what they do best and that is complain, criticize and protest. GAWU is more interested in self-preserva t i o n . Privatization of Skeldon will not only save the economy $ 1.5 billion per year but it will ensure the survival of the estate along with its labor force. If this was done at Wales Estate then many jobs would have been saved and many controversies avoided. Moreover, if local inves-

tors with the necessary skills and expertise are given an opportunity to take over the Estate then not only jobs will be saved (the top executives will continue to be Guyanese) but much needed foreign exchange will flow into the economy thus maintaining the stability of the US dollar. Therefore, our local investors must be given priority and special concessions if needs be. It must be noted also that around the world sugar is profitable simply because it is in private hands. For instance, India, Thailand, with Jamaica being a prime example within CARICOM. The Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries stated in January

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this year that sugar will contribute more than US$ 80 million. When it was in Government’s control it was a struggling sector making huge losses but since privatization the industry’s fortunes have changed significantly. In conclusion, Guysuco should be fully privatized as per the COI recommendations and Skeldon should be air mark for suitable local investors and thereafter used as a model for the privatization of the remaining estates. Gobin Harbhajan Regional Democratic Councillor (APNU+AFC) Former Member of the Board of Director (Skeldon Energy Inc)

WAS THE TORANI TRANSPORTING PRISONERS WHEN IT CAPSIZED? DEAR EDITOR, I have been reliably informed that the ferry boat, Torani, has capsized in the Essequibo River somewhere near Mazaruni. I have actually seen pictures of the capsized vessel. It is being speculated that the ferry boat capsized several days ago. Further, I have been told that the boat capsized either after or during a mission to transport to Mazaruni prisoners who were displaced after the Camp Street prison was destroyed. This is an important event and the Guyanese people need to be informed. But not a word; nada, from APNU+AFC. The Minister in charge, the Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson, has been silent. His Ministry has been equally silent. The President has been silent. The Prime Minister has been silent. The Ministry of the Presidency has been silent. The Minister of Public Security has been silent. The total silence of the APNU+AFC administration is not just an insult to the Guyanese people, it is reckless and a dereliction of duty. Did they know that the Torani capsized? When did they know? When exactly do they plan to inform the Guyanese people? This is not a trivial matter and the people becoming aware of this national scandal through social media do not bode well for good

governance. It exposes the propensity of this government to govern by stealth. There is too much secrecy and too much effort to hide the truth from the people. But there is another important matter - the growing evidence that Guyana’s assets are being neglected through poor maintenance. Across the board - buildings, roads, equipment etc. are being neglected as money is wasted with corrupt arrangements. As more and more money is being spent on corrupt deals like the medical warehouse transaction whereby the Ministry of Public Health is spending almost $15M per month to rent a house, implementation of maintenance work is being deferred or reduced. Clearly, the Torani ferry boat has not been maintained properly. The Torani represents a historic vessel. It was built during a Cheddi-Jagan-led PPP Government in 1960. It was the first ever locally built ferry vessel, built by Sproston’s Ltd. The construction of the Torani started a steel fabrication industry in Guyana. Indeed, the construction of a ferry and the beginning of a steel fabrication capacity in Guyana were both firsts for the Caribbean. It is an example of the innovation and forward thinking of Cheddi Jagan and the PPP. The then construction

also saw the construction of the Malawi and the Makouria. Incidentally, after 1964, no new ferry boat was constructed during the 28 years PNC-led Government. It was only after the PPP returned to office in 1992 that a number of passenger and vehicle pontoons were locally constructed and two Ro-Ro ferries were built in China Even though the Torani is now 57 years old, it is an asset that we must preserve. It is part of our history. The fact that it was built under Jagan and the PPP must not be a reason for neglect and for treating it as if it is a trivial and useless heap of steel. APNU+AFC must immediately update the Guyanese people on the status of the Torani. It is reckless that APNU+AFC continues to be AWOL each time a crisis occurs in our country. The capsizing and sinking of the Torani is a crisis. Five Ministers had time to travel to be wined and dined in Texas, but no minister and no official can take time to inform the Guyanese people of such an important event, one that has an impact on the everyday lives of people. For certain the trip to Teas and the sumptuous meals and the expensive drinks that the ministers enjoyed in Texas have no impact on a single life in Guyana. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Where is this Task Force to restore Guyana’s beauty? DEAR EDITOR, Before the appearance of an article published last Sunday of August 20, 2017, captioned, “restoration task force planning relocation of homeless from streets” I had every intention to request that the President of the Cooperative Republic order a Commission of Inquiry on the functioning of the TASK FORCE COMMISSION set up when the Coalition assumed office in 2015. I plan to respond to the article in the other newspapers. It may interest you to note that the matter of vagrancy was brought to the attention of the Guyana public, since 1980’s through a white paper published by the then Guyana Consumers Association of which this writer was a member until 1990, when he was drummed out by elements loyal to those who en-

sured that the GCA died when they went to the Great Beyond. Cabinet approved in 2015, the establishment of a multidisciplinary Task Force, which would include the business, professional and members of civil society to aid with the transformation of Guyana under the new Government. This has been in response to the sustained call from citizenry for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable land. The Mission of this multidisciplinary Task Force is to restore Guyana as a land of great attractiveness and prosperity, and one that offers a good life for all its citizens and its visitors. The purpose of the Task Force is to develop detailed recommendations of

short- medium-long term initiatives for the country’s restoration. The Task Force will use multiple approaches to actively engage a wide cross section of stakeholders in its five-fold area of responsibility. It will prepare and deliver a comprehensive restoration plan to the Minister of Public Infrastructure. Phase one of this project must be completed in time for the 50th Independence celebrations in 2016. This project was considered by the new government as a priority project and participants were urged to work cooperatively, urgently, and (Continued on page 6)

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A critical assessment of Guyana’s failure to deliver electricity supply DEAR EDITOR; The matter I will address in this letter has caused me long hours of thought and consideration. What I will say here is not intended to denigrate or condemn anyone or attack anyone’s competence, but I feel the time has come for someone to speak out on the matter of regulation of our public utilities – electricity, water and telephone – and their performances. There has recently been some discussion in the letter columns of the dailies on the frequent interruptions of our daily lives through blackouts and outages. Since our lives, and the life of the country by extension, depend so much on the use of electricity, it is fitting that the country engages in a conversation on the instability and unreliability of our electricity system. Electricity is a national security issue. When there are blackout our lives are put in peril and, therefore, the administration ought to deal with this issue frontally if it is to secure the lives of all of us. Blackouts are nothing new to this country. They have been with us since 1977. Yes, I said 1977. This country

has been experiencing frequent blackouts for some 40 years, not 40 days. Successive administration vowed to end it all but to no avail. It seems that for 40 years, during which time billions of dollars were spent on system upgrades, we have not been able to conquer the demons in the electricity system that cause these frequent blackouts. Something seems wrong with what we have been doing to curb this problem, and so we should perhaps begin looking at other ways of harnessing it. What I will proffer next can be considered my musings on the subject. Wherever public utilities are monopolies, whether owned by the government or the private sector, it is not enough to put in place a managing Board and a team of managers to manage and run them. The Board and management are always primarily concerned with making profits and showing the shareholders their competence. That is important for them to keep their jobs. In such a situation, regulation by an independent regulator, whose task will be to balance the interests of all

the stakeholders in the sector, becomes indispensable. Guyana got a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in October of 1990. At the time the administration was implementing the World Bank/IMF Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) and the PUC grew out of that programme, which among other things promoted private investment, and the Public Utilities Act No. 26 of 1990. Under this Act, the PUC was a truly independent body and drew envy from the other public regulators across the English speaking Caribbean who, for the most part, operated as a department of a Ministry. With successive amendments over the years, the right to fully and independently regulate the electricity sector was taken away from the PUC. First came the removal of rate-making for the Guyana Electricity Corporation from under its purview and then the Electricity Sector Reform Act (ESRA) No. 11 of 1999 and its various amendments which essentially made the Guyana Power & Light (GPL), the successor company, the utility of the country and

Suddie and Charity hospital mistreat Amerindian patients DEAR EDITOR, Channel 8 RCA TV, Charity hosts a programme every Thursday night “Your Community and You”. The programme of 24th August, 2017, highlighted the inhospitable treatment meted out to patients at both the Suddie and Charity Public Hospitals. The host specifically mentioned that Amerindians coming from the deep riverain areas to seek medical attention are often given the royal run around. The host posited that this was an indictment against the staff of these two hospi-

tals for treating Amerindians in such a disrespectful, rude and rough manner. In one incident, a family was told when they arrived at one of the hospitals that they came too late. Hence they were not looked at. In a passionate and emotional manner, the host requested that the doctors and nurses of the hospitals to be more sympathetic and courteous to the Amerindians and the public at large. Rudolph C.G. Williams Hampton Court.

So young to be in such a relationship DEAR EDITOR, To repeat a headline I remember from many years ago, taken from a BG newspaper, “Wither are we drifting”? I felt ever so sad when I read of the recent deaths of a 12-

year old girl and a 15-year old boy. The circumstances seemed to quote the Bard, “a canopy most fatal”. Youngsters at that age “in a relationship”? What does that say of parental care and supervision? To me, it says the youngsters found mainly comfort in each other’s company. And the thought crossed my mind that many youngsters in Guyana are in a similar position, while families try to eke out a daily living. Perhaps a reason for so many teenage pregnancies. Did the young man’s family know of the ‘relationship’ when they left him alone to

look after their house while they visited another country, thus causing him to feel completely abandoned? That happens when there is little communication between parents and their children. Many children with working mothers feel the same. I know. Many parents do not realise that males at that age and stage - in between boy and man - are very vulnerable to circumstances not faced before, and cannot cope without wise help. Let us hope both families find support and help within their community and elsewhere. Geralda Dennison

leader in the sector, a selfregulating entity. Perhaps I should explain what I mean by “self-regulating”. The ESRA which was designed to satisfy the desires and proposals of the consortium of Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) of the United Kingdom and the Electricity Supply Board International (ESBI) of Ireland which was entering a 50/50 partnership as owners of the company. The ESRA completely removed effective regulation of the company and sector from under the PUC and placed it firmly in the hands of GPL and the subject Minister for power. Since then the PUC’s role became academic to put it mildly. It does not make rates but approve what is sent to it following strict guidelines embodied in the ESRA. It does not approve GPL’s Investment Plans which is so critical to rate-making and the stability of the electricity system. Suffice it to say the ESRA emasculated the PUC so far as regulating electricity is concerned. The GPL’s ownership re-

lationship was dismantled in 2003 but the ESRA continued in place. Through it GPL makes its own rates annually in accordance with the First Schedule of the Act as mandated by Section 27(2) which reads as follows: “After January 1, 2001, the First Schedule and the license granted by the Minister to Guyana Power & Light, Inc. under section 42 shall govern the rates for the supply of electricity and services at any time charged and to be charged by Guyana Power & Light, Inc., and the mechanisms, formulae, principles and procedures whereby such rates shall be calculated and determined for all purposes under this Act and the Public Utilities Act.” This provision was essentially replicated in the license granted to GPL on October 4. 2010. As I understand it, the function of the PUC in this arrangement is to ensure that the figures used in the rate formula and the formula itself are in compliance with the schedule. Once the compliance is proved, the rates are approved. Additionally, it is a cardinal of rate-making that

both the utility and the present consumers and would-be consumers should have rate certainty. Can anyone plan on rates that change from year to year? Rate certainty is important for planning. Making electricity rates as they are done now violates a number of regulatory principles the most fundamental of which are valuing the regulated company and arriving at a rate of return based on a regulated weighted average cost of capital as well as the principle of used and useful in relation to the assets used to provide a service to the consumer. The result of this violation is that consumers of electricity produced and sold by GPL have to pay for all of GPL’s losses as well as its assets whether they were used to provide a service for them or not. The abandonment of these critical processes and rate certainty is unfair to the consumers and would be consumers of electricity from GPL. I will have more to say in another letter. Lance McCaskey

Stop using social media to insult people DEAR EDITOR, I wish to highlight the issue of suicide and suicide prevention in Guyana. Firstly, I would like to let the readers know that the issue /endemic we face is not suicide; what we face is actually the result of the many things that push individuals to want to and in many instances put an end to their lives. Bullying, naming and shaming, victimization etc are just a few of the many issues persons face daily, and sadly, those who are too weak to ignore find themselves at either the end of a gun, knife, rope, poison bottle, fall etc. If we want to save lives

then we do not have to tackle those with suicidal tendencies (although it is important to offer assistance).What we need to do is educate the populace about the effects their derogatory remarks and selfish actions may have on others. We need to target learning institutions, the home, social media. What is very surprising too is that educated persons - educators, medical professionals, journalists etc, use their social media page to bash and shame persons they may not even know or who they may know little of simply because the individual or individuals are not “to their likeness”.

This foolishness needs to stop, I don’t know if these individuals are complacent of the hurt they are causing others by their actions but this has to be highlighted and they need to cease immediately. If groups are willing to really help potential victims and their families of suicide then the approach of penalizing and holding accountable those responsible for such should be an urgent priority for those relevant authorities responsible in aiding and minimizing suicide prevention . Atika Stephens Leader, URP

Where is this Task Force to restore... From page 5 unswervingly during all its stages. This Task Force will address principally the following areas, the enhancement of which will constitute its goals:- Drainage, Solid Waste Management and Derelict Vehicle Removal, Traffic Management, Sustainable Urban Physical Structure Renewal, Welfare Management of the Homeless and Addicted. These five subcommittees will be headed by a Convenor. In the interest of open and broad consultations, the Task Force will be comprised of various persons from the Public and Private Sectors as well as Civil Society who have demonstrated experience, knowledge and capa-

bility in areas such as -Hydraulic and coastal engineering; environment and climate change adaption; integrated transport planning; urban planning and development; land use planning; disaster and risk management; IT, media and public relations; solid waste management expertise; social welfare interest and expertise. Now, Mr. Editor like your good self, I have not heard nor seen this Task Force engaged in its mission. Can you make some inquiries on the matter, so that myself and your readers can be at ease as to the usefulness or other of the Task Force to restore Guyana to its natural beauty. Hafiz Rahman

Saturday August 26, 2017

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Jagdeo urges Govt. to release contracts PPP hid for 23 years …Says coalition administration must stop hiding behind secrecy For almost 23 years, major contracts and concession agreements signed between the PPP regime and foreign entities were hidden from public scrutiny. In spite of calls from the media and numerous anti-corruption advocates, the PPP’s leaders came up with one excuse after the other to justify its refusal to have these documents released in the public interest. Their most famous reason was that those contracts were bound by confidentiality clauses. In an ironic twist of faith, however, the APNU+AFC Government is using the same line of argument as to why it is unable to release some of those crucial contracts and concession agreements. Opposition Leader and former President, Bharrat Jagdeo is not accepting this “excuse” from the Government. Yesterday, the politician repeated his call for the coalition administration to release the contracts which his party hid for almost 23 years. At his weekly press conference, Jagdeo said that

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo nothing is stopping the Government from releasing the contracts in relation to the controversial Marriott Hotel, Sanata Complex, Baishanlin Forest Development etc. and even its contract with US oil giant, Exxon Mobil. The Opposition Leader said, “…Today, in light of all that they have said, I have been on record asking them to release everything they

said we were not transparent about. Release the revised contract for the airport (and the) Marriott contract, because these are available to government. We have been saying this for over a year now.” The former President added, “There is nothing that is stopping them from releasing the Baishanlin contract or Sanata…There is nothing stopping them… They can release them tomorrow. I had even asked that they release the evaluation report for the road to the hydro power, because you remember…they were saying that we gave it preferentially to ‘Fip’ Motilall. The Government has to stop hiding behind secrecy”. While it was the practice under the PPP to have almost every contract painted with confidentially or non-disclosure clauses, the current government, prior to the 2015 elections and even now, insists that it would not walk in the same pathway. This view was proffered recently by Public Infrastructure Minister, David

Patterson. He told the media that contracts which are entered into under the APNU+AFC government will not include such clauses. At his party’s most recent press conference, the AFC Executive Member reminded that contracts such as those involving the Sanata Complex, the Marriott Hotel and Baishanlin Forest Development Inc were all crafted under the previous administration. He, along with his other AFC colleagues s t r e s s e d , h o w e v e r, t h a t those contracts contain confidentiality clauses, and as such, the Government is unable to disclose them to the citizenry. Patterson noted, “We don’t as a government, include non-disclosure clauses into our contracts. I can say for my remit, the only contract of significance from my end is the Berbice Bridge…But even though the contract says that I can’t release it, if you ask me anything on the contract, I would answer it honestly, but to release it, we can be challenged legally.”

‘Grey Boy’ charged for threatening Crum-Ewing’s mom - released on $10,000 bail Former murder accused Regan Rodrigues called ‘Grey Boy’ was yesterday released on $10,000 bail after being accused of threatening Donna Harcourt, the mother of slain political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing. Earlier this year, Rodrigues was discharged on a murder charge which alleged that he murdered Courtney Crum-Ewing on March 10, 2015, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Magistrate Judy Latchman discharged Rodrigues citing insufficient evidence. Rodrigues, a taxi driver, and father of three, appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess yesterday, and denied

the charge which alleged that on August 12, last, at Regent and Wellington Streets, Georgetown, he made use of threatening language towards Harcourt. He was released $10,000 bail after Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris made no objections. During his address to the court, Rodrigues claimed that it has been very difficult for him to get a job, because Harcourt continues to be in the media accusing him of killing her son, although he has been freed of the crime. According to Rodrigues, Harcourt and her family have made his life miserable by provoking him. Nevertheless, the former murder accused will make another court appearance on September 18. Kaieteur News had

previously reported that police had been looking for Rodrigues the same day he allegedly threatened the woman but were unable to find him. However, he was reportedly arrested last week and police held a confrontation between him and Harcourt on Thursday. It is alleged that Rodrigues threatened to “wipe out” Harcourt for accusing him of killing her son. Harcourt had told Kaieteur News that Rodrigues made the threats to her while she was standing at her stall at Regent and Wellington Streets, Georgetown.

CHARGED: Regan Rodrigues called ‘Grey Boy’

On the flipside of Patterson’s arguments, there are still several local critics who are of the view that the Government may be walking in the same footsteps as its predecessor. This conclusion is grounded in the fact that despite relentless calls from various sections of society, contracts for major development projects still remain beyond the reach of public scrutiny. When the coalition government served time in the Opposition, it continuously called for the contracts of these very projects to be released. Additionally, President David Granger had expressed the belief that such contracts should be fully disclosed to the public. The Head of State made it clear that he believes in full disclosure and has no intention of changing his mind on that front. He told this newspaper that this is what the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the other branches of government should do – make concession agreements and/or contracts public.

Granger noted, however, that there are exceptions. In this regard, he said that the procurement of defence equipment should be kept under wraps. The President added, “In some situations in which equipment is supplied under the agreement of secrecy by foreign countries, depending on the nature of the equipment, we are of course not free to disclose, because you agree with another country that you would not do so.” Aside from this, the President reiterated his belief that commercial agreements should not be treated as “state secrets” and that they should be fully disclosed. This view is also one that is shared by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. He said that information regarding any aspect of the concessions granted to foreign and/or local companies under the past regime is not a state secret. Jordan said that the media, or any member of the public for that matter, have a right to know how the nation has benefitted in this regard. He reiterated that data on such subjects should not be treated as “state secrets”.

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Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

GPL says electricity will return to normalcy today - Efforts afoot to address generation shortfall Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) intends to address the issue of constant power outages today by re-connecting a generation engine that was down for some time. This was the assurance given yesterday by Public Relations Officer, Shevion Sears, during a press conference at GPL’s Duke Street, Kingston Office. According to Sears, the DP3 number two engine at the Kingston Power Station should be back online today. She said that the engine was unavailable for some time due to a damaged alternator. This indeed was the case, as during a site visit to the Kingston plant on Thursday, technicians were observed working on the particular engine. Sears told the media that

currently, GPL has a generation shortfall due to the DP3 engine being unavailable along with two other engines. She said that the normal generation capacity in the Demerara-Berbice interconnected system, inclusive of the Skeldon-Wärtsilä plant and the Co-generation plant is approximately 137 megawatts. The PRO added that the total available generation capacity in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected system is currently 106 megawatts. She said that the day peak is approximately 109 megawatts while the night peak is just about 110 to 112 megawatts. Sears said that this translates to mean a generation shortfall of approximately 3 megawatts during the day and 6 megawatts during the night peak periods. She indicated that

there are two major reasons for power outages, either planned or unplanned. “For the unplanned outages we have the DP1 number one at Garden of Eden which constitutes 5.5 megawatts, it is unavailable for approximately six weeks for major overhaul. This machine should return to service very soon. DP3 number two which is 6.6 megawatt remained unavailable due to a damaged alternator and DP3 number three a 6.6 megawatts engine is unavailable due to major overhaul.” As it relates to unplanned outages, Sears said that the number one engine at the Skeldon Energy Incorporated (SEI) power plant, which is a 5 megawatt engine, is unavailable. Added to this, on Thursday evening the power company lost another

The Kingston plant operated by Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI)

2.3 megawatts out of the Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice power plant, due to a small fire. She said that details are not clear regarding the fire and that GPL engineers are currently investigating the issue. “So essentially, those are the facts to which

caused a generation shortfall within the system. Everything will return to normalcy on Saturday (today) because we expect to finish the number two engine on Saturday. That will bring our generation capacity up.” Sears said that when the engine returns today, availability will increase to

110 megawatts which will satisfy the requirements. Looking to the future, Sears said that when phase two of the Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) is completed, these issues will not arise as there will be excess generation capacity within the system.

Doctor robbed during violence awareness programme Yesterday morning, a doctor attached to the Campbellville Health Centre was robbed at the facility by a lone gunman. The incident occurred during a Violence Awareness programme. Dr. Uon Thomas Sandiford recounted that he was sitting in front of the centre, around 11:00 hrs, when an armed man entered. He did not conceal his identity. The individual, who was wearing a grey shirt and torn short pants, held a gun to Dr. Sandiford’s neck, then took off his gold chain, and was attempting to take other valuables, but decided against it. “When he realised that it was taking too long, he decided to leave it (other jewels) behind and walk out,” the doctor said. “He just

walked in, took what he had to take, and walked out!” Dr. Sandiford exclaimed. An eyewitness related that the thief had initially pretended to purchase plantain chips from a vendor’s stand just outside the centre, before entering the premises. Shortly after, he was seen hurriedly leaving the compound. Dr Sandiford subsequently reported the incident to the Campbellville police outpost, and ranks promptly responded. A piece of the chain was reportedly found at the scene shortly after the robbery. The incident came as a shock to employees at the centre, since they all thought the man was a patient or a participant in the violence awareness programme.

Saturday August 26, 2017

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

TONIGHT’S FIGHT Boxing is facing its greatest crisis. And ironically this crisis is as a result of the fight for the biggest purse in history which takes place tonight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. The outcome of this fight - it really does not matter who wins – can change the fortunes of boxing for the worse. It can remove boxing as a sport and turn it into mass entertainment. Boxing must not become entertainment. Otherwise the fights will become farces. If boxing, like wrestling becomes a farce, then that has major implications for all the young men and women around the world who love boxing and are hoping to make it their career. If boxing becomes entertainment, then boxing will no longer offer the op-

portunity to millions of poor athletes who see it as a way to escape poverty. Boxing is a sport. It requires skill, physical fitness and heart. It must not be allowed to become a spectacle for entertaining people. Boxing is a competitive sport. It must avoid becoming a public spectacle which is the fear many people have about tonight’s so-called ‘big’ fight between Floyd and Conor. A greater mismatch there could never have been. Conor cannot touch Floyd. He will be unable to score punches against a target which he cannot hit. The two boxers, if that is what you can call Conor, are in two different leagues. Floyd Mayweather is the greatest pound for pound fighter of his generation. Conor is a rising star in the UFC, but when it comes to boxing,

has neither the skill nor the power to inflict any sort of damage on Floyd Mayweather. This fight has become about money. The promoters are hoping to make big money with this fight. They may end up being disappointed, because boxing fans are pretty much smart and boxing supporters do not want the sport to become about entertainment. Despite the obvious mismatch, the fight is expected to become a money spinner. It is expected to become the richest fight in history with anticipated earnings in excess of US$700M. Ticket sales, cable rights, sponsorship and betting will generate a windfall for the promoters as well as the combatants. It shows the power and influence of international marketing. The fight is going to reach mass audi-

Dem boys seh ...

Police might handcuff a dead man next Strange things happening. People telling lie and others repeating it. And a man who can’t even run from a baby end up in handcuff. All of a sudden people mekking statements that forcing some government Mi nisters to

answer. De thing is that dem boys now realize that people know dem can seh anything. Tek Leslie who was a Minister of Health and then Minister fuh everything else that Jagdeo decide to give him. He lef de country before de elections because he was sick. Now he tun up back writing some letter talking bout de Ministers who get 100 per cent pay increase. Everybody know this didn’t happen, but Leslie decide that dem get de 100 per cent increase and he seh suh. He didn’t stop there. He seh

dem get another pay increase de next year. Any decent person checking such a letter woulda know de truth. All dem had to do was go to de archives. But these days dem have people who decide that anything anybody seh got to go in de newspaper. And dem got people who does believe anything. Honesty is de best policy. That is an old saying and Soulja Bai force Jagdeo to be honest. He select another list fuh Soulja Bai select de next Chairman of de Elections Commission. Dem boys must admit that is a good list. Dem have people who nobody can question dem qualification. De plan was to get somebody who woulda tek side wid one side or de other because dem have some wolf only waiting to cause

confusion in de commission. Dem same wolf try to slip in fake statement of polls to rig de elections. It look like some people just can’t be honest in everything dem do. Another thing that dem boys notice is how de police put handcuff pun a 94-yearold man because he forge some transport more than ten years ago. Everybody know that this man can’t even run, suh escape was out of de question. Why handcuff de man? Then de magistrate put de man pun $50,000 bail. Wheh he gun go? Bail is not suppose to be punitive. But since de man forge a transport de court decide that it was a serious crime. Dem other grandmother and grandfather got to watch out. Talk half and know that de police might handcuff a dead man next.

ences through live pay per view. Globalization will allow persons in all four corners of the world to tune in to the contest. But that is where the greatest danger to boxing l i e s . Wi t h s u c h g l o b a l reach, boxing can end up becoming like wrestling. It can end up becoming mass entertainment. Once boxing becomes entertainment, then its sports value is going to diminish. The credibility of the results are going to be called into question and instead of real fights, we could well end up with a lot of playacting, which is what lovers of boxing are worried about. The other real danger to boxing is the gambling which is taking place on this fight. Tens of millions are going to be wagered on this contest and that as you know, from cricket, will allow for corruption to filter into the sports and possibly the match-ups and even the decisions.

The Mayweather– Pacquiao rematch is no longer attractive following Manny’s loss in his last fight, and of course, his less than stellar performance in his much-hyped fight with Mayweather years ago. Age is also a factor in t o n i g h t ’s fight. Mayweather is no longer young, but Conor is also at an age where most boxers peak and then decline. So, the possibility of any sequel to tonight’s bout will depend on there being an

upset. And any upset is likely to be spurned by boxing fans, who will question whether they should be part of mass entertainment as against a fistic art form.

Jagdeo submits third list to... From page 3 the ruling of the Chief Justice on this matter.” Moreover, during his press conference, Jagdeo said that he has taken note of comments made in the press that the inordinate delay of the appointment of a GECOM chairperson would not affect the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE). The former Head of State said that he believes the absence of a GECOM Chairperson is an untenable position. “The work there at GECOM is totally stalled and many of the pressing issues that have to be resolved not just on Local Government Elections, but national elections, which will be upcoming in a short period, those issues cannot be addressed, and so there is a sense of urgency, and so it will affect preparations.”

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Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Unfortunate that this Trinidadian politician distorts Guyanese history In Kaieteur News yesterday, in the letter pages, famous Trinidadian politician, Trevor Sudama took issue with my description of the role of Guyanese Indians in the tribalist sociology that Indians and African dwell in, and have dwelt in since early 20th century British Guiana. Then he dealt with the politics of the sixties and ended up perpetuating some myths about Cheddi Jagan. Mr. Sudama contends that my condemnation of the tribalist habits of Guyanese Indians cannot hold, because it was contradicted a long time ago, in 1964, when Indians voted for a party other than the Indian PPP. He refers to The United Force. Mr. Sudama missed the point badly. By tribalist politics in Guyana, we mean the unintellectual embrace by Africans of political parties that are African dominated, and

African Guyanese refusal to vote for Indian organizations. The identical replica can be found among Indians here. What the tribalist mentality does is to foster mistrust and rejection of leadership of another ethnicity on the part of members of a race group. So Indians may look beyond the PPP, but not to a Black organization. Likewise, Blacks may be mad with the PNC, but will not turn to an entity that is dominated by Indians. Sudama lifts the term out of its Guyana context and asserts that my use of it is flawed, because if Indians were tribalist, then how come they voted for The United Force in 1964. That is not true. Unfortunately, Sudama’s research was too sketchy. The United Force got 12 percent of the ballots in the 1964 elections, and Sudama claims that it showed that Indians

voted for another party. First, Indians did not vote for The United Force in 1964 and if they did it, it does not vitiate the tribalist paradigm, because The United Force was a non-African party. The 12 percent that The United Force got, corresponded with the non-Indian, non-African percentage of the population. The Portuguese, Chinese, European and mixed race groups accounted for 18 percent in 1964. If Sudama had done his research deeply, he would have seen that those statistics are on page 442 of Dr. Jagan’s autobiography, The West on Trial, a book, no doubt, that had a great influence on Mr. Sudama. The United Force got its votes from those ethnic sections in 1964. So poisonous was race relations in 1964, that even though he was a self-proclaimed communist, In-

dian business people rooted for Dr. Jagan. One of the stupendous ironies of Guyanese history is that from the time he became active in politics until his death, Cheddi Jagan as an anti-capitalist crusader always had the support of almost all Indian business people, both large and small. Sudama further takes objection when I wrote in one of my columns that if I meet ten Indians, all would be inclined to reject the rule of the APNU+AFC regime, but out of a similar number forAfricans, half would reject and half would support. I stand by that position. It is outside the scope of the remaining paragraphs to elongate on what is about to follow, but here is what I believe very deeply; the historical, cultural, sociological, religious and philo-

sophical difference between the two major race groups - Africans and Indians – tend to make Africans less attached to their tribalist leaders and ethnic dominated parties. I believe because of their Guyanese ontology, Africans may be more inclined to embrace a party that is not dominated by African leaders than Indians would. As I wrote above, there is no space to expand on this polemic, but I will gladly elaborate for Mr. Sudama in another column. Maybe in the near future Indians can change, but for now I think, electorally, this is a crucial difference between the two race groups. I agree Indians have been traumatized by the long rule of the PNC under Burnham, but the new Indian generation should have left those emotions behind in the 21st century. As for Sudama’s take on the sixties, space has run out, but there are myths about Jagan that Sudama needs to be careful with. Dr. Jagan signed for pro-

Frederick Kissoon portional representation in 1964 and cried foul when he lost. Secondly, it was absolutely and perfectly legal for parties to form a coalition after elections at that time and up to this day. People like Sudama would want us to believe that in 1964 Jagan was a leader with total, national support. What about the feelings of half of the population that did not support him and did not vote for him? It is the same with Burnham. Half the population never liked him and still doesn’t.

Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

Ministers paying half of health insurance - Finance Minister defends deal, rubbishes Ramsammy’s claims Senior Government officials, who are now benefitting from health insurance, are paying half the costs, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan says. The minister was responding yesterday to an article in Kaieteur News headlined “Procurement procedures not followed in insurance deal for ministers - Dr. Leslie Ramsammy”. Ramsammy claimed that the administration, following an announcement in June, did not advertise for insurance companies to submit bids to have ministers and senior Government officials be insured, in case of medical illness and other health issues. The contract, to the tune of $38M, went to an insurance company which has offices here but is headquartered in a neighbouring country. By 2020, Ramsammy said, the insurance company would be collecting in excess of $150M representing payments for the coverage of the insurance. Ramsammy is a former Health Minister. However, according to Minister Jordan, regarding the insurance for ministers, Minister of State Joseph Harmon would be

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Former Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

a more appropriate person to speak on how the insurance company was selected. “Suffice it to say, here, that the Government is meeting 50 percent of the monthly premiums. The other 50 percent is borne by the insuree.” Yesterday, former Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, who is now in Opposition, said that from information, the Government paid over $38M-plus to the insurance company yesterday, hours after the story was published. This raises questions over

what arrangements are in place for the government officials to pay. He also named the company and raised questions over the tendering process. In defending the need for insurance yesterday, Jordan said that the move to insure ministers and their families is new to Guyana, but not elsewhere. “At least, taxpayers would not have to bear the unconscionable medical expenditure incurred by a significant number of ministers, party and other officials, and other persons in the

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon previous PPP/C administrations,” he said in a letter to this newspaper. Minister Jordan disagreed with Ramsammy’s claims that current ministers benefitted from a large salary increase of “‘up to 100%”’ almost immediately upon assuming office in May 2015. “This is a blatant falsehood, one of which Kaieteur News is aware; yet, it was printed with not even an Editor’s Note. As all the public knows, the salary of the Prime Minister, Vice Presidents, Senior Ministers, Junior Ministers,

Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, and other Members of Parliament were increased by varying percentages - from 5%, in the case of the Prime Minister to 50%, in the cases of Senior Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly and Leader of the Opposition.” Jordan noted that Ramsammy went further in another falsehood. “He is also quoted as saying, “They benefitted from a further increase in 2016 and 2017 ...” Again, Editor, this is another falsehood. Since the salary increase of 2015, none of the categories of Parliamentarians mentioned above have been granted any further salary increases. As such, Ministers and the other categories are receiving the same salary today that they were receiving in September 2015.” According to Ramsammy on Thursday, there were no advertisements. “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 Ministry of Public Health and or by the Ministry of Finance.” The issue of medical bills being footed by the state has been a sore 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.

Fire averted at GPL’s Onverwagt Sub-station At approximately 21:42hrs Thursday evening, a failed connecting rod on the No. 5 Unit punctured a block resulting in a fire at the Onverwagt sub-station, West Coast of Berbice. According to the Guyana Power and

Light Inc. (GPL), the quick response of the Guyana Fire Service averted major damage to equipment housed at the station. GPL said it is currently assessing the damage and an investigation will be conducted.

Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

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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; Guyanapassport 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

WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com 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 Female worker wanted that finished CXC 2017. Call: 6225518

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

Plumber for Jacuzzi, tiler, joiner, carpenter for wooden steps. Call: 625-3705

One babysitter for 2 kids. Apply @ R. Sookraj & Sons, 108 Regent Street (opposite GBTI)

1 Live in domestics, must know to cook. Call: 661-8673; 674-1767

Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 One experienced pharmacy assistant to work in a reputable pharmacy in G/ Town (flexible hours). Call: 227-0630

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 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 Two (2) Caterpillar 324DL Excavators. In good working condition. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8 Caterpillar, Model: D6M, In good working condition. Price: G$10,000,000 negotiable. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8 All sizes of solar panels, batteries & inverters. Come & check us out @ Boodhoo’s General Store. Contact: 2604115\260-4018 \650-0402 1 Caterpillar skid steer loader, model#:236 B, low hours. Contact: 650-0402\603-1402 1 -BMW 318 I, never register..!!! $ 2 M. Contact: 650-0402/603-1402 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231

Attractive waitress & female bartender. Apply in person with written application: Chestor’s, New Road, W.C.D

One 306 Caterpillar excavator with 700 hours. Contact: 6024692.

Porters to work in Alleyway. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda.

1 Dump canter, 1 Model ‘M’ Truck with winch, 1 TL 500 flatbed truck. Call: 629-2912

Two female workers to work shift system, age 25-45. Call: 231-6293

1 Farm worker, 1 Security. Call: 265-3586

Kitchen help, counter person. Apply at Shanta’s, 225 Camp & New Market Streets.

Qualified teachers at Alfalah School Barbados for Secondary Level (CXC & CAPE). Email C.V to alfalahbds@hotmail.com

1.5 Acres riverside land with house (road to river). Call: 629-2912

Urgently need 1 babysitter ages 35-50 preferably persons out of town. Call or whatsapp: 664-3918

TAXI SERVICE Welder, Arch-Gas to work in workshop on the West Coast on a percentage basis. Call: 684-1247 Need experienced garbage trucks driver & labourers. Call: 670-7920 La Parfaite Harmonie, Zeelugt, Uitvlugt. Call: 681-8746

B&C Driving School: pickupdrop off. Call: 231-8719/6806826

One Cook contact 223-5273/74

Dispatcher will be required to work shift. Call: 622-6413

We buy your land and sell your property in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling & Farm. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969

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).

One Supervisor / Manager to work in Charity contact 2235273/74

1Canter driver. Call: 629-2912

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

One Cleaner. Contact223-5273/74

Chef and Assistant cook preferably Carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street.

Experienced curry cook, roti/ puri cook, cleaners, handy boy. Apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.

Building Contractor: estimates, house plan to be drawn. Call: 216-0671/6928464/622-0267/ FB:K.Lakeram Construction.

VACANCY One experienced salesman, apply with written application & recommendation, also one general domestic. Apply @ Keyfood, McDoom Village.

One live in domestic, Salary: $70,000. Tel#: 677-4328. Weekends off.

Budhram landscaping services, free advice. Call: 656-1326

Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966

Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

6X6 Loging trucks to hall logs from Upper Demerara to East Bank Demerara. Call: 656-8754 or 218-3399 TOURS Holiday weekend tour trip to Surinam: Eid Ul Adha, August 31st – Sept 3rd, book early. Call: 665-5171/ 639-2663/ 658-3758/2237589

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 Excavator operator, mechanic, dredge workers. Call: 645-1426/626-9825

One Raptor Ford 4 DoorContact: 670-7920 1 Samsung washing machine, late model, transparent top, excellent condition. Call: 226-2234 2 Elite Motorcycles from Canada. Call: 687-3936 Computer, printer. Call: 6874970 R o x i e ’s F a s h i o n ! S a l e ! U n i f o r m s f o r N u r s e r y, Primary & Secondary. Lot 301 Church Street, South Cummingsburg.

Vegetarian Gardens: Driver/ Driver Salesman. Call: 2277714/223-3448, email: info@ugiworld.com

VACANCY One Female Gardner contact 223-5273/74

Experienced Cashier & Salesgirls, apply American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street, Georgetown, serious applicants only

One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email:husainsaphier@ yahoo.com

LAND FOR SALE 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 La Parfaite Harmonie, way upfront over 7yrs finished, one concrete fence - $1.5M, already cleaned. Call: 6560701/ 651-1969 Herstelling New Scheme 4th Bridge (100ftX50ft) -$3.5M. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969 Uitvlugt New Scheme, First Street (100ftX50ft), 20ft Reserve, all legal fees paid $2.8M, already cleaned. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969 Zeelugt - $2.5M, Tuschen $2.5M. Call: 642-1252

CAR RENTAL 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 & FAMILYOUTINGS,CHEAPEST RATE.Call:698-7807

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 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 1 Transported property @ Covent Garden. Call: 265-3586 Property 15mins from G/T public road, EBD - $15.5M. Call: 681-1312 1-3 Storey building @ Regent Street 60ftX52ft & 3 bedroom house @ Middle Road La Penetence 56ftX25ft. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874 87 ‘E’ Albert Street Alberttown, price -$35M, negotiable. Call: 669-8701

EDUCATIONAL Rising Star Academy: spaces available for Nursery, Grades 1 & 2 Students, in class sizes of 8, 12 &15. Call: 677-0296/690-9378 Register @ IAE: full-time, afternoon, day/evening CXC/ CSEC classes for adults & repeaters:Mathematics & English A. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 TO LET Fully furnished apartment $95,000-$140,000.Call:644-5151 Furnished & unfurnished one, two & three bedrooms apartment at Providence and Diamond. Call: 216-2299/ 6721906/ whatsapp: 1-246-833-9739 Two 3 Bedrooms unfurnished apartment to let in Diamond $70,000.Call:685-8470/660-7013

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

One bedroom, self-contained apartment with parking facilities, located at Providence East Bank Demerara. Call: 6186207/ 673-1617 Continued on Page 23

Saturday August 26, 2017

Garbage piles continue to build-up around G/town

The garbage pile on the parapet on Hadfield Street, aback of the Saint Stanislaus College compound Despite the numerous warnings and promises made by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), piles of garbage remain around the capital city. With the reopening of school just around the corner, an ugly pile of garbage could be seen on Hadfield Street, outside of the Saint Stanislaus College compound. This was one of several growing piles around Georgetown. Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen on Thursday last, disclosed that a meeting which was promised by the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan on Monday last, has not yet commenced to discuss the worrying issue. According to the Mayor, “I don’t know if he h a s m e t w i t h t h e To w n Clerk. I have not spoken to Minister Bulkan. Presently we are coping with the situation. We are trying to keep our heads above water. We have been managing so far with the small contractors. We are still looking at ways and means of how we can find that $300 million dollars (to pay Cevons and Puran Brothers) and there is no way on the horizon I

am seeing it coming from anywhere, and so we are still hoping that the contractors can really sit with us and let us deal with it”. The Mayor highlighted that these contractors would have been doing a great job but, “There are some persons within society who just think that they can be lawless and continue to dump garbage idly”. She complained that, “If the truck don’t come today they just bring it and dump it outside Mandela Avenue, outside Main Street, outside some prominent places by Parliament building and all of that, to get attention. We are hoping that good sense would prevail in some of those persons and they will hold the garbage. Every single day Mr. Narine (Director of Solid Waste Management) puts out a release on social media where the garbage contractors will be collecting garbage”. In her statement she said the M&CC “would have had an agreement with the big contractors since earlier in 2017 where we were going to pay them current, which is $45 million dollars a month”. This, she explained, would be

done while the council “looks at” the previous years, inclusive of 2015 to 2017. “We were able to pay off whatever variation we had for 2015, 2016 we have not been able touch. We were paying current in 2017, which was the 45 million between the two contractors… We are still accumulating that 45 million which will be paid to the small contractors until we can sort this thing out with the big contractors, because we have not terminated their contracts. They have suspended their work with us and we are still hoping that we can find reasonable ground to continue to work.” The Mayor said she has been seeking assistance from the Minister of Communities from since the end of 2016 and added that, “There is a lot of work and if anyone really takes the time to sit down and look at the expenses that the council has to maintain a healthy city, as to the income that we are getting and persons are not paying their taxes on time…” Green said that it is due to this, issue matters remain in court.

Exposure to second-hand smoke is as... From page 20 something and feel on top of the world, but some of them think that they can smoke, and whenever they are ready they can kick the habit. Unbeknown to them the tobacco companies, when it comes to the nicotine aspect of it, have been fine-tuning it to get them addicted earlier,” said Dr. Adu-Krow. Cigarettes are known to be addictive because they contain tobacco. In fact, according to reports, there are many other harmful chemicals in cigarettes that are known to damage many parts of the body.

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According to Dr. Adu-Krow, while quitting can help to reverse or at least stop the progression of the damage that cigarette smoke can cause, young people may find it difficu l t t o q u i t . H e c o n s i d e r e d t h a t b a s e d on a study done between 2012 and 2017, there is a clear indication that the young brain is more inclined to become addicted than the adult's. “They think they are young and they are not vulnerable, but that's not the case...the [tobacco] companies know this and they thrive on this, they say 'let's get them young and let's get them hooked for life.”

LEGAL NOTICE 2017-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-733 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF J U D I C A T U R E FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-733 Between PERRY(NOELSTAFFORD) Petitioner -v- PERRY (KAREN) nee Noel Respondent TO: KAREN PERRY nee Noel Formerly of Half m i l e , W i s m a r , Linden,Demerara,Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 7th day of June, 2017 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by NOEL STAFFORD PERRY the Petitioner in the Family Division of High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. . AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 6th day of July, 2017 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday editions of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a newspaper of general circulation in and around Guyana and Now York. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you Will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 42 (forty two) days from the date of the second and final publication of this notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday 29th day of September, 2017 at 9:30am in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High. Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry isclosed. Dated the 6th day of July, 2017.

From Page 22

FOR RENT MEDIUM SIZE MINING BLOCKS FOR RENTAL. CALL: 669-4149 Upper flat house in Diamond New Scheme - $35,000. Call: 265-4867

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2015 Ford F150 V6 2.7 litre, twin turbo, 4X4 automatic, fully loaded 34,000 kilometers, excellent conditioner. Call: 610-5370 Toyota Avensis, PJJ, genuine low mileage (less than 19,000 miles); perfect condition - $2M. Call: 225-6701/ 225-8451/ 6248657/623-5114 Honda 4X4 CRV, PSS (less than 5000 miles) almost brand new $9M. Call: 225-6701/ 225-8451/ 624-8657/623-5114 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 One Mitsubishi freighter mignon enclosed canter, 19ft. tray, in excellent condition. Call: 618-6207/ 673-1617

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 1 Split 2 bedrooms house and a garage @ Cemetery Road Lodge, $50,000 security & 2 months advance. Call: 233-5805 Apartment in Eccles. Call: 6932832 3 Bedrooms house top and bottom flat in a yard - $35,000 monthly at Canal No2 Polder on W.B.D. Call: 613-1860/ 685-9721

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Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

Govt. closes non-profitable state media group

St. Kitts-and Taiwan reiterate need for closer cooperation

…More than 100 employees on the breadline

Maxie Cuffie PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government yesterday announced the closure of the state-run New Media Group (CNMG) putting more than 100 employees on the breadline. But Public Administration and Communication Minister, Maxie Cuffie, said that a new entity carrying the name, the Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT) station, a throwback to the days prior to the start of CNMG in

2005, would be formed and that the dismissed workers could re-apply for positions. “As you know a decision was taken by cabinet yesterday to wind up the operations of the state-owned media company CNMG and to revisit and resume broadcast through Trinidad and Tobago Television Company Limited,” Cuffie told a news conference yesterday. He said in December 2015, Cabinet had appointed a team to look into the operations of

CNMG and the Government Information Services Limited (GISL) and whether they were serving their mandates. He said after the report was received, Cabinet authorised an audit of the two companies, adding that “in terms of CNMG, the company has never been able to fulfil its mandate and based on the market share according to a 2014 media survey, which is the last one…the market share was five to six per cent” with two of the radio stations having less than one per cent. “Commercial revenue had fluctuated between TT$30 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) and TT$33 million over years 2011 to 2015,” Cuffie said, noting that operational costs “had steadily increased ranging from TT$18.1 million in 2011to TT$26.3 million in 2015. He said expenses have increased annually from TT$44 million in 2011 to TT$56 million last year. “As a result subventions had also increased from TT$10 million in 2012 to TT$23 million in 2015 and the company had neither achieved financial success or success in terms of its mandate and growing market share”.

USA sanctions seek to halt financing for Venezuela ‘dictatorship’ WA S H I N G T O N / CARACAS (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that prohibits dealings in new debt from the Venezuelan government or its state oil company in an effort to halt financing that fuels President Nicolas Maduro’s “dictatorship,” the White House said yesterday. The order is Washington’s biggest sanctions blow to date against Maduro and is intended to punish his leftist government

for what Trump has called an erosion of democracy in the oil-rich country, already reeling from an economic crisis. “Maduro may no longer take advantage of the American financial system to facilitate the wholesale looting of the Venezuelan economy at the expense of the Venezuelan people,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said yesterday. Banning Americans from trading new bonds will make

it tricky for Venezuela’s ailing state-run company PDVSA [PDVSA.UL] to refinance its heavy debt burden. Investors had expected that it would seek to ease upcoming payments through such an operation, as it did last year, which usually requires new bonds be issued. That could push the cashstrapped company closer to a possible default, or bolster its reliance on key allies China and Russia, which have already lent Caracas billions of dollars.

Army in major exercise on... (From page 21) or cycle without a major field tactical exercise,” he said. Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West said that the lessons of Exercise ‘IRONWEED’ must be utilised to further improve operational efficiency. “The GDF, as we continue to evolve, will continue to practice not only in this area but other areas to ensure that we build proficiencies in every area. We hope that the

force can do total deployments in the close country operations and total deployments for internal security operations, which are exercises that are planned differently. As we build the model of exercises for future years, we will further expand our platoon company and battalion training with more emphasis placed on the operational skills of the soldier,” he said. Exercise IRONWEED fol-

lows last year’s successfully completed Exercise HOMEGUARD, which was conducted at the same location. These Exercises are all part of the continuous training for the Officers and Ranks of the GDF, and are also designed to enable them to test theories and develop new strategies related to how Open Country Warfare and Close Country Warfare can best be executed.

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris (left) and Taiwan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, José María Liu BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - CMC – Taiwan, which enjoys diplomatic relations with less than a handful of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, says it plans to deepen its cooperation with St. Kitts-Nevis, one of its strongest allies. The two countries have had 34 years of diplomatic relations and Taiwan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, José María Liu gave the pledge during talks on Thursday with Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris. A government statement issued yesterday noted that Liu said his government’s plan to further deepen its bilateral relations with St. Kitts and Nevis will be coordinated through three specified areas namely the purchasing of products produced here in the Federation and meet all of Taiwan’s sanitary regulations as well as encouraging Tai-

wanese enterprises to seek investment opportunities here. The statement said that the cooperation will also be deepened through the provision of assistance towards the completion of infrastructure projects. The statement quoted Prime Minister Harris as saying that Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province, was among the first set of countries the Federation had established diplomatic relations with. “Today, of all those countries with whom Taiwan had established diplomatic relationships with, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are the two that remain in the Caribbean. St. Kitts of course has had this long, unbroken relationship with Taiwan and we hope for you this relationship then is as treasured and as special as

it is for the people of St. Kitts. “We have over the years continued to be a reliable friend and partner in Taiwan’s own aspirations to be of service to the wider international c o m m u n i t y, w h e t h e r a t t h e Wo r l d Health Assembly, the WTO, the United Nations— at every forum St. Kitts has been a credible, reliable and sincere advocate on Taiwan’s behalf and we intend to continue in that regard to do so because we strongly believe that Taiwan and its people have so much to give to the world in a variety of areas based on your knowledge and experience.” A St. Kitts-Nevis delegation headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Mark Brantley is now winding up a visit to the Far East country. St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan established diplomatic relations in 1983.

Jamaica to stage first natural gas conference KINGSTON – CMC - Jamaica, which says it stands to gain a great deal from the uses of liquefied natural gases (LNG), will stage its first conference on the commodity in October. The government said that it is hoped the October 4-6 event is aimed at exploring the economic, commercial, legal and regulatory implications of the development of the local natural gas industry. Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, said the island stands to gain a great deal from the uses of LNG “particularly as it relates to the electricity sector. “When we look at the facility out at Bogue (St

James) where LNG is providing electricity at under US13 cents per kWh, and looking at the facility that is expected to come on stream at Jamalco, with the price of electricity coming in even lower at around US11 cents per kWh or so, speaks to the potential of getting even lower prices for electricity,” he told a ceremony where the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) and the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a partnership to host the conference. Wheatley said that if more LNG is used, a reduction in the cost of electricity will be achieved, add-

ing that the effects of the reduction in the cost of energy will not only be felt by consumers but also by manufacturers, who will be able to boost their production. He said the government is committed to diversifying Jamaica’s energy source so that “no one fuel source contributes more than 42 per cent”, which will result in a “secure build out of the energy infrastructure”. In endorsing the MOU, Wheatley urged the PCJ and the OUR to extend invitations to other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to participate in the conference in order to appreciate the benefits of LNG. (Trinidad Guardian)

Saturday August 26, 2017

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Army in major exercise on border security Commander-in-Chief, President David Granger, yesterday morning, congratulated the troops of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who participated in the two week-long Field Tactical Exercise ‘IRONWEED’. The President noted that the exercise served to reaffirm and reassure the Defence Board and the people of Guyana, that the Force is always ready to fulfill its mission to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and is in a state of preparedness for any security threat, which may arise, even as Government continues to make significant investments in re-equipping the force, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a statement. In addition to this Exercise, the Force is currently engaged in two major operations; ‘Operation Clean sweep’, which is aimed at recapturing the four prison escapees still on the run and ‘Operation AXEL’, which is focused on border deployment and protection. The Head of State made these comments after witnessing the ‘final attack’, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams, Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West and other senior officers at the Colonel John Clarke Military School (CJCMS), Tacama, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region Ten). The exercise commenced on August 11, with the final contingent of troops moving into the Exercise Area located

in the jungle and savannahs of Tacama, East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six). The Exercise is designed to assess the GDF troops in Close Country Warfare (CCW) and Open Country Warfare (OCW) simulations of battle. The Commander in Chief told the troops that “military service in Guyana is being transformed. This exercise and this training course are very important. They are important because they signify the rite of passage of the people who are called upon to defend this country. We have challenges to face in Guyana and the biggest challenge is the security of our borders. This exercise is an exercise dedicated to ensuring that Guyana is ready to protect its borders and this is something that you must never forget. Guyana has over 3000km of borders and we are a small population, but in protecting our borders, we have to ensure that we have the mobility and the correct deployment so that every part of our borders would be secured.” With the recent discovery of a twin-engine Beechcraft aircraft in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) on August 13 and another abandoned aircraft in September 2016, just miles away from the area, President Granger said that it is important, now more than ever, that Guyana takes the necessary steps to protect its borders. In addition, the Head of State pointed out that the GDF is also responsible for helping to protect Guyana’s natural patrimony. PEOPLE CAN COME ACROSS “We have to protect our

fragile environment. People can come across our borders with road building equipment [unknown] to the centre, build airstrips and maybe get Guyanese to collaborate with them to remove our precious minerals and other commodities, so the GDF has to take on a greater role in protecting our territory and protecting our environment from degradation and from despoliation. We have to prevent illegalities throughout the country,” the Head of State said. To demonstrate its commitment to the protection of the Guyanese citizens and the country’s assets, President Granger said that the Government and the Defence Board have been working with the GDF to ensure that the steps are taken to equip the service members with the tools that they will need. The President said that the Government is re-establishing the Guyana People’s Militia in every region across the country, since it believes that more vigilance is needed, particularly in the border locations. “One of the things that we have embarked on already is to ensure that the People’s Militia is trained and deployed to every region. Every region will have a company or a battalion of the People’s Militia. I have also asked the Chief of Staff to consider converting the coastal battalion to a border battalion so that we can deploy more troops on the borders and internally. I have also asked him to consider the reintroduction of mounted troops so that every graduate of the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School and the Colonel John Clarke Military School, who choose to do so, will leave

The exercises yesterday were witnessed by President David Granger and other senior Government officials.

their training course able to ride horses to conduct patrols in the hinterland of Guyana,” he said. In 2015, during a meeting with the members of the GDF at Base Camp Ayanganna, where he had announced the Total National Defence Policy, the Head of State had committed Government’s support to the re-organisation and strengthening of the GDF on five pillars; personnel, readiness, infrastructure, morale and equipment with emphasis on the Air Corps, the Coast Guard and the Engineer Corps. The re-equipping process has begun and following the final attack, President Granger reviewed a display of new field equipment, which has been ac-

Bush medicine man loses home in Blue Berry Hill fire A 59-year-old Blue Berry Hill Squatting Area man is presently homeless, following a fire that razed his house early yesterday afternoon. According to reports, Monty Joseph, well known as ‘Dada’, had just returned home when neighbours observed the wooden and concrete structure on fire. Joseph escaped the inferno by jumping through a window, a witness disclosed. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to the nearby Upper Demerara Hospital (Wismar Hospital) emergency unit, where he was treated for minor injuries. Joseph who is reportedly asthmatic also had to receive oxygen. His home was destroyed despite valiant efforts by the Linden fire service. Several relatives and

All that remains of Monty ‘Dada’ Joseph’s home friends later rushed down to the hospital to offer their support to Joseph. The obviously traumatized man, appeared disoriented and kept saying that he needed to see President David Granger and Leader of the opposition Bharrat

Jagdeo. “I want to see them together!” he declared emphatically. Relatives who turned up at the hospital to see Joseph described him as a hardworking and ambitious man, who had a well furnished house. They estimated that

his losses would run into the millions. Joseph sells bush and herbal medicine for a living. He had been living at the house alone for the last few years, after separating from his wife, it was reported. (Enid Joaquin)

quired by the force. This included a combat support field medical hospital and communications apparatus. DRONE FLIGHTS Lieutenant Commander Roger Nurse, who briefed the President on the communications apparatus, said that the ranks and officers of the Force were better equipped this year while they were in operational mode, due to the acquisition of the new equipment. Additionally, the Force was able to utilise its collapsible drone to conduct aerial reconnaissance, during the exercise. Meanwhile, Major Natoya Fraser, a physician at the Force’s Medical Corps, provided the President with a tour of the new field hospital. Major Fraser said that during the exercise, she was able to treat all injuries including lacerations from that facility. The field hospital also boasts a well-equipped dentistry, which can provide services such as the extraction, cleaning and filling of teeth. Further, the President was able to take a first-hand look, at new types of combat and operation meals, which are now, for the most part produced in Guyana, using local food items. Minister Harmon, who serves as the Secretary to the Defence Board explained that this year, the Army has been better equipped, as the Government is working with local and international partners to build capacity and strengthen security. “The equipment, which you saw here this (yesterday) morning, has marked an improvement over what we had in 2016 on the exercise. Today you saw some improved equipment so far as our communication is concerned. We

have some radios with the capacity to be able to do texts; to do data. For the medical corps, we have seen a field hospital, which included a dentist and full dentistry and a triage area and the other , so we are able now to actually deploy medical facilities and medical personnel from the brigade down to the battalion. We can deploy medical facilities down to the company and right down to the level of the platoon,” he said. The State Minister also said that the final attack of Exercise ‘IRONWEED’ showcased an improvement in the combat readiness of the GDF to operate in the various terrains of the country such as open country, close country and jungle. President Granger added that mastering the country’s various terrains will increase confidence in Force readiness. “The most important lesson you can take away from this is the need to protect your territory, our country. Without your vigilance, your effort, your expertise this country will not be able to sleep safely at night. We have islands in the Essequibo River and three of those islands are bigger than the British Virgin Islands. We have wetlands in Canje and elsewhere. We have highlands, some covered with clouds, grasslands, you have lakes in the Essequibo, you’ve got rainforests, you’ve got rivers and rapids, but you; the soldiers of Guyana, have got to be able to operate all of those terrains by day or by night, whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling. That is why you must train rigorously and regularly and I never want to hear again that the GDF passed a training year (Continued on page 24)

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Saturday August 26, 2017

OECS countries looking to standardise CBI programmes ROSEAU, Dominica CMC — Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the several countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

governments are examining the possibility of developing standardised legislation regarding the controversial Citizenship by Investment programme (CBI).

Skerrit, speaking to reporters prior to his departure for the United States on personal business, said countries that have already established CBIs in the sub region are holding dis-

cussions on the initiative. “The discussions that is taking place with regards to countries which have CBI programmes is to look at the possibility of having

standardised regulations, legislation dealing with the CBI programme to ensure that all of the structures that are required to enhance the programmes are also standardised,” he said. Apart from Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia and St Kitts-Nevis have all instituted CBI programes through which foreign investors are granted citizenship in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of the countries. St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has in the past strenuously spoken out against the programme once describing it as a “race to the bottom”. “The five other independent countries of the OECS have gone that way. I wish them well. We just simply have a different perspective on it, because, in one jurisdiction, which has been in the forefront, a lot of problems occurring,” he said, adding “you have population of 50,000 and you have 12,000 economic citizens”. In May last year, Gonsalves told a private sector forum that the space is narrowing for economic citizenship programmes, adding, “and there is a race to the bottom in all of them and there are a lot of good products in this area in other countries where

people from China and the Middle East are rushing to — Austria, Portugal, but, of course, they have different type of — better run regimes for these types of things. The United States and several European countries have in the post condemned the CBI’s in the sub-region, saying that it provides an opportunity for criminal activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. Skerrit told reporters the OECS leaders would be meeting “very soon” to discuss the initiative and “put the framework in place to achieving this. “Some work has in fact been done already. The idea now is to meet to take the …decisions and to set a timetable towards achieving this. So the idea is St KittsNevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Grenada…for all of us to have the same regulations and similar legislation dealing with CBI programmes. “It is the view of Dominica that all of those countries have very robust due diligence processes in place, but I do believe one of the ways to enhance the programmes and the integrity of the programmes is to have the standardise regulations and structures in place and which Dominica fully supports,’ Skerrit added.

Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Hamilton hails strongest Friday as 200th race looms Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton prepared for his 200th Formula One race with plenty of confidence and the fastest time in Belgian Grand Prix practice on Friday, before rain brought an early end to the day’s action. The Mercedes title contender, who can equal Michael Schumacher’s alltime record of 68 pole positions in today’s qualifying, lapped the longest track on the calendar with a best time of one minute 44.753 seconds. ”Today felt like one of our strongest Fridays so far this season,” said the Briton, who is 14 points behind Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel with nine races remaining. “The car felt strong all round, straight out of the box. We made some good steps with the set-up right from the start of FP1 (first practice),

which is a really encouraging way to kick off the weekend. ”It looks tight at the top on the long-run pace, but we’ve started the weekend in the best way possible.” F e r r a r i ’s Kimi Raikkonen, who had been fastest in the morning session with a time of 1:45.502 on ultra-soft tyres while Hamilton stayed on softs, was second on the timesheets with an afternoon best that was 0.262 slower than the Briton. Hamilton also used the ultra-softs to set his best time before the rain set in with 20 minutes remaining. “We need to keep on working, as normal, and improve things for tomorrow and hopefully we’ll be stronger,” said Raikkonen, a four-times winner in Belgium. Va l t t e r i Bottas, Hamilton’s team mate, made

it two Finns in the top three while Red Bull’s Dutch teenager Max Verstappen kept his traveling orange army of fans happy with fourth in both sessions. Verstappen was fastest in last year’s Friday practice, and went on to put his Red Bull on the front row, but the new cars are significantly faster and Hamilton was more than t h r e e s e c o n d s q u i c k e r. Vettel was third and fifth, just 0.01 slower than Verstappen, respectively, in yesteray’s sessions. MASSA CRASHES The first session was halted after 15 minutes when Brazilian Felipe Massa, who missed the previous race in Hungary after feeling dizzy in practice, crashed heavily into the tyre barrier at turn seven out of Les Combes. He was taken to the medical center for checks, before returning to the

Saturday August 26, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A long journey to a distant place could be uppermost in your mind today. You may be getting ready to take off, or the trip might still be in the planning stages.

recent overindulgence. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A passionate letter or call from a romantic partner could have you longing for an encounter.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A lot of your time today could be spent working on financial matters on the computer, phone, or other form of technology.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Unexpected financial benefit could leave you speechless today. It could be an unanticipated bonus, gift, or even a small lottery win. This is the day to seek the improbable.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A business or romantic partner could either contact you or return from a long trip with great news. Perhaps your friend has had a lucky break of some kind that betters life in general for both of you.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You're probably getting a lot of great news today. Business and personal success are coming your way.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Work that needs to be done could center on money, investments, and other financial matters. Your mind is especially quick, and you're likely to get everything done well. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Love and romance are very much on your mind today. This is a perfect day to concentrate on this part of your life, for all signs indicate that relations with romantic partners are going to be happy, stimulating, and passionate. evening together! VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Matters involving work and home should be going very well. Physically, you're feeling well and strong in spite of your

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Special information that comes to you either from within - your intuitive insights or without - information received from books, TV, or the Internet - could pave the way for career advancement and financial gain. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You should feel happy and enthusiastic today. Whatever you strive for should be successful, whether it's job related or creative inspiration. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your personal and professional relationships should benefit from today's energies. This is a day to strengthen all your relationships, especially friendships.

Lewis Hamilton pitlane, with his team beginning the long job of rebuilding the car. Massa did not take part in the second session, with Williams say-

ing the changed chassis could not be readied in time and would have to be resubmitted for scrutineering this morning.

”It was my mistake and I feel really disappointed to do only one lap in the day,” said Massa. “Tomorrow will be a day to learn everything from zero. “I didn’t feel dizzy any more since the week after Hungary. For sure, I didn’t crash because of that.” Fernando Alonso suffered an early lack of power in his McLaren, but still ended up 13th fastest. The Spaniard was 11th after lunch. His Belgian team mate Stoffel Vandoorne, who will start his home race last on Sunday thanks to a 35-place penalty due to a power unit change, was 10th and 14th.

Regal Masters, Wellman, Trophy Stall... (From page 30) 44 not out and John Sumair 23. Lester Thom bagged 4-23 and Latchman Kallicharran 213. Wellman replied with 1686. Jagdesh Persaud made 38 and Nandram Samlall 37 not out. Ramesh Narine claimed 2-26 and Imtiaz Mohamed had 2-32. Fisherman XI beat Ariel Masters. In the open category, Farm overcame Speedboat by six wickets. Speedboat were sent packing for 133, taking first strike. Ricky Sergeant hit 46; Quazim Yusuf captured 420, Azharuddin Mohamed 212 and Ajay Kishan 2-25. Farm scored 134-4 in 16 overs in reply. Ralph Layne and Yusuf made 20 each as Shazim Hussain claimed 2-30. In the female division at DCC, Trophy Stall Angels

Sharapova draws... (From page 26) American 17th seed Sam Querrey, who is enjoying a career-best year, would pose a threat to Federer in the fourth round. British second seed Andy Murray, who is returning from a hip injury that forced him to miss all the U.S. Open tune-up events, will play American Tennys Sandgren in the opening round while resurgent 21st seed David Ferrer of Spain is a potential fourth-round opponent. German fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who has five titles this year and is one of the favorites to win the year’s final grand slam, opens against a qualifier and could face Croatian fifth seed Marin Cilic in the quarters. The U.S. Open will be played Aug. 28Sept. 10 in New York.

overcame 4R Lioness by 118 runs. Trophy Stall Angels took first strike and posted 173-2 in 15 overs. June Ogle stroked an unbeaten 111 and Alicia Allen 44. Abigail Scott took 2-35, 4R Lioness were shot out for 55 in reply. Nicola Leacock claimed 4-13, Allen 217 and Tremaine Smartt 2-19. Wellwoman got the better of Blue Divas by 61 runs. Wellwoman batted first and scored 104-7 in 15 overs. Abena Parker made 25; Gailan Stanford had 2-17, Sangeeta

Sawh 2-17. Blue Divas were sent packing for 43 in nine overs in response. Reneeka Isaacs captured 3-7, Haseena Mohamed 2-5 and Latoya Smith 2-8. The competition continues tomorrow at DCC. On pitch one at 10:00am Regal Masters will face HS Masters and at 13:00hrs Regal Masters will take on Fisherman XI. On pitch two at 10:00hrs, Ariel Masters will play Amazon Warriors and at 13:00hrs Ariel will battle Enterprise Legends.

Kaieteur News

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Tri-Nation Blind Cricket

Jamaica beat Guyana by eight wickets to take 40-over title

Jamaica & West Indies Blind B3 batsman flayed Guyana’s bowling to all parts of the Malteenoes ground in his match winning unbeaten 148 for Jamaica yesterday. By Sean Devers Ye s t e r d a y i n s u l t r y conditions, Guyana and West Indies B3 batsman Kevin Douglas scored the competition’s first century before West Indies batsman Denver Shim blasted an explosive unbeaten 148 to overshadow Douglas’ effort and provide Jamaica with an eight-wicket victory and Championship honors when the Tri-Nation 40-over Blind cricket tournament, which also involved Barbados, ended at Malteenoes. Douglas, a right-handed B3 (very poor vision) batsmen, hit seven fours and a six in and an even ton but only B2 (blurred vision) batsman Gresham Mahase (37) and Patrick Howard B1 (totally Blind) who made 20, passed 13 as Guyana followed up their massive 292 in 40 overs against Barbados on Wednesday, with 262-5 from 35 overs in the rain affected game that was reduced by five overs yesterday. Loshane Myles (2-23) was the best bowler for Jamaica which responded

with 263-2 in 23.1 overs as Shim cut loose with his brutal undefeated innings and got support from Gregory Stewart (B2) 53 not out as they joined forces at 75-2 when Jason Rickets (B1) was LBW to Mahase for 30. Guyana batted first on the slightly heavy outfield and Douglas, who scored the most runs (543) including two centuries for the West Indies in the Blind Cricket Wo r l d C u p i n I n d i a , accelerated after passing his 50 with sweeps, reverse sweeps, drives down the ground and a delightful whip over mid-wicket for six off the last ball of the innings off Shim to reach his century. Guyana lost their first two wickets in the space of five runs when Stewart bowled Seon Mitchell (5) at 17-1 and BI Leroy Phillips’s runner was run out after Phillips was just starting to look good on four. Douglas and Douglas Tike’s partnership was building nicely when Douglas was forced to retire hurt with stomach problems

before Tika was bowled by Myles. When Howard who also retired hurt, Douglas resumed his innings but Musa Haynes (12) and Teshawn Rodney (2) were quickly removed. Douglas found Crystal Aulder (10 not out) and together they added 45 in an unfinished seventh wicket stand. But Shim and Stewart put together 88 to see Jamaica to the easy win. Jamaica, on Thursday, was awarded the winner after one of Barbados’s B1 players got injured and Jamaica refused to allow a Guyanese BI player (who had not played in the tournament) to field for the Bajans in a game which was eventually abandoned. Barbados had beaten Guyana on the Duckworth/ Lewis system chasing a reduced target. Today, the teams have gotten the day off before the T20 format will be played tomorrow with Jamaica, by virtue of them winning the 40-over tournament, qualifying for the Final against the winner of the semi-final between Guyana and Barbados.

Mohoric sprints to victory in Vuelta stage seven with skilful descent Barcelona (Reuters) Slovene rider Matej Mohoric won stage seven of the Vuelta a Espana yesterday with a margin of 16 seconds as the 22-year-old collected his first stage win at a grand tour, while there was no change in the general classification. Chris Froome held on to the red jersey as well as his 11-second lead over nearest challenger Esteban Chaves. The Briton remains in a strong position one-third

into the 21-day race as he aims to become the first rider in 39 years to win the Vuelta and Tour de France in the same season. Froome, Chaves and the other general classification contenders finished the race together, 8 minutes and 38 seconds behind Mohoric. Polish rider Pawel Poljanski finished runner-up in the stage in consecutive days, jostling with Jose Rojas and Thomas de Gendt

for second place in the final 10 kilometers. Mohoric surged ahead of the leading group by skillfully attacking on the descent of the Alto del Castillo hill toward the end of the 207km stage from Lliria to Cuenca, the longest stage of the race. Eritrean rider Merhawi Kudus and U.S champion Larry Warbasse have been forced to abandon the Vuelta after crashing 90km from the finish line.

Saturday August 26, 2017

Jamaica edges Trinidad & Tobago in friendly Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – Jamaica scored once in each half to earn a 21 win over Trinidad & Tobago in an international friendly on Thursday night. It was the Reggae Boyz’s first game since falling to the United States, 2-1, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last month. A pair of players making their senior international debuts netted for the visitor. Jamiel Hardware opened the scoring in the fifth minute from the right side of the box off Ricardo Morris’ diagonal cross, while Fabian Reid redirected Michael Binns’ free kick to make it 21 in the 57th minute. K e v i n Vi l l a r r e o l equalized for T&T in the 12th minute, floating a leftfooted effort from 35-yards out over goalkeeper Shaven Sean Paul. Jamaica head coach Theodore Whitmore was pleased with his team’s execution. ”We started with four debutants and, based on the

Jamaica’s Michael Binns attempts a shot against host Trinidad & Tobago. Photo CA-Images. eleven I put out on the field, I am very happy with the way they delivered,” said the 45-year-old. “I am proud of what they were able to accomplish and to beat Trinidad, who are preparing for crucial World Cup Qualifiers ahead, shows that we are doing something right. ”I am just hoping know we can carry over this

momentum now as we prepare to take on Canada.” Jamaica will visit the Canadians on September 2 at BMO Field in Toronto. Notes: Midfielder Kaheem Parris, 16, became the youngest-ever player to earn a cap for Jamaica, entering as an 80thm i n u te s u b s tit u t e f o r Hardware. (CONCACAF)

Sharapova draws Halep in first round of U.S. Open Reuters - Maria Sharapova’s return to grand slam action will begin with a high-profile clash against Romanian second seed Simona Halep while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal could meet in the U.S. Open semi-finals, according to yesterday’s draw. For Sharapova, a former world number one and fivetimes grand slam champion who returned from a 15month doping ban in April and was awarded a wild-card invitation to the U.S. Open, it will mark her first match since pulling out of the Stanford Classic three weeks ago with an arm injury. The 30-year-old Russian, who was banned after testing positive for heart drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open, has had mixed results since rejoining the WTA Tour and will need to be at her best early to keep alive any hope of her first title at Flushing Meadows since 2006. Defending women’s champion Angelique Kerber has a tricky test as she takes on Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the opening round and could face red-hot Elina Svitolina, who won a tune-up event at Toronto, in the quarters.

Simona Halep

Wi m b l e d o n c h a m p i o n Garbine Muguruza, who is one of the favorites and fresh from her triumph at the Cincinnati Open, could face former world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the quarters. Czech world number one Karolina Pliskova, runnerup at last year’s tournament, will play her first round against Poland’s Magda Linette and is projected to play 2004 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight. Swiss third seed Federer, who is seeking his third grand-slam title of the year after wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, will open his quest for a sixth U.S. Open triumph against

American Frances Tiafoe. Federer, who has been enjoying a remarkable campaign after missing the last six months of 2016 to heal his knee, would face two-times champion and long-time rival Nadal in the semi-finals should the top half of the draw go according to seed. The pair have never met at the U.S. Open, and while Nadal leads 23-14 in headto-head meetings, Federer has won their past four clashes, including three hardcourt meetings in 2017 at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami. Australian Nick Kyrgios, the 14th seed and recent Cincinnati runner-up, or (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 26, 2017

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Windies bowlers shine as England struggle Leeds, England, CMC – West Indies eased some of the pain of last weekend’s debacle at Edgbaston, stunning England with an incisive bowling display despite an even hundred from Ben Stokes, on the opening day of the second Test here yesterday. Asked to bowl first at Headingley, the Caribbean side sent England tumbling to 258 all out in their first innings, with Stokes leading the way with a typical attacking hundred and captain Joe Root getting 59. Chris Woakes chipped in with 23 while Moeen Ali scored 22, but the remainder of the England batting collapsed in good conditions against impressive fast bowling from Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach. Gabriel, recalled after missing the opener in Birmingham, snared four for 51 while Roach continued his decent form on his return to Test cricket with four for 71. England stumbled to 37 for three in the morning session and even though they made a partial recovery, West Indies were clinical in closing out the innings. In the 45 minutes available before the close, the Windies lost left-hander Kieran Powell for five, caught at first slip by Alastair Cook off seamer Jimmy Anderson, to end the day on

Ben Stokes reached his sixth Test century. ©Getty Images 19 for one. Seeking to turn the page of their recent misery, the Windies made an enterprising start when they grabbed three early wickets to leave England reeling on 37 for three just after the first hour. Gabriel removed first Test double century-maker Cook in the eighth over, caught by Kyle Hope low at third slip for 11 with the score on 19, prodding at a

good length delivery. Three overs later, Roach trapped Tom Wesley lbw for three with a full length delivery and the right-armer returned four overs later – the third over following the drinks break – to have opener Mark Stoneman caught at the wicket off the inside edge for 19.England were then propped up by Root and Dawid Malan (8) who put on 34 for the fourth wicket, as the hosts reached lunch on 61

without loss. However, the Windies struck a key blow in the third over after the interval when the left-handed Malan was bowled, playing on to captain and pacer Jason Holder with 10 runs added. In desperate need of a partnership, England got one courtesy of Root and Stokes who rode their luck to help post 69 for the fifth wicket. Root, dropped on eight by Powell at slip off Gabriel at 44 for three, faced 98 deliveries and counted nine fours to follow up his hundred last weekend. The left-handed Stokes, meanwhile, played with typical flair, hitting 17 boundaries off 124 deliveries. He was let off on nine by Kraigg Brathwaite at second slip off Roach at 100 for four and was given another life on 98 when Gabriel at mid-on grassed another chance off the unlucky Roach. England were clawing their way back when the Windies made two key strikes towards the end of the session in the space of 21 balls. Root was first to fall, caught at slip by Jermaine Backwood sweeping at legspinner Devendra Bishoo

and Johnny Bairstow edged a drive at Gabriel and was taken at second slip by Holder for two. Tentatively placed on 156 for six at tea, England were lifted by Stokes who anchored two key stands – adding 68 for the seventh with Moeen and a further 38 for the eighth with Woakes. Moeen eventually drove

Roach low to Roston Chase at point to fall softly and Stokes completed his sixth Test hundred before topedging a pull at Gabriel to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich. T h e Wi n d i e s t h e n finished the innings off clinically, as the last three wickets fell with no addition to the total.

Second Igloo Hockey Festival commences at GCC GCC Hockey Team, in its effor t t o p r o m o t e youth development in Field Hockey in Guyana, is hosting the ‘Igloo Hockey Festival’ this weekend, today and tomorrow at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda. The tournament will include competition for all ages including Under-10 (Mixed Categories), Under-14, Under-17 and Under-21 (Boys & Girls) and an Open Men and Women Category. The unique tournament is the only one of its kind as it is played on a miniature artificial hockey surface with rebound bounds around the perimeter. Since there is no fullscale artificial hockey pitch in Guyana, the tournament features the exciting 5 a side format being played on the miniature sized field.

This tournament is the club’s feature hockey event for the year and provides one of the few opportunities for all ages to play competitively in the sport. The GCC Hockey Te a m r a n o ff t h e inaugural event last July and hopes to repeat the success this year. Several clubs have submitted teams from their development programmes right through to senior sides. Apart from the senior competition with teams from hosts GCC, Hikers, Old Fort and Saints, the Under-14 division featuring teams from five clubs in both the boys and girls divisions promises to be one of great interest. Matches begin at 10:00hrs today and tomorrow and will last until 20:00hrs.

GCC’s Meshach Sargeant being chased by a band of Saints defenders.

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Saturday August 26, 2017

Parents should encourage their Children to get involved in Sports - Roger Harper

Participants and their parents at the closing of the joint GCC & DCC youth Academy at DCC yesterday. Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach, DCC Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t , G C A President and former West I n d i e s Te s t c r i c k e t e r, Roger Harper told a packed DCC pavilion inclusive of over 130 Academy participants, their parents and the Media that parents should encourage their children to

get involved in Sports. Harper was speaking at the closing ceremony of the joint DCC/GCC three-week school holiday cricket Academy at the DCC yesterday. ”Encourage your children to get involved in sports since in the past the best students academically

were usually the best in sports also” said Harper, who still holds the 100 meters U-13 record at his o l d s c h o o l , Q u e e n ’s College. Harper who leaves with the Warriors today for Barbados to oppose the Tridents in a must win CPL game, said he hoped that the young participants, who

Berbice police to the rescue, Commander leads the way Commander of Police ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams has been making the rounds since his appointment to the Division about a month ago. The Commander has been travelling within his division, meeting communities and organising activities as he leads the way in community related initiatives. On Thursday last, Commander Williams and staff donated trophies to Mr. Brian Cummings, President of the Glasgow Development Association who will be hosting a series of activities to commemorate its anniversary. Activities which commenced on Thursday include a health fair, floodlight football, fun day and karaoke competition and

attended sessions at both the DCC and GCC grounds, learnt something from their exposure at the Academy which was run by his elder brother, Mark. Sports helps to build character, u n i t y a n d healthy youngsters while you could make a decent living from sports if you are good enough, Harper said. ”People keep referring to me as DCC’s Vice-President but it is as the GCA President that I delighted with this Academy which was the brainchild of the past DCC Administration under Alfred Mentore and I am happy to

see it continue with the GCC also involved” Harper disclosed. Harper stressed the importance of these youngsters, some as young as five years, getting to walk on Bourda, the oldest cricket club in the West Indies an added that while his CPL duties prevented him from spending time with the participants who where coached by former Guyana off-spinner Gavin Nedd, Orin Bailey and Mark Harper among others, he was very much involved in the planning of the Academy which at first only catered for 30 or 40

students. Among other speakers at the closing ceremony at which each of the participants received certificates, was Chairperson Elizabeth H a r p e r, w h o w o r k e d tirelessly as Secretary for the Academy while also present at the Head table was Mrs. G w e n Wi l l i a m s w h o contributed her organising abilities. Mrs. Harper thanked the many sponsors which included the Guyana Amazon Warriors while the GCC representatives were unavoidably absent. (Sean Devers)

Letter to the Sports Editor

Belle Vue SC wants to work collectively for an early solution

Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams is expected to end with a fashion show, tomorrow. Mr. Williams stated that his intention is to build partnerships with communities and promote positive change amongst the

youths. He mentioned that the police are not only about arresting and prosecuting people, but has a keen interest in their all-round development.

D e a r E d i t o r, With reference to a letter published in your newspaper on Monday, 21st August, 2017, titled, “Belle Vue Sports Club Issues Warning”. This is to add some much needed clarity on the matter which was deliberately ignored by the writer. This “other group of people” referred to in the letter, has been in existence for over three years under the name “Belle Vue Sports Club”. During this time we have been an active member of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA), engaging in

community work and we also have an active facebook page. Thorough our partnership with individuals and businesses we have been able to accomplish much, of which we are proud. The issue between the two groups with regards to the rights to the name gained the attention of the National Sports Commission (NSC). After just two meetings and for unknown reason (s), the NSC registered the club that wrote to you. At this point we are not too bothered since we are a registered member of the WDCA which falls under the Guyana Cricket Board

(GCB). It is important to note that the GCB is recognised by the NSC as a sports authority in Guyana. Wi t h o n e c l u b b e i n g registered by the NSC and the other with the WDCA, our club has reached out to the Director of Sports and is awaiting his intervention. We do hope this matter can be sorted out as soon as possible and we are looking forward to working with the group that wrote to you sometime in the near future. S i n c e r e l y , S a t e s h S i n g h S e c r e t a r y Belle Vue Sports Club

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 26, 2017

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Mayweather and McGregor to fight for incredible ‘Money Belt’ made from 1.5kg of solid gold and 3,360 individual diamonds Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor will not be fighting for a major boxing title when they meet in the ring today, but that has not stopped the pair from creating their very own belt. Mayweather was a fivedivision world champion in his pomp but gave up his welterweight title after retiring in September 2015. McGregor also lays claim to the UFC lightweight belt, but the biggest fight of all time will not see a title change hands. The specially made ‘Money Belt’, however, will be up for grabs. The stunning

accessory was revealed at the KA Theatre in Las Vegas on Wednesday as the pair spoke with the press for the final time before their bout this evening. Made with alligator skin from Italy, the belt boasts an alleged 3,360 diamonds, 600 sapphires, 300 emeralds, 1.5 kilograms of solid, 24-karat gold and was commissioned by World Boxing Organisation president Mauricio Sulaiman. The gold alone would be worth over £46,000 at today’s prices, meaning the winner will be getting a nice

kicker on top of their huge individual earnings, estimated to be around the £80m mark for the aptly n a m e d ‘ M o n e y ’ Mayweather. Mayweather and McGregor were on their best behaviour as they met the press at a comparatively low-key press conference with the former choosing to throw a compliment to his opponent. The American said: ‘Conor McGregor has had a hell of a career, he’s still got a hell of a career. ’He’s a hell of a fighter, he’s a stand-up guy, he’s a

The Money Belt was revealed by Floyd Mayweather’s team at the final press conference. tough competitor. He’s a fighter. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears on Saturday (today). ’I’m pretty sure he has had a tremendous training camp. Now it comes down to

the two competitors, going out there, displaying our skills and giving the fans what they want to see. The best fighting the best. ‘He’s the best at what he does, I’m the best at what I do.

McGregor, meanwhile, promised to stick to boxing amid concerns that he will change back to his natural MMA style if his chips are down. (MailOnline)

Dellon Ceasar

Christopher Johnson

Mark Jacobs

Man in the street predictions for the Mayweather vs McGregor fight tonight The world, including Guyana, will tune in tonight for the greatest boxing match of the century when the undefeated Floyd Mayweather fights UFC champion, the unbeaten Conor McGregor. Kaieteur Sport took the streets of Georgetown yesterday to see who fans believe will win the multimillion dollar fight. Below are some of the predictions. Dwight Sullivan - “For Floyd to lose is impossible. Simply because he is the best in the sport and a great businessman, he chooses his fights well.” Jonathan Galloway – “Floyd Mayweather is too smart and too fast. He is going to break McGregor down and showboat from the first round.” Dellon Ceasar - “I don’t like his (Mayweather) fighting style. I believe a boxer should fight and not run all match. I like

McGregor for the fight because he is more aggressive.” Mark Seymour “Conor holds the advantage for the first phase of the fight which is about 6 rounds because it requires a lot of physical contact in terms of hugging which is more in McGregor’s domain. After then Mayweather will tire and McGregor will capitalize.” Christopher Johnson “I will always choose a boxer in a boxing match. On your feet is a boxer; on the floor is a fighter. Conor is in a strange territory.” Mark Jacobs - “It’s a boxing match. He (Mayweather) has over two decades experience fighting the best of the best, being undefeated. It will take extreme luck for McGregor, a UFC fighter, to beat arguably the greatest boxer ever in a boxing match.”

Jonathan Galloway (left) and Mark Seymour

Dwight Sullivan

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Saturday August 26, 2017

Guyanese Trio return from Lawyers Cricket World Cup Charles Ramson, Sanjeev Datadin and Timothy Jonas and other members of the West Indies Lawyers Cricket Team recently returned from the Biennial Lawyers Cricket World Cup hosted this year in Sri Lanka from August 1021. The tournament was opened by the Honourable Chief Justice of Sri Lanka and cricketing legend Arjuna Ranatunga and saw the highest number of teams competing in the tournament. Twelve teams played in two pools and the final was won by Australia which defeated the host team Sri Lanka with the West Indies finishing 4th in the tournament.

The West Indies Lawyers Cricket Team. The Caribbean side was captained by Trinidadian Shashi Seecharan with Guyanese Charles Ramson as the vice-captain. Ramson who was only able to play three matches as he was concluding an

academic programme on a Chevening Scholarship had an outstanding tournament with 5 wickets and a score of 32 off 20 balls in the first match, 89 run out in the second, and 116 not out and 2 wickets in

ECB 40-over Festival

East Bank, South and North Essequibo triumph

Hemchand Persaud East Bank Essequibo, South Essequibo and North Essequibo recorded victories when the Essequibo Cricket Board, Busta 40-over tournament commenced yesterday. East Bank Essequibo beat defending champions Wakenaam by six wickets at Tuschen. Wakenaam were bowled out for 63 in 22 overs after they were invited to take first strike. Bernard Lewis and Ryan Adams were the only batsmen to reach double figures with 12 and 10 respectively. Man-of-the-match Javed Shafeek captured 4-22 while left arm spinner Hemchand Persaud had 3-12 and Trevor Benn 2-20. East Bank Essequibo responded with 64-4 in eight overs. Kevon Boodie struck 26 not out;

M.O.M Javed Shafeek accepts his prize from former East Bank first division player, Orville Stuart. pacer Leorayan Ramlakhan claimed 2-23 while Siddiq Mohamed and Seon Venture had one each. Host Leguan gained a walk over from Bartica. At Imam Bacchus Sports Club, South Essequibo defeated Central Essequibo by 18 runs. South Essequibo scored 135-9 off their allotted overs, batting first. Vijay Surujpaul stroked 53 while Ravi Beharry made 34. Kulraj Persaud snared 318, Herry Green 2-24 and Wayne Osbourne 2-20. Central Essequibo fell for 117 in 33 overs in reply. Narendra Persaud got 34 and Nathan Persaud 26. Surujpaul picked up 3-15 to take the man-of-the-match award, while Akeni Adams took 2-27and Anthony Adams 2-33. At Devonshire Castle,

North Essequibo hammered Pomeroon by nine wickets. Batting first, Pomeroon were shot out for 64 in 14 overs. Sevond Bess made 14 as Suresh Persaud, who was named man-of-the-match, grabbed 4-19 and Vishwanauth Lall 3-6. North Essequibo responded with 65-1 in 7.3 overs. Avenash Persaud and Keisho Rooplall added 31 for the opening stand before Persaud went for 23. Rooplall ended unbeaten on 18 while Keron Seenarine made 20. Ronaldo Kanhai was the lone wicket taker. The semi finals will be contested today and will see East Bank Essequibo taking on South Essequibo at Tu s c h e n w h i l e N o r t h Essequibo will play Leguan at Imam Bacchus.

the third match; he also won two man of the match awards. He finished the

tournament with a batting average of 79 having accumulated 237 runs, he ha d a strike rate of 126.

The next World Cup is expected to be either in New Zealand or India.

Alphonso’s century sets up De Hoop’s win Regal Sports Softball competition Lionel Alphonso struck a fine century as De Hoop defeated Superstars by 67 runs when the Regal Sports softball competition continued on Sunday last. Playing at the Everest Cricket Club in the Open c a t e g o r y, A l p h o n s o slammed 111 and got support from Seon Singh 46 as De Hoop posted 207-4 off their allotted 15 overs, batting first. Ajay Persaud took 3-35. Superstars were bowled out for 140 in 11.1 overs in reply. Dinesh Persaud made 43; Seon Singh claimed 3-10 and Satesh Singh 3-18. De Hoop beat Success by six wickets. Success batting first, posted 129-4; Randy Ketwaroo led with 66;

Mahendra Singh captured 315. De Hoop responded with 131-4 in 10.5 overs, Ramkumar Jairam struck 49 and Mohamed Ali 45; Gary Singh took 2-20. In the M a s t e r s c a t e g o r y, H S Masters overcame Amazon Masters by seven wickets. Amazon Masters took first strike and made 154. Raghunandan Narine led with 68 while Salman Ghanie made 20. Michael Ifill snared 3-28 and Baldeo Lakeram 2-17. HS Masters got to 155-3 in 15 overs in reply. Danny Mohanram stroked 67 not out and Keith Fraser 42. Randy Perreira h a d 2 - 1 6 . The semi finals and finals

Lionel Alphonso will be played on September 10 at the said venue. In the Open division, De Hoop will play Regal Allstars at 09:00hrs after which Speedboat will take on Farm at 11:00hrs on pitch three. In Masters’ segment Regal will face HS Masters at 09:00hrs on pitch one and Savage will battle Ariel at 09:00hrs on pitch two.

Regal Masters, Wellman, Trophy Stall Angels among victors Regal Masters, Wellman and Trophy Stall Angles were among the victorious teams when the Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall and Nauth Motor Spares softball competition continued on Sunday last. At GCC, Regal Masters beat Sunrisers by six wickets. Batting first, Sunrisers managed 154 all out in 18.3 overs. Richard Patterson scored 75 while Rajesh Gopaul made 25. David Harper claimed 322, Paul Parsram 3-30, Eric Thomas 2-26 and Mahendra Hardyal 2-32. Regal Masters

June Ogle responded with 155-4 in 18.5 overs. Hardyal struck 51 while Thomas made 45 and Mahendra Arjune 20; D. Sankar had 2-28.

Mahendra Hardyal Wellman beat Floodlights by four wickets. Floodlights took first turn at the crease and got to 167-8. Clive Canterbury made (Continued on page 25)

Saturday August 26, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

GFF Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – Bartica

Rising Stars end 1st round undefeated; round two kicks off on Sept. 2 Cleveloyd Edmunds (left) and Rudolph Cameron - Rivers View FC.

Darnel James (left), Tyrese Gomes and Macquaine Smith - Rising Stars FC.

Ayube Khan (left), Jeremy Marslowe (center) and Ezekiel King - Lazio FC.

Rising Stars ended the first round of the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League undefeated when they edged past Potaro Strikers 3-2 on Thursday afternoon at the Bartica Secondary School ground. In their toughest match of the first round which also ended on Thursday, Rising Stars which ended with an unblemished five wins in as

many matches conceded their first goals of the round including falling behind in the 16th minute when Potaro Strikers’ Daniel Gardener handed his team the lead. This tested the resolve of Rising Stars which not only equalized in the 33rd minute through Dornell James goal but went on to take the lead two minutes later on account of McQuain Smith’s effort. Their one goal cushion

was increased to two on 47 minutes when Tyrese Gomes found the back of the nets and even though Raymond Bacchus netted Potaro Strikers’ second goal in the 49th minute to make it a 3-2 game, Rising Stars was able to keep their opponents at bay to walk away with three more points which solidified their hold at the top of the leader board heading into the second round, next week. Lazio ended in the second place three points adrift of

Rising Stars following a comfortable 5-0 thumping of Strikers FC. Doubles each from

Ramnauth’s all-round heroics hands Upper Corentyne innings victory over NAC A fine all-round performance by Rampertab Ramnauth guided Upper Corentyne to an innings and two runs victory over New Amsterdam Canje when the Berbice Cricket Board Under-13 competition commenced recently at the Young Warriors Cricket Club ground, Cumberland. Winning the toss and electing to bowl, Upper Corentyne managed to restrict New Amsterdam/Canje to a meager 68 in 25 overs. R. Dhanpat top scored with 20 while Justin Meghu contributed 13. Bowling for Upper Corentyne, skipper Rampertab Ramnauth picked up 4 for 9 off his six overs while pacer Dwayne

Williams took 3 for 18 and Matthew Pattaya 2 for 8. In their reply, Upper Corentyne powered to 122-4 off their allotted 30 overs. Ramnauth scored a fine 57 not out which contained five fours. He received valuable support from opener Reyad Rahaman who was bowled by pacer Isia Thorne for 19. Bowling for New Amsterdam Canje, Thorne, Justin Meghu, V. Cyril and G. Kisten took one wicket each. Batting a second time, New Amsterdam/Canje was sent packing for 51. Ramnauth took 2 for 10, Dwayne Williams 1 for 8 and Christopher DeRoop 1 for 16. The competition is being played on a one-day two-innings basis in zones;

Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New

Amsterdam/Canje and West Berbice.

Rampertab Ramnauth

Ayube Khan in the 5th and 12th minute, Ezekiel King 32nd and 43rd and one off the boot of Jeremy Marslowe in the 38th minute carried Lazio to victory handing Strikers their second loss of the round. Thursday’s other match saw Rivers View earning their first points of the competition when they trounced Beacons 3-1, the latter’s fifth loss in as many matches. Hitting eth back of the nets for Rivers View were Cleveloyd Edmunds who achieved a brace in the 12th and 20th minute, the other goal was converted by Rudolph Cameron on 53 minutes. Beacons’ consolation strike was scored by Kyle Caesar in the 47th minute. On Wednesday, Rising Stars had secured full points via the walk over route owing to Rivers View no-show while Potaro Strikers hammered Beacons, 6-0. Goal scorers were, Kristoff Deane 10th & 40th,

Joshua Jones 20th, Lorenzo Cummings 31st, Shamar Stephen 37th and Raymond Bacchus in the 43rd minute. Second round action will commence on September 2nd at the same venue. Results: Wednesday Rising Stars won by walk over from Rivers View. Potaro Strikers 6 Beacons 0 - Kristoff Deane 10th & 40th, Joshua Jones 20th, Lorenzo Cummings 31st, Shamar Stephen 37th, Raymond Bacchus 43rd T h u r s d a y Lazio 5 Strikers 0 - Ayube Khan 5th & 12th, Ezekiel King 32nd & 43rd, Jeremy Marslowe 38th. Potaro Strikers 2 – Daniel Gardener 16th, Raymond Bacchus 49th. Rising Stars 3 – Dornell James 33rd, McQuain Smith 35th, Tyrese Gomes 47th. R iv ers View 3 – Cleveloyd Edmunds 12th & 20th, Rudolph Cameron 53rd. Beacons 1 – Kyle Caesar 47th.

t r o Sp Windies bowlers shine as England struggle

Mark Stoneman was caught by Shane Dowrich off Kemar Roach after managing a total of 19 runs Shannon Gabriel is incredulous after Joe Root is dropped at slip. ©Getty Images

Second Igloo Hockey Festival commences at GCC

Tri-Nation Blind Cricket

Jamaica beat Guyana by eight wickets to take 40-over title

Caribbean’s number one B3 Blind batsman Kevin Douglas hit a six off the final to unbeaten on 100 for Guyana in a losing cause at Malteenoes yesterday.

Old Fort’s Boshani Kaladeen controls the ball against Pizza Hut GCC.

Mayweather and McGregor to fight for incredible ‘Money Belt’ made from 1.5kg of solid gold and 3,360 individual diamonds

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