Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

19 fraud charges...

Tuesday Edition

Matter adjourned as Ali tries for another stay to be granted

August 27, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 36

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday 130,759

Guyana paying uncapped interest rates on loans for oil companies in - University of Stabroek, Orinduik Blocks Houston Instructor Farmer dies while protecting winnings from gambling 24 Guyanese technicians to begin training in Canada for Liza Destiny

A slow day: An operator of the Peter's Hall lifts at the overhead walkway appear to be taking a break yesterday. There are eight other similar lifts between Diamond and Houston, EBD, to be commissioned

Bank of Guyana warns financial institutions…

'Don't ask customers which political parties they backing' Teen killed during Diamond fish shop brawl

Ambulance driver is Deodorant thief turns latest hit-and-run victim interpreter in court p.

16

Legal framework for electoral system repetitive, complicated - Chief Justice p.

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday August 27, 2019

Guyana paying uncapped interest rates on loans for oil companies in Stabroek, Orinduik Blocks - University of Houston Instructor

By Kiana Wilburg

I

n order to fund their exploration and development projects around the world, oil and gas companies use a mixture of loans and liquid cash. But if the “abusive” conditions are in place, a company may have the right incentive to plug more loans

with unreasonable interest rates into their project which could later be recovered.

This is exactly the case with Guyana and the operators of the Orinduik and Stabroek Blocks.

According to the Stabroek and Orinduik Production Sharing Agreements (PSA), Guyana has allowed loans taken by

the companies to be considered eligible recoverable costs regardless of the interest rates.

In the eyes of University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, this arrangement leaves Guyana open to the abusive use of debt by the operators, since Guyana is essentially standing all the costs.

During an exclusive interview, Mitro said, “The treatment of loan interest varies by country and situation. Countries like the USA that have only an

income tax on oil and no production-sharing do allow tax deductions for interest on debt of oil companies.

However, countries like the U.K., Angola and Nigeria that have royalty and special petroleum tax regimes, do not allow tax deductions for interest costs of oil companies.”

The Petroleum Consultant added, “This is due partly to the fact that these governments offer certain investment tax incentives already such as tax credits or special

allowances, and they view interest tax deductions as unnecessary or duplicative.

In some PSAs they do allow interest as part of cost recovery, but that is no longer a common practice.

If it is allowed, it is vital to establish strict rules that prevent potential abuse.”

Mitro said that most common is setting a maximum debt to equity ratio that effectively limits the borrowing to no more than 60-70% of the capital costs.

Also, Mitro said that these regimes may limit the repayment period of the local computations so that interest isn't excessive.

Another common practice the official pointed out is to cap the rate of interest. In this way, Mitro said that governments avoid companies pushing a lot of their corporate debt at inflated rates into the local project merely in order to obtain cost recovery benefit

University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro at the expense of the government. Mitro said that there have been notable cases of abuse such as Chevron in Australia where the authorities accused them of charging interest to their local affiliate at a rate that was well above their actual borrowing rate merely to obtain tax recovery benefits in Australia.

“So I guess my thoughts with regard to Guyana or any country would be that permitting interest as part of cost recovery should ONLY be considered if there are protective caps built in as noted above. Otherwise, the risks become too great of Guyana ending up inadvertently subsidizing the corporate borrowing of mega companies,” Mitro concluded.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 03

APNU, AFC exchange review documents on Cummingsburg Accord

A

m e e t i n g between A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) scheduled for yesterday for a review of the governance agreement did not take place.

Rather, the two sides exchanged documents on the r e v i e w o f t h e Cummingsburg Accord and will meet at a date fixed by their respective leadership after consideration of the documents, APNU explained in a statement.

The two partners are looking to have a new agreement in about a month.

The accord is the official agreement which spells out how the AFC and its coalition partner- the A

Partnership For National Unity (APNU) - would share governance if they won the May 2015 elections.

It was signed on February 14, 2015 by President David Granger, leader of APNU and Khemraj Ramjattan, the leader of AFC. However, it appeared from the copies of the agreement that a small error has been made – the date Granger signed was on February 14, 2014 obviously an error.

The issue of whether the accord remains in force has been raised weeks ago.

With Guyana facing a possibility of heading to early elections following the no-confidence vote of December 21, the accord has become live again.

That last page said that the accord is a sunset agreement with a minimum life span of 36 months and a maximum of 60 months, or for such time within the time period previously stated as decided by the dispute resolution committee adjudicating on its life.

“It is accepted that these arrangements will govern the relationship of the participating parties in both the pre-and post-election periods, for the duration of the 11th parliament,” the accord said.

The Coalition had won the May 2015 election by a slim, one-seat majority but their term in office is under threat from the no-confidence which has been challenged in the courts.

File photo: The APNU and AFC, which forms the governing coalition has exchanged documents for the review of the Cummingsburg Accord, the agreement which spells out how the ministries are to be shared.

24 Guyanese technicians to begin training in Canada for Liza Destiny something wonderful and I know it will serve well in the future,” she said.

The trainees have alluded to their ability to apply certain skills they acquired to their everyday lives. “The work culture helps me to be a better person; promoting safety, working as a team helps with the work place but it can also

O&M Technicians being briefed before leaving for Canada

T

he first batch of G u y a n e s e operations and maintenance (O&M) technicians recruited by ExxonMobil Guyana to work on the FPSO vessel is about to embark on Advanced Systems Training at the Cape Brenton University in Canada.

During the last several months, the 24 technicians were exposed to basic systems training in four disciplines- electrical, m e c h a n i c a l , instrumentation, and operations.

The next 12 months will focus on discipline specific training in each craft.

They have expressed optimism about their ongoing training in Canada and are excited to return home at the end of their exercise in 2020, ExxonMobil said in a statement yesterday.

Earl Williams who is assigned to specialize in the mechanical craft has described the experience so far as life changing. It is the first time he's been away from his family for so long but says he's thrilled to be

given the opportunity and plans to make full use of it.

“I hope to achieve the knowledge, especially in the mechanical field and to be able to execute it efficiently on the FPSO at the best of my ability,” Williams disclosed.

This level of enthusiasm is one shared by his team mates.

Kathy James is one of two females on the team. She sees this as an avenue to represent her country, Guyana.

“I can't find the words to describe how happy I am for this opportunity. It is

help with keeping your family safe and working together,” says Patrick Stewart.

Meanwhile, another trainee, Anthony Allicock, is encouraging young people to approach the oil and gas industry with an open mind.

“As someone who has zero knowledge about technical (continued on page 20)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

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

Challenge for the Police Force - Make Stabroek Market area safe

T

he Stabroek Market area has been taken over (again) by the forces of lawlessness. This is a troubling state of policing; one that must not be allowed to stand for long. It must be reversed and rapidly.

Disregard for law and order is prevalent and in plain sight. There is nothing subtle or in the shadows about what is in full swing in that well-peopled centre of ordinary, man-in-the-street commerce.

It may not be an exaggeration to say that the criminals have taken over the square and threaten the system.

Because if such a high-profile takeover by the lawless, and the needed presence of law enforcement, then the reasonable questions are: where does this leave the lawabiding?

In what kinds of dangerous straits, and on a daily basis, is the small man and woman, left to navigate nervously, if not fearfully? As voiceless as they may be, and as hapless their plight, they ought not to be abandoned to whatever fate awaits them in what has become a truly treacherous place.

Let this first truth be faced. The cler ks and domestics and lower level workers have no choice. Taxis are a luxury, and certainly cannot be thought of for resolution to their situation. Similarly, personal vehicle ownership may be out of reach.

Thus, it is the bus park, and the Stelling and speed boats. The second circumstance is that for variety, availability, quantity, quality, and that all-important price consideration, the Stabroek market cannot be competed with, be it for fruits and vegetables, greens and seafood, as well as dry goods and a whole host of everyday products. It is clearing house, liming spot, drinking place, arrival and jump-off point, and some other activities best left unmentioned.

The commuters and shoppers in and around the Stabroek Square are not the high-toned, well-heeled citizens, who can afford to bypass the Stabroek market and patronise, for the most part, the fancier, pricier, and much safer supermarkets and outlets.

They can go so far (and they do) to sample the broccoli and Brussel sprouts and the flood of foreign fare now available in select places catering to those very needs.

These upwardly mobile (or already well-established) can hold on to their purses, park in reserved areas, browse contentedly, and pay with cheque or card, without looking over shoulder, or sensing ever-present danger, or having to watch for a cast of unsavoury characters.

The Stabroek market people, unfortunately, are not at that stage in life.

The simple people who use, pass through, stop by, and otherwise, need a constant police presence; a robust one, if only for the deterrent effect. Look at what was there for a long time before. There were the touts harassing people; intimidating them, too. There were the minibus drivers and conductors bullying and crowding others out of the line.

There were the hustlers and spotters and players all on the lookout for a mark to help relieve them of their hard-earned cash or possessions. These unruly situations, many times deliberately manufactured, provided the perfect cover to sneak a hand into a pocketbook or pocket; or snatch a watch or grab a chain or phone. In the crush, many a victim did not realise their loss until it was too late.

All of this adds to a generalised atmosphere and sense of chaos. It cannot be left untended. There cannot be either throwing up hands or retreating before the tide.

This much should be made clear: this paper is aware of, and understanding as to, the manpower predicament of the Guyana Police Force.

Such reckless, ill-informed commentary, cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged DEAR EDITOR, In a recent edition of the Kaieteur News, Mr. Oscar Dolphin spouted some of the most ill-informed points of view that I have seen in recent times in a letter, under the headline ‘The government is not illegal’.

Mr. Dolphin ignores accepted points of fact, which are now known to most all Guyanese. I will highlight a few aspects of his letter, to demonstrate how far from reality Mr. Dolphin seems to have comfortably settled.

His very first point, the no-confidence motion was unsuccessful, has to be the most bewildering thing I read.

The apex Court of Guyana, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), ruled that the motion was successful. Headlines in the local daily newspapers screamed this fact on the front pages.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Adrian Saunders, even went as far as saying to the GECOM lawyer that they should be ready for elections.

I am not sure where exactly the writer read that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has an inability to conduct snap elections.

GECOM’s primary function is

to conduct elections, whenever they are called upon to do so.

In his second point, Mr. Dolphin claimed that the Court of Appeal invalidated the No-Confidence Motion.

However, the Motion was challenged on three grounds, and the Court of Appeal only invalidated it on one ground, claiming that the majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly, 65 members, is 34.

The Caribbean Court of Justice subsequently ruled that this was just some bad mathematics and the majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly is, indeed, 33. As such, for emphasis, I repeat that the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that the no-confidence motion was validly and successfully passed.

Thirdly, Mr. Dolphin also claimed the court challenge was to force the Government’s resignation and impose a date for elections.

First, the Caribbean Court of Justice was clear that the Government must act in a caretaker capacity. Second, the Constitution is clear on when elections should be. Article 106 of the Constitution says

elections within three months.

The ill-informed letter writer’s next point is so ludicrous, it is almost laughable.

In 2014, then Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger, protested daily with a handful of people when President Ramotar simply prorogued Parliament, a power he had in the Constitution. The very important point here is that President Ramotar never faced a No-Confidence Motion.

The remainder of Mr. Dolphin’s letter makes me wonder whether he is reading from a copy of the ‘Burnham Constitution’ or if he is being deliberately obtuse.

I make the latter comments, because what is amazing is that the letter writer seems to comprehend that the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that the Government must function in a caretaker capacity.

As such, how does the writer not comprehend that the No-Confidence Motion triggers elections within three months, in accordance with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution?

It appears the writer does not understand the concept of a No-Confidence Motion.

The people elect the Members of the National Assembly, the National Assembly declared no confidence in the Government, thus cutting their term in office short. As a result, elections should have been held since March 21, 2019.

Mr. Dolphin’s attempt to paint the Government as legal and righteous and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as the ‘bad guys’ must be rejected by all Guyanese – regardless of which side of the political fence they stand.

Such reckless, ill-informed commentary, that is blatantly false, cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged.

The facts of today’s situation are clear. A no-confidence motion was validly and successfully passed.

The APNU/AFC Coalition Government has fallen.

Elections should have been held since March 21, 2019.

Our Constitution, the supreme law of the land, must be respected and upheld.

I, therefore, urge all rightthinking Guyanese to reject these falsehoods contained in that letter, and to join in demanding that the Constitution of Guyana be upheld.

Yours sincerely, Roodi Balgobin, MBA

Proselytizing the minds of Guyanese into a belief nated objectively. For ex- consideration must be afsmelled the propaganda he ample, he could have given forded to one and all, as a in falsehoodwas apparently selling, reek- his considered estimation of body of voters. On the other

DEAR EDITOR, I write in relation to an article in the Sunday August 25, 2019 edition of your newspaper, on page 35, captioned, ‘Mr. Jagdeo, let GECOM do its work; you do yours’ written by Lincoln Lewis in his column, ‘Eye on Guyana’, which seems to me as a piece wishing to proselytize the minds of Guyanese into a belief in falsehood.

Firstly, I must say that the writer seemed to have been going so well with his logic from the outset of his piece, but when he gets into his 7th paragraph - where he is saying that in this era, national interest is being subsumed by partisan interest - I could have

ing.

What is GECOM’s role in this whole mess? Who is partisan and who isn’t? All Guyanese know the status quo - that there are 6 GECOM Commissioners - 3 for Opposition side, 3 for Government side. It seems that that said learned writer is taking the rationale that citizens must exercise their voting franchise only whenever GECOM gives them that right, even if that takes a turtle’s time.

Instead, I suggest that that said learned writer could have given his views about the upcoming election, since that is really the crux of the issue at hand to keep us readers abreast of news dissemi-

It is caught in a bind with less than enthusiastic responses to recruitment drives. And when the less than desirable numbers are attracted, this is then whittled down by the continuing loss of trained ranks to one or another breach of law or policy or procedure. It is an uphill struggle made more gruelling by the pay scale and other benefits conditions of the police profession, which leave it undermanned and, to some extent, unable to plug vital spots.

A serious and thorough examination of where things are, and what is required to make a difference, would go far in terms of more recruiting numbers.

In the meantime, limited resources and low morale and all, the GPF has to stand the line and deliver that sense of security which comes with a uniform presence in the neighbourhood of the Stabroek market. This is an ongoing test case, a very visible one, as to what is needed desperately, and what cannot be left alone. If not here, then where next?

the Election Date, and why, which is the hottest topic right now - and this would have been a better objective exercise.

As I see it, my views, which I wish to share openly with Mr. Lewis, views which may well prove themselves correct later, or not, are that a viable, early and wholly legal Elections Date can’t be a day - choosing a day Monday to Saturday, and excluding all Sundays - any earlier than December 2nd. Let me explain.

Should Nomination Day be October 29 (which is an excellent yardstick to use in the interim as it gives GECOM nine (9) weeks to get its house in order) GECOM should use its Constitutional strength not to flout the “not less than 32 days before Election” stipulation, guaranteed a nominee under Article 103 (5) of the Constitution, and firmly set December 2 as Election Day. GECOM’s consideration must cater to the bordering right deserving of one set of its clients and customers, eligible voters, in conjunction with another set of its clients and customers, nominees. To invoke one’s Article 159 (1) and Article 162 (a) and (b) rights, careful vetting and

hand, a fair campaign period for all nominees to run their respective platforms must be given, as these persons have been hailing from all the ten Regions, all waiting anxiously, some even at GECOM’s doorsteps in the rain or hot sun.

GECOM must undertake with a skilfully executed time management Matrix, and only perform all the necessary but constraining tasks of holding the 2019 Election quickly.

This is a time where tardiness is unwarranted, I suggest.

Once the facilitation of the printing of the new OLE, if at all deemed necessary by the GECOM Chair, and the corresponding distribution to all Polling Stations of material is planned, then let us execute it ASAP. What is also certain is that Guyanese politicians would be grilled this elections on whatever promises they bring to the people to win a majority government. A promise should be a true Politician’s bond. The key word being, should.

The reality that our beloved Guyana faces is this - a continuance ad nauseam of citizens bearing the brunt of criminals plying their trade (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Leave Guyana’s trees alone DEAR EDITOR, When we see headlines emblazoning our newspapers about leading “logging” in any “region”, it is a patent denial of the much touted “Low Carbon” policy fostered by the Kingdom of Norway.

Evidently denudation of our Forests is an ongoing feature of the Guyana life.

Another distinct feature of these reports which seemingly brag about the volume of natural product - never a word is uttered concerning what money is earned by the nation. To make things worse, workers occupied in the logging, mining, and the advent of oil and gas industries, pay taxes on their labour. This action is effectively subsidizing the purchase of the very ex-

port they already own.

The State vainly compensates its coffers after being short-changed by the buyer.

Of course this should not happen, but the effect punishes the already deprived citizen.

Natural products require constitutional protection against exploitative practices and erroneous disadvantageous taxation. The removal of trees ought to be categorised as a crime against humanity and certainly against a World Heritage Site.

No one will thank you for destroying your own country.

Neither are they impressed with anybody’s ostentatious hypocrisy. The nation must be informed on amounts paid or any exported product. We

hear loud references about “first oil”, is there anything said towards “First Oil Money?” For Guyana, a rather comical term.

Truth is, First Oil was in the ground from the first day of creation.

Those who wish to live in a treeless country are encouraged to reside in places of the Middle East and such like.

Leave Guyana’s trees alone.

Guyanese need to see our country as being stripped and drained of its vitals. A spirit of nationalism is needed throughout South America.

As at date of writing, the world of fire fighters must descend on the Amazon in order to save the entire world.

Send out the SOS. John De Barros

Where is the power promised by the Govt?

DEAR EDITOR, In June, the government announced with great fanfare that they would be improving the situation by getting excess power from Giftland. https://dpi.gov.gy/gplgiftland-mall-in-power-purchase-agreement/ From what I can see, the power poles are sitting wait-

ing to get the excess power, but not actually connected.

And yet we continue to suffer the same level of blackouts - if not worse.

Minister Patterson promised better power - but why can’t we get access to the Giftland Mall power if as stated it’s cheaper and ready to be accessed?

I think the media can at least help to bring clarity to basic questions - what is the government waiting for to make this happen?

I’m fed up with blackouts, especially when I drive past Giftland Mall and they still have all their lights on!

Sincerely Avinash Persaud

GIFTLAND MALL AND GPL DEAR EDITOR, I have been following this ongoing saga with the Giftland Mall and GPL Power Supply, and it appears that the government does not want to purchase power from the Giftland Mall.

Mr. Beepat (Chairman of the Giftland Group) has stated that his supply cost is cheaper than GPL Diesel Engines, and had offered power at a competitive price to GPL. In other articles, the CEO of GPL has stated that lines have already been installed and they are awaiting connection, therefore I can presume that the interconnection is not an issue.

I actually met an engineer from Manitoba Power Company last year who informed me that this was a viable option and it was being

implemented, and that many man hours have been spent on ironing out the details. This leads me to conclude that there is no political will by this government to purchase power and the residents of the East Coast of Demerara be damned, and must continue to suffer with the constant blackouts.

To further add, I was at the Giftland Mall on Sunday night, and was thinking that this was the largest and most significant social and commercial development project in our history, and it has brought joy and convenience to all Guyanese and visitors. Has our President ever visited the Giftland Mall in the four years that it has been opened?

Regards, Kumar Diodat

Whoever made those oil deals, you could have done better DEAR EDITOR, I felt somewhat disappointed when I read of the two percent royalty that Guyana would be receiving from Exxon. Then I thought of the opportunities our people would be having.

Then came the 1% recoverable royalty in the Orinduik deal. That 1% reminded me of my school days in Guyana. A neighbour of mine was attending high school in Georgetown.

His parents were very proud of him. After years of

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Kaieteur News

attending classes, he wrote ten subjects.

When he got his results, his father was very disappointed. Out of ten subjects, he only passed one.

His father said to him, “If you had failed all of the subjects and got none, I would have been more satisfied,

knowing that you are a damn dunce; but you passed one subject, that tells me that you could have done better.”

So to whoever made those oil deals. You could have done better.

Respectfully, J.C. Grant-Stuart Toronto, Canada

The ball is now in the GECOM Chair’s court DEAR EDITOR, It is now crystal clear that regional and general elections cannot be held within the constitutionally prescribed period - that is, before September 18, 2019. The Granger administration has utilised all the delaying tactics imaginable to circumvent the effects of the No-confidence vote, including recourse to the Courts, and its apparent control over GECOM prior to the CCJ’s ruling on the illegality of the unilateral appointment of the previous Chairman.

The challenge now is for the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commis-

sion to stamp her authority as someone who is prepared to uphold constitutional rule and the rule of law. In this regard, she is well advised to, without any further delay, indicate to President Granger of GECOM’s readiness to hold elections within the shortest possible time, having regard to the fact that the elections were already long overdue.

Ideally, consensus among GECOM Commissioners on the issue of GECOM’s readiness would have been a preferred and desirable approach, but this is highly unlikely, given the entrenched and uncompromising partisan

stance taken by the three Government-nominated Commissioners on the issue of house-to-house registration.

The Government-nominated Commissioners seem bent on applying maximum delaying tactics in clear violation of the Constitution, which if allowed to continue, would render the Constitution ineffective.

The Chairman of GECOM already has her job cut out by the decisions of the CCJ as they pertain to the timeframe within which elections should be held. The ball is now in her Court.

Hydar Ally

On the subject of mental health DEAR EDITOR, I have mental health problems. I have had it for nearly twenty years. It is not something that I am ashamed of or need to hide. I am fortunate to live in a society where the majority of people are understanding and tolerant of mental health problems.

Today there is more understanding in society of people with mental health.

Yet, some people still discriminate against people with mental health.

I do not discriminate against anyone. Be it for gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, mental health, etc. It does not mean that I need to have the same viewpoint of

someone with say, as an example, who is religious. As long as you do not treat people differently based on their religious beliefs, then that is not discrimination.

Discrimination is when you would knowingly treat someone differently because they are a man/woman, based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Remember: many of Guyana’s Laws were enacted when there was little understanding of mental health in comparison to today. If you must know, I lead a life just like everyone else. I take medication (an injection that lasts a month) that helps me.

One in sixteen people

have had a psychosis problem in the UK (that is about 4 million people).

Since I have lived with mental health for nearly twenty years, I am aptly qualified to speak about the effects of discrimination and its negative impact on people’s lives, especially people’s attitudes and behaviours towards others with disabilities.

The trick is to not pretend that you have an ordinary life.

But to accept the situation that you are in and make the most of the opportunities as they present themselves – work opportunities, socialising opportunities, etc.

Yours Faithfully Sean Ori

Proselytizing the minds of Guyanese...

From page 4 and escalating our crime rate daily, increased poverty, which has resulted in tens of thousands of teenagers and other youths being counted amongst the ones charged and convicted with thefts, with no corresponding form of rehabilitation or reformation undertaken by the State, and is a variable in the aforesaid unacceptable escalating crime rate.

There is also a resulting body of senior citizens who are essentially living meagerly by one ludicrous monthly payout amount to

the next, atrocious unemployment statistics, lethargic politicians, rampant corruption by policemen, public servants, a belabouring body of despotic and insensitive leaders both in the past, and in this current government to the needs of the poor.

And we must not forget thieves everywhere pillaging Guyanese resources whether occupying high Guyanese offices or foreigners, systemic discrimination faced by government-job seekers who are UG graduates, children displaced from broken homes and being beaten by police

and charged as criminals and placed before the courts instead of the State social security system looking after them, private back-room deals made by both past and current Ministers of Government, mediocre health care (even all our Presidents and Prime Ministers, went overseas for their treatments obviously seeking betterment) etc. etc.

Yours truly, M. Shabeer Zafar Barrister Solicitor Notary (Windsor, Ontario), Former Berbice attorney-at-law

PAGE 6

This is a disgrace in a democracy DEAR EDITOR, House-to-House Registration was unreasonably and deliberately unleashed by the caretaker Granger Government to delay and to ultimately deny the benefits of the No Confidence Motion (NCM) which was passed more than eight months ago.

It is simply a fraud by GECOM to initiate House-toHouse Registration after six months of the passage of the NCM. Guyanese need to be convinced that GECOM is functioning independently from government. Without a doubt, such a useless and dubious registration process will push the regional and national elections way past 2020, because it simply takes time to arrive at an accurate database and this is why House-to-House registration was unreasonably unleashed six months after the passage of the NCM. All of this is dead wrong, irrational, unacceptable and deliberate deception

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

which is fraud. Guyanese are convinced that the existing database can be updated through claims and objections, and can be used to satisfy the constitutional requirements triggered by the passage of the NCM, in a fair election.So those who are upholding such a fraud are obviously enabling the administration to deny the no confidence motion. This is a disgrace in a democracy.

It would only be morally right for those who are in the capacity to bring House-toHouse registration to a halt, to immediately do so. Further, such a registration process is a colossal waste of much needed tax dollars. It is marred with problems.

House-to-House registration only serves the purpose of enabling government to disrespect our constitution and to trample our democracy in the most lawless and vulgar way to remain in power.

This has to be traumatic for

the Guyanese people.

Moreover, it needs to be reminded that the NCM is a democratic tool which allows citizens in a democracy to bring an end to an unfit government in power. So why deny the NCM and act as if it has no place in a democracy?

Civilized nations do not behave this way. This is the only country on this planet to trample the benefits of the passage of a NCM. This is the kind of lawless reputation Guyana has earned under the Granger Government.

And last but not least, I must point out the sufferings in this country under the incumbent administration by highlighting that there are not even functional morgues in many parts of our country.

With that said, I call on all those who are in charge to do the decent thing by demanding that Mr. Granger call elections now.

Sincerely, Annie Baliram (PhD)

What we need for our sugar industry is…

DEAR EDITOR, Many of us Guyanese are appalled at the closing down of some of the sugar estates here in Guyana by the incumbent national administration, as we know that sugar and its byproducts are still in demand on the world and local markets.

The three biggest producers of sugar are Brazil, India and the European Union.

The most common application of sugar is as a sweetener.

It can be found in virtually any food nowadays, although health awareness is causing a decreasing use of sugar as a sweetener.

The use of sugar in food production is not solely for its sweetening effect. It can also function as a preservative to protect certain food from spoiling.

Sugar is a major input in the production of ethanol.

Due to environmental awareness, the demand for bio fu-

The political culture in the Rupununi districts of Region Nine is parochial DEAR EDITOR, The political culture in the Rupununi districts of Region Nine is parochial. The natives living here are straggled in a complex geographical layout of vast Savannah lands and rivers; where they are not aware of a political process or structure, and with no explicitly political skills, as often the case is with tribal groups of African nations and indigenous people living in the Latin and South American countries.

There is the very long absence of print, radio and television media coverage; they are deprived of a modern communication system, information communication technology (ICT) for information sharing, educational research and networking. Poor road infrastructure and unreliable transportation services; substandard building materials for the construction of schools and hospitals, etc., have all contributed to the breeding ground, for a parochial culture to exist in the hinterland regions of our country.

This has resulted in our locals, all being vulnerable to political vultures of manipulation, cheap hand-outs, schemes and fairytale stories, that have compelled them into an insular frame of mind, of which the former PPP regime took advantage, to harness and insulate this type of system for over a period of two decades or so.

Nevertheless, there has been a shift in this type of political culture in most recent times; where a more or less subject culture is now being patterned here in the Rupununi.

The introduction of radio stations and television, with free internet service connected to various parts of region nine, including Masekenari, in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, has crystallized the political atmosphere, where the natives are now identifying themselves in full support with the system that’s being put in place, and is a testament to the change of the political landscape in the Rupununi.

Residents in the town of Lethem, along with other villages and Guyanese living in neighbouring Bonfim, Brazil, can now tune into Radio Lethem, 95.1FM and NCN television to get authentic information and updates on what is going on in other parts of our country and afar.

Our children attending both primary and secondary schools will have the opportunity to close the educational gap between them and their coastal counterparts, with access to free internet service and the training they have received in information communication technology.

The students at Bina Hill training institute, of Annai village, North Rupununi, are also equipped with these modern communication facilities; while other training programmes are readily available to them.

Tour operators and others involved in eco-tourism are also taking the opportunity to market their activities via internet service, with offers such as: bird-watching, Rupununi wildlife adventures, indigenous art and craft; traditional foods and beverages.

This ongoing connectiv-

ity to the poor, rural and hinterland communities will make these activities even better for the number one eco-tourism destination in the world.

There are several other government-sponsored projects that are in progress, and that will be of long-term benefits to the people here.

Most notable, the ongoing construction of the long awaited 3.8 km double-lane asphalt road in the commercial zone of Lethem.

Over fifteen deep wells were drilled to the depths of 100-200 metres in the various sub-districts to ease the water woes and burdens of the people in the indigenous communities. This initiative was engineered with much urgency, by GWI, in collaboration with a Brazilian drilling company. On-the-spot recommendations and decisions were made in the fields by Dr. Van-West Charles, and his hard working hinterland crew, headed by Mr. Ramchand Jailall and Mr. John Yow (Jr) of Lethem. Such improved water transmission and distribution systems will ensure an adequate supply of quality water during the long periods of dry spells in the Rupununi.

Unfortunately, the APNU/ AFC coalition was put on pause and placed in an awkward position, to administer the affairs of the country effectively, when the opposition PPP moved a no confidence motion against them last 21st December, which was validly passed by the Speaker of the National Assembly. Thereby, requiring general election be held within three months.

However, tense political gridlock followed the motion, where a number of legal chal-

lenges came from both sides of the house to justify the validity of the no confidence motion, and with the appointment of retired judge, James Patterson, as the chairman of GECOM. These matters were brought to the attention of both the high and appeal courts respectfully, but the decisions handed down by the latter, did not go down well in the political arena of our country. Hence, these matters were referred to the CCJ. Mark Anthony Rodrigues

els is increasing. Sugar is becoming the popular input in this production process, as the efficiency of sugar is significantly higher than corn.

Health awareness has made a major impact on the use of sugar in food production.

The numerous studies on the effect of sugar in human diets have not been entirely conclusive on the severity of the impact on human health.

They do agree however that high sugar consumption can increase the chance for one or more of the following conditions: obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, teeth deterioration and even Alzheimer’s disease.

The awareness of these harmful effects has caused food producers to reduce sugar content levels in their products.

There are four different types of sugar contracts traded on various exchanges around the world.

Similar to many other agricultural commodities, the weather can greatly influence the supply of sugar and thus the price.

Bad weather conditions can damage the crops and reduce the s u p p l y. I n t h e s e s i t u a tions the price will rise significantly as demand will remain high.

Demand for sugar is continuing to rise, because sugar is no longer exclusively used in food production, but also as an input in the production of biofuels.

The increasing environmental awareness is causing a rise in the demand for bio fuels, in which sugar is an important input material.

Sugar is replacing corn as the leading input in bio fuel production, because of its efficiency advantage over corn.

These two factor combined are raising the demand for sugar and should be monitored in order to be able to make a realistic and calculated price forecast.

Governments from virtually every country are exercising influence in the pricecreation of sugar.

This is either done by subsidizing the farmers and manufacturers or by limiting the import/export of their country.

This may result in significant price difference between countries. Apart from price differences, governmental intervention will also affect the regular market workings. This may result in highly volatile market prices and unexpected price shifts.

Health awareness has a negative effect on the demand for sugar. Recent studies are instructing the population on the negative effects of large sugar consumption.

This causes producers to reduce sugar content in their products or use substitutes.

What we need for our sugar industry is better sales outlets and tactics nationally and internationally.

Yours Rooplall Dudhnath

Self interest trumps morality?

DEAR EDITOR, I read, with not a little consternation, a report in the Friday 16th August publication of your newspaper, about an article appearing in Prensa Latina attributed to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, alleging that the British were in the process of completing a base located on one of the islands at the mouth of the Essequibo River intended for the training of “sabotage espionage” groups whose mission is to perpetrate terroristic acts in Venezuela.

I trotted out my decrepit, but detailed map of Guyana, and identified five named islands at the mouth of the Essequibo River. These are Wakenaam, Leguan, Hog Island, Fort Island and Troolie Island.It is possible, but indeed so remotely possible as to be highly improbable, that the assertions made by Ms. Zakharova can be supported by an atom’s mass of evidence. I would go a step further to say that it is rubbish. Absolute poppycock!

And the Russians know, or should know it, given their extraordinary surveillance capabilities, arguably on par with that of the US. A claim such as the one made by Ms. Zakharova should not be based on secondhand evidence, but supported by incontrovertible facts.There are several reasons why Guyana would not allow its territory to be used as a terrorist base, and I shall try to enumerate some of them.Firstly, why would Guyana risk the possibility of armed conflict with Venezuela to advance the cause of refu-

gees, even if their cause is a just one? We are meeting our obligation to them by providing food, shelter, and education where necessary.

Secondly, should Guyana choose to embark on such an ill-advised course of action, why would it select a location easily exposed to public scrutiny instead of some remote jungle area of which there are many?

Finally, speaking strictly from a foreign policy perspective, should Mr Maduro be overthrown and be replaced by Mr Guaido, can we say that the latter would be more inclined to stop this avaricious claim to a large swathe of our country?

As far as I am aware Mr Guaido has not stated his position on the matter. So we don’t care who is in charge over there. That is an internal matter. It can be unwise to form conclusions when one is not in possession of all the facts. Still, I cannot help noting that Venezuela’s economy is in shambles, and the fact that country is heavily indebted to both Russia and China is widely known. Naturally, the Russians would like to have this debt settled and are fully cognisant of the fact that Guyana may soon become one of the countries with the highest income per capita as a result of offshore oil. Mr Maduro is still trying to revive a long settled territorial dispute, and his claim has seemingly become more spirited because of Guyana’s windfall. As indicated earlier, it may not be a good idea to form hasty judgement, so further I say not.

Colbert Wilson

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 7

CJIA advertises for cambio operators; maintenance of boarding bridges, escalators The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is inviting operators of the cambio and food concessions and contractors to maintain its passengers bridges.

In an advertisement published on Sunday in Kaieteur News, the CJIA called for Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the cambio concessions at the Timehri facilities.

The airport is also asking for operators of the food/restaurant and bar concessions and an indigenous products kiosk.

The airport is also asking for contractors to maintain its four passenger boarding bridges; its escalators and elevators and aircraft line. There will also be an opportunity to an operator for a fixed-based operator with responsibilities for a hangar.

The airport is currently undergoing a major renovation to the tune of US$150M. The airport in reality was supposed to have a new terminal building and longer runway.

However, the old terminal building has been renovated and almost nine years after the contract to design and build with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) was signed under the outgoing administration of Bharrat Jagdeo, the project is still ongoing.

The designs have been grossly modified with the Auditor General signaling intentions to perform a special probe. The advertisement on Sunday would give a clear idea that the airport would be outsourcing many of the services.

The CJIA has advertised for contractors to maintain its four passenger bridges and elevators

PAGE 8

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Investigators continue probe of American Airline runway incident Investigators of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) are continuing their probe of the incident last Wednesday night which temporarily crippled an American Airline plane.

According to the authority yesterday, the investigations will conclude next week with a public statement to be issued shortly after.

On Wednesday August 21, 2019 at approximately 00:30 hrs, American Airlines Flight No. AA1512 destined to Miami, United States was executing a left turn on the runway (RWY 06) threshold for takeoff.

According to the GCAA, at this time, the pilot of the Airbus 319 aircraft, registration N9025B, taxied by back tracking the Runway 06 in order to position the aircraft

for takeoff on RWY 06.

On the pilot’s attempt to make the 180 degree turnaround at the existing threshold of RWY 06, the nose gear and right undercarriage wheels came into contact with the cables and temporary threshold lights which were positioned before the transverse strip.

The authority said that the transverse strip identifies the threshold of the runway.

“Contact with the temporary threshold lights punctured three wheels of the aircraft (the two nose wheels and the outer right side main gear wheel). Investigation into the incident is ongoing by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, however, preliminary findings suggest that the temporary threshold lights were before the transverse strip and not behind. In addition, the housing (case) of temporary threshold lights were not frangible. These factors are seen as probable contributory causes for the incident.”

The Cheddi Jagan

International Airport (CJIA) last week in a statement said that a notice had been issued to pilots to be cautious around the area.

This latest incident would have followed another, just over a week ago, in which an arriving AA plane was forced to divert to Trinidad after the runway lights went down.

The airport had installed temporary lights while fixing the problem.

The entire airport, including the runway, is being renovated to the tune of US$150M, with the project dragging on for nine years now.

The CJIA had made it clear

that these temporary threshold lights were put in place by the China Harbour Engineering Company, its contractor, to facilitate the runway extension works.

“The appropriate Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was previously issued to advise of these works, and for pilots to exercise caution when in the vicinity of the threshold.

The 128 passengers and five crew members were transported from the aircraft to the terminal building via airport buses.”

American Airlines is flying the Miami, Florida route and is set to introduce the New York leg in December.

GCAA said yesterday that it is continuing to probe last week’s late night incident which left an American Airline plane disabled.

Vergenoegen man critical after row over alcohol money An East Bank Essequibo (EBE) resident is now in a critical state at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC), after he was severely chopped by his drinking partner over money to buy alcohol.

According to reports, 45year-old Trevor Scott of Lot 69 Vergenoegen Housing Scheme, was imbibing alcohol with a friend on Saturday evening, when an argument broke out as to who should buy the last bottle of rum.

As the argument escalated, Scott reportedly left the shop and went in the direction of his home.

As he approached his house, the suspect reportedly attacked him from behind with a cutlass, and dealt him several chops to his back and head.

Kaieteur News was told that because of the wounds he sustained, Scott immediately fell to the ground, and after seeing this, the suspect discarded the cutlass and ran away from the scene.

The victim’s wife told Kaieteur News that the men would usually go to the corner shop to drink rum, and they were never any fight between them about buying rum.

Scott was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient.

The wife of the victim also stated that she is very upset with the officers at the Leonora Police station, because several reports were made concerning the matter.

It was claimed that the police failed to show up at the scene to take statements from anyone.

When contacted a police officer at the station told this newscast that the suspect is still on the run.

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Anil, Frank not Irfaan stand better chance of unseating Granger at next elections - poll Preliminary results of an opinion poll on the upcoming elections has revealed that People Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, is not favoured with party supporters.

Rather, his colleagues including Anil Nandlall, Dr. Frank Anthony and Dr. Vindhya Persaud stands a better chance at winning the elections against President David Granger.

The “nationwide” opinion poll were conducted by Turkeyen Research and Polling Institute (TRPI)—an initiative headed by Trinidadborn political analyst, Dr. Kirk Meighoo.

The survey exercise has queried potential voters on their opinions on the current political situation and related developments, including popular support for aspiring presidential candidates, would-be challengers of President Granger, and other issues.

Preliminary examination of the data, TRPI says, shows that a majority of the country wants elections within weeks.

In terms of the PPP’s political support in the upcoming election, the group noted that a significant number of persons are critical of Ali being chosen as the party’s presidential candidate.

Swing voters in particular appear to reject him unanimously.

“What is notable is that Mr. Ali is rebuffed even by most PPP supporters who appear to prefer the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, and to a lesser extent, Dr. Frank Anthony, in some areas. Mr. Ali’s support is low even in his h o m e t o w n o n t h e We s t Coast and surrounding areas, while Nandlall corners almost all the support on the Corentyne and is split with Dr. Anthony elsewhere. From what we see so far, on a national basis, Mr. Ali is only ahead of Dr. Vindhya Persaud as the PPP Presidential candidate.

This shows national disaffection with the Opposition as well.”

According to Meighoo, interestingly enough, it is

APNU supporters (rather than PPP supporters) who seem most in favour of Ali as the PPP’s presidential candidate- but they have indicated they will not vote for him.

“Indeed, the polling results seem to suggest that President Granger will have his easiest battle against Ali and toughest against Anthony and Nandlall.”

Meanwhile, the survey results from Region Six East Berbice/Corentyne where some 150 potential voters were interviewed from an ethnic viewpoint, support for the political parties is as follows from Region 6: 93% of Indians support the PPP. However, 4% was found to support APNU + AFC; 3% are undecided. Amongst Africans, 26% will vote PPP, 69% APNU+AFC, and 5% undecided.

The number of Amerindians polled in the region was too low to provide a representative sample, Meighoo said, but the vast majority of those polled (83%) would vote for the APNU+AFC, with 17% vot-

Dem boys seh ...

Uncle Freddie pick pun cherry juice Guyana got some people who can criticize nuff things. Tek Uncle Freddie. He go to buy cherry juice at Royal Castle and he got to pay some money. He didn’t like de price; he feel de cherry juice was too dare.

Dem boys know that if you buy cherry juice from a lady at de corner it gun be cheap because she ain’t got overhead expense; she probably mek de juice wid less cherry and nuff sugar. Royal Castle got to mek de juice wid a big machine and keep it cool. All of that cost electricity.

In de real world everybody know that when dem go to certain places a beer that does sell fuh three dollars dem does have to pay three times that sum when dem go to buy de same beer at a night club. Dem don’t complain like Uncle Freddie.

Dem boys who does drink vodka does pay what a bottle cost fuh three shots and dem don’t complain. If people don’t want to pay wha people ask dem can either mek dem

own drink or look fuh de cheapest.

Is de same thing wid food. Some place does charge three thousand dollar for a plate of food but de people at de corner does charge five hundred dollars. Who like complain don’t have to buy de expensive food.

If a man get on a minibus to go home he gun pay less than one hundred dollars but if he tek a taxi he gun pay five times that. He can complain but if he refuse to tek de taxi dem got a whole lot of people line up to tek he place.

If he walk he ain’t got to pay nutten till is time to buy new footwear.

Dem boys never hear Uncle Freddie complain bout free food. Once he don’t have to pay anybody can charge any price. He didn’t talk about de taste of de cherry juice at Royal Castle. De juice probably more rich and tasty than dem odda juice but only Uncle Freddie know.

Talk half and tell people bout de taste.

ing for the PPP. For the mixed population, 23% support the APNU + AFC; while 67% support the PPP. Overall, the total support for the parties in Region 6 amongst all ethnic groups is: 69% PPP, 28% APNU+AFC, 3% undecided.

TRPI noted that the opinion poll is conducted at a time when Guyana is due for elections under controversial circumstances.

“At the same time, Guyana is on the threshold of a new economic trajectory with the coming on-stream of immense quantities of oil and gas production, with the increased involvement of international actors in the Guyanese economic and policy orbit,” TRPI noted.

The group noted that it is not affiliated with any political party.

“The polling association seeks to educate the nation

and the international community on the country’s collective views on varied matters of public importance. I have been commissioned to supervise this survey and communicate its purpose and findings to various stakeholders.”

Online research showed Meighoo being described as a political scientist in Trinidad and would have contested elections there too.

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Lindens freak storm...

Affected residents to receive assistance by tomorrow Linden Residents affected by Friday’s freak storm, which damaged several rooftops and flooded homes, are expected to get much needed relief from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), according to Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figuiera.

The Region 10 MP said that Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, under whose purview the Commission falls, would have responded positively to the call for assistance, and committed to providing same.

“Wednesday latest, the Civil Defence team, would be coming here, to render assistance,” Figuiera said.

Figuiera thanked the Banks DIH Linden Branch, for also offering support in the form of milk, water and biscuits.

He pointed out that because some persons are known to take advantage of such situations, the Civil Defence team would be working in collaboration with the RDC in identifying persons that were affected by the storm.

Some of the materials to be provided, include zinc sheets, hammer, nails and other items.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, who is presently on vacation, said that affected families will also

be given food hampers and cleaning supplies by the RDC. Torrential rainfall Friday afternoon swamped Republic Avenue and other areas across Linden, and neighbouring Communities, pummelling rooftops, sending scores of zinc sheets flying, with residents in hot pursuit to retrieve them.

Among the buildings that lost zinc sheets was the Mackenzie High School.

Central Mackenzie suffered severe flooding, with key business places on Republic Avenue suffering the brunt of the flood waters.

According to a release from the Region’s Regional Democratic Council, residents from Moblissa to Blue Berry Hill and other Communities around Linden were affected by the storm, which ripped through roofs and walls.

Chairman Morian said that a team is currently assessing the extent of damage, which he estimates will be in the “vicinity of millions”.

“This was a big storm and it has left many residents with …damaged homes, we are therefore seeking assistance at the RDC, so that we can render needed assistance to several families.

The damage is severe, and I figure that it will be in the vicinity of millions, so we are seeking assistance to help some 100 families, who would

have been severely affected.

Among the materials needed urgently, are 100 16feet zinc sheets, 100 food hampers and cleaning agents in any amount.

Morian said that the collective damage is beyond the capacity of the Region to deal with.

He pointed out that most of the damage to homes was seen on Blue Berry Hill but added that there was also significant damage in Victory Valley.

“In the Valley, some people would have lost pig pens after trees fell on them, but the good news is that one sawmill owner has committed to supplying some building materials to help these persons rebuild.”

Environmentalist Samuel Wright has blamed the flooding on indiscriminate dumping of garbage, which clogs drains and said, “This is a wake-up call to residents to stop littering!”

Meanwhile, on the Wismar Shore, residents suffered mostly damaged roofs and power outage, after power lines and poles broke or otherwise got damaged.

According to informed sources at the Linden Utility Services COOP Society Limited, (LUSCSL) two transformers were damaged and now have to be replaced.

Power poles also had to be replaced.

Repairs to a Linden home underway “We worked until about midnight last night (Friday) to restore power after poles went down in Wisroc,” Supervisor

and Operations Manager (ag) Berkley Joseph told this newspaper.

Joseph said that work had

to be resumed early Saturday morning, and continued throughout the day as (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 13

Teen killed during Diamond fish shop brawl

E

ighteen year-old Rivaldo Williams died at the Diamond Hospital from multiple stab wounds after being embroiled in an altercation with several men in Diamond, East Bank Demerara on Sunday night.

Grieving relatives of the teen yesterday said that several family members were returning from a wedding ceremony in Diamond Housing Scheme and decided to stop at the Sin City Nightclub and Fish Shop for a snack when the incident happened.

The business is located not far from the entrance to the busy access road.

His sister, Faneisa Jairam, said that her brother had entered the fish shop with a few friends.

She said some time passed and they did not come out and she ventured into the shop and realized that her brother and his friends were in a heated argument with a group of young men, who were consuming alcohol.

She said before she could intervene a fight broke out.

The young girl said that she attempted to pull her

Mom, Camille Williams, and other relatives were inconsolable at their Friendship home yesterday

brother out of the melee, but one of the men hit her on the head with a bottle causing her to lose consciousness. She said when she came to she was lying next to her brother inside the Diamond Hospital.

Other relatives who were waiting in the bus outside the fish shop said they saw a group of young boys sprinting from the facility.

They ventured inside and

stumbled on Williams lying on the ground in a pool of blood, with stab wound to the left chest, abdomen, face and head.

He was rushed to the Diamond Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police has so far taken the fish shop owner into custody.

Another person has also been detained.

His mother, Camille

Williams, was inconsolable when Kaieteur visited the home of the family at 37 Friendship Village, East Bank Demerara yesterday.

She called for justice for a son she lost when he was at such a young age.

The drinking spot where the incident occurred Sunday night.

Killed: Rivaldo Williams

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Teen jailed for robbing furniture store and attacking owner

A

nineteen-yearold teenage boy was yesterday sentenced to prison after he appeared in court to answer to a robbery with violence charge.

Imran Persaud, a miner from Hadfield Street, Georgetown, stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where the charge was read to him.

Persaud pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on June 1, 2019 at Lot 333 Cummings Street, Georgetown he stole $400, 000, US$500 and one DVR, property of Kamran Shaikh .

The charge also stated that at the time of the robbery or immediately after he used violence on Shaikh.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, the victim is a businessman and the owner of a home furniture store on Cummings Street. Shaikh and the defendant are known to each other as Shaikh was once the employer of the defendant who worked for him for a couple of days.

Prior to the incident the two had a misunderstanding and Persaud quit.

On the day in question, between 9:00hrs and 10:00hrs, the victim arrived at his place of business where he saw the defendant and another man in his store.

The two men then confronted the victim and Persaud dealt the victim a lash to his head leaving him with injuries.

The court heard that after the two robbers confronted the victim they relieved him of some of the articles mentioned in the charge and made good their escape. The matter was then reported to the Alberttown Police

Jailed: Imran Persaud Station and an investigation was launched.

The defendant was later arrested and place in custody and he later gave a caution statement admitting to the offence of robbery with violence, he was subsequently charged.

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris made known to the court that none of the articles stolen were recovered.

The defendant was then sentenced to serve 18 months in jail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

(By Renay Sambach)

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Ministry hosts workshop to combat drug abuse among teens

W

ith the aim of combating the use of illicit and psychotropic drugs among teens in Guyana and to an extent the Caribbean region, the Drug Prevention/ Drug Demand Reduction Services under the Ministry of Public Health yesterday commenced the first of a five-day workshop.

Yesterday's workshop was focused on 'Module 1 Adolescent Development and Substances Use', and training was conducted with over 20 social workers and facilitators from across Georgetown.

Presenting at the first day of the workshop was Psychology and Human Resources Management C o n s u l t a n t , M r. R e n Gonzales, a consultant who hails from the islands of the Philippines.

During his presentation, he added that “This training is being provided for persons who are working with adolescents to understand the dynamics of substance abuse, especially among the young people. And what are the issues that are confronting those young people that can make them at risk of becoming drug users and addicts within the

context of Guyana, with also a focus on the regional context.”

The consultant was keen to note that the training is designed in such a way that the trainers, the facilitators and the social workers will gain the basic requisite skills of comprehending the psychology of adolescent development, what their issues are, why they consume drugs, how screening can be conducted, and what sort of therapy and treatment is available for them.

Gonzales concluded by explaining that, “A focus was given on family therapy

as well, because we believe that the family plays a central role in the prevention of the use of drug abuse, and at the same time they will get support from groups once they have recovered.”

The workshop, which is in its third year, will continue to be hosted at the Guyana Red Cross Association in Kingston.

Other issues that will be examined will include screening and assessing adolescent, adolescent drug treatment, family interventions and basic counseling skills and procedures for drug users, respectively.

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Ambulance driver is latest hit-and-run victim

A

n ambulance d r i v e r is reportedly the latest hit and run victim, after he was flung from his motorcycle by a speeding mini bus just recently.

Leston Anthony Saul, an ambulance driver at the Diamond Hospital, disclosed that on Friday last, around 16:30 hrs, he was riding his motorcycle, registration number CK 179.

He was heading east around the Diamond second bridge intersection when the incident occurred. He said a Timehri/Georgetown route mini bus, BXX 207, that was overtaking him, suddenly swerved in his path.

He was struck off the motorcycle and onto the bonnet of a car parked nearby. Saul said that he was dazed and in pain, but he got up and attempted to follow the minibus.

However, the ambulance driver was no match for the bus driver who kept weaving in and out of traffic at a very fast rate.

He said that the driver must have known that he had struck someone because someone seemed to be looking out of the passenger side in the front seat, and seemed to be giving instructions to the driver.

He said the driver managed to elude him.Saul disclosed that he reported the m a t t e r t o t h e Diamond/Grove Police Station and the bus driver was eventually tracked down and brought in for questioning. The man said he got the shock of his life after submitting a statement to the police. He said that the driver denied that he had hit him.

They were both charged and are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 17

EU Ambassador bids farewell to Guyana

T

he European Union (EU')s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Jernej Videtic, yesterday pulled the proverbial curtains down here in Guyana, following the few years that he has spent here in Guyana.

During his speech, the ambassador expressed that, “Looking back, I can say it has been an enriching diplomatic experience to work in Guyana, especially the Caribbean dimension, the vastness of the sea and many small islands, each with its specificities, culture, [and]

language.

As the EU is and has been for decades the main donor for building and maintaining the seawall, I have had the chance to understand better the intricate water system that makes your economy grow – the agriculture of sugar and rice, vegetables and fruits, fisheries, shrimps and prawns, honey from the rainforest.

I am happy that I am moving on to a new challenge in Papua New Guinea, which I read in Guyana's newspapers are dealing with similar issues,

being rich in natural resources.” Videtic further thanked President David Granger, the government and the Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, for their support and interaction during his stay here in Guyana.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings, sat as one of the special invitees of yesterday's farewell ceremony.

She said that, “Excellency, your tenure has been marked by efforts to promote the shared goals and values of Guyana and the

EU. This has been achieved through a strong programme of political, economic and development cooperation in Guyana.

Guyana considers the European Union a valued partner in human and economic development.

Under your tenure the European Union through the 11th EDF National Indicative Programme (2014-2020) has allocated funding for the promotion of sustainable development in Guyana. We are now in a better position to focus on climate change adaption, disaster reduction

Farmer dies while protecting winnings from gambling

T

wo persons from Rose Hall Town, East Berbice, are presently in police custody in connection with the alleged murder o f S p r i n g l a n d s f a r m e r, N i g e l Matthews, 49. According to a police source, Matthews was at a gambling location in Skeldon and after winning the persons at the gambling spot, they decided to force him to hand over his winnings.

This caused a scuffle and one of the men reportedly dealt him several stabs about his body, in the presence of others. He was relieved of his winnings.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Hernandez, a friend, said that he was imbibing with Matthews at his home in Lot 14 Springlands on Sunday night when the

latter told him that he was heading out for a half hour and will return.

"We were drinking Banko and then he said he going on the road and come back. He use my cycle and then when he gone I left like around 10:00 and come back after 12:00 but he didn't come home yet.

So I wait because he had my bike and then like around 2:00 he niece come and call at the gate and tell me that a body was found at Rampoor,” Hernandez said.

Suspecting that it might have been his friend's body, he contacted a brother of Matthews and they all went to the location where the body was.

“When we go we saw the cycle and then we go through the shortcut and

Dead: Nigel Matthews saw him on the ground. His head was bashed in and he had some stab wounds,” Hernandez disclosed.

The police were immediately contacted and an investigation launched. The two men in custody are said to be assisting with investigations.

Ambassador Jernej Videtic and President David Granger and sustainable infrastructure.

For this and many other good reasons, it is wellknown that the relationship between Guyana and the European Union is one to which the Government and people of Guyana attach a high priority.

E x c e l l e n c y, I a m confident that as you leave Guyana, you will do so, no doubt, with a measure of satisfaction in contributing to the reaffirmation of the European Union's commitment to supporting Guyana and its people in the attainment a more prosperous, cohesive and inclusive society. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with the European Union.”

Through the EU, there

has been an expansion of collaboration beyond traditional areas, through the provision of technical assistance and cooperation to address varied challenges, including those related to the pursuit of sustainable development – the response to climate change through building adaptation capacity and resilience, enhancing food security, sustainable wildlife management, rural development, gender empowerment, youth employment, enhancing governance and improving competitiveness.

Other special invitees included the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, other members of the Government, and the diplomatic corps.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 19

Irfaan Ali 19 fraud charges...

Matter adjourned as Ali tries for another stay to be granted

By Trishan Craig

F

ollowing a ruling on the appeal by Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali to lead a defence in his 19 fraud charges, the defendant yesterday showed up at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where his matter is being heard before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Ali is facing charges for allegedly selling several acres of state lands way below the market price to several high ranking public officials. Last November, he was hauled before the courts where the fraud charges were read to him; they were indictable and he was not required to enter a plea.

The charges against Ali stated that between the period 2011 and 2015, he conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government, when he acted recklessly by selling 19 plots

of state lands at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

He was granted self bail on the charges. Ali is being represented by attorneys Davindra Kissoon and Priya Manickchand.

The lands which were sold for $39.8M are valued at $212.4M, according to the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU).

Yesterday when the matter was called, the defendant's attorneys asked for time to be granted in the matter as they have made an application at the Appeal Court for a stay to be granted in the matter. Their request was granted and the hearing was adjourned until September 27, 2019 for report.

Last Friday, Appeal Court Judge Dawn Gregory refused to grant a stay of the proceedings before the Magistrates' Courts.

Ali is accused of 'greatly underselling' the 19 plots of State Lands to former President Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon; Luncheon's wife, Floreen Ramnaught; and former ministers Priya Manickchand, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Robert Persaud and Clement Rohee; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack; former army Chief-of-Staff Gary Best, and Fortune Developers Inc. Guyana.

Ali is also accused of selling lands to former General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board and daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, Lisaveta Ramotar; former President of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo, and the son of former Labour Minister Dr. N a n d a G o p a u l , D r.

Ghansham Singh; former

Deodorant thief turns interpreter in court

A

man who stole two deodorants was yesterday given community service after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan who read a charge of simple larceny to him. Ryan Hing, 38, pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that on August 24, 2019 at Regent Street Bourda, he stole two deodorants valued at $1,990 which is the property of the Bounty Supermarket.

The defendant who was not represented by an attorney was at the time arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

According to Hing, he was recently deported from French Guiana after being convicted for attempted murder. He stated upon his return to Guyana he learnt that a sibling had sold all of their properties and he became a vagrant.

“I am asking the court to be lenient with me because it is hard to get a police clearance so that I can get a job. I have been doing all kind of jobs but it's just one thing to the next and I can't get money,” he said.

The defendant told the

Ryan Hing court that he is a graduate from Queen's College and completed the Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) exams in which he acquired a pass in the French language.

The facts of the charge which was presented by police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question Hing went to the Bounty Supermarket and was seen by the security guard acting in a suspicious manner. He was approached and searched and in his bag the stolen items were found.

The police was summoned and the

defendant was arrested. The items were given back to the supermarket.

After listening to both sides, Magistrate McLennan sentenced the defendant to 80 hours of community service or if in default he is to spend two weeks in prison.

She also gave him a stern warning noting that despite of his financial state he knows what is right from wrong and he should act accordingly.

While waiting to be escorted out of the courtroom another matter was called in which a Haitian national was charged. The police were having difficulties to find a French interpreter and it was at that moment that Hing asked the court to render assistance.

“Your worship I see that you guys are struggling and you want to move on with your matters, given that you have been so lenient with me I would like to be of service to my country and I can do the interpretation for the matter.”

After deeming him competent, Hing was sworn in to offer interpretation in the matter for the courts.

(By Trishan Craig)

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer, Rajendra Singh and former president of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Compton Bourne.

He is also accused of selling lands to Former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, Safraaz Khan; former CEO of Guyana Water Inc, Shaik Baksh; along with George Halla and Dave Narine.

Charges against Ali were recommended by SOCU after a forensic audit report was conducted.

It was reported that after five months of investigation, SOCU completed its investigation into the allocation of lands at 'Pradoville Two' to Cabinet members of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic Administration and their close associates.

The investigation was part of a larger probe of the

Charged: Irfaan Ali

financial operations of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), which was conducted by accounting firm Ram & McRae. While the minister has considerable powers under the Housing Act, his role in the issuance of titles was well outside of his functions and powers,” the audit report said.

The report added, “No files were maintained by

CHPA for any of the plots allocated by a process that can be described as lacking transparency at best. It was stated that of the 28 lots, totalling 12.1187 acres, only 3.9693 acres remain unallocated.

Over two dozen persons, including former president, Jagdeo, and some of his former ministers were questioned by SOCU officials in the early stages of the investigations.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Granger urges PNCR to keep positive attitude ahead of announcement of elections date A section of the gathering at General Council

President David Granger during an address to PNCR supporters at the General Council on Saturday

V

owing that his Government will return to office, President David Granger on Saturday urged supporters of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) to keep a positive outlook ahead of the announcement of the date of the next polls.

During the PNC/R's General Council meeting on Saturday at the Party Headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia, Granger told supporters “when we (the Coalition) return to office after the next General and Regional elections, we will continue the work we started in 2015.”

Looking ahead to General and Regional elections, the President called on Guyanese to be vigilant.

He said, “we have to build a more equal society.

We cannot allow the agents of division to separate us.”

The President warned, “These elections can be used as an instrument to separate our people; to divide our people and we must not allow that to happen.”

Giving an overview of the current political situation in Guyana and addressing interim status of the government, the President said, “We are observing the rules and convention which g o v e r n I n t e r i m Administrations. So as far as the executive branch is concerned, we are still functional, we are still the government.”

On the matter of General and Regional elections, the Party Leader iterated that it was GECOM that have the responsibility to indicate to the President when it was ready to hold elections.

He further reminded that the Constitution mandated that; “the Commission shall exercise general direction and supervision over the

registration of electors and administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly.”

He urged PNCR members to remain in campaign mode.

Granger said that Guyanese were looking to the PNCR for leadership. He said that over the past 62 years the Party (PNCR) had learned a lot of lessons.

According to the Party Leader, “many of historical detractors have become partners, because the PNC believes in inclusionary government… we (the PNC) are prepared to sit down with our former adversaries and work for the good of this country.

We welcome all parties into our government, as long as they are committed to the development of our people.”

President Granger told the General Council that the next decade would be a decade of development.

“We are entering a decade of development; it is not a dream.

Our decade of development must deliver a plan to transform Guyana, to deliver a good life for all, to give our children an opportunity to get off the streets and go to school; it must be a decade that gives young people jobs; it must be a decade in which rural and hinterland residents could enjoy similar

access to public services.”

Outlining his vision for development, the President said, “Our vision is for a prosperous Guyana, with enough for everyone… to create a society in which all our children and all our old-folks could find that, they have a place and will not be shunned to the periphery of society.”

He said that there must be opportunity for all. “We must encourage our young people; people in the rural a n d h i n t e r l a n d communities to stick with our Party; our programme and our plan, to ensure that development is not for a f e w but for all,” the President said.

President Ganger reminded his Party's General Council that the Constitution of Guyana ensures free education for all. The President said that free education was an entitlement and his party and government would not waiver from that responsibility.

The President said that part of the plan for the decade of development was to provide housing for all Guyanese.

He said, “during the decade of development there must be a roof over every head…. when we speak of housing for all, we are not speaking of an impossible dream.”

As it regards the emerging petroleum sector, President Granger said that the proceeds would be used to re-energize the economy.

The President said, “The new resource will bring profit to the Guyanese people.

We w i l l s e t - u p a sovereign wealth fund; we will ensure that the proceeds from that resource will benefit all the people; we will ensure that it becomes the trigger, the platform for economic development.”

He said that the proceeds from the petroleum sector would go towards ensuring education and employment for all.

24 Guyanese technicians to begin training in ...

From page 3 skills, I've learned a lot. I'd advise anyone joining the industry to be open minded and apply yourself to the work.”

Following another year of training in Canada, on-thejob training will continue on the FPSO. ExxonMobil said its Guyana's development model for operations and maintenance employees is designed for trainees to advance from Technician I to III over time.

The intent is to enhance their capacity to such a level that they are able to replace an experienced international worker.

“The employment and training of nationals is key to ExxonMobil's strategy of local content development. It is part of a multi-tiered approach which also includes supplier development and strategic community investments.”

Another batch of approximately 50 technicians will be recruited early 2020.

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Legal framework for electoral system repetitive, complicated- Chief Justice Chief Justice Roxane George in her written judgment in lawyer Christopher Rams challenge to the legality of the current house-tohouse registration exercise, noted that the legislative framework governing the electoral system are repetitive, convoluted and unnecessarily complicated and suggested that they be revised.

Justice George was referring to the Elections Law (Amendment) Act (ELA) and the National Registration Act (NRA). At Paragraph 176 of her 45-paged judgment, she

pointed out that while it is the duty of the State and policy makers to ensure that the statutory provisions in regards to registration of voter are properly operationalized, she said that the legislative framework leaves much to be desired. According to the Chief Justice, “It (legislative framework) is repetitive and convoluted and therefore unnecessarily complicated more so as the ELA and NRA have to be cross-reference to get a picture of how the laws are implemented. Any changes, e.g. by way of consolidating

legislation, would be for the executive and legislature to determine.”

“This is as much as the court can say,” Justice George said in the written judgment.

Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde was in agreement with the Chief Justice s statement.

According to Forde, in order to have pellucidity, “We need to have a legislative review of the act governing the electoral system.”

Meanwhile, Attorney-atlaw Sanjeev Datadin expressed that while he wel-

Bank of Guyana warns financial institutions…

‘Don’t ask customers which political parties they’re backing’

The BoG has asked financial institutions not to ask customers which political parties they are backing.

The Bank of Guyana (BoG) is warning financial institutions not to ask customers which political parties they are backing.

In a circular on Thursday, August 22nd, the bank, as the regulator of financial institutions in the country, said it has come to its attention that customers have been questioned regarding their allegiance to/affiliation with any political party.

“Please note, the conditions governing the issuance of your licence do not include ascertaining the political persuasion of any customer,” BoG’s Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, said in the circular.

It was addressed to lending institutions, money transfer agencies, cambios, insurance companies, agents and brokers.

“The Bank hereby directs all licensees to ensure that in the course of conducting businesses, customers are not subjected to matters unrelated to their specific transaction(s) with your institution,” the circular also advised.

The Bank made it clear that failure to comply the directive shall result in actions.

In recent years, following the passage of new anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorism laws, the financial institu-

tions of the country have been asking for more paperwork for transactions.

Citizens have been complain-

ing bitterly of the inconveniences with the banks especially arguing that their hands are tied.

comes the updating of laws, he does not have any issues with the current laws governing the electoral system. In fact, Datadin said, “My issue with the legislation itself is that amendments are not done in an organized way and

in some cases the amendments have errors.”

In this regard, Datadin stressed, “Our laws need to be properly updated.” For one, Datadin pointed out that he observed some discrepancies in relation to the version

of the ELA published on GECOMs website to that contained in the purple volume of the Laws of Guyana. He, nevertheless, said that lawyers are accustomed to dealing with these sorts of obstacles.

PAGE 22

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Affected residents to...

SERVICES

FOR SALE

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

1 (2) Storey house & land, 3 bedroom $39M, 1 (2) Storey house & land, 4 master bedroom $59M Gated community @ Schnoord WBD #650-0402/603-1402

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

Pure Bred German Shepherd male puppies for sale.

Contact# 697-1141/612-6672

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

Installation, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Machine, Stove etc. Call Nick 630-1600, 627-3206 Professional Repair Service: Computers, Tv’s (LCD & LED), Cellphones & Other Electronics.Ph#6962 8 4 3 . E m a i l :akinscott@outlook.com

Li Hong Fa Aluminium CoDoors, Glass cases, Shutters, automatic doors, stainless works. 26 Public Road, Bagotstown. #669-1516/6599999 Allion car- Excellent condition, First owner $1,750,000. Call: 624-2043/2161303 Pig & Piglets Package Deal.

Tel# 626-1157/657-3538

1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956 DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 643-5122 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N TA L @YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 PROPERTY FOR SALE (1) 3 bedroom house located at Middle St, Stewartville.

Tel#625-3299/268-3129 South $19.5M, 1st St Cummings Lodge $40M, $5.5M Charlestown St, Seven St Diamond $18M Shawn. #231-2199/618-7483

VACANCY

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

Vacancy exist for a Spanish Teacher- must be able to teach (2 & 7) years old. Call: 600-6887 for more information

Newly Renovated Apartments for rent at Peter’s Hall. #698-5800/648-1391

Supervisor to work at 704.

Contact# 223-5273/223-5274

Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly, light & water, Lodge.

Call: 623-0076 2 months security.

For Experience Accounts Clerk, must have passes in Maths & English. Apply in person at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda

One bedroom apartment for couple or single person $35,000 monthly light included. Call: 638-8858

For Sales Girl. Apply in person at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda

WANTED 1 Live-in maid. Call: 639-2037

Photo/Video Editor, Must be abe to events. Call: 628-8944/ 718-845-2700 or Email: spectrumimaging 32@gmail.com 1 Diesel Mechanic to work in the interior, Interested Persons can make Contact on Tel# 625-5136 between the hours of 8am-4pm Fish processing workers. Call: 223-5180

LEARN TO DRIVE

Tailor & Seamstress. Contact #253-3070/601-9855

EDUCATION Common Entrance Lessons, Grades 1-6. Phonics, Reading & Composition Classes.

Nursery Aftercare-Phonics, Reading, Writing & Games.

Call: 677-0296 WANTED Male & female to work in Factory and 1 Driver. Apply in Person to R.P’s Enterprise ECD. #220-2818

TRUCK DRIVER. Contact #223-5273/223-5274 Female Cleaner Office & Home. Call: 642-9823

1-Tundra $1.8M, 1-Audi Convertible $2.5M Contact#650-0402/603-1402

N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561/681-2808

English Tutor. Contact# 2235273/223-5274

Top Flat of House 2 bedroom for rent. La Grange Public Road. WBD #665-7636/6924108

One handyman/yard help to work in Georgetown. Tel# 6751647

VEHICLE FOR SALE

CAR RENTAL

FOR RENT

1 Chainsaw operator for ripping. Tel# 690-3535/6013798 1 Certified & experienced costmetologist, must be able to work unsupervised & fast paced salon. Tel#615-9328/ 626-6450 Wanted land to buy- Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Tuschen, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Best Price pay & cash. Call: 666-2326 One cook to work in a bar #679-2612 Preferable from West Bank Demerara.

1- Male ablebodied clerk.

Tel#231-2029/616-5954

Wanted Servicemen to work in Interior. Call: 223-5180 Vacancy for (2) professional and experienced nail technician @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa. Call: 652-5800 Tele-Sales Clerk: Maths & English, Computer Literate, Excel.

DacEasy and advantage. Telles Steel, 74 Hadfield St #226-6771 Mining engineering/ operations manager for Cuyuni area. Requirements: Academic qualifications & 5 years relevant experience in Mining. Call: 223-5180 Lucky Me, Lucky You, seeks Sales Representatives to sell tickets in their respective region. #660-0275/624-3501 WANTED Land to buy in Parfaite $1.3M Neg. Tel# 687-5873 One mature General Domestic.

Must be able to cook. Tel#6245058 M-F, 5-7 pm Only (1) Able body Ice machine operator/handy man. Tel# 220-3459/616-2222 1 General Domestic at 12 Henry Street. #225-9211 One person to work two weeks from 26 to Sept 7 as Kitchen assistant. #226-2320

Clerical assistance domestic worker, live-in accomodation for Berbicians and Essequibians. Call between 8:15-4:15 pm. #219-5354

1 maid needed. Age 30-40. Call: 226-7766

One shop assistant to work from 6-2 from 16th Sept to 5 Oct 2019. 193 Charlotte Street L/Town #226-2320

Labourer to work at Sawmill. #619-9143/614-8857

One Office Manager. #2269485

1 working female to share apartment. Tel# 661-0799

From page 12 LUSCSL workers battled valiantly to ensure residents receive power.

Traffic was also affected, after a huge mango tree fell across the main access road to Blue Berry Hill.

As a result, motorist had to detour and use the longer route, through the Wismar Housing Scheme.

The situation, however, returned to normalcy after residents cut up the tree and removed it.

One Mackenzie resident, reflecting on the situation on that shore declared, “this is terrible, it is the worst that I’ve seen! There was water everywhere on Republic Avenue and vendors were scrambling to save their goods.”

While the woman acknowledged that the storm was an act of nature, and thus could not be avoided, she too quipped, “What this tells us is that we need to stop littering, people have to stop dumping garbage all over the place because when it rains we will suffer the consequences when the garbage clogs the drains.”

In an invited comment, regarding the issue, Environmentalist Samuel Wright observed, “Down town Linden has flooded at least three times over the last six months. The flooding usually occurs during high tides and heavy rainfall; the VACANCY Pump attendant & cashier, shift rotated weekly (6am3pm & 3pm-11pm) Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com Tutor. Contact# 223-5273/2235274 Cook to work in Charity.

Contact# 654-7162 Male Office Clerk. Age 17-25 Please send CV’s to: lakram@rambaire.com 1 experienced driver, must have license for car/van/ minibus & motorbus, residing in G/town between ages 24-50 yrs old. #2251429/641-5075 Vacancy exist for a Full time/ Part time teacher, must be able to teach (2 & 7) years old. Call: 600-6887 for more information Handyman (must have experience in landscaping) contact# 223-5273/223-5274 Salesclerk/Cashier. Submit hand written application to Kards Plus in City Mall. #2271846 Experience an asset.

One Male Janitor. Apply in person at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb St Bourda

outfalls are covered by river levels and thus unable to drain the land.”

Wright pointed out, that the function of drains is to both convey and facilitate water runoff, but that the drains are “compromised” by garbage and siltation.

“Drains need to be cleaned more frequently, and residents need to restrain themselves from dumping garbage and other material in the drains!”

Another issue highlighted by Wright is the erection of structures over drains. These, he said, impede proper clearing.

Only recently, Wright engaged several youths in Linden, in a programme geared to help them better understand and care for the environment.

Known as the Linden Conservation Corps, the youths involved in the programme focused on the creeks and waterways in Wismar with special attention to Victory Valley, a community that has over 300 springs and is home to the famous Watanabo Creek.

The youths who were drawn from Secondary Schools across Linden, last week graduated after a gruelling few weeks of activities.

The idea behind the programme is to educate the youths on their environment so that they could go back into their communities and share their knowledge, Wright said.

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Govt. allocates $51.7 M to push agricultural development in Region 10 - Region to provide free materials to farmers

Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood The Upper DemeraraBerbice Region, mostly known for being rich in bauxite, in 2019 has benefited from a budgetary allocation of $51.762M from Central Government to push agricultural development.

During a recent community meeting at the Howell Wilson Primary School in Ituni, Region 10, RegionalAgricultural Officer, Deryck Collins, indicated that the projects are already underway to ensure the Region’s agricultural capabilities are recognized.

“For the first time, agriculture has been added as a new programme head to the Regional Democratic Council’s annual projects. Priority will be given to the establishment of shade houses, seven of which will be established in secondary schools. The main objective is to increase agricultural production and output within the communities,” Collins said.

In addition to the establishment of shade houses, the project will also cater for a series of agricultural training exercises in proper animal husbandry for poultry and small ruminants and

cash crops.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, while engaging residents indicated that she believes with proper training, they can increase their current production.

“Based on this interaction, I realize many of you have a genuine interest in agriculture. With the proper training you can significantly increase your production. Once we have a group of you expressing your willingness to undergo training, I will make representation for that to become available free of cost to you,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said. During the meeting, several persons indicated that they practice poultry rearing on a small scale but would appreciate the assistance of the Region and the Minister with facilitating training exercises.

As it pertains to the shade house projects, Collins indicated that materials have already been purchased by the

Regional Agricultural Officer, Deryck Collins

Region 10’s Ituni residents at the recent meeting Region and can be made available to the residents in the coming week.

“If you are able to provide the labour, we can make the materials available to you as early as Tuesday. We need capable and responsible persons and once completed, the produce can be used to provide income to the community,” Collins said.

Furthermore, Minister Adams-Yearwood said that training in shade house practices will be provided to the residence.

“We will not just leave you with the materials. You will be given technical support for the construction, maintenance and proper shade house practices,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

A team from the Ministry and the Regional Office will return to

the village during the course of the week to meet with members of the Community Development Council (CDC), which will be the

executing body for the projects, to finalize details ahead of the commencement of the projects.

(DPI)

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Venezuelan migrants flood into Ecuador ahead of new visa restrictions

Venezuelans gather to cross into Ecuador from Colombia in Tulcan.

BOGOTA (Reuters) - More than 85,000 Venezuelan migrants crossed into Ecuador from Colombia in the last month, ahead of new visa restrictions from Quito that took effect yesterday, the Colombian government said. The number of migrants entering Ecuador at the Rumichaca border crossing reached 11,000 over the weekend, an uptick of 30% compared to normal traffic, according to figures from

Colombia’s migration agency.

Colombia is home to some 1.4 million Venezuelans who have fled a deep political and economic crisis that has caused long-running shortages of food and medicine.

Hundreds of thousands of others have passed through the country on their way to Ecuador, Peru, Chile and other destinations. Ecuador will now require a visa for Venezuelan citizens, part of stricter im-

migration policies being implemented in several countries. The new rule will not stop people from migrating out of necessity, but will instead increase the number of people using informal crossings, Colombia’s Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a statement.

Some 320,000 Venezuelans currently live in Ecuador. The government estimates that figure could increase to nearly half a million by the end of the year.

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Batsmen need to look in the mirror, says skipper Holder NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC Captain Jason Holder has urged his batting group to undertake deep introspection in the wake of West Indies chastening 318run defeat to India in the opening Test here Sunday.

Set an improbable 419 runs for victory on the penultimate day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, West Indies crumbled in quick time on a flat pitch for exactly 100 their sixth lowest total against India.

Only number nine Kemar Roach, with a cavalier 31-ball 38 showed any resistance and he was just one of three batsmen in double figures.

“Each batter has got to look at themselves seriously in the mirror,” Holder told media following the loss.

“Weve just got to find solutions. I think more often than not weve been gifting our wickets, not letting the opposition work for our wickets and I think thats one area we can definitely [focus] on.

“If we are going to get out, weve got to make the opposition work hard for our wickets. I think we can go through the dismissals in this Test match and there were quite a few soft dismissals.”

He continued: “Our batters definitely did not come to the party in this game. We fell short by quite few runs. I felt the wicket has been a very good wicket.

“The initial phase with the new ball was probably the hardest point that a batsman should fear, I think after that it gets pretty easy. We just

didnt get enough runs in this game.”

West Indies were ripped to shreds by the superb Jasprit Bumrah who produced an exhibition of high class swing bowling to finish with five wickets for seven runs from eight overs.

His new-ball partner Ishant Sharma picked up three for 31 while fellow pacer Mohammed Shami claimed two for 13.

In a torrid 45-ball period before tea, Bumrah sent back openers Kraigg Brathwaite (1) and John Campbell (7), before adding Darren Bravo (2) to his list of casualties, as West Indies slumped to 15 for five at the interval.

“On a day like today, he proved difficult. He bowled some magic balls and he got

Tuesday August 27, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) An unexpected invitation to a social event could put you in touch with unusual, fascinating people, Aries.

Some of them may be involved in professions that interest you.

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Don't let mundane considerations get in your way.

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CANCER (June 21–July 22) A sudden feeling of love for your home could catapult you into redecorating, Cancer. News could come your way of sudden good fortune involving a family member.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Lucky you! An unexpected break could come your way that gets you started in just the direction you've wanted to follow.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your adventurous side could show itself, Virgo. You might have a talent for an activity you never considered before, such as rafting, flying, mountain climbing, or skydiving!

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Lucky you! An unexpected break could come your way that gets you started in just the direction you've wanted to follow.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your imagination is always fertile, but today it's especially productive, perhaps surprisingly so, Scorpio.

You could come up with ideas for all kinds of new projects.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A goal that you and some friends have been trying to reach may take a sudden turn and show signs of manifesting sooner than you expected.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Acknowledgement for work well done could come your way, Capricorn, as those around you suddenly seem to see you in a new light. In some cases, a touch of fame could result.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your desire to advance your education and learn new skills could be promoted by a sudden event that points you in the right direction, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you might feel an overwhelming physical attraction to a new person even if you're already involved, Pisces. Also, an unusual stroke of luck could bring some extra money your way.

quite a few of our batsmen out with some very good balls,” Holder said of Bumrah.

“Having said that weve just got to find ways to negate it. Hes a quality bowler, yes, but there are definitely solutions out there.”

He added: “They bowled well. Bumrah bowled an exceptional spell and Ishant was very supportive as well as Shami. Its just one of those spells in Test cricket where the opposition gets on top of you and stays on top.

“Weve seen it happen on so many different occasions around the world. These things do happen in Test cricket but its just a matter for it not to happen often.”

The defeat for West Indies was their 13th to India in their last 22 meetings, dur-

West Indies captain Jason Holder. ing which time they have failed to notch a single win.

And with a short turnaround before the second Test bowls off at Sabina Park in Kingston next Friday, Holder said it was important the team put the loss behind them quickly.

“It (defeat) definitely doesnt dent my confidence and I think the group should be uplifting themselves,” he stressed.

“Weve got a lot to be disappointed about. Obviously we didnt perform as well as we would like. But theres no point dropping our heads thats not the solution.

Weve got to find a way to bring ourselves out of this defeat, try to rally around one another and try to come back a lot better in Jamaica.”

He added: “Its just a matter for us to dig a little deeper.

Weve got to fight harder initially up front in our innings to give ourselves a really fair chance of succeeding.”

Judo’s coming home: clinical...

From page 33 the blow for Abe, who had been tipped for gold again this week.Uta Abe looked glum watching her brother’s semifinal defeat but took her annoyance out on the hapless Kuziutina, who strutted into the arena jutting out her jaw in a show of defiance only to be dumped on her back within half a minute.

Abe, who crushed Kosovo’s 2016 Rio Olympic champion Majlinda Kelmendi in the semi-finals, won by ippon — judo’s equivalent of a knockout — and was immediately mobbed by autographhunters before she even had time to celebrate.

“To win the title in Tokyo is awesome,” said the 19-yearold crowd favourite.“Beating Kelmendi gave me a lot of confidence and the home support really provided a lift.”

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

T and T take top spot with 91 gold medals; GKC placed second Trinidad and Tobago emerged overall champions of the 2019 International Karate Daigaku Caribbean Cup which concluded on Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The lads from the Twin Island Republic bagged 91 gold medals, while Guyana Karate College (GKC) captured 55 gold medals to finish second overall.

In some of the latest results from Sunday night action , G u y a n e s e A n y a Insanally proved a cut above her rivals to win gold in the girls 8-11 1+Dan Kumite, while Jose Rodrigues of the GKC took silver in the boys 8-11 1+Dan kumite.

Aliya Wong of GKC won the girls 16-19 individual kata and later teamed up with Tashana Wong and Alyssa Persaud to win gold in the team bunkai 16-19 category.

GKC took the top podium spot in the over-50 team Bunkai, while Jonathan Robinson, Aiden Gomes and Jeremiah Williams captured gold in the 11-12 3-1 kyu team event. Robinson, Williams and Amar Jairam won gold in the 11-12 3-1 kyu Bunkai. Linden Abraham added to the GKC collection by winning the 16-19 male 6-4 kyu, individual kata and kumite before winning gold in the team kata and team bunkai.

Alonzo Pierre was victorious in the 16-19 kyu indi-

Anya Insanally (left) captured gold in the girls 8-11 1+Dan kumite

Murray returns, claims first singles win since hip surgery

Jose Rodrigues (right) took silver in the boys 8-11 1+Dan kumite. vidual kata before Nalini Persaud captured the 40-49 1+Dan individual kumite title;

she also took silver in the 4049 1+Dan individual kata.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Japan’s Nishikori motors into US Open second round AFP - Former US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori of Japan raced into the second round in just 47 minutes yesterday after Argentine qualifier Marco Trungelliti quit with injury.

Seventh seed Nishikori led 6-1, 4-1 when world number 205 Trungelliti was forced to retire due to a back problem.Nishikori will meet either Thiago Monteiro of Brazil or American Bradley Klahn in the next round.

The Japanese star, a 2014 finalist in New York, has reached the quarter-finals or better in his last five Grand Slam appearances.

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kei Nishikori of Japan returns the ball against Marco Trungelliti of Argentina during their Round 1 men’s Singles match at the 2019 US Open. (AFP / Timothy A. Clary)

MANACOR, Spain (Reuters) - Former world number one Andy Murray claimed his first singles victory since returning from hip surgery with a 6-0 6-1 drubbing of French novice Imran Sibille at the Rafa Nadal Open in Mallorca yesterday.

The 32-year-old Scot skipped playing at the U.S. Open, preferring instead to drop down to the ATP Challenger event on the holiday island to continue fine-tuning his game.

It was the first time Murray has played on the second-tier Challenger Tour for 14 years and he needed just 42 minutes to overwhelm Sibille, barely breaking sweat on a warm evening.

Andy Murray (GBR) serves against Richard Gasquet (FRA) during the Western and Southern Open tennis tournament. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo) Murray, ranked 328, lost only a smattering of points and was rarely made to stretch by a 17-year-old opponent who was given a coaching lesson by the threetime Grand Slam champion.

Murray resisted the temptation to complete a whitewash, slapping a forehand into the net to hand Sibille a game he will cherish, but closed it out in the following game.

Young Guns SC and Achievers Youth and SC to clash this weekend The Young Guns Sports Club of Zorg, South Essequibo in collaboration with the New Opportunity Corps SC will be hosting Young Achievers Youth and Sports Club of West Berbice this weekend for the Presidents challenge Cup. The two teams will compete in a best of three T20 U19 matches at Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast; games on both days will start at 09:30hrs. The Young Guns SC will select their team from; Saeed Hakh (Capt.), Orin Gibson, Jarad Allicock, Randhi Raghubir, Kurton Layne, Imtiyaaz Ally, Zakir Kadeer, Gibran Ally, Ravindra Nandalall, Arnold Adams, Deo Kanhai, Pamesh Seemangal, Sudarshana Moniram, Uriah Stoll, Chateram Seuratan, Kevin Sandiford, Eric Ifill, Thaddeus Fredericks,

Royden Morris, Davindra Danpat, Andrew De Santos, Shane Wong, Omesh Roopnarine and Thickchand Pala. Meanwhile, the Young Guns Sports Club cricket camp for young male and female cricketers is currently underway with sessions being conducted by Coach Forbes Daniels. The camp is geared to help develop the game in the area and it will conclude with the above fixtures on Sunday.

The trip will be the first for the Achievers Youth and Sport Club in Essequibo, since it was founded by David Black on July 27, 1997; the visit will also coincide with the clubs 22nd Anniversary Celebrations.

The Achievers Youth and SC teams will come from; Shamal Angel, Collis Noble, Budram Lakeram , Darius Jo-

seph , Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Samuel, Odel Miller, Azoomah Alfred, Shelton Ramsay, Vickash Singh, Kayambu Small, Chris Daniels, Ayinde Rogers, Saqlain McAlmon, Darius Joseph, Renata Liverpool and Giea Isaac.

Sherwin McPherson is the Coach and the manager is Black.

Meanwhile, the organisers will be embarking on a 20-week programme from September to January 2020 on the Essequibo Coast. This venture will see youths in the area being taught on cricket and other related topics. The business community is asked to lend support; those interest can contact Coach Forbes Daniels on 668-2419, Daniel Stoll on 664-5301, Akini Adams on 696-5095, Javid Azeez on 675-8335 or Debra Daniels on 683-7807.

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Australia look to Smith for Ashes revival AFP - Australia will hope star batsman Steve Smith can inspire an Ashes revival after their stunning one-wicket loss to England in the third Test at Headingley.

Ashes-holders Australia were on the brink of retaining the urn only for Ben Stokes’s astonishing 135 not out to see England — bowled out for 67 in their first innings — snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as they levelled the series at 1-1 with two to play.

Smith missed the match with concussion suffered when hit by a 92mph Jofra Archer bouncer in the drawn second Test at Lord’s.

He is expected to play in this week’s tour game against Derbyshire, with a view to returning for the fourth Test at Old Trafford on September 4.

In Smith’s first Test series since he completed a 12month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal that cost him the Australia captaincy, he has scored 144 and 142 in the opener at Edgbaston, and 92 at Lord’s.

- ‘Not batting well enough’ Stand-in Marnus Labuschagne has made three successive fifties in Smith’s absence but his 80 in Australia’s second-innings 246 at Leeds was the only score above 33.

“One thing I do know is

that we’re not batting well enough at the moment,” said Australia coach Justin Langer.

“I said at the start of the series that the team who bats best will win the Ashes.”

Langer, a former Australia opener, added: “We’ve got some real questions to ask for the practice game and for the fourth Test match.”

There has been speculation Smith’s return could be at the expense of Usman Khawaja, whose top score in six innings is 40.

“Uzzy’s played a lot of cricket and averages over 40 in Test match cricket, he got a Test hundred seven innings ago, so we know he’s a very good player,” said Langer.

Something else Australia will look to improve is their use of the Decision Review System.

For all Stokes’s brilliance, he was reprieved when, with England still needing two to win, off-spinner Nathan Lyon appealed for lbw only for umpire Joel Wilson to ruled in the batsman’s favour.

Replays suggested Stokes would have been out, but Australia had no reviews left after wasting one on a speculative Pat Cummins shout in the previous over.

Langer, who refused to criticise Wilson, said: “We’ve been really poor at it this

As Ben Stokes celebrated hitting runs. Australia could only contemplate a missed chance to retain the Ashes. ‘My gosh, you’ve got no idea how much that hurts,’ said Australian coach Justin Langer. (AFP / Anthony Devlin)

Steve Smith should return for Australia in a tour match against Derbyshire before the fourth Ashes Test.

(AFP/File / Paul Ellis)

whole series. We’ve talked a lot about getting better at our reviews. Certainly we have control of that.”

Australia must ensure there are no lingering scars from this shattering loss if they are to win their first Ashes series in England for 18 years.

The match has been com-

All-rounder Douglas inflicts more misery on Caymans HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC Allan Douglas starred with bat and ball as Bermuda inflicted another defeat on the Cayman Islands, while Canada finished the weeklong quadrangular ICC Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier Americas final unbeaten after defeating the United States by 15 runs at White Hill Field on Sunday.

All-rounder Douglas, later named Man-of-the-Match, helped bundle out winless Caymans for 114 with figures of five for 18 in 2.2 overs of off-spin and then put the finishing touches to a six-wicket victory with 21 balls to spare by hammering four sixes and three fours in his 28-ball unbeaten 47.The match saw the return to international duty of 35-year-old Dion Stovell, who suffered a concussion when struck on the head while batting during Cup Match, Bermudas premier domestic game, at the start of the month.

Stovell took two for 21 with his off-breaks and was unbeaten on 18, having featured in an unbroken fifth-

Bermudas Allan Douglas … produced a solid all-round performance. wicket stand of 48 with Douglas, who also took three catches in the Cayman innings.

Bermuda went into the game without Sussex allrounder Delray Rawlins, who flew back to England on Saturday night after leaving the ground early.“Delray has gone … he has done the job we wanted him to do,” assistant manager Janeiro Tucker said on Saturday night after the sides eight-wicket defeat against Canada.Rawlins scored a match-winning 63 in Bermudas first-round six-run victory over the US and also hit 49 against Cayman wins that helped Bermuda book their ticket, along with Canada, to the final qualifier

to be held in the United Arab Emirates in October and November ahead of next years T20 World Cup in Australia.

Left-hander Rawlins, 21, finished with 130 runs, averaging 26, took four wickets at a cost of 96 runs and was the tournaments top fielder with seven catches.

Canada completed the double over the US on Sunday, beating their neighbours by 15 runs after Man-of-theMatch Ravinderpal Singh, a century-maker earlier in the week, smashed eight sixes and two fours in his 33-ball 67 to underpin his sides 173 for eight.

The US made a spirited reply, but fell short, closing on 158 for eight.

pared to the 1981 Ashes Test, also at Headingley, in which England, inspired by legendary all-rounder Ian Botham and fast bowler Bob Willis, won after following-on.

That ‘500/1’ triumph also started a sequence of three succesive wins that saw England come from 1-0 behind to win the Ashes.

Langer, however, insisted: “It’s 1-1 in the series and we’ve been so close — one more wicket and we’re 2-0 up

and feeling pretty good about ourselves but that’s sport and we’ll pick ourselves up.

“We’re all feeling it. My gosh, you’ve got no idea how much that hurts losing, you have no idea.

“But whether you’re the captain, coach or a senior player, you’ve got to get up.”

One senior player “feeling it more than most is Lyon.”

He could have won the match for Australia the ball before his rejected lbw appeal,

but fumbled a return that would have seen No 11 Jack Leach run out by a distance.

After Stokes hit the winning boundary, a desolate Lyon slumped to the turf, with concerned Australia captain Tim Paine saying: “He’s a really important player in our side and I said to him that if our players see him dealing with it really quickly and moving on then our younger players are going to do the same thing.”

Novak Djokovic eases through first round in straight sets BBC Sport - World number one Novak Djokovic booked his place in the second round of the US Open with victory over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.

The Serb three-time champion won 6-4 6-1 6-4 to kickoff the defence of his title at Flushing Meadows.

Djokovic has reached the final on his past three appearances in New York but was taken to four sets in his opening two rounds last year.

He faces American Sam Querrey or Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero next.

Meanwhile, Russian fifth seed Daniil Medvedev took just 85 minutes to see off Indian world number 88 Prajnesh Gunneswaran with a routine 6-4 6-1 6-2 win.

The 23-year-old, who has reached three consecutive tour finals this year, will face Bolivian world number 84 Hugo Dellien in round two.

Elsewhere, Japanese sev-

Novak Djokovic is bidding for a 17th Grand Slam title, having won four of the past five crowns. (Getty Images) enth seed Kei Nishikori raced into the second round when he took a 61 4-1 lead before Argentine opponent Marco Trungelliti, 29, retired with a back problem.“It’s a little bit sad to see. He’s a great player,” said Nishikori, who faces 108thranked American Bradley Klahn in the next round.

“I played great tennis from the beginning and I’m

happy with the way I played.

But honestly, I wanted to play a little more because I was feeling good on the court and I wanted to get a little more confidence.”

But Italian 11th seed Fabio Fognini lost 6-3 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 to American 21-yearold Reilly Opelka, who will face Spaniard Jaume Munar or German qualifier Dominik Koepfer in the next round.

PAGE 30

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association gives back Master Lloyd Ramnarine makes the presentation to the families.

T

he Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association took the time to contribute to two families who have lost their loved ones.

The association was represented by members of the association, the President, Founder and Chief Instructor, Master Lloyd Ramnarine, Vice President Mr. Abrar Wahid, Public Relation Officers Mr. Raul Joseph, General Secretary Ms. Alliyah Ramnarine, Assistant Secretary Mrs. Sophie Tegi, Organizing and Assistant Secretary Mrs. Julie Ann Ramnarine Members of the Disciplinary Committee Mrs. Leamala Persaud.

Representing the Alberttown Martial Arts Academy was Instructor Roman Pollard and students of various martial arts

academies.

The reached out to two persons who lost their husbands under tragic circumstances, one in Sarah Joanna village and one Sophia village.

Master Lloyd Ramnarine expressed thanks the parents and The Alberttown Martial Arts Academy, The Iron Fist Martial Arts Academy, The Invisible Kicks Martial Arts Academy, The Vreed En Hoop Martial Arts Academy and The Red Dragon Martial Arts Academy, who made a great and meaningful contribution by donating clothing, food stuff and other household items towards this initiative.

Anyone wishing to join any of the branches: The Iron Fist

Marital Arts Academy located at The New Grove Diamond Primary School, The Invisible Kicks Marital Arts Academy located in La Parfait Harmony, The Vreed En Hoop Marital Arts Academy located at the Vreed En Hoop Primary School, The Red Dragon Martial Arts Academy located at the Bell West Primary School; can contact Master Lloyd Ramnarine on 698-6727/673-0823/698-7456.

The Alberttown Martial Arts Academy located 71 Light Street Alberttown can be contacted on 668-6952, The Warriors Within Marital Arts Academy located at the Herstelling NDC can be reached by contacting their Instructor on 2662869/639-8707.

Barty, Pliskova fight through, Medvedev cruises at US Open AFP - Reigning French Open champion Ashleigh Barty and Czech third seed Karolina Pliskova struggled into the second round of the US Open yesterday while 2014 runner-up Kei Nishikori and Daniil Medvedev cruised through.

Australian second seed Barty overcame a horrible start to oust 80th-ranked Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Barty made 19 unforced errors to drop the first set in 28 minutes, but took the last three games in the second set and broke in the third and seventh games of the final set to advance.

“I was really pleased to be able to solve this riddle,” Barty said.

Pliskova, a 2016 US Open runner-up who has a chance to finish the Flushing Meadows fortnight as world number one, held off 138thranked Czech qualifier Tereza Martincova 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) after an hour and 46 minutes.

“It’s tough to play Tereza,” Pliskova said. “We never played and especially tough to play in the first round.“Not my best performance today for sure, and she made some great shots.”

Japanese seventh seed Nishikori reached the men’s second round 61, 4-1, when 205th-ranked Argentine qualifier Marco Trungelliti retired with a back injury after 47 minutes.

“I played great tennis from the beginning,” Nishikori said. “I’m happy with the way I played.”

Russian fifth seed Medvedev,

Reigning French Open champion Ashleigh Barty, the second seed from Australia, defeated Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas in the first round at the US Open. (Getty Images North America/Afp / Elsa) coming off an ATP title at Cincinnati and runner-up efforts at Montreal and Washington, defeated India’s Prajnesh Gunneswaran 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 in just 85 minutes.

“I can’t say I’m feeling amazing about my game but to win by that score in the first round is great,” Medvedev said. “I hope I can continue to play well.”

Top-seeded defending champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia faced Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in a later match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.Serena Williams opens her quest for a 24th Grand Slam singles crown against Russia’s Maria Sharapova, a five-time Slam winner, in the night feature before 20-time

Grand Slam champion Roger Federer meets Indian qualifier Sumit Nagal.

Williams is 19-2 all-time against Sharapova with 18 consecutive triumphs.

“It had to start with my serve,” Barty said of her fightback in the opening match on Arthur Ashe. “I wasn’t giving myself enough chances on my serve. It was just start again, break it down, figure it all out.“Zarina was able to put me in difficult positions. I just kept making good shots. I felt like I had good control and could put it in difficult spots on the court.”

- Serena ‘ready’ for Open Pliskova and her compatriot exchanged breaks of serve through the

Czech third seed Karolina Pliskova defeated compatriot Tereza Martincova on Monday to reach the second round of the US Open. (AFP / Timothy A. Clary) first six games, Martincova later coming within two points of the set before Pliskova rallied.

Pliskova forehand winners took the last two points of the first tiebreaker and she won the last four points in the second, smashing a service winner to claim the match.

“Not happy that I lost three breaks of serve in a row. That’s not possible for next time,” Pliskova said.

“I’m happy I could get through.”

Pliskova, Barty, Wimbledon champion Simona Halep and topranked defending champion Naomi Osaka could top the rankings after the US Open.

Osaka and Halep must win the title. Pliskova needs to at least reach

the quarter-finals. Barty is the front runner, defending fewer points from last year’s Open than Osaka.

Williams, seeking her seventh US Open title, is chasing her 24th Grand Slam singles crown, which would match Margaret Court’s alltime record.

The 37-year-old American is 0-3 in Slam finals since becoming a mother two years ago, her last Slam crown coming at the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant.

“Ready in NY for the US Open,” Williams posted Monday morning on Instagram. “I’m on tonight.”

Williams has never played Sharapova at the US Open, which the Russian won in 2006.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 31

GMR&SC Drag Championship round 4 set for October 6 Endurance meet on September 15 Last weekends International Drag race meet saw around 60 competitors taking to the line to flex their machines muscle in what turned out to be a very successful event despite Team Mohameds mechanical failure in the anticipated exhibition race against Trinidadian Andy Bissessars rail car.

The feature showdown was hurried into an exhibition showcase since the organisers; the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) were worried that the imminent threat of rain would have put a damper on the event.

President of the GMR&SC, Rameez Mohamed, in a release to the media, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders that helped

make the drag racing event a success.

“I would like to thank everyone once again for their constant support to the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, special thanks to the volunteers who help with organising and the work they did on Saturday and Sunday and racers for coming out and making our event a successful one,” Mohamed shared.

The International drag race was the third round of the GMR&SC drag championship and in the release to the media; Mohamed revealed that the fourth and final round of the drag championship will be held on October 6th.

Although the October 6 event is not the next meet on the clubs calendar of events, with an Endurance meet

scheduled for September 15th, it will be highly anticipated since the GuyanaSuriname Ferry Service should be operational by then to allow the Surinamese competitors a piece of the 1320 action at South Dakota.

Meanwhile, the club has released the official results from Sundays meet which are as follows: 600cc bikes - Andy Rajkarran Unlimited Bikes - Michael Mathurine/Joel Bruce (Trinidad) ATV- Kevin Persaud 16 Second - Shivan Ragnath 15 Second - Ramesh Persaud 14 Second - Rafeeq Khan 13 Second - Pierre Singh 12 Second - Damion

Sports Ground being rehabilitated on West Coast Berbice Works done to the playground at Lovely Lass.

Residents in the Union/ Naarstigheid Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) that include the communities Bel-Air, Lovely Lass, Onverwagt and Golden Grove will soon have an upgraded playground to use compliments of the Ministry of Communities.

The enhancement of the playground is being done at a cost of approximately $8M. Among the works being done include the construction of a new fence, bleachers, two sanitary facilities, leveling of the field and the installment of six floodlights around the venue.

According to information the ground would benefit resident of the above mentioned areas and other s u r r o u n d i n g communities. Presently persons from as far as No. 28 use the facilities in the

Another structure being built.

afternoon and with the improvements presently being done, more residents are expected to make use of the venue. The residents mostly engage in football, which is a big sport in this area.

The residents are very happy and have express glee with the new developments especially since they will also benefit from the construction of three bus sheds, street lights, and a bridge in the area. (Samuel Whyte)

Team Trans Pacific Alteeza driven by Rameez Mohamed won the US$100 best burnout prize, sponsored by GT Tuners.

Persaud 11 Second - Jagdeo Seecharran (Trinidad) 10 Second - ONeal Higgins 9 Second - Rameez

Mohamed Unlimited (Under 9 seconds) - Andy Bissesssar (Rail Car) (Trinidad & Tobago) Michael Mathurine/Joel Bruce (Trinidad) had the fast-

est reaction time of the day with an impressive 0.023 seconds, while Rameez Mohamed in Team Trans Pacific Alteeza won the best burnout. (Calvin Chapman)

USADA confirms Coleman charges after he says reports not true (Reuters) - American sprinter Christian Coleman has been charged with a potential anti-doping rule violation for failing to properly file his whereabouts information, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said on Saturday.

USADA issued a statement after Coleman, the U.S. 100 metres champion, said media reports he had committed whereabouts violations which could jeopardise his participation in next month’s world championships were “simply not true”.

“We can confirm that he (Coleman) has been notified and charged under the USADA Protocol of a potential anti-doping rule violation for failing to properly file his whereabouts information,” USADA said in a statement to Reuters.

“Under the World AntiDoping Code three whereabouts failures within a 12month period may be considered an anti-doping rule violation.” USADA added.

The sanction is two years ineligibility subject to a reduction to a minimum of one year, IAAF anti-doping rules state.

A British newspaper report this week alleged that Coleman had committed three whereabouts violations which could prevent him running in the world champion-

American sprinter Christian Coleman runs during the Track and Field: USATF Championships ships and next year’s Olympics.

“What has been widely reported concerning filing violations in simply not true,” the 23-year-old Coleman said in a statement.

“I’m not a guy who takes any supplements at all, so I’m never concerned about taking drug tests, at any times,” Coleman added.

“I am confident the upcoming hearing on September 4 will clear the matter and I will compete at the world

championships in Doha this fall,” he said.

“Sometime after the hearing, I will be free to answer questions about the matter, but for now I must reserve and respect the process.”

USADA gave further details of the test attempts.

“Two of the three test attempts on Mr. Coleman were USADA directed and one of the attempts was initiated by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU),” it said.

PAGE 32

Tuesday August 27, 2019

Kaieteur News

US Open unveils statue for tennis barrier-breaker Gibson AFP - Althea Gibson, the first black tennis player to win a Grand Slam title, was honored yesterday with a statue unveiled on the grounds of the US Open.

Gibson, who died in 2003 at age 76, won five Grand Slam singles titles and six Grand Slam doubles crowns, her historic breakthrough coming at the 1956 French Championships.

At a time when racism was widespread, Gibson persevered on and off the court, winning the 1957 and 1958 Wimbledon and US Open singles titles.

“What people have to understand is how she persevered and what she means not just to our sport, to all society, to everyone,” US tennis legend Billie Jean King said Monday.

Gibson paved the way for such African-American stars as Arthur Ashe and Serena and Venus Williams.

“It wasn’t easy to be African American in the ’50s. It was impossible to do that and she did it and was a champion. I can’t even imagine what she went through,” Venus Williams said.

“She went through it so I didn’t have to. What she achieved, that statue is the beginning of what we should be doing for Althea.”

England’s Angela Buxton, 85, was Gibson’s women’s doubles partner in 1956 French and Wimbledon title runs but gave a sobering assessment of the artwork.

“You want an honest opinion? Well, it doesn’t resemble her at all,” Buxton said. “Sorry to say that. I would have passed her any day and not know who it was.

“But the main thing is not the statue. It’s what I learned from her and what I enjoyed with her. That’s the main thing.”

Gibson’s courage also helped inspire King, a 12-time Grand Slam singles champion who is now 75, to become a historic champion for women’s rights.

“She totally inspired me,” King said. “I knew if Althea had gone through what she had gone through and changed the world, that I had a chance to follow in her footsteps and help change the next generations.

“Althea is a very strong reminder that it’s important to the living people right now that we carry on her legacy and the legacy of equality.”

The tribute comes as incidents involving white supremacists are growing in the United States.

“Every generation has to continue the process and the

Dignitaries pose with a new sculpture unveiled Monday at the US Open paying tribute to Althea Gibson, a black tennis barrier-breaker who won six Grand Slam singles titles in the 1950s.

(Getty Images North America/AFP / Elsa)

fight to keep freedom available, to get rid of sexism and racism,” King said. “Right now I think we have a lot of racism.”

- Gibson’s fight goes on Venus Williams said the equality Gibson fought for remains elusive.

“I don’t think anyone really understands what it was like in those days,” she said.

“We came here for freedom

Bartica basketball camp concludes One of the training sessions during last weekend’s Bartica Basketball Camp.

and it was unfortunate that many people were not given that. Because of Althea, people fighting for it, we’ve gotten a lot closer to it.”

King called the tribute overdue and said women still have great strides to make in society to achieve equality with men.

“A lot of us have waited for a long time for today to happen,” King said. “It takes effort to get things organized.

It takes a huge effort.

“Being a woman? We’re still second-class citizens, and she’s African-American, so just go down the totem pole some more.

“As women, we do not get the same respect. We do not.

We still do not. We’re always second. I can go through every day of my life and people don’t notice it, but it’s just

US women’s tennis legend Billie Jean King spoke Monday at a ceremony for the unveiling of a statue of Althea Gibson at the US Open.

(Getty Images North America/AFP / Elsa) there. And if you’re a person of color, I can’t imagine what you go through each day.

“Just a woman it’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. We

can talk about what didn’t happen, but what has happened is what’s important and we finally have gotten over the finish line.”

Regional Blind cricket tourney postponed to October due to lack of funding to host event

The second annual Bartica basketball camp, which was sponsored by Grace Kennedy Remittance Services (GKRS) and Banks DIH limited, concluded in that town on Sunday and Andrew Hercules, head of the Hercules Basketball Academy that organised the workshop, has hailed the three-day camp as successful.

Some 20 youths in the 6-18 years age groups in that town signed up for the camp that was free of cost and they were instructed primarily on the fundamentals of the sport namely, dribbling, passing, shooting and defensive techniques.

The camp also featured workshops based on the rules of the game along with scholarship guidance and valuable life skills were also thought to the youths.

On Saturday and Sunday night, Plaisance

Guardians of Georgetown Basketball Association bounced with Bartica Wranglers in two exhibition matches which were both won by the Guardians. The first match finished 32-30, while Sundays match finished 57-50. Terrence Daniels was awarded the MVP of the series.

Hercules also serves as the head coach of Guyanas senior mens basketball team and in an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport following the camp; he listed six players that he believes requires attention by the National Selectors. Those players are: 1. Dearon Canterbury 2. Joshua Garraway (most Improved & MVP of the Camp) 3. Giovanni Tracy 4. Ian Gomes Most Skilled 5. Tryese Gomes Most. Talented 6. Rhsy Belle

This years Blind Cricket Tournament has been rescheduled for early October due to host team Guyanas inability to find the funding for Accommodation, Uniforms and Meals for the participating teams.

“Guyana Blind Cricket Association has received $800,000 from NSC for some aspects of preparation for the hosting of the Event.

We were depending on the Guyana Government to support us with $2M, while the Cricket Board did not give anything,” disclosed Manager of the Guyana team, Theresa Pemberton.

However, it was revealed that Barbados and Trinidad had already purchased their tickets and are still coming to Guyana.

Jamaica are the defending champions after winning the last Tournament in Guyana in 2017, while no tournament was held last year.

When asked if the Association has approached sponsors for the hosting of the tournament, Pemberton said they have but no one wants to give up $2Million for Blind Cricket and thats the reason we depend heavily on the Government of the day for support.

Pemberton informed that the West Indies

Theresa Pemberton Female Blind team participated in a development tour against England Blind Female team in Barbados, adding that Guyanese Crystal Aulder is the Captain for the West Indies Womens team. (Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 27, 2019

PAGE 33

Patrick Prashad champion in A&R Jiwanram Printery 4thgolf classic Sunday

P

ast-Captain and veteran golfer Patrick Prashad pulled all the stops and romped home to the champions spot with a magnificent gross 80, net 71, as golfers took advantage of fine golfing weather and the graciousness of Managing Director of A&R Printery, and Guyana Presidential hopeful, Mr. Ramroop Cecil Jiwanrams fourth golf classic (the third for this year).

In the 0-14 A Flight, winners were Patrick Prashad 1st (71/9); Aleem Hussain 2nd (78/9); and Joaan Deo 3rd (82/14). In

the 15-36 B Flight, Maxim Mangra (72/21) placed 1st, followed by Bridgelall Harry (75/16), 2nd; while Marlon Loncke placed 3rd with a score of (77/15). Of honorable mention was Pur “I love that winning feeling” Persaud who scored (78/16).

Club President Aleem Hussain outdrove the competition to emerge the winner of the Longest Drive.

A&R Jiwanram Printery of 31 Back St., Bel Air Village, Georgetown, Tel: 592-226-5588; 592-6031250/1255 is a modern professional hi-tech Printing & Graphic Design Company is ideal for the entire gamut

From left: Marlon Loncke, Bridgelall Harry, Mr Jiwanram, Aleem Hussain, Joaan Deo, Maxim Mangra and Patrick Prashad after the presentation. of excellent print jobs that anyone may require in small or large quantities, with a general maximum

PMTC beat favourites Vanguard Volleyball Club in Burnham Volleyball Festival Action between PMTC and Vanguard VC.

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ort Mourant Training Centre destroyed tournament favorite Vanguard Volleyball Club of Georgetown in the opening match of the National Sports Commission/ Guyana Volleyball Federation Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham Female Volleyball Festival organised

by Sports Officer A. Munroe.

The score ended 30-19, which saw PMTC player Amanda Mohan serving her teams from 6 points to 15 after a shaky start.

Kakuri Warriors of Region 4 also had a good opening match as they defeated Castrol Volleyball Club, 30-24 which saw good all round play from that team.

President of GVF, Levi Nedd, addressed the teams before the start and appealed to all the sub-associations that they must work together if they want the sports to grow, he also praised the NSC, DOS Christopher Jones and also Sports Officer A. Munroe.

He also made an appeal to the regions and villages to get involved by forming more teams, not just females but males also.

Amanda Mohan

turnaround time of 24 hours.

A&R Printery has been an outstanding supporter of the Lusignan Golf Club

contributing also to the Clubs printing and stationery needs.

Mr. Jiwanram was on

hand to congratulate the winners during the end-ofplay prize-distribution ceremony.

Judo’s coming home: clinical Japan bag world double AFP - Hosts Japan snatched double gold at the world judo championships Monday as Joshiro Maruyama and Uta Abe powered to victory to fire a warning ahead of next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

After failing to win a title on day one at the weekend, normal service was quickly resumed for the Japanese at the capital’s iconic Budokan martial arts venue.

World number two Maruyama produced a shock win over countryman and defending champion Hifumi Abe in the men’s 66kilogram division before battering South Korea’s Kim Lim-hwan in a politically charged final.

While Abe was denied a hat-trick of world titles, his younger sister Uta — the poster girl of Japanese judo — retained her crown in the women’s 52-kilo class by dispatching Russian Natalia Kuziutina in just 28 seconds.

Japan dominated the 2018 world championships in Baku, capturing eight of the 15 gold medals available, and will be chasing a similar haul at the 2020 Olympics on home soil.They came into the competition having won a total of 354 world championship medals, 153 of them gold — more than double the tally of their nearest rivals France.

A question mark remains over how Japan’s judoka

World number two Maruyama produced a shock win over countryman and defending champion Hifumi Abe in the men’s 66kilogram division. (AFP / Charly Triballeau) will cope with the suffocating pressure of competing at home but many of those fears were dispelled by the swagger shown by Abe and Maruyama.

Maruyama, who had broken the pain barrier to beat Hifumi Abe in a barnstorming semi-final, dished out a beating to Kim in a gold medal match played out against the backdrop of a simmering diplomatic row between Japan and South Korea.

- Rag doll After an ill-tempered final, the 26-year-old delivered the coup de grace by tossing his Korean opponent over his shoulder like a rag doll to complete an

emotional ippon victory that sparked raucous cheers from a packed home crowd.

“It’s been a difficult road to come this far,” said a tearful Maruyama after bagging his first world title.

“I’ve struggled more than most fighters, so this is a big win for me. But the goal is to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics so I’ve got to pick myself up and go again.”

Hifumi Abe looked inconsolable after losing a battle of attrition against Maruyama as he was left staring up at the rafters with a black eye and choking back tears.A bronze-medal win over Italy’s Manuel Lombardo did little to soften (Continued on page 27)

t r o Sp

The victorious Trinidad and Tobago team

T and T take top spot with 91 gold medals; GKC placed second

Members of the Guyana Karate College team

Patrick Prashad champion in A&R Jiwanram Printery 4thgolf classic Sunday GMR&SC Drag Championship round 4 set for October 6 -Endurance meet on September 15 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.