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Mom ID's killer's NEWS photo in Kaieteur News 21 yrs after daughter's murder

Saturday Edition

AIETEUR

August 31, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 34

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Tullow bills Guyana $64M in pre-contract

costs with no explanation Remanded: Sherlock James

Miner remanded for killing mother of his children

Triangular love affair surrounds couple burnt in mining camp PNC accepts GECOM's decision to halt House to House EPA, GGMC, Pesticides Board toughen up mercury import regulations

Lone bandit shoots, robs Macorp customer

Given its inadequacies...

Guyana must consider other options- before rushing to sell its oil independently

University of Houston Instructor

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Saturday August 31, 2019

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Tullow bills Guyana $64M in pre-contract costs with no explanation discovery, the Fund said that the oil company has no right to be reimbursed for the costs it had incurred. For this reason, the IMF said that the oil company bears all of the exploration risks associated with an oil project.

But the financial institution did not stop there.

It went on to stress, “If the company finds oil in commercial quantities, meaning that the project is economically viable, and decides to exploit it, the contractor will recover costs it incurred to develop the project from a portion of the total value of production.

This amount of production used to recover costs is called cost oil. The remaining oil is called profit oil.”

U

K b a s e d multinational, Tullow Oil, has billed Guyana US$300,000 or $64M in pre-contract costs, while noting that this is what it incurred prior to the effective date it was inked with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

However, Tullow Oil offered no explanation on why it would even look to recover this sum when

industry standards stipulate that it is only to recover development costs.

In addition to this, the details of the pre-contract costs were not stated in the deal that was signed on January 18, 2016.

Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which is providing technical assistance to Guyana on the oil sector has made it clear that it is only the

development costs that are supposed to be recovered by the operator.

In its report called, Selected Petroleum Fiscal Issues, the IMF explained that in a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), an oil company agrees to cover all the costs required to explore for and produce oil in return for a share of production. In the event that the exploration does not lead to the exploitation of a commercial

DISCOVERY / EXPLORATION Due to the 13 discoveries that were made by ExxonMobil on the Stabroek Block, Tullow Oil and its partners, Eco Atlantic and Total, had agreed to bring forward their drilling

programme three years ahead of time.

Just a few days ago, the company struck black gold when it drilled the Jethro-1 w e l l . Tu l l o w ' s C h i e f Executive, Paul McDade noted that the discovery could hold more than 100 million barrels of recoverable oil.

The company is now drilling the Joe prospect in hopes of replicating a similar success story.

ORINDUIK JV PARTNERS In January 2016, Eco signed a Petroleum Agreement and is party to a Petroleum Licence with the Government of Guyana and Tullow Oil for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana.

Tu l l o w O i l a s t h e Operator of the Block, paid past costs and carried Eco for the first 1000km2 of the 2 5 5 0 k m 2 3 D S u r v e y.

Further, Tullow contributed an extensive 2D seismic data set and interpretation.

The Company's 2550 km2 3D seismic survey was completed in September 2017, well within the initial four-year work commitment the Company made for the

initial 1000km2.

In September 2017, Eco announced that its subsidiary, Eco Atlantic (Guyana) Inc. entered into an option agreement on its Orinduik Block with Total, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total S.A. Pursuant to the option.

Total paid an option fee of US$1 million to farm-in to the Orinduik Block. An additional payment of US$12,500,000 was made when Total exercised its option to earn 25 percent of Eco's working interest in September 2018.

Following the exercise of the option by Total, the Block's working interests became: Tullow – 60% (Operator), Total – 25% and Eco – 15%.

In October, last, the Government approved of the To t a l f a r m - i n o n t h e Orinduik Block, which has the potential for almost three billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Just a few days ago however, Total sold 10 percent of its interest in the Orinduik Block to Qatar Petroleum. The government is still to grant approval for this farm-in by Qatar.

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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

Managing police misconduct – Caution required Former police officer Daniel Pantaleo (of Eric Garner chokehold notoriety) will sue the New York Police Department and Commissioner James O’Neill to win back his job, on grounds that they were “arbitrary and capricious”. Meanwhile, the police union pushes for a no-confidence vote in the mayor and police commissioner.

In response, New York’s mayor Bill de Blasio used “reprehensible” to describe the union’s call for a public rebuke.

As feared, this has translated to what hurts the very people and communities who most need an involved and trusted police presence. In the war of words, the furious head of the police union did allude to a possible work slowdown.

In the aftermath of the firing of the officer involved in the chokehold death of Eric Garner, the specific words coming from the union head was for members to use the “utmost caution” when executing arrests, especially if a suspect resists. He said cops should back each other up, call for a supervisor when making an arrest and request an ambulance when touching a member of the public.”

(New York Post, August 20).On the face of it, none could argue with “utmost caution,” or the calls for cops to support each other, or a supervisor, or an ambulance. In times of real trouble, however, those are all time-consuming and could be used as deliberate, but hard to contest, delaying tactics. It means less effective policing. It hurts those in need of a rapid, robust police response; and from a policing position, it is these same besieged communities, that the most emotionally charged outcries against police aggressiveness and lethal outcomes have originated.

Regardless, “utmost caution” was quick to take hold.

According to the New York Post (August 27), “Arrests dropped 27% between Aug. 19 — the day Pantaleo was fired — and Aug. 25 compared to the same period in 2018…” and “The number of criminal summonses issued fell nearly 29% over the same period...”

Sources rushed to share that, “there is no organized slowdown, cops on the street clearly feel that the department doesn’t have their backs…” Now, given the speed and rate of the reaction (go slow), it looks rather convincingly like a police backlash.

The upshot of that is sure to be: a) more minority crime (deal with it yourself); more minority community vulnerability (decide on priority); and more police obstinacy (playing it safe). Naturally, everything is carefully couched in the letter of procedures to a tee. Who could argue? The police hold the high cards; not necessarily the higher ground.This incentivizes low-level and hardcore lawbreakers to push cops for unlawful responses. Now the police feel criminalized, suspected, and expected to make inhuman decisions in the heat of the moment: moments that are dark and dangerous, and unknown and unnerving. Thus, alleged official excess (political mismanagement) over believed serious police misconduct (street mismanagement) is countered by irrefutable police excess (response management) in the field. Police reacting with work freeze before political fire. Means trouble for all sides.

In Guyana, it is similarly unrealistic to demand that there is the cleanest kind of cop-living and practicing when so much money, and so many temptations and offers, wait for the giving (not even asking). That, too, is impractical.

Money buys everything, including law enforcement services.In Guyana, to berate and blast police officers and department for every development, no matter how justified, is something to be considered carefully, with standards observed wisely. The line between condoning and covering up, on the one hand, and criticizing and calling to task, on the other, is best approached temperately. There are those situations that must be exposed and challenged; then there are those for which an honest brass must be given the space, time, and benefit of integrity and intent.

We must foster an “Ideology of Regionalism” in the consciousness of our Caribbean People

DEAR EDITOR, I have just completed one year’s service as Barbados’ Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and one of the key insights I have garnered is that the development of an ideology or philosophy of “Regionalism” in the consciousness of our Caribbean people is absolutely critical for the further advancement of our Caribbean integration project.

It has also become clear to me that if such a goal is to be achieved, it will require systematic and widespread public education about the existence, role and positive contributions of ALL of the Institutions of CARICOM, the Associate Institutions of CARICOM, and the Institutions that are in a functional cooperation relationship with CARICOM. It seems to me that the very heart, soul and substance of our Caribbean integration Movement/ Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is to be found in the 25 or so Institutions and Associate Institutions of CARICOM – and particularly in the critical work that they perform for the Caribbean

people on a daily basis.

But unfortunately, many of our Caribbean people are unaware of the very existence of our Institutions and Associate Institutions; or even when they are aware of the Institution’s existence, they are often unaware of the concrete work it is doing and the contribution it is making to the welfare of our region and its people.

(This perhaps explains why as first class an institution as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has not been able to gain acceptance by the electorates in several CARICOM member states.)

And then there is also the problem of our people knowing about the institution and appreciating the valuableness of its work, but somehow not making a connection between the institution and our Caribbean Community (CARICOM)/ Caribbean Integration Movement.

Examples of such institutions would be the University of the West Indies (UWI), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the

Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

In light of the foregoing, I have come to strongly believe that a key function of each and every Institution or Associate Institution of CARICOM must be the undertaking of a systematic outreach and education programme to the masses of the Caribbean people – to consistently inform and educate our people about the existence, role, contributions and achievements of the Institution or Associate Institution, and to impress upon them that the Institution is connected to CARICOM and is part of our Caribbean Integration Movement.

Such a public education function should not be treated by the Institution as something that is secondary or optional.

Rather, it should be regarded as an indispensable part of the Institution’s mission, since the long-term survival and flourishing of the Institution is ultimately dependent on our people developing an overall commitment to Regionalism and an appreciation of the work and value of our Institutions and Associate

Institutions.

I am certain – for example – that if the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was to embrace the notion that its mission is not only to operate a regional court system and to dispense justice, but to ALSO systematically inform and educate the Caribbean people about the CCJ’s genesis, structure, work and achievements, that CARICOM governments would have little difficulty in persuading their electorates to vote for adoption of this excellent Caribbean institution as their final Court of Appeal.

I am therefore making a Call for every single CARICOM Institution, Associate Institution and Functional Cooperation Institution to build into their institutional structure, and to devote human and financial resources to, a programme of systematic public education about the existence, role and contributions of the Institution, and also about the fact that the Institution is connected to CARICOM and to our Caribbean integration Movement.

This Call therefore goes (Continued on page 6)

Do we just have to accept that Georgetown will never regain its former glory?

DEAR EDITOR, Having followed the goings-on at the Georgetown City Council for a number of years now, I am left to wonder why the senior officers there, have to be told what to do on a daily basis for routine tasks by the Councillors, the Local Government Commission and/or the Communities Ministry, who then have to stand over them to ensure that they carry out the simplest of undertakings.

In other organizations and

companies in Guyana and elsewhere, the Chairman and the Board, which the Mayor and City Councillors really are, would merely be responsible for setting policy guidelines, and giving general directions. The CEO would then ascertain and establish exactly what has to be done in keeping with those decisions and in turn ensure that the heads of departments and their staff carry out their mandates accordingly. Not so at City Hall.

It is not easy, since the real world of policing in the Guyanese environment could make sorcerers out of saints.

Meaning that officers of the Guyana Police Force would be less than human, if they did not respond the traditional way to the opportunities and overtures that come their way; a way now nationally, financially, and personally enriching. This is out there every day. Nonetheless, that disturbing reality must be managed responsibly.

Similarly, those officers who breach the law must be made to stand in the light and feel the heat of consequences. This helps to weed out the much-insisted upon (by every Guyanese politician) few bad ones, it makes the force a respected institution, and transforms society into a trusting and safer place. Unlike their New York brethren, Guyanese political powers, are prudent and very cautious when handling the hot police potato. Votes involved; community security at risk. No fallback options. It has been the sugarcoated, white-gloved treatment.The morale of the force is at stake; its rise hinges on building public trust. Therefore, it is imperative that improvements through individual example depart from the norm and the stereotype; and which forces change from the inside, recognition from the outside, and a generally better reputation overall. Serious change requires honesty, fairness, and nuanced pressure from management, politicians, and public, through firm hands and steady eyes.

One reads of the City Treasurer (ag) refusing requests of the Town Clerk, City Council and the Local Government Commission to hand over some of the City’s financial records for auditing, and giving the ridiculous excuse that the records are too sensitive. This is simply bizarre, how could the records detailing how the monies paid by ratepayers are spent, become classified? And even more troubling, is the fact that this gentleman was not even given a slap on the wrist for such obtuseness.

Why does the City Treasurer have to be told that he has to remit monies to the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue Authority and other places by the Local Government Commission? Does he not know that he is duty and legally bound to do so?

The Engineer’s Department has plumbers, masons, carpenters, tinsmiths, painters and many other construction and engineering competencies within their employ, but rather than repairing and maintaining the majestic City Hall building which resembles a small castle, a little at a time each year, they opted to do nothing to the building but occupy it for the last three decades, watching it crumble

to the ruins it has become, and await a largesse of a whopping $200 Million from some fairy godmother Then we learnt that the fencing around Russell Square in the Stabroek Market area had disappeared, as have so many other things concerning the Council, but the real absurdity is that the Chief Constable is reported to be waiting to be instructed in writing to have his ranks investigate the disappearance of this chain link fencing that is the property of the Council. Simply preposterous!

Then just this week we found the Abattoir closed for business. The reason given was that they had no hose or water to sanitize the facility, leaving it in an unhealthy and unsanitary state. I guess they are awaiting a directive to purchase a piece of hose, replace the water heating tank and have the plumbers fix the pipelines.Whatever happened to those Sanitary Inspectors who were given a fancy new name -Environmental Health Officers - that used to visit each yard regularly to ensure that good public health practices were maintained in the city. Does the Council have to instruct them to go back into their districts?And what about (Continued on page 6)

Saturday August 31, 2019

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I welcome comparisons between David Granger and the man with a Guyana’s transformation sastrous mismanagement of years in office and $1.4 Tril- with the nation that Oil had proven record, Irfaan Ali from a raw material producer the economy, a lack of vision lion in budget expenditure, all been found in commercial DEAR EDITOR, Using a nonsensical ‘poll’ as an excuse, GHK Lall intimated that Irfaan Ali is not the preferred candidate for the PPP/C - nothing could be further from the truth, but that is not my focus. I have noticed while every opportunity is taken to attack Irfaan, what these so called ‘independent minds’ never do, is conduct a (long-overdue) review of the record and character of Caretaker President David Granger, ostensibly Irfaan’s opponent for Elections 2019.

Please allow me to be of assistance.

1. UNTRUSTWORTHY Granger the 2015 candidate made promises that Granger the President never acknowledged. “Jobs for every graduate of the University of Guyana”. One year on morphed into “There is no magic wand. The government cannot provide jobs in the government service, in the police force or the defence force”.

When asked about job creation under his administration after two and a half years in office Granger shrugged and said “It may start with plantain chips… small things could end up big,” Granger never made mention about job creation again until after his administration fell in 2018. This pattern of indifference and untrustworthiness is evidenced throughout Granger’s term in office.

Granger promised revitalization of the Village economy.

His first act, however, was to shut down the thriving village entertainment, Bars, BBQ and Fish & Chip establishments.

Granger advised young people to stop ‘liming’ and plant crops instead. He did not offer any support to go with this ‘advice’. Support was provided to the ‘African Business Round Table and The International Decade for People of African DescentGuyana. Neither of these organizations represent African Guyanese in the slightest.

Billions are spent on Ministers’ lavish lifestyles with meal allowance costs now increased by $1.6 Billion from the 2014 figure. Granger cares, just not about me or you.

Granger took away $8 Billion of direct support provided to schoolchildren with the removal of the $10,000 cash grant. As September approaches sugar workers have not been paid for August, they cannot buy back to school supplies, in what seems like targeted suffering.

Granger approved a 50% salary increase for his Ministers and at the same time callously took away the year-end bonus from our hard working men and women of the Joint services.

Other major promises made and broken by Granger include; 1. To create a new economy that will stimulate rapid development through

to a Manufacturer of Value Added Goods.

Granger’s first year in office, 2015-16, saw valueadded within the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector decline by more than US$67M. Within the manufacturing sector, value-added declined by more than US$18M, with wholesale, retail and trade, by another US$5M. At the local level, in 2017, lending to the manufacturing sector contracted by more than $4.2 billion or 14.6%, when compared to 2015.

According to the latest available data, in mid-2018 the manufacturing sector contracted by another 5.7% to $26.0 billion. Specifically, credit to the beverages, food and tobacco industry, and for other construction and engineering decreased by $2.6 billion (39%) and $1.8 billion (15 %), respectively. 2. Macroeconomic Stability.

Fiscal deficit increased from $9.3B in 2015 to $43 Billion at the end of 2018. Public enterprises moved from producing a surplus of $8B in 2015 to a deficit of 22.8 billion at the end of 2018.

APNU+AFC Coalition took office in June 2015, the Gold reserves moved from $16.268B to $589.3M in June 2019.

2. MISMANAGEMENT Granger proudly boasts of 4% growth, the fact is that had it not been for Granger’s di-

Remember, Guyana is no longer a small and insignificant player on the international stage DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is well poised to receive its share of oil early in the new year. Hopefully by then the elections will be over and a new Government will be in place, one that is democratically elected in free, fair and transparent elections.

The emergence of oil and gas has generated tremendous interest by the international community in the upcoming elections. Guyana is no longer a small and insignificant player on the international stage.

Its geo-strategic importance has been significantly enhanced, thanks to our newly-discovered oil riches.This sector, if properly managed, could have a transformational impact on the economic and social life of the Guyanese people. The promise of a better life has, in the past, been elusive, despite an abundance of natural and mineral resources. There is poverty in the midst of plenty,

for which as a society we have to take collective responsibility for our inability to optimally and effectively harness our resources for the benefit of all.

The question that is uppermost in the minds of most Guyanese is whether or not oil will be a ‘game changer’ in terms of enhancing our collective well-being or will it be yet another wasted opportunity to transform our lives. As we approach the elections there will be promises from all sides of the political spectrum but as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

This is why the stakes in these upcoming elections are so high. Whichever Party emerges victorious at the polls will be in a position to have command over financial resources not hitherto possible, which could be utilized to create a more prosperous and just society.

Yes, without a doubt this

will be the ‘mother of all elections’ and the entire world is watching on. Our elections are long overdue and any further delay could do harm to our image as a democratic and law governed society.

One consequence of such an outcome is that it could undermine our ability to bargain from a position of strength in doing business at the bilateral and multilateral levels, including key financial institutions, particularly in the early years of our emerging oil and gas economy.

Job creation, visionary leadership, security, trust and good governance will be some of the ingredients that will influence voting behaviour in the upcoming elections.The electorate is in a better position to make informed decisions on which, from among the competing parties, is more likely than not to deliver on Manifesto promises, thanks to social media.

Hydar Ally

that saw closure of sugar estates and dismantling of the Amerindian CSO program with no alternative employment plan in place that has led to decline in all of the traditional sectors, growth would have been in the high double digits; 4% after the discovery of oil is an admission of failure.

All of the Government corporations are bankrupt or in serious debt; GuySuCo, which the government claimed it has right-sized two years ago, is now projected to make a loss of $920 million and it even has shelved the responsibility of drainage.

GPL is projected to make a deficit of $9.5 billion; GPOC, GRDB, GUYOIL, and MARDS Rice complex are the only four public enterprises projected to have a surplus, but the end of 2019 will earn less than was projected at the start of the year in the minister’s budget speech.

The parent company of the Chronicle - Guyana National Printers Limited - continues to be run into the ground, it is expected to finish the year with at $80.5 million deficit. NIS is projected to lose $546 million. After four

we have to show for it is two arches, five overpasses and a roundabout to nowhere.

Granger was elected President despite his lack of experience in delivering programs or creating policy, his performance since then reveals the true nature of the man.

3. LACK OF LEADERSHIP Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman was ordered to sign the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Tullow that did Guyana’s citizens no favours with its lack of ring-fencing provisions and a ‘1% royalty’. Given that Guyana was no longer a frontier oil nation, this was a poorly negotiated deal - it has Guyana paying a 1% royalty from its own portion of ‘profit-oil’. Where was the leadership?

Granger has also passed legislation that put the Sovereign Wealth Fund under the control of one man, the Finance Minister, one of the persons who vacillated on the existence of a signing bonus.

Granger has a plan for Oil money, are you in it?

4. TRIVIAL PURSUIT Less than two weeks after being elected President, Granger was informed along

quantity. Granger did not prioritize ‘local-content’, instead, he spent the first year in office planning a Jubilee celebration. D’Urban Park was transformed into a Drill square, at a cost to businessmen and taxpayers yet to be determined. $600 Million remains unaccounted for and the square is now home to vagrants and stray dogs.

Granger spent four years persuading persons to ‘donate’ buses, boats, bicycles (and now book bags) that carry his ‘David G’ insignia. I am unsure if these buses are the property of the state as they do not appear on the asset register of any state entity. Granger’s idol, Burnham, was Prime Minister for over 15 years before he appeared on the cover of exercise books, David G did not tarry. Painting everything Green is an obsession; State buildings, Schools, Roundabouts, sidewalks and even outhouses.

5. UNDEMOCRATIC Granger struggles with the ‘Rule of Law’ concept as he sees himself apart from the system. When the Chief Justice ruled that while the (Continued on page 6)

A job is not done until it is finished DEAR EDITOR, For the better part of two years the main road leading to the Charity Wharf - or to be more precise, the last one hundred and fifty metres - has become a one-way road, and this decision was made primarily to accommodate vendors on both sides of the road. And quite recently, the Mini Bus and Car Park that was constructed has been given to the vendors to ply their trade, so as to facilitate infrastructure work at the extreme end of the road.

The above actions and decisions are understandable, although for some not welcome - by some operators of these buses and hire cars and also some commuters who have to walk some distance to meet the waterfront, with luggage sometimes.

There are two diversions one on each side that would also lead drivers to the extreme end of the public road where persons living and travelling to the Pomeroon River and also to region one, would embark and disembark.

But these very important roads which I do believe come under the direct control of the Charity/Urasara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (N.D.C.) have been totally neglected and are being allowed to become close to impassable due to the deplorable state they are cur-

rently in.

When one looks at the amount of vehicular traffic, and persons living in that area that have to use these roads daily, it is beyond the comprehension of any reasonable thinking person, why this N.D.C. singularly or collectively with the Regional Administration, cannot have these roads fixed. The Regional Administration and the N.D.C. in question have so much to gain and nothing to lose.

It would be remiss of me not to say that on Monday August 19, 2019, I visited this N.D.C. Office and was shown a quantity of crusher run that was purchased sometime back for the repairs of these roads mentioned, but the person I spoke with was not sure why the work was not yet started. A job is not done until it is finished.

Archie W. Cordis Former A.F.C. Councillor Region No. 2

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The problem is, there is no one left to trust and we don’t know it DEAR EDITOR, So now here we stand, or appear to stand, or pretend to stand, with these two worn-out and flawed appendages - one wobbling precariously and the other sneakily trying to unwobble - desperately trying to “support” us, or themselves.

We sigh, apparently resigned to our perpetual wretchedness, and blame each other for the storms we ourselves brew.

In our two divided camps, we do not criticize our leaders for their glaring shortcomings for fear of giving succor to the other side, and we are inured to their massively dangerous faults. In fact, we willingly forgive their transgressions but without hesitation will accuse and condemn the other side for similar acts!

Simply put, each of us as individuals need to do some very serious self-examinations, some very serious soul-searching of what’s left of our consciences, and with gargantuan effort, summon the courage and will power to belch all the greed, the hate, the corruption, the hypocrisy, the incompetence, the racism, and the practitioners of such vile vices, from our system in one massive nation-saving catharsis. Presently, as we linger on the brink of untold wealth, all we hear is endless bickering and jockeying and squabbling for power, and nothing about sensible plans to wisely utilize the expected windfall of petro-dollars for the development of the Nation.

For some strange reason, this topic remains conveniently taboo. Our leaders only desire, and maybe obsession, seems to be, to be the ones in power and so have control over the anticipated monies.

And from past experiences, even with our shoe-string economy, some of these same leaders effortlessly lead the way in somehow beating the odds and became super wealthy.

Imagine now what any “economic czar” will do for self and favoured ones if certain devious ones are thrust in the seat of control by the manipulation and gaslighting of our gullible populace.For many of us, the problem is not who to trust, but rather, there is no one left to trust and we don’t know it. So, to the ordinary man habitually belting out unconditional praises to his leaders, be careful what you sing for, you may well receive it.

And to all of us, crumbs are only crumbs.

There’s no difference between the crumbs that fall from this or that master’s table, and only the mentally maimed cannot see this.

Only when we have initiated and realized changed leadership in both camps, leadership that is selfless, conscientious, who seeks national unity and willingly and dutifully puts Guyana first, then we will be able to stand proudly as a Nation, on solid footing.

Yours respectfully, Alvin Smith

We must foster an “Ideology of Regionalism”...

From page 4 out to the following:INSTITUTIONS OF CARICOM · Caribbean Agricultural Development Institute (CARDI) · Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) · Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) · Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) · Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) · Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) · Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) · Caribbean Court of

Justice (CCJ) - C a r i b b e a n Meteorological Organization (CMO) · Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) · Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) · Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) · C a r i b b e a n Telecommunications Union (CTU) · CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) · C A R I C O M Development Fund (CDF) · C A R I C O M Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) · CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ)

Do we just have to accept ...

From page 4 those district gangs that kept the parapets in pristine condition using hand scythes and cutlasses many years ago and those that kept the drains clean using shovels and hoes? Today they have motorized brush cutters, mist blowers, Madvacs and excavators, and yet in most areas these municipal workers are never seen, the drains are clogged, and the grass on the parapets is taller than humans, and encourages a lot of unwanted wildlife.With all of the robberies and burglaries occurring in and around the markets, do the relevant officers have to be instructed by the Local Government Commission to have security cameras installed and monitored at these facilities?

I hope not.Just look at what has happened to the administration, security, aesthetics and maintenance of Le Repentir Cemetery. Not so many moons ago this cemetery was welladministered by the Sexton’s office, which kept records of burials and information of the various beds, supervised the rangers who were part of the security arrangements, and kept the cemetery weeded. High grass or trees growing among the tombs was never permitted. Today the cemetery is now an international disgrace.Do we just have to accept that Georgetown will never regain its former glory?

Sincerely, Kishore Das

· Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) ASSOCIATE INSTITUTIONS OF CARICOM · Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) · University of the West Indies (UWI) · University of Guyana (UG) · Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) ·Caribbean Private Sector Organization (PSO) · Secretariat of the Organization of Caribbean States · Caribbean Law Institute Centre (CLIC) FUNCTIONAL COOPERATION INSTITUTIONS OF CARICOM · Caribbean Export and Investment Agency (CaribExport) ·Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) · Council of Legal Education (CLE) · Caribbean Organization of Tax Administrators Our Caribbean Community (CARICOM)/Caribbean Integration Movement has a scope, depth and purpose that is truly impressive.

And I merely wish to publicly urge all of our regional institutions to play their part in helping to make our people more aware and conscious of this, for it is by so doing that we will foster that all-important ideology or philosophy of Regionalism.

David A. Comissiong Ambassador to CARICOM

Saturday August 31, 2019

Let us not make this a blame game, be using such a broad pality always used to provide Mr. Mayor not brush to paint all ratepayers, their own garbage collection DEAR EDITOR, I was extremely disappointed to read in the newspapers recently, a report that quoted the Mayor of Georgetown as blaming the citizens for the Council’s financial troubles and their tardiness which caused them to fail to pay the National Insurance Scheme for a number of years now, resulting in them racking up a debt of more than 218 million dollars. Also for late payments to staff, for non-payment to garbage collectors, and failure to remit the monthly pay as you earn deductions to the GRA from its workers.I am disappointed that the Mayor is allowing himself to be misled by officers in his Administrative and Finance Departments. I am sad that he has begun to sing the same old tune that the cow died on which was sung by his predecessors.

The first thing the Mayor needs to understand is that the Council did not have the option of withholding or delaying the payments due to the National Insurance Scheme, while they frittered away millions of dollars on frequent and expensive overseas junkets and building Presidential Parks etc. According to the Insurance Act of Guyana, it is a criminal offence if entities fail to pay their contributions by the due date. So why was the Council allowed to get away with this for years?

According to the Mayor had taxpayers paid their taxes (I guess he means property rates), the M&CC would not have been in its current financial state. The Mayor should

as the vast majority of property owners are faithful, honest and law-abiding citizens who honour their financial commitments to City Hall promptly. But more importantly, the Mayor needs to understand that until the Council’s financial records are properly audited and qualified, there will be a reluctance by some property owners to throw their money into a ‘black hole’ as they see City Hall to be.The Mayor then goes on to rhetorically ask the question ‘How can we sustain our staff?’ The answer to that, I would suggest that he considers getting rid of about half of the more than eight hundred workers - most of whom are in clerical and administrative positions and who idle most of the day.

Surely the Mayor must understand by now that the City cannot afford to carry a payroll of more than one hundred million monthly. It is just unsustainable and wasteful.

The city needs to get rid of all those who sit in nice cushy offices and pontificate all day long for super salaries and benefits.He also alludes to the fact that there is the issue of nonpayment to garbage contractors. Is he aware of how many times the central government has bailed them out in this regard, which means the citizens are paying for garbage collection services twice - First through property rates which are wasted and second through taxes that are paid to central government.

But more importantly, if the Mayor would go through his archives he would realize that the Georgetown Munici-

services very efficiently at a fraction of the cost of the contractors. It is just laziness and corruption that has caused the Council to incur this additional and substantial cost, and therefore he should not be blaming the citizens for their depleted finances.Finally the Mayor needs to understand that even though property rates and other municipal fees and charges have gone up substantially over the years, municipal services have gone down drastically.

No longer does the Council patch or build new roads, the wharf of the Stabroek Market was allowed to rot and collapse, the City Hall is in ruins, bridges are not maintained, the cemetery is in an atrocious state, ‘Old Smokey’ the City Incinerator has ceased to operate, a number of Day Care Centres have been shuttered, parapets are not weeded, the drains are not dug, the clocks on the markets have stopped working, the municipal markets are almost uninhabitable, vendors and shoppers at these markets are robbed on a daily basis, the city is not fogged for mosquitoes and yards not visited by public health officers, persons are selling expired and fake food products in the shops and markets, the pavements are congested with illegal vending.

Let us not make this a blame game, but rather, let us try to fix City Hall which is broken, and let us work together to make our capital city ‘the Garden City’ again.

Sincerely, Amakali Morgan

I welcome comparisons between ...

From page 5 President has the ultimate say on who is determined fit and proper to serve in the post, and could also reject the list of nominees, he should provide reasons as to why specific persons are unsuitable.

Granger said “while the Chief Justice gave an appointment based on her perception of the law I will continue to act based on my perception of the Constitution….”

When the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled his appointment of James Patterson as Chairman was “constitutionally flawed” Granger maintained “I did nothing wrong”.This disconnect between word and action has led to refusal to act in accordance with constitutional requirements following the passage of a no-confidence motion.

Granger is struggling with the concept that he is a ‘caretaker’ and his cabinet stands resigned as of 21st December

2018.

CONCLUSION Granger may delude himself by placing his name on buses, boats, bicycles and book bags; his real legacy, however, is an Tullow Oil PSA that gave away our oil revenues carelessly; a disrespected and destroyed constitution; an unstable economy where investments are frozen; 30,000 jobs destroyed; a high crime rate as criminals remain undeterred by his ‘dogs and ponies’ security upgrades.

Granger’s lack of concern for the Guyanese people is evidenced by the fact that he never bothered to produce a local-content policy or pass enabling and enforcing legislation for the same purpose.

I welcome comparisons between David Granger and Irfaan Ali, who has a strong track record of delivering on promises. Irfaan’s innovations include taking the ‘One

Stop Shop” for housing to the people; house lots distributed at a record rate; wells were built, construction boomed; special projects were implemented, including the Young Professional and Remigrant Schemes.

Irfaan is backed by a solid team including Bharrat Jagdeo, whose term as President coincided with the greatest period of prosperity in Guyana’s history. The PPP/C can offer its history of preparing manifestos and achieving 85% of the promises and projects contained within, the APNU/AFC did a ‘cut and paste’ manifesto and delivered nothing contained therein.

The choice facing the electorate is stark; the empty suit of David G, or the man with a proven record, Irfaan Ali, the hard-working farmer/economist/politician.

Respectfully Robin Singh

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

EPA, GGMC, Pesticides Board toughen up mercury import regulations The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) have been tasked with the mandate of working together to enforce new procedures which concern the importation of mercury into the country.

Heads of the three agencies GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison; Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams; and Registrar of the PTCCB, Trecia DavidGarnath along with the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday at the Ministrys Main Street Annex, in the presence of representatives of their stakeholders.

The stated purpose of the MoU in the same document, is “to coordinate and enhance the procedures for management of the importation, storage, distribution, use and disposal and provisions for clean-up in the event of an accident or spill, of mercury which is a known toxic chemical used in the gold mining industry in Guyana.”

The efforts being made are pursuant to a commitment made by Guyanas President David Granger to eliminate the use of mercury, when he signed on to the Minimata Convention in Switzerland, in 2017.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a multilateral environmental agreement that addresses specific human activities which are contributing to widespread mercury pollution. It was found that, though the chemical is useful in the extraction of gold from ore, its use is detrimental to the natural environment and to human health.

The MoU states new criteria to which importers, resellers and users of mercury must adapt. It also outlines procedures for the aforementioned agencies to work observe, and resolves to improve communication between those agencies on this matter.

Minister Trotman cautioned that the efforts being made by Government are not anti-miner.

“Mining is very good for Guyana. Mercury, used indiscriminately, is bad for Guyana.”

[From left] Executive Director EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Technical Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Marisica Charles; Registrar, Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Trecia David-Garnath; and GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison He said that government will “work assiduously to reduce the impact of mercury without jeopardizing or diminishing the value and significance of mining and miners.”

The mercury-related activities pertinent to this agreement include source (country of origin), documentation, packaging, inspection, handling, transportation, storage, conditions for resale, and customer information.

By signing on to the document, the PTCCB has agreed to license all pesticides and toxic chemicals im-

ported into Guyana, save and except for chemical mercury, which is not a toxic chemical.

David-Garnath said that guidelines for the importation of mercury are very stringent to ensure that the facilities for the transport, sale, distribution and disposal of mercury are in place.

In the case of the GGMC, it will ensure that the owners and/or managers of any claim or mine, in which mercury is being used, are included in a separate register. That information will be shared with all the parties periodically to guide the Ministers decision

on the quantities of mercury to be imported.

“Without cooperation and understanding, things that are done by regulators become ineffective.” Dennison said.

He added that what is being done is in line with Mining (Amendment) Regulations 2005 which refer to the need for special, careful treatment of the substance.

And the EPA has resolved to ensure that, in the management of mercury, all measures will be taken to mitigate the risks it poses to human health and the environment.

Dr. Adams said that, for decades, “mercury has played a significant role in the gold mining industry which, as we all know, contributes to a major part of this nations economy.”

So, although its harmful, he explained that Government “cant just stop” using it, so abruptly.

Interventions will be phased.

It should be noted that the agreements signed on to under the MoU do not create any legal rights or obligations, nor do they supersede any laws or regulations.

PAGE 8

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

NMWUG has bargaining rights for AGM workers Aurora Gold Mines Inc. (AGM)s rank-and-file workers have been unionised under the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG).

The union now has bargaining rights for the workers.

This is according to a letter of correspondence from the Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, and the President of NMWUG, Sherwin Downer.

However, Downer has ex-

pressed concern, as even though the culmination of the process was announced over a week ago, the union is yet to receive its Certificate of Recognition.

This would put an end to a four year struggle by the union to secure recognition from the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TUR&CB). The matter had made the news in July when the workers put operations at

Aurora unit to a halt.

Roughly 250 workers had participated in the strike, which lasted for two days.

During the strike, the managers of the mines reportedly turned off the internet connection so that the workers couldnt reach the public.

Workers protested in the rain, and reported that the administration had even refused to feed them on one day, save for a single meal.

Guyana Goldfields had released a statement shortly after, announcing that they had suspended work until a solution could be reached for the workers grievances.

Several persons claiming to be workers have been contacting this publication throughout the past year with claims of workers rights abuses. They had refused to go on record for fear of persecution by the administration.

The Labour Department was forced to meet swiftly with a team of workers to hear

their concerns, after which Minister Scott told Kaieteur News that the workers agreed to go back to work, on the condition that their request for union representation is expedited.

Those negotiations included Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle.

The workers had told Kaieteur News that Minister Scott promised to visit the mines to have a better understanding of what they are (Continued on page 21)

NMWUG President, Sherwin Downer

Given its inadequacies...

Guyana must consider other options before rushing to sell its oil independently

-University of Houston Instructor Guyana has opted to sell its own share of the crude that will come from the ExxonMobil operated Stabroek Block.

But, given its inexperience in this complex field and lack of essential mechanisms, authorities may want to carefully consider safer options.

This was suggested by University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro.

The official stressed that

selling crude requires a good deal of marketing expertise and Guyana would need trained personnel to do this effectively. Mitro cautioned that this could take several years. Governments appointed managers of the oil would understand the market firsthand if oil was sold independently. And that would be advantageous but it would take years.

The Oil and Gas Consult-

ant stressed that an alternative for Guyana is for the Department of Energy to rely on the operator being Exxon, to sell the crude. He reminded that this option is already envisioned in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

He said that this can be done right from the beginning while noting that Exxon certainly has the expertise to do it.

Burglar gets additional 30 months in jail A garbage collector, who was charged with three counts of breaking and entering, was yesterday sentenced on the two final charges after

he was found guilty of committing the offences.

Fifty-nine-year-old Aubrey Price called “Stones” of Lot 75 Princess Street,

Lodge Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Dylon Best in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he had pleaded not guilty to two of the three charges on his first court appearance.

Price had pleaded guilty to the first charge, which stated that between June 11, 2019 and June 12, 2019, at Princess Street, Lodge Georgetown, he broke and entered the storage bond of Sharon Nurse and stole four cases of banks beer bottles valued at $3600.

After Prices guilty plea, Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus sentenced him to one year imprisonment.

The second charge stated that on February 15, 2019 at Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling home of Marsha Baird and stole items worth $392,000, property of Marsha Baird.

The third charge alleged that on March, 15, 2019, at Princess Street, Lodge, Georgetown, he broke and entered the home of Marsha Baird and stole a Rubis gas cylinder valued at $6000.

Magistrate Bess sentenced Price to 24 months imprisonment for the second charge and six months for the third charge. The charges will run concurrently.

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

BEING SMITTEN LEADS TO BEING BITTEN A standup comedian observed that these days politicians are not emerging from the ranks of the people. Instead, they are offering themselves up to the people as the chosen ones. They come forward and announce, “I believe that I have the qualities to be your leader.” Instead of the people deciding who they wish to contest for the leadership, the leaders are thrusting themselves on the people and asking for their support.

This is what democracy has long disintegrated to.

Leaders are identified and the people end up fighting with each other as to who they should support, not recognising that none of the candidates was ever the people’s choice in the first place. It was not the people who decided that they should contest for leadership.

It is their parties and in some cases some leaders themselves who impose themselves on the people.

There are some politicians who do not belong to any party but they want to become president too. As the political processes within the political parties are refined, as we debate which party is more democratic in its methods of

selecting a candidate, the people should not lose sight of the fact that the umbilical cord between candidate and people has long been severed.

Until the people themselves begin to throw up their own candidates and force their political parties to accept these candidates, internal democracy will always be deficient and we will continue to have this ‘silly season’ every five years in which the people are forced to choose between candidates not of their original choosing.

The people end up dividing themselves over these imposed candidates. Each side tries to find what is bad, what is unacceptable and what is tainted about the other. They know very little of their own other candidate except what is told to them.

And what is told to them is often itself a product of a process in which each side tries to make its candidate look good at the expense of the other.

It gets all ugly when the mud begins to be thrown.

These candidates are not bad individuals. They are all human beings. They all may mean good. They may have different perspectives on cer-

tain things but the more closely you examine what they are saying, you will discover they all wish the best for Guyana and for the parties they represent.

So why then if there is so much in common amongst these candidates are the people dragged into a divisive process every five years.

The reason is that throughout our history, the ruling class has come under the yoke of a powerful economic class. The ruling class becomes smitten by this class and then the smitten leads to them being bitten. Being bitten leads inevitably to the ruling class acting in the interest of this powerful economic class.

It is in the interest of the powerful economic class to keep the political parties, and by extension the public, divided because in so doing this economic class is able to unravel any working class solidarity that can be forged by the people identifying the essential commonalities between their candidates.

Our politicians are not evil persons. They do not wish to destroy one section of the population or to empower one side at the expense

Dem boys seh ...

Guyana paying fuh de FPSO When people pay fuh something is dem own. If me son go to a car dealer and sign up fuh a car but I pay for it in de end de car is me own, even if me son go to court to challenge.

Is de same thing wid a house.

Nuff people get property because dem file fuh prescriptive rights because dem was living in de property fuh years and paying all de taxes.

Exxon find oil in Guyana and decide to mek wha people call FPSO—Floating Production Storage and Offloading. That is something that dem does pump de oil into. When it full dem does sail it to wheh dem

does sell de oil and empty it.

Dem boys hear Guyana pay fuh de FPSO that Exxon mek in Singapore. Suh how come Guyana don’t own it?

Even if Guyana ain’t pay for it as yet according to people in de oil business, de money to mek de FPSO going to Guyana account then de vessel is Guyana own and Exxon should pay rent.

Of course nuff people finding fault wid dem oil contract but if Soulja Bai did do wha Jagdeo use to do nobody woulda know anything bout dem contract. He was de one who decide that every contract should be made public because de government don’t believe in confidentiality clause.

Some of Soulja Bai supporters wonder if he didn’t dig a hole fuh he self but most people know that it was a good thing.

Jagdeo promise sweeping changes but dem boys know that he wouldn’t touch dem oil contract. In fact, people believe one of de sweeping changes gun be to keep all contracts secret.

Dem boys want to know what else dem paying for and wouldn’t own. In fact, dem might find that dem buying Exxon which would not be a bad thing because Guyana can do well wid that company.

Talk half and claim what you paying for.

of the other.

The politicians are not bad people. They may have different beliefs and those values may mean different things for different economic classes but in the main, all politicians do not wish to see things go wrong for people because if that happens they lose face.

The problem comes when the politicians, as has been the case in Guyana for so long, become captive to the powerful economic class. The rules are then shifted in favour of this one class at the expense of the vast majority of the people.

And instead of recognising when the ruling class is exercising power in favour of the powerful economic class, the people instead fight amongst themselves about who is good and who is bad. No one is bad; people simply act on different interests. And that interest may not always be for the masses.

It is therefore for the people to regain control of their political parties, not to put one party against the other because in the end the

people are undermining their own interest and allowing the powerful economic class to cement their hold on the ruling class.

The people must cease dividing themselves along party lines. They must see that in the end it matters not which party is in power, the poor always remain disadvantaged and this is because the powerful economic class has been able to firstly divide the people along party lines. Secondly, they have been able to capture the ruling class and influence that class to exercise power generally in their interests.

The powerful economic class is not going to lose whichever party wins the election because this class will ensure that whoever is elected rules in its interest.

The powerful economic class will meet with all candidates.

They are not bothered.

They are confident that with the stranglehold they have on the direction the country has to go, their interests are going to be protected and they will be well protected whoever wins an election.

Instead, therefore, of the people fighting amongst themselves as to who should rule, they should be asking the more relevant question. In whose interests will the person who we are electing, rule?

Will that person rule in the interest of the working class or will he rule in the interest of those who will throw millions of dollars into the coffers of the various political parties?

If the people asked themselves those questions, they would stop this silly game of arguing as to which candidate is good and which is bad.

None of the candidates are bad; they are all good people.

What is bad is when we allow ourselves to be divided in choosing amongst them.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

PAGE 10

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Clive Thomas irresponsibly accuses me of irresponsibility After I read in the media that Eric Phillips of SARA (he has since resigned) said that he cannot disclose the names of the two owners of plots in Pradoville 2 that settled with SARA by paying $20 million each for their plots to avoid litigation, I called Phillips.

He said that only Thomas can speak to the press about such matters. Naturally, I turned to Thomas. For our conversation, see my column of Wednesday, June 10, 2019, “Pradoville 2 nondisclosure clause: Sad country”). Thomas in that interview didn’t know that Phillips had spoken

to the press and had publicized the two acts of settlement. He asked that I send him Phillips’s statement, which I flatly refused to do for two reasons.

I am not going to let Thomas question my media integrity. I told Thomas I read it and I cited where. I am not an overnight media worker, so Thomas would want me to verify my journalism. Secondly, that is Thomas’s work, not mine - to ask Phillips what he told the media.

Thomas said the law prevented him from naming the two persons who paid up. I

subsequently found out by reading the law that it does not. It says nothing about SARA being restricted by law from naming people who have settled.

Six weeks after my column on Thomas’s misleading statement, he was interviewed by the Stabroek News about the non-disclosure issue. The item was carried in the July 22, 2019 edition of that newspaper. I provide an extract from the news report; “Thomas told Stabroek News that providing names (to Kissoon) is the worst possible thing he could do, because the information would have been published. “It will be very contentious given the implications that I leaked…the information. He is not going to use it responsibility (sic) so I said that I

cannot give any information.” Now let us discuss who is responsible and who is foolish. SARA is an anti-corruption agency that is charged with recovering state assets that is alleged were transferred to private citizens during the reign of presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar. The reader should note that the operative word in SARA’s functionalism is “state” meaning public property.

Prior to the formation of SARA by legislation, a forensic audit was done of the totality of the operations at Pradoville 2. Information was released to the public of who were the recipients of the lots awarded cheaply by the Jagdeo regime. Public mention was made of the fact that Minister Priya Manickchand built and sold to business-

man, David Narine. All of this information was put in the public domain.

There are three things to note about Thomas telling me and the Stabroek News that he cannot identify the names of persons who agreed to pay.

First he cites the law under which SARA is canopied.

Unless I am illiterate, then I am contending that there is nothing in that legislation to prevent publication of names of recipients who have chosen to pay market value.

Secondly, such transactions are not covered by law.

Nondisclosure can only exist if the legal papers drawn up between SARA and the settlers prevent identification.

Thirdly, corruption cases worldwide are matters of public concern if the assets are state property. A businessman accused of an illegal relation with a bank and they settled can be deemed as a private transaction.

How can an anti-corruption agency of the state, pursuing beneficiaries of government nepotism and financial venalities, protect the identities of those that are accused?

In no other country that can happen except Guyana. Robert Persaud went public with his suggestion that he would be willing to pay the market value. Once he made his position known and he followed through with a settlement with SARA then how can that information be kept secret?

Thomas has not an ounce

Frederick Kissoon of plausibility in his pronouncement that the law prevents him from publication of the settlements. Here is my thinking on what happened.

Both settlers in the drafting of the legal papers requested anonymity and SARA agreed. This is not how the nation’s business should be conducted. There cannot be secrecy in anti-corruption investigations.

What Thomas is doing, is withholding the identity of those who benefitted from presidential nepotism, and what is ironic about Thomas’s nonsense is that the very organization that Thomas heads is charged with exposing that nepotism.

I end on a funny note which captures the funny operation of SARA. Booby Ramroop has been taken to court by SARA. Suppose he pays up, will Thomas refuse to say that Ramroop settled?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

Amazon fires will likely impact Rupununi’s animals, fishes - Energy Dept.

The world watches in dismay as record-breaking fires, at never-before-seen rate rip through the Amazon forest in Brazil. TheAmazon is the world’s largest rainforest.

It stretches across 5.5 million square kilometers, covering 40 percent of the South American continent. It is often referred to as the lungs of the earth and one of earth’s best defences against climate change.

This tragic event is a global emergency since no tract of the Amazon Rainforest can be treated in isolation of the entire Amazon forest as the benefits that the forest provide on a global scale are not restricted or limited by boundaries.

Consequently, the Amazon fire is of direct concern to every country in the world, particularly the Amazonian countries which include Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Western Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

Among its uniqueness, the Amazon produces 20 percent of the world’s oxygen and serves as a massive carbon sink. It also holds a plethora of ecosystems housing 10% of the world’s known species of organisms that hold environmental, economic and social (health) benefits.

The rainforest is on fire in the Jamanxim Environmental Protection Area near the city of Novo Progresso, Brazil. VICTOR MORIYAMA/GREENPEACE Additionally, it is responsible for sustaining the livelihoods of many, including the Indigenous Communities that reside in the forest.

Causes of the Fires

The National Institute of Space Research noted that the number of fire outbreaks in the Brazilian Amazon region has increased by 84% compared to the same period last year. This is

mainly due to illegal deforestation from land clearing and preparation for cattle ranching and agriculture. This is causing the Amazon to become drier, making it more susceptible to wildfires and for fire that are deliberately set to spread quicker.

Real and Present Danger Forests are custodians of a wide diversity of ecosystems, rich biodiversity and a large proportion of the world’s forest carbon for the benefit of all humanity. As a result of this, several legally binding Multilateral Environmental Agreements place intact forest at the centre of the fight against climate change. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for example recognizes the exceptional importance of primary forest and the urgent necessity to avoid major fragmentation, damage and loss of primary forests of the planet as forest loss would reduce the capacity of ecosystems to store carbon and this in turn would lead to increases in greenhouse

emissions.

Implications for the Amazon Basin The burning of the Amazon has deleterious consequences for the world. As the fire rages on, more wildlife habitats and biodiversity will be destroyed and many more species of wildlife, some of which are endemic to this location would be displaced.

Further, animals are expected to migrate to areas that are not affected by the fire, essentially putting stress on both the displaced wildlife and the wildlife that is already in that location, due to competition for available food, water and shelter.

The Indigenous People who occupy the Amazon Rainforest are expected to be impacted the hardest as they depend on the forest resources for food and shelter. This unwelcomed event will also pose serious risks to their health through smoke inhalation.

Already, the accumulation of smoke is affecting residents of areas outside of the rainforest such as Sao Paulo.

Implications on Global Climatic Conditions As a result of this

catastrophe, an exponential amount of carbon dioxide is being emitted to the atmosphere, which no doubt will aggravate the impact of climate change. As a result, it is likely that the world’s focus on limiting greenhouse gas increases to 1.5 Degrees Celsius by 2050 may be in Jeopardy.

Also, with the loss of so many trees, it is envisaged that there will be a decrease in evapotranspiration, thus reducing the amount of precipitation in South America. Important to note is that both cities and rural communities depend on these sources of atmospheric water and may potentially be faced with economic and ecological consequences.

Implications for Guyana Guyana is one of only 33 countries in the world that is classified as a High Forest Cover Low Deforestation country.

Efforts such as the GuyanaNorway Agreement and Government’s commitment to prioritise the protection of the country’s rainforest through the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, supports our sustainable forest management ideal. Nonetheless we remain exceedingly concerned about the fires in Brazil, since the Amazon Basin is directly connected to our country’s natural environment.

The fires may potentially impact the Rupununi district where seasonal rainfall floods a vast savannah. During the rainy season, this inundated savanna allows a connection between the Amazon and Essequibo Rivers that provides the potential for annual exchange of fishes. This connection is referred to as the Rupununi portal. However, if the Amazon continues to burn, then there is a high probability that it will impact on the connectivity of this portal and decrease the animals using it, especially fish species.

Countries in the Guiana Shield, Amazonia, Academia, Civil Society and all stakeholders must work closely to strengthen forest conservation efforts in the region. (The Department of the Environment (DoE), Ministry of the Presidency)

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PNCR accepts GECOM decision to halt House to House - maintains that this process is the only way to produce a credible list The Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR)s General Secretary, Amna Ally, said that the party accepts the decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GGMC) to halt the House to House registration process, which started on July 20, 2019.

She was speaking at a press conference yesterday at Congress Place, Sophia.

Reading from a prepared statement, Ally said that the PNCR “remains committed to respecting the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the laws of our country and upholding the Constitution of Guyana.

In this regard, we are in agreement with the Chairperson of GECOM that a credible list is critical to a fair and free election.”

She said that the party is pleased that the data garnered from the exercise will be considered, as it is essential to hold credible elections.

Even in accepting GECOMs decision to end House-to-House registration, producing a credible list of electors may continue to be an issue, according to Ally.

Ally stressed the PNCRs position that House-toHouse is the only exercise which can produce a credible list.

For months, the Government has been staunchly advocating for House-to-House registration, as opposed to the political opposition, which is in favour of claims and objections.

Despite that contention, Ally indicated that there will be no challenge of GECOMs decision.

“GECOM has a right to implement whatever process they have to implement in order to produce a credible list.

The House-to-House is not illegal and there is a National Register of Registrants (NRR) and therefore GECOM has to

know what they are going to do by putting the two together to produce a credible list.”

Chairman of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, had on Tuesday instructed that House-to-House registration be brought to an end by Saturday, August 31 (today). She also instructed that the data gathered from the registration exercise be merged with the existing National Registrants Database; and the Commission move to an extensive claims and objections exercise before extracting the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo believes that the process is unnecessary and only serves as another delaying tactic by proponents of House-to-House at GECOM. He expressed the opinion that with the merger, there will be duplications on the list. Since

21 years after daughters murder…

Mother sees alleged killers picture in Kaieteur News and alerts cops - accused was on remand for another matter It took a photograph in the Kaieteur News, and an alert and still-grieving mother, to help police to finally capture an alleged wife-killer,, who had been on the run for 21 years.

Philbert Thomas allegedly murdered his wife, 23-year-old Viola Thomas, back in Sep-

tember 5, 1998, at Cubacalli, Waini, North West District, reportedly stabbing her multiple times at a fun-day event.

Police said he then went into hiding.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommended that Thomas be charged with murder. Po-

lice said that the matter was heard at the Acquero Magistrates Court in Region One. Several witnesses testified against the accused.

The investigating rank was Detective Lance Corporal 13004 Linden Lord, who is now Superintendent and (Continued on page 22)

the House to House exercise was not scrutinised, he expressed worry that this will undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections.

He said he was concerned that the exercise could have registered “fake people” and migrants who have not yet been residents of Guyana long enough to earn the right to vote. He had also raised the contention that thousands of persons could be disenfranchised if their names are illegally removed from the list. He had said that this could specifically affect persons in certain Hinterland communities which are strongholds of the PPP. Like the PNCR, the PPP will not challenge the merger.

PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 31, 2019

Guyanese-born imam from Canada blocked from entering US Canada (cbc.ca)-A number of Canadian Muslims have been turned away at the Canada-U.S. border in recent weeks, immigration lawyers say.

Those denied entry include a prominent Guyanaborn Toronto imam who serves as a chaplain with the Peel Regional Police and an Iraqi Turkmen community leader who has family members fighting ISIS in the Middle East.

The two men — who were denied entry at different border crossings and were not travelling together — are among at least six Canadian Muslim men who have been denied entry at the U.S. border over the last two weeks.

The men and their families, all of whom are Canadian citizens, were given little in the way of explanation by border officials for the decision to deem them inadmissible.

Neither Guyana nor Iraq are among the seven Muslimmajority countries subject to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Muslim ban” executive order, which essentially blocks refugees and visitors from those countries from entering the U.S. Both men were told to apply for visas at the U.S. consulate in Toronto before returning to the border to seek entry — an unusual process for people who hold Canadian passports.

The six men are represented by the Torontoarea immigration firm CILF — Caruso Guberman Appleby.

Lawyers there say that if they’re seeing this level of activity at their law firm, there may be many other Canadian nationals facing similar

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer looks at a pedestrian’s passport at the San Ysidro border crossing between Mexico and the U.S. (Fred Greaves/Reuters) problems at the border.

“We’ve seen a lot more in the last few weeks and we don’t know what to attribute it to. We know the climate there in the U.S. has changed, it’s a bit different, but at the same time there are processes and procedures and people should be afforded opportunities to challenge a case,” Daud Ali, a lawyer at CILF, told CBC News.

“But it’s hard to know what you’re going up against when you’re not told why you’re denied entry. The fact that they’re all Muslims, that raises some concerns about whether these people are being targeted or if this is a new form of some sort of ban ...”

“Having worked as an immigration lawyer for over 40 years nothing surprises me

anymore but, in all my years, I have never seen such a Kafkaesque scenario,” said Joel Guberman, a partner at the firm.

When asked if there has been a new directive in recent weeks with respect to Muslim travellers from Canada, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the agency “has not had any new policy changes.”

While unable to speak to specific cases because of privacy laws, the CBP spokesperson said “applicants for admission bear the burden of proof to establish that they are clearly eligible to enter the United States. In order to demonstrate that they are admissible, the applicant must overcome all grounds of

inadmissibility.”

No Canadian citizen has a “right” to enter the U.S.; entry happens at the sole discretion of the U.S. customs officers on duty — and they have a lot of latitude to ask questions to determine the admissibility of a foreign national.

CBP lists more than 60 grounds for inadmissibility divided into several major categories, including healthrelated reasons, criminality, security reasons, illegal entry and immigration violations, and documentation requirements.

Two of the six men denied entry have agreed to share their stories with CBC News to warn other Muslim Canadians about the complications that may arise when travelling to the U.S.

Imran Ally, a resident imam at the Toronto and Regional Islamic Congregation (TARIC) mosque for the last 20 years and a chaplain with Peel Regional Police, was travelling with his wife and three children to attend his best friend’s daughter’s wedding in the New York City borough of Queens. He was set to emcee.

Ally and his wheelchairbound, special-needs son were held at the Peace Bridge crossing near Fort Erie, Ont., for more than five hours. They faced three separate rounds of questioning by plainclothes and uniformed officers. Some of the questions centred on his charitable endeavours related to resettling Syrian refugees.

Ally, a native of the South American nation of Guyana, was questioned about his work as a religious leader, photographed and fingerprinted and ultimately denied entry because he was told his name “matches that of a bad guy.”

He was driven back to the Canadian border by a police cruiser, cancelling his long-planned wedding role.

“I knew going to the U.S. for the first time wouldn’t be a red carpet welcome, I (knew) that I’d probably have to answer questions, I might even have to spend a long time.

We were prepared for all of this, but never in my wildest dreams did I think they’d say I’m inadmissible because of my name,” Ally said.

“The way it was done — they really at the end made me feel like I’m a criminal.”

Nejmettin Vali, the vicepresident of the Iraqi

Turkmen community group in Toronto, was also denied entry at the Windsor-Detroit crossing in early August when he and his family were on vacation celebrating Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest of Islamic holidays.

Vali was travelling to Detroit for some crossborder shopping with his wife and children when he was pulled aside by American officials for a secondary inspection that went on for more than four hours.

Vali said he felt violated by the officers, who seized not only his cellphone but those of his wife and Canadian-born children.

While being questioned, Va l i s a i d t h e o ff i c e r s refused to let him fetch food and medicine for his autistic daughter.

“I looked like a terrorist or something,” Vali said. “I have no criminal record, no jail, nothing. I’ve been a Canadian for twenty years and no problem, so I want to figure out what’s going on. I want to fight it — I feel like I have a bad name now because they didn’t let me inside.

“It’s sad. Everybody was just happy to go to the U.S. for, like, two hours for the shopping. That didn’t happen.”

Vali said the border guards didn’t tell him why he was denied entry but he said the officers were concerned about his semi-regular trips to Iraq, the country where he was born.

Vali said he travels to his native land often because he’s been supporting his three grandchildren there since his son — a former Iraqi police officer — was killed by ISIS forces.

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Saturday August 31, 2019

GRDB fraud case… Prosecution seeks to recall witness that may implicate former accountant

By Trishan Craig

A

s one of the trials against former accountant for

the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Peter Ramcharran, draws to a close, Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry

yesterday entered an application to recall one of his witnesses.

Ramcharran faces 39 c h a rg e s o f f r a u d u l e n t

conversion and misappropriation, which allegedly took place between J a n u a r y 1 , 2 0 11 a n d December 31, 2015. He had pleaded not guilty to all the charges which involved tens of millions of dollars. The total is said to be over $400M. There are 17 charges of keeping fraudulent accounts, 16 for fraudulent appropriation and five for the falsification of accounts.

One of the matters is before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Prosecutor Henry, who is working for the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) entered a submission to recall his witness, Ravern Liverpool, who is the Human Resources Officer for GRDB. In her testimony she had given evidence regarding the appointment, annual leave and resignation of the defendant. The prosecutor wishes to recall her and tender documents to show the leave history of the defendant, which shows how he allegedly committed the

fraud during such time.

Attorney-at-law, Sase Gunraj, who is representing the defendant, objected to this application to recall the witness as he claims there is no relevance to her return.

However, the prosecutor is contending that Liverpool is the only person who can accurately speak on the subject matter of documents, hence his application to recall her.

The matter was then adjourned until September 3, 2019 where Magistrate McLennan will rule on the application to recall the witness.

Ramcharran, 30, of Lot 32 Area 'G' Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was brought before the court after eluding the hearings for almost two years while in Canada.

In Canada, Ramcharran had first applied for refugee status. After he was turned down in December, he sought a review of his extradition process but this, too, was turned down. In 2017, the Chief Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant for him.

The GRDB found itself

Charged: Peter Ramcharran in the spotlight after a forensic audit of that entity revealed among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes.

From about 2009 to 2015, Guyana, under the administration of the People's Progressive Party/Civic, had entered a multi-billion-dollar oil-forrice arrangement where GRDB was clearing out for farmers.

However, millions of dollars of those monies were reportedly siphoned off via third-party arrangements, including rental of ships and other sweetheart deals for a few millers. SOCU is investigating other aspects of the audit report.

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 31, 2019

Triangular love affair surrounds couple burnt in mining camp

From left: the miner’s sister, Rehanna Atkinson, his aunt, and common-law wife Regina Stanislaus at the GPHC

A

s police continue to hunt for the individual who set a miner and Brazilian woman alight in a Mazaruni camp, a woman claiming to be the miner's real reputed wife has turned up to present a motive for the attack.

T h e w o m a n , accompanied by individuals claiming to be related to the injured miner, Lyndon Joseph , turned up at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where Joseph and his companion Maria Pereira Da Silva, a Brazilian, had been admitted.

They were first treated at the Bartica Hospital and they are listed as critical.

While an article carried in this publication named da Silva as Joseph's reputed wife, the woman who turned up at the GPHC showed photographs of herself and Joseph, with whom she reportedly has three children. The woman, who identified herself as Regina Stanislaus, said she would normally travel to and from the interior, to spend time with Joseph.

Sh e s a i d s h e w a s somewhat surprised last week, when he told her that she would have to travel out since he was employing a new cook.

She said she complied and was eagerly awaiting his arrival which was scheduled for yesterday, since he had indicated that he would do his last 'wash down' and join her and the three kids to go shopping for their back to school items in Georgetown.

The woman said she was shocked to receive news of the attack on Joseph. She said she hurried to the Bartica Hospital, and was

The badly burnt miner, Lyndon Joseph in the Burns Unit at the GPHC

able to talk to Joseph before he soon after, lost the ability to speak.

She said that she gathered information that the individual who carried out the attack was a friend of Da Silva's, and that James also knew his attacker.

According to reports at ar o u n d , 04:30 hrs on Thursday, Lyndon Joseph, 35 of Karrau Village and his companion Maria Pereira Da Silva, a Brazilian national, awoke to find themselves engulfed in flames. It was said that the two were at a birth night celebration some distance from the camp when Joseph received word that a man was in his camp. Joseph and Da Silva reportedly rushed back to the camp, where Joseph 'broadsided' the intruder with a cutlass.

Reports indicate that the suspect returned some time later when the couple was asleep on a mattress and after dousing them with gasoline, lit them both afire, before escaping. Police are scouring the area for the suspect.

PAGE 17

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 31, 2019

Saturday August 31, 2019

20 Guyanese students head to China In creating a more diversely trained public service ready to contribute to Guyana’s development, more students have been awarded scholarships to study in China beginning this upcoming academic year.

The students will be studying in several provinces across China in various fields, including medicine, engineering and several social sciences.

The scholarships form part of the People’s Republic of China and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’s continued bilateral support in all areas, ranging from trade to infrastructure to education.

Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service, Karen VansluytmanCorbin, reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring Guyanese students have access to a range of educational opportunities.

“We believe that training is the essence of transformation and is essential for the development of Guyanas human capita... training continues to be pivotal and necessary in order for the public service to achieve its developmental objectives,” she noted. Chen Xilai, Deputy Chief of the Chinese Embassy congratulated the students and explained that their accomplishment is no small feat.

“Congratulations! For this year, 10 million high school students took part in this years national university entrance examinations and less than 10% of them can be accepted by the top universities that you are

going to study,” Xilai said.

Returning student of Medicine, Serena Rambarran shared anecdotes of her time in China and encouraged the outgoing batch to enjoy Chinese culture and to embrace and love all aspects of the move to China. Student affairs official Tanza McAlmont reminded the scholarship awardees that there is a support system available to them.

Navindra Gossai, one of the outgoing students, said he is grateful for the opportunity and he is optimistic about what the future holds for Guyana through these educational opportunities.

Upon their return, the students will serve in the public sector in fields specifically related to their areas of study.

The Coalition Government has continued its push for more training and scholarship opportunities for youths and has dramatically increased the number of scholarships available.

These scholarships can be awarded locally for courses of study at the University of Guyana (UG), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School and many other local tertiary institutions, Regionally at the University of the West Indies and internationally at Universities in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Peoples Republic of China and several other universities worldwide. (DPI)

YNR-3 Apprentices charged to protect their country - Pres. Granger commends natural resources programme After three weeks of adventurous knowledge-based trips around the country, the last stop for the third instalment of the Youth in Natural Resources (YNR3) Apprenticeship Programme, was at the Baridi Benab, State House, where the 28 young people graduated and were inducted into the YNR Alumni Association.

The Young Eagles, as they will now be referred to, were on Friday given a special charge by His Excellency, President David Granger.

“I urge you to continue to protect this beautiful land of Guyana,” the Head of State

said.

In the last three weeks of the YNR-3 programme, the young people travelled to some of the largest gold and bauxite mining operations in the country, these include among others; Bonasika Mining Project in Region 3 and Aurora Gold Mines in Region 7. In the process, they also learnt about biodiversity, protected ecosystems and environmental protection.

This years contingent is the largest since the initiative started three years ago. And receiving a badge of honour itself, the programme got a (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

107 students complete work study with Police Force

The work study students in the company of Assistant Commissioner Training, Mr. Clifton Hicken, Finance Officer, Senior Superintendent Michael Sutton and Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Shivpersaud Persaud A total of 107 students have completed their work study stint with the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Yesterday,

they were each rewarded with incentives amounting to over $1.6 million. The GPF said that it collaborated with the Min-

istry of Education to facilitate the apprenticeship program for placing students on work-study in various departments/branches within the force. As a result, on June 19, over 100 students from 15 different schools and seven from private institutions commenced training.

“Students performed excellently during their apprenticeship,” the GPF said.

Deputy Commissioner of Administration, Mr. Paul Williams, DSM, briefed the aspirants on good conduct and discipline. He motivated them by saying “winners dont quit and quitters dont win” and “the race is not for the swift but for who can endure it to the end”. Mr. Williams encouraged all to qualify themselves so as to elevate in the future and must always take criticisms positively.

Fraud charges dismissed against three GRDB officials Senior Magistrate Leron Daly yesterday dismissed fraud related charge against three of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) officials, who were accused of failing to make proper entries into the general ledger of the GRDBs accounts.

The defendants were former GRDB Manager Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine; and PPP/ C MP Nigel Dharamlall.

The charge against the accused alleged that in 2011 at 166-177 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown, they omitted to enter some $52M in the GRDB ledger.

When the matter was called yesterday Senior Magistrate Leron Daly ruled

that the charges against the defendants were dismissed as the prosecution failed to prove the case against them.

She added that the Directors charged did not have any responsibility to edit the ledgers in question.

Special Prosecutor Lawrence Harris who works for the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) was representing the prosecution while attorney-at-law Sase Gunraj represented the defendants. They had pleaded not guilty to the charges on their first appearance before the courts.

GRDB is the authority charged with overseeing the rice industry throughout the country. Upon entering Government in May 2015, the David Granger-led

administration immediately ordered a number of forensic audits to determine the health of the state agencies.

With regards to the GRDB report, it was noted that over a three to four-year period, more than US$500M from the PetroCaribe proceeds (Venezuela rice-for-oil deal) passed through the accounts of the entity.

Among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. There were other instances of persons in the agency using GRDBs money to trade in foreign currency.

The losses for the Government would have been significant, especially if the money was traded for less than it should have been.

America Street money changer murder…

Two sent to High Court, charges dismissed against third accused As the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) for the three men who were accused of murdering America Street money changer Shawn Nurse called Fabulous came to an end, two of the defendants were sent to the High Court for trial while charges were dismissed against the third.

Kerwin Dos Santos and George Hope, both 24, of Freeman Street, La Penitence and Kacey Heyliger, 23, of Kitty were jointly charged for the offence which saw the PI being conducted by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Providence Magistrates Courts.

Yesterday at the completion of the PI, the magistrate ruled that the prosecution

was able to prove every element of the case against De Santos and Hope. She committed the men to stand trial before a Judge and Jury at the High Court.

The men will appear for trial at the next sitting of the Assizes. On the other hand, the matter was dismissed against Heyliger for insufficient evidence against him.

The charge read that on February 4, 2018, at America Street, Georgetown, they murdered Nurse during the course or furtherance of a robbery. According to information, ranks were able to arrest Heyliger after Dos Santos and Hope admitted their involvement in the murder and implicated him

Nurse, known as Fabulous, of Apartment 33 Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was shot in the left side of the face during a struggle with a gunman, who was attempting to relieve him of a large sum of foreign and local currency.

The father of three died at the scene, while his killer fled with an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of gold jewellery.

According to the police, Nurse was shot to the left cheek just below the eye by an identifiable male dressed in a red hoodie and brown three-quarter pants who then escaped on foot via Avenue of the Republic and Charlotte Street.

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

NMWUG has bargaining rights...

From page 8 facing. Kaieteur News was recently informed that Minister Scott never visited the workers, but he did send a team.

Senior Labour Officer, Prandatt Basdeo, conducted a survey, which was meant to determine whether 40 percent (the minimum qualifying requirement) of workers have selected NMWUG. Downer told Kaieteur News that, while the letter doesnt state the percentage

of workers represented, he was told by Basdeo that it is 52 percent.

Downer told this publication that NMWUG is ready to get to work to improve the working conditions of the rank-and-file workers.

Downer said that the company has attempted to periodically placate its workers by granting bonuses. Recently, after the last strike ended, the company decided to give workers a quarterly 7.6

percent bonus. Noted by the union President is that the workers are due for an increase.

He said that the union will also be looking at advocating for an improvement to the workers risk allowances.

The union awaits a certificate from the TUR&CB, and Downer has said that the union looks forward to maintaining a good relationship with the company, in the best interests of the workers.

PAGE 22

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

Mother sees alleged killers picture...

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daily newspapers of Philbert Thomas, a man who gave his name as Gilbert Thomas to the police.”

At the time, Gilbert Thomas was on remand on two charges of felonious wounding. He was accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Dolly Gobin, 48, and Leymond Smith, her 40-year-old partner.

It is alleged that Gobin and Smith, were consuming alcohol at Gobins home at Hururu Mission, Upper Berbice, when Thomas, with whom Gobin had shared a relationship, attacked them.

He allegedly stabbed Gobin under the left breast, while Smith was stabbed to the left side chest.

Police said the accused then fled. However, police arrested him two Saturdays ago at a camp in the Hururu backlands.

Ms. Alina Thomas immediately recognized the Kaieteur News photograph.

She went to the Acquero Police station and made a report.

“A court order was filed

Accused wife-killer Philbert Thomas and Philbert Thomas (Gilbert Thomas) was identified by Ms. Alina Thomas. He has since confessed to the crime,” police said.

The accused is to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates Court on Monday.

YNR-3 Apprentices...

From page 19 thumbs up from President Granger.

“I commend the Ministry of Natural Resources on mounting this innovative programme. I congratulate you the students on the completion of this programme, and wish you every success in your future,” the president stated. During his feature address, President Granger was also keen to point out that as citizens, everyone is a trustee and must protect the countrys patrimony.

“Natural resources are not confined to the extractive industries; natural resources include renewable resources such as our forest and biodiversity. All, natural re-

sources, all of them, are the patrimony of all Guyanese …. They are and will continue to be used for the benefit of present and future generations … So, we are the trustees, we hold this land in trust, it is not ours to destroy,” President Granger pointed out.

The apprenticeship programme was started by Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, who aims to positively introduce the sector to interested young Guyanese, who may have an interest in this field.

“The plan is to have them fall in love with their country, Min. Trotman told the Department of Public Information

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Public Health sector widening collaboration to ward off dengue outbreak Dengue has been wreaking havoc in many countries including some in Latin America and the Caribbean. Among the countries affected are two neighbouring countries, Brazil and Venezuela, which have been plagued by severe cases in terms of new cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Although Guyana has not been so impacted, it is yet faced with the threat of imported cases.

However, with the proactive tactics being employed by the Ministry of Public Health, there is no need for panic.

At least this is the assurance of Dr. Cassindra Alonzo-Ash, who heads the Ministry’s Vector Control Services Unit’s Aedes Borne Diseases Programme.

According to her, even with a dengue outbreak raging just outside Guyana’s borders, the country has managed to keep its number of recorded cases to just about 100 for the period January to August, 2019. None of these cases, she said, have been classified as severe.

D r. A l o n z o - A s h h a s responsibility for monitoring and putting measures in place to control the prevalence of diseases that are transmitted by the Aedes-type mosquito such as yellow fever, Chikungunya, Zika and of course dengue.

This type of mosquito is distinguished by white markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a lyre on the upper surface of its thorax [between the head and the abdomen].

These mosquitoes are especially prevalent on the coastland and, according to Dr. AlonzoAsh, the majority of the reported cases were based in Region Four.

Although the Ministry, through its Vector Control Services department, has

Dr. Cassindra Alonzo-Ash been engaging fogging activities to control the spread of the vector, Dr. Alonzo-Ash said that there is need for more hands on deck.

This is in light of the fact, she said, that “In Georgetown we are limited in terms of staff so what I am doing is working along with the Environmental Health Department [of the Public Health Ministry] because they also deal with vector control. They also have a presence in all of the regions, so they can help us be at the ports so that we can do testing whenever someone comes [arrives at the ports of entry] with symptoms such as fever and rash.”

In addition to fever and rash, dengue fever can present with vomiting, headache and muscle and joint pains. Some persons have been known to develop dengue haemorrhagic fever after the initial fever declines which is a more severe form of the illness that can cause organ damage, severe bleeding, dehydration even death.

Guyana has no reports of dengue haemorrhagic fever.

This, however, does not mean

An Aedes mosquito which can transmit dengue fever that the potential does not exist. “Thank God we do not have any such cases,” said Dr. Alonzo-Ash as she revealed plans to widen collaboration to combat an outbreak here.

This, she said, will not only see efforts being made to reach out to the Environmental Health Department but also the City Council and the Regional and N e i g h b o u r h o o d Democratic Councils.

As moves are made to advance the vector control efforts, there are plans for a training programme in the coming week with the Red Cross because, “they can assist us; they have the capacity for that [and] we need all the help we can get to decrease the burden of dengue,” said Dr. AlonzoAsh. Another crucial tactic to ward off a possible dengue outbreak here, the vector control professional said, is the removal of breeding sites – an undertaking which requires the input of residents, especially in areas where there is an increase of

m o s q u i t o e s . “ We d o n ’t want to have an outbreak and we don’t want to be caught off guard...so we are trying to interact with many people, including residents because we don’t want to spray [fog] alone and then there are still breeding sites around,” Dr. Alonzo-Ash said.

Aside from Brazil and Venezuela, there are eight other countries that are battling the scourge of

severe dengue. These are Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Colombia, El S a l v a d o r, P a r a g u a y, G u a t e m a la and Mexico.

Honduras and Nicaragua, all of which have already declared national-level epidemiological alerts this year to expedite their response.

The Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO] reported earlier this month that a new epidemic cycle of dengue which has invaded Latin America and the Caribbean Region comes after a two-year period of low dengue fever rates. The state of affairs has been dubbed a “complex situation” by PAHO. According to the latest PAHO epidemiological update, published on August 9, during the first seven months of 2019, more than two million people contracted the disease and 723 died across the 10 countries. The number of cases exceeded the total number reported in 2017 and 2018, although, up to early August, it remained lower than the number recorded during the 20152016 period.

“The Region is experiencing a new epidemic cycle of dengue, with a notable increase in cases,” said Dr. Marcos Espinal, Director of PAHO’s Department of Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health who attributed this increase in complexity to the climate, environmental management and the mosquito’s [Aedes] capacity to adapt. Another characteristic of the current epidemic is that children under the age of 15 appear to be among the most affected.

Dengue, according to PAHO, is caused by a virus that has four different, but closely related serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4, all of which circulate in the Americas. When a person recovers from the infection, he acquires lifelong immunity against that particular serotype.

H o w e v e r, subsequent infections caused by other serotypes increase the risk of acquiring more severe forms of dengue. Serotype two is one of the deadliest and is the one currently affecting children and adolescents, PAHO has reported.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 31, 2019

Bandit shoots, robs customer outside MACORP

A lone bandit shot and robbed a man identified as Ron Gomes yesterday afternoon outside the door of Machinery Incorporated Guyana (MACORP) on the East Bank before he could transact his business.The shooter was up to press time unidentified and an eyewitness claimed that his face was hidden under a black hoodie.

According to reports, the victim was walking towards the door when the robber approached. The gunman then shoved Gomes into the glass wall and a scuffle ensued.

As the struggle continued it ended up in front of the door and the bandit grabbed Gomes by his collar. The eyewitness then heard two gunshots and immediately ran for cover.

“I just saw the guy hold unto the customers collar and put the gun on him and I heard two gunshots after which I ran under the desk for cover, so I didnt see what happened after that.” the eyewitness recalled Gomes sustained two gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was immediately admitted. He is

The blood in from of the companys door.

said to be in a stable condition.

A cousin of the victim said that Gomes had iindicated that he was going to a mechanic shop to have his vehicle fixed, and would then head over to MACORP.

“He say he going and get his vehicle fixed at the tyre shop and then go to MACORP because he had something to do there. The next call I received was that my cousin was shot and was hospitalised.”

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Miner remanded for killing mother of his children With a bandage around his throat, 54-year old Sherlock James was escorted into the Mahaica Magistrates Court yesterday, where he was remanded by Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer for allegedly murdering the mother of his children The accused, who is said to have slashed his own throat after the vicious attack, was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on August 21, 2019, at Lot 68 Nabaclis Side Line Dam, East Coast Demerara, he murdered fortyfour-year-old Vinette Headley-James.

According to information, the couple and their children reside at Lot 68, Side Line Dam, Nabaclis.

A few days prior to the incident, James allegedly confronted his wife about having an affair, and assaulted her before fleeing.

However, James returned the next day and saw his wife, Vinette Headley-James, putting his clothes in the yard.

He allegedly warned his spouse he would kill her if she continued to put out his belongings.

When she ignored the

Dead: Vinette James Remanded: Sherlock James

threats, James allegedly picked up a knife from the kitchen and stabbed his wife to her neck. She succumbed at the Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hospital.

Police later found the suspect lying in the couples backyard with what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound to the neck.

He was placed under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

where he was treated for his injuries and guarded by a member of the Guyana Police Force until he was discharged from the hospital and then placed into custody.

James was unrepresented in court.

His matter was transferred to Magistrate Fabayo Azore, and he is scheduled to reappear in the Cove and John Magistrates Court on October 9.

Sherlock James while in the hospital

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 31, 2019

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Townsend finds secret to success at the net in Halep upset

Taylor Townsend of the USA (right) shakes hands with Simona Halep of Romania after their second round match on day four of the 2019 U.S. Open. (Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports)

Saturday August 30, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Extend the day by getting up earlier than usual, Aries. Even though it may be hard to leave the comfort of your bed, the rewards will be many.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may be trying to cling to something that doesn't want to sit still. It's like trying to grab a wet fish. The more tightly you squeeze it, the likelier it is to slip out of your grasp.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Overall, this should be a pleasant day, and you'll be properly recognized for the person you are. You may feel like royalty, so feel free to dress in your most regal attire.

CANCER(June21–July22) Frustration may set in early today, Cancer, but things should pan out for you as the evening approaches. Once you deal with an issue, let it rest.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Whether your realize it or not, you'll have the upper hand today, Leo, so take advantage of this opportunity. Things may be going so well that you might not even notice what a fantastic time you're having.

Sit back and take a moment to appreciate your good fortune.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be careful about planning things too much, Virgo. Leave the morning open for spontaneous acts and haphazard events. Let the structure of the afternoon slowly evolve from the morning's events. You don't need to build Rome in a day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Keep up the positive selfesteem that you've been working on for the past several weeks. This is one of those days when you'll be presented with a situation where you can demonstrate your courage and independent mind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may wake up to a cloudy brain fog. Emotionally, you may find it hard to make decisions about anything even though you're feeling called to do so.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) - Independence is key for you, so even though it may not be Independence Day, feel free to celebrate anyhow. Give thanks to all the freedoms you have, and make sure you're taking advantage of them.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Things may be unstable for you this morning, Capricorn, but improve quite a bit by the end of the day.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Make sure you have an equal amount of give and take in your life, Aquarius.

If someone gives you a compliment today, know how to receive it graciously instead of brushing it off as something meaningless.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Relationships should go well for you, Pisces. You should be able to find emotional stability when you form a relationship with someone you trust.

NEW YORK (Reuters) American qualifier Taylor Townsend took a nothing-tolose attitude into her U.S. Open clash with Simona Halep on Thursday and quickly found her comfort zone at the net to pull off the upset of the week.

Townsend, who failed to win a set in three previous meetings with Halep, delivered an aggressive, netrushing style of play that frustrated the Romanian fourth seed and secured her first career win over a top 10 player.

“I feel like a lot of the times when I was playing her, I played, like, not to lose. A player like that, she’s just way too solid, has had so much experience, that’s not going to fly,” Townsend said after her 2-6 6-3 7-6(4) victory.

“I was just, like, ‘what do you have to lose?’ I’m just going to go for it, I’m going to do what I do best where I’m the most comfortable, which is at the net.”

Townsend made a second home at the net, which she approached a staggering 106 times during the match to come away with 64 of those points.

Halep, who arrived at Flushing Meadows looking to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2012 to follow a Wimbledon win with a U.S. Open triumph, grew more frustrated as she was unable to come up with the necessary passing shots.

“It was a little bit weird because never happens on tour, to have an opponent that is coming for actually every ball to the net,” said

Halep, who has not reached the third round in New York since 2016.

“I tried to play body, I tried to play on the sides. I made also some mistakes.

“Also I didn’t go through the court that well. I was waiting behind. Sometimes I thought that she’s going to hit strong, but was little bit softer. So I didn’t have the rhythm.”

Halep managed to break Townsend and force a tiebreaker but the 23-year-old American held steady and sealed the deal on her third match point when the Romanian sent a backhand into the net.

Townsend said her decision to dedicate herself to play at the net against was not a last-minute adjustment to her gameplan but rather

something she has always done.

“I always enjoyed coming to the net,” said Townsend.

“It’s always a fine line, especially as you move up and through the levels, that you have to kind of hone in and have things that you do well.

“You have strengths, but you have to be solid from a certain point because these players are just too good. The level only gets higher.

“I think it was really great confirmation that this style of play works, that I can continue to do it.”Up next for Townsend in her first third round appearance at the U.S. Open, will be another Romanian, Sorana Cirstea, who beat Spain’s Aliona Bolsova earlier on Thursday.

PAGE 28

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

Strategic direction remains the same with IHC Máximo on board – GFF’s Forde

By Franklin Wilson The strategic direction of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) would not be altered but rather remain on track even with the introduction and appointment of Interim Head Coach, Brazilian, Márcio Máximo.

These were the words of President of GFF President Wayne Forde who spoke with the media yesterday morning following the official introduction of Máximo to the press.

“It is not by any means a restart; I think what would be new is that with every new head coach they bring their own playing philosophy, their own model so you may see some of that of course along the technical lines. But in terms of the strategic direction of the GFF for the Golden Jaguars brand, it remains the same.”

Forde said that Guyana wants to be present in every

major international and major competition: “We want to go back to the Gold Cup for a second time, we want to do exceptionally well at CNL, so those goals remain right there; the coach is fully aware of those goals.”

Acknowledging that Coach Máximo might have varying methodologies of how he approaches those goals, Forde insisted that the GFF is set on creating a successful Senior Men’s National Team (SMNT) programme.

Boasting that his administration has more than tripled national teams engagements in both male and female segments of the sport more than any other, Forde said the challenge is to finance these engagements.

“We are asked to deliver six successful games in the space of three months, anyone that has had any association with football would understand the

financial and the logistical challenges that that would bring to us.”

From a technical perspective, Forde noted that they are now seeing the fruits of their youth development programme citing the success of the Under-17 Girls and the Under-15 Boys.

“From a national team stand point we’ve obviously elevated the professionalism of the programme, we’re all standing on a surface that was completed a few months ago, we now have a home of our own so all of the key components in ensuring that we give ourselves the best chance to succeed are fundamentally there.

Are we where we want to be? Absolutely not, but I think the indicators are very clear that we are pushing ahead in the right direction, football is not a short term fix it will take a couple of years to get to where we need to be but if we wanted to make an assessment of where we were to where we are right now, I think the difference is night

and day.”

Forde took the opportunity to thank former Head Coach Michael Johnson for the work he has done to advance Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Programme during his tenure: “The records will show for the rest of Guyana’s football existence that Coach Johnson took the Guyana Golden Jaguars to the Gold Cup, the team performed credibly and we now have to build on that success.”

Georgetown Football Association With the inactivity in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) still a front burner issue, Forde informed that efforts are currently being made to have this association sorted out by having elections.

The federation had appointed an Interim Management Committee headed by Trevor Williams to sort out the association.

“We’re hoping that by the middle of next week those notices will go out, part of our challenge with Georgetown is getting the key stake holders, meaning the clubs to come at the

table consistently and discuss the issues and help chart a way forward for them.

We have no other choice but to do our part to ensure

that there is a new body in place and we will do our part as we have done in the past to support that body to get them back to some semblance of activity.”

NEW YORK (Reuters) After slow starts in his first two U.S. Open matches, Roger Federer took his game up a notch yesterday with a stress-free 6-2 6-2 6-1 win over Briton Daniel Evans to reach the round of 16 in New York.

The Swiss great was brimming with confidence from the start, taking advantage of the speedy hardcourts under the open roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium on a warm and sunny day.

Federer, who is seeking

his sixth U.S. Open title, rifled 48 winners and 10 aces to see off the overmatched Evans, who is now 0-3 lifetime against the 38-year-old.

Federer has had limited court time since his epic defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Wimbledon final in July but appeared to shake off any remaining rust with the win.

“I really enjoyed myself today. Beautiful sky and you guys out here also helped,” he said in an on-court

interview in front of an adoring crowd.

Next up for third seeded Federer is a meeting with either Pablo Carreno Busta or David Goffin, and Federer said he would not underestimate either opponent.

“They are both really quality baseliners,” he said, adding that he expected the 15th seed Goffin to come out on top in his tie with the Spaniard.

“I expect it to be tough, not like today anyway.”

GFF President Wayne Forde (left) and General Secretary (ag) Ian Alves in discussion yesterday at the Providence Facility.

Serena cruises by Muchova into fourth round Federer razor sharp in win over Evans

Serena Williams of the United States (right) hits a backhand against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in the third round on day five of the 2019 U.S. Open. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) NEW YORK (Reuters) - Serena Williams moved another step closer to a record-tying 24th career Grand Slam title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Czech Karolina Muchova yesterday to reach the last 16 at the U.S. Open.

Wimbledon quarter-finalist Muchova held serve for an early 3-2 lead in her first career meeting with Williams but the six-times champion cranked up the pace and won the next seven games to take over the match.

“I think I had a lot of intensity today which was really good for me,” Williams, who improved to 18-1 in third-round U.S. Open matches, said in her on-court interview.

Williams took advantage of a poor serving performance by Muchova and broke her opponent five times, including in the final game where she sealed the victory when the Czech sent a forehand long.

Muchova, who reached the U.S. Open third round last year as a qualifier in her Grand

Slam main draw debut, won just 36% percent of points on her second serve, which Williams feasted on with her trademark power.

The victory for Williams was a much smoother outing than she had in her previous match, where she spent the first half of the encounter trying to find her rhythm against American teenager Catherine McNally.

Williams made 28 unforced errors against McNally and later promised to be better, a claim which she backed up as she made only 15 unforced errors in her clash with Muchova.

Up next for Williams will be Croatian 22nd seed Petra Martic, who beat Latvian Anastasija Sevastova.

Martic is in the midst of a breakthrough season in which she claimed her first title with a triumph in Istanbul and followed that up with an impressive run at the French Open where she reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits to Daniel Evans of Great Britain in the third round on day five of the 2019 U.S. Open. (Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports)

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

NSC donates to Deaf Football team

Fighting Coco sets up Osaka showdown at U.S. Open

Members of the Deaf Football team pay a courtesy call on DOS Christopher Jones.

National Sports Commission, Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, made timely donation to The Guyana Deaf Association Football team recently return to Guyana after a successful tour to Suriname.

The team also paid a courtesy call to Jones on their return to Guyana. The DOS presented football gear to the players while congratulating them and encouraging them to reach for higher heights.

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates her victory over Timea Babos of Hungary (not pictured) on day four of the 2019 U.S. Open.

(Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports)

Two members of the team collecting the gears from Christopher Jones.

Registration opens for KMPA’s 3rd Junior Olympic Games In a release to the media, the King Medas Pansy Adonis (KMPA) Foundation has informed that registration is open for the third annual Junior Olympic games and the process can be completed on the organisation’s newly renovated website; www.kmpasport.org.

Just six weeks remains before the anticipated event runs off and the organisers are pleading for early registration by prospective participants since no late applications will be accepted.

The registration fee is $1,000.

The release further explained that the website has a lot of information on how the programme which will run from October 3-6 at the Lusignan Community Centre ground will be run.

The hosting of junior Olympic Games, that is a nonprofit event, is a very costly venture and the KMPA Foundation has expressed gratitude to their many sponsors that includes Banks DIH, ANSA Mcal, Prince Shipping, Ministry of

Organiser Andy Medas King, with members of his family, has indicated that the registration is open.

Presidency, Ministry of Education allied Arts Division, Sybils Bakery, Shelmac Photo Studio, Prodigal, Basil Bradshaw

Radio and TV Shows, Kaieteur News and Radio Station, Springer Shipping, MTA Members of the Signal Department, STARR Party

Rentals, Payless Variety Stores, Roger Springer family, the Medas-King and Adonis Families, Channel 2 Safe TV and Imran Cement Shop Enmore.

NEW YORK (Reuters) Crowd-pleaser Coco Gauff came through a tough battle with qualifier Timea Babos 62 4-6 6-4 on Thursday to set up a third-round clash at the U.S. Open against top seed and defending champion Naomi Osaka.

The 15-year-old American phenom was forced to dig deep to become the youngest player since Anna Kournikova in 1996 to reach the third round of the women’s singles at Flushing Meadows.

“I was tested a lot. I think we both were just testing each other,” Gauff said. “It’s just that type of match where anyone could have won.”

Gauff rode into this year’s tournament with enormous expectations after a dream run at Wimbledon where she beat five-times champion Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round.

On Thursday, the two players were evenly matched for most of the contest, with Gauff maintaining a slightly tighter performance and committing 34 unforced errors compared to 42 from Hungarian Babos.

It was another comeback for Gauff, who worked her way back from a one-set deficit in her firstround match, and the young upstart showed off her fighting instincts after

failing to fend off a critical break point late in the second set.

“I thought that the first set, I definitely was in control. In the second set, she raised her level and I wasn’t able to finish the set,” Gauff said.

A fired up Gauff prevailed after a 12-stroke rally late in the third set to set up a break point opportunity, pumping her fists wildly and shouting in excitement in front of a packed crowd that was firmly on her side.

“I couldn’t even see any empty seats!” Gauff said of the crowd, which included retired NBA star Kobe Bryant.

“I don’t even know how to really thank you guys.

I’m super honored to be American and play in New York City.”

Gauff will face off against 21-year-old Osaka, who also holds the Australian Open title, in the third round of the tournament on Saturday in a clash that may provide a glimpse at the future of the women’s game.

“Obviously she’s an amazing player,” said Gauff.

“She’s defending champion.

She’s won two slams. She’s number one. She’s only 21.

“We’re both pretty young. But I’m a little bit newer to the game. So I’m just curious to see how my game matches up against her.”

PAGE 30

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

Curtain comes down on Golden Grove Cricket Academy - ECCB President tells Academy students he is there for them Yesterday afternoon the curtains came down on a successful Cricket Academy at the Grove/ Nabaclis/ Haslington Community Centre organised by the Golden Grove Cricket Club on the East Coast of Demerara about 25 minutes from the City.

The afternoon’s proceedings were opened with a Prayer by Essie Peters the President of the Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Cricket club, while the President of the Golden Grove Cricket Club Alistair Haywood, former President of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and ex VicePresident of the GCB, Malcom Peters were also present who spoke.

Also speaking at the closing Ceremony of the twoweek Academy, which accommodated 72 students including a couple of females, was President of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) Bissoon Singh, who told the students that he was there for them.

The Academy conducted sessions in a wide variety of topics including the practical skills on the field.

“East Coast is between Ogle and Abarry and if any of

The officials (front row) including, ECCB President Bissoon Singh, Malcolm Peters & Esssie Peters with some of the GGCC Academy participants yesterday. you have any difficulties getting to school you can call me,” said Singh who provided the youngsters with his mobile number.

Singh spoke about the opportunities cricket can provide even if you don’t become a player.

“Cricket has become a commercial entity and you can have a comfortable living from being involved in cricket as an Umpire, scorer, Administrator, commentator or cricket Journalist. But you should not forsake your school work since that is very important for your life,” Singh

said.

Singh acknowledged the efforts of the work of those at the head table for what he described as a Community Development project and thanked the Parents for making the sacrifice to send their children to make them not only good cricketers but better persons.

He also told the gathering about peer pressure and asked to go back to school and use ‘positive peer pressure’ to let them know what they would have learned from their time spent there.

Singh said that knowledge

Limacol football tournament kicks off tonight Football action will resume at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground tonight with the kickoff of the fourth annual Limacol football tournament which will have the first whistle blown at 19:00hrs sharp.

The tournament has 16 teams that will go head to head in the round-robin/ knockout format for some $750,000 in cash prizes.

Tonight’s fixtures will pit Dynamics FC against Police B in the opening game, while Santos under-20s will match skills with Black Pearl in the feature game that kicks off at 21:00hrs.

The event was initially

scheduled to have a total of 12 teams but the organisers announced on Thursday that four additional teams have been added. There are four groups and the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The groupings are as follows: Group A Santos Under 20 Camptown Grove Hi Tec Black Pearl Group B Conquerors Under 20 Buxton Stars GFC Northern Rangers

Group C Riddim Squad Beacons Pouderoyen East Veldt/Gt Panthers Group D Dynamics Football Club Mahaica Determinators Pele Police B The champions of this year ’s edition are set to pocket $400,000, while the runners-up will walk away with $200,000. The winner of the third place playoff will receive $100,000 and the fourth place finishers will enjoy $50,000.

Action between Mahaica Determinators (on the ball) and Police FC during the last year’s edition at the MOE ground.

is information received and stored for a positive reason while he ended with quotes from the President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who spent 28 years of his life in jail for his fight against the apartheid System which discriminated against nonwhites.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world”.

“The greatest glory in living lies not, in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”.

Singh presented school books, pencils and pens to each participant who were

presented with Certificates.

Most of the speakers stressed on the importance of school which reopens on Monday and said they hoped the Children would take what they learnt from there into their various schools and communities.

(Sean Devers)

More Sports grounds rehabilitated by NICIL Company seeking to push sports development in communities Despite rehabilitating several grounds in Region Six recently, the National Industrial and Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL) has backed up with several other community centre grounds being rehabilitated in Region Five.

According to the acting Chief Executive Officer, Colvin Heath-London, this forms part of his company’s efforts in further enhancing sports growth and development at the community level.

He disclosed that through this initiative he foresees more youths getting actively and intimately involved in sports, thus resulting in the reduction of a number of social ills. “Our country unfortunately is plague with several social ills challenges and as a company genuinely interested in playing a meaningful role, we have sought to assist communities by helping to make their grounds available for usage by the young people within their respective communities,” Heath – London said.

The grounds that have benefitted are Fort Wellington, Onverwagt, Litchfeild, three grounds in Seafield and No 28 ground, while these additional grounds in Region 6 were completed, Rose Hall Corentyne behind the police

outpost, Liverpool and Kildonan which was stopped due to rain.

He stressed that this forms part of NICIL’s social responsibility and while they are several sporting organisations and associations making their contribution to the holistic development of their respective sporting discipline, NICIL is seeking to make their impact through the community centre grounds.

He pointed out that NICIL has been providing technical assistance and human resources in enhancing a number of grounds so that the various communities can effectively use them.

“We had found that while several communities had grounds many of these grounds were not being used because they were either overgrown with weed or not in a condition that would allow persons to properly use them, so we have decided to assist in fixing several of these grounds so the youths can have a place where they can go and either do something positive or enhance their sporting skills and talents,” he said.

Heath-London gave the assurance that like Region Five and Six they intend to assist in every region within Guyana, declaring that several of the grounds in and around

Region Five have now benefitted. “We are happy when we can lend our resources and assistance to ensure that the grounds are fixed as it will see several of our young people benefiting in a very significant way, so we are extremely happy and like several of the residents who approached us they are grateful and thankful for what we are doing.” HeathLondon said.

He urged communities’, leaders and elders to get involved by directing the young people in their communities to these grounds that are available, stating that the grounds would be of no purpose unless it is being used by those who they are intended to benefit.

“Regardless of how much monies you spend on a community what is critically important is ensuring that the infrastructure that is available is being utilised in a positive and beneficial way as without resources like these then no real development can take place.

However, the residents through community leaders and elders can play their part in directing the youths, while ensuring that the facilities being made available is not abused but rather embraced, protected and maintained,” he said.

Saturday August 31, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

GFF Interim Head Coach Márcio Máximo officially introduced to Media - Guyana’s potential is exciting from youth perspective

By Franklin Wilson With one of his aims being to open the doors of opportunities for young local talent, Interim Head Coach of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Brazilian Márcio Máximo, was yesterday morning officially introduced to the Media by President of the GFF, Wayne Forde.

At the simple, yet formal activity held at the G F F Tr a i n i n g F a c i l i t y, Providence, East Bank Demerara during the training session for the local players aiming to make the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) which gets into action next week away to Aruba, Forde noted that this is a continuation of the f e d e r a t i o n ’s forward thrust.

Máximo commenced his tenure as Interim Head Coach

Interim Head Coach Márcio Máximo shows the players exactly how he would like it done. for the 2019-2020 Concacaf Nations League (CNL) League B campaign on August 21st, he took over from former Head Coach, Michael Johnson who tendered his resignation after he took up another appointment in England where he resides.

In his first words to the media, Máximo stated that he has been following the game here and is aware that there are lots of talented players who all need to be developed and afforded an opportunity to get into the international market.

While acknowledging that

Berbice Chess Association to stage A. Ally and Sons Open Rapid Chess Tourney tomorrow National Chess competition returns to Berbice tomorrow, 1st September, when the Berbice Chess Association (BCA) will be staging the A. Ally and Sons Open Rapid Chess competition.

The one day tournament which will be played at the University Of Guyana, Berbice Campus (UGBC), Tain, Corentyne, Berbice, is expected to see all the top Chess players in the country participating.

The competition will be played for seven rounds using the Swiss System format with each player being allotted 20 minutes per game.

Registration begins at 09:00

hrs with play set to commence at 10:00hrs.

Cash, trophies and other incentives will be presented to the top players all compliments of A. Ally and Sons.

The A. Ally & Sons Chain of stores has a number of branches in Berbice and Demerara and is known for its benevolence in a wide cross section of activities.

O n We d n e s d a y l a s t , Rubina Somwaru, a representative of A. Ally & Sons Chain of Stores, presented the sponsorship cheque for the tournament to President of the BCA Krishnanand Raghunandan

and Vice President Steve Leung outside the Company’s head office, Main Street and Coopers Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

According to Mr. Raghunandan, the BCA made contact with Managing Director Fizal Ally concerning sponsorship for the tournament and this was readily agreed upon.

Interested persons can make contact with President of the BCA Krisnanand Raghunandan on 667-0433, Vice President Steve Leung 644-9721, Kriskal Persaud 6262386 or Professor Gomes at the UGBC on 610-3345 for further information. (Samuel Whyte)

foreign players are very important to the programme as they also open markets for local players, Máximo said that a system should be created where local players can access opportunities to develop themselves internationally.

“I am really happy to be here and I hope that in the near future we start to add something, we don’t come here to change, I came here to add something for Guyana’s football. I hope that everybody, fans of football or not are coming to give support for our team, we need it. Like you saw, the guys do a lot of effort here and I think that they deserve the support.”

Acknowledging that the CNL will be tough for Guyana but they have been studying videos of their opponents, Aruba, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda and they know some of the players they would be coming up against.

With Guyana set to face Aruba next Friday in Curacao at the Stadion Ergilio Hato and then on Monday September 9 against Jamaica at the Leonora National Track & Field Center, West Demerara, Máximo said that they have a few days to add a few things citing that they cannot change too much in a few days.

“But you expect of course when you go to the competition you go to win, but you should be realistic as well. You should understand that it is not easy. It’s a medium term programme, you should create step by step conditions for you to be a great team, to be a solid team in Caribbean.

We go to these games always optimistic with positive energy; we go to create conditions to be a winning team in the medium and long term.”

The new Head Coach further noted that there would

be an increase of local and youth players gradually into the programme, acknowledging that they do not have the experience of the overseas based p l a y e r s ; positing that there must be a balance with all when it comes to preparing a national team.

Ultimately, Máximo is aiming to create a team that has tactical discipline with and without the ball.

“A composed team, a compact team with many variations, tactical variations on the pitch and more importantly, to discover our own style; you should have your own style to play, Guyana style.”

While thanking his staff for the work they have put in to date, Máximo also sought the support of the media and said he is looking forward to lots of positive energy and positive talks towards the team.

Day of sports set for Imam Bacchus ground tomorrow The Imam Bacchus Ground, Affiance, Essequibo Coast, will be the venue for a series to sports activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO).

The activities, which involve cricket and football, will take place tomorrow, September 1st 2019 and, according to the organisers, NAMILCO’s 50thanniversary, exercise books

will be given free of cost to children at the ground.

According to NAMILCO’s Marketing Consultant Affeeze Khan, the cricket match will take the form of a 20-overs-a-side affair and runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm with the two teams, a NAMILCO XI (Thunderbolt flour Power) taking on an Imam Bacchus team (Bacchus Bull) for the top prize of $50,000, a trophy and medals for the

winning team and only a trophy and medals for the runners-up.

In football, two teams from Essequibo with the approval of the Guyana Football Federation, Henrietta Under-17 will take on Dartmouth Under-17 in a specially arranged match with the winning team set to receive $50,000 a trophy and medals, while the losing team will only receive a trophy and medals.

Team Pools tournament at Jerry’s Bar today President of the Berbice Chess Association Krishnanand Raghunandan (centre) receives sponsorship cheque from representative of A. Ally & Sons, Rubina Somwaru. At left is Steve Leung, Vice President of the BCA.

Grand Central Shooters pool club will host a grand one day ‘King of the Table’ team tournament today at the Jerry’s bar in Grove on the East Bank of Demerara. The

tournament will see fourmember teams going head-tohead with action cued for 16:00hrs.

The grand cash prize is $100,000 and $10,000 is the fee

for a team to enter. The rules are 8-ball/ball-in-hand. The best of three games will give a team a point and the first team to four points wins. Keen competition is anticipated.

PAGE 32

Saturday August 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kohli fifty helps India into strong position against Windies A F P - We s t I n d i e s captain Jason Holder eventually won the battle with Indian counterpart Virat Kohli but the tourists were still well-placed at 264 for five at stumps on the opening day of the second and final Test of the series at Sabina Park yesterday.

Pursuing a victory which would lift him ahead of Mahendra Singh Dhoni a s h i s c o u n t r y ’s m o s t s u c c e s s f u l Te s t c a p t a i n ever with 28 wins, apart from sweeping the twomatch series of course, Kohli led a workmanlike eff o r t f r o m I n d i a ’s t o p order with a carefully crafted innings of 76.

His dismissal by Holder in the day’s final session, caught at the wicket after four hours at the crease during which he faced 163 deliveries and struck ten fours, appeared to give the West Indies an opening to limit their opponents’ progress in Jamaica.

However, Hanuma Vihari (42 not out) and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (27 not out) stayed together to the close to leave the home side with considerable work still to do in India’s first innings as they seek a series-levelling victory following a humiliating 318run defeat in the first Test in Antigua a week earlier.

Vihari and Pant resume on the second morning with their sixth-wicket partnership already worth 62 runs.

Holder’s vital dismissal of

Jason Holder made the first strike for West Indies © Getty Images Kohli gave the seam-bowling all-rounder his third wicket of the innings.

Carrying an additional burden with strike bowler Shannon Gabriel less than fully fit, the home captain ended the day with impressive figures of three for 39 off 20 disciplined overs.

On a green-tinged pitch, it was Holder who gave his side the breakthrough after he put India in at the start of the day. He brought himself into the attack after half an hour and removed K.L. Rahul in his first over via a straightforward catch by debutant Rahkeem Cornwall at first slip.

- Ground-breaking Hamilton One of two newcomers to senior international cricket in

the home side, the burly 26year-old off-spinning allrounder then enjoyed his first success with the ball when he extended Chesteshwar Pujara’s run of low scores in the series, the batsman being caught by Shamarh Brooks at backward-point off a miscued cut in Cornwall’s third over.

Kohli joined Mayank Agarwal with the thirdwicket pair gradually taking control of the situation either side of the lunch interval in a stand worth 69 runs.

Agarwal reached the third half-century of his fledgling international career before becoming Holder’s second wicket for 55 via another first slip catch by the alert Cornwall.

Cornwall had replaced medium-pacer Miguel Cummins from the first Test.

Shai Hope, who was drafted into wicketkeeping duties in that match due to injury to regular gloveman Shane Dowrich, failed a late fitness test on a damaged hand, allowing Jahmar Hamilton to become the first cricketer from the U.S. Virgin Islands to play at senior level for the West Indies.

India unsurprisingly retained the same team as they seek a clean sweep of all the completed international matches of this campaign and also a first-ever clean sweep of a Te s t s e r i e s i n t h e Caribbean.

There was a worrying moment before the start of play when former We s t I n d i e s c a p t a i n Vi v i a n Richards had to be helped off the field and taken away for medical treatment when he seemed to fall ill.

Wo r k i n g as a commentator in the television coverage of the

series, Richards appeared to be affected by the intense heat of the morning while involved in the pre-match coverage.

Medical officials confirmed the situation as a case of heatstroke for the legendary batsman and it is understood that he was recovering well.

Archery Guyana represented at Double 720 Qualification On Saturday 24thAugust, 2019, two of Archery Guyana members, Wayne Gerald DeAbreu and Devin Persaud, participated in the World Archery approved tournament, Double 720 Qualification in Baltimore, Canada.

Under bright clear blue skies, our two Guyanese started the day in Baltimore with the half hour of practice time to sight in their Recurve Bows then started shooting 72 arrows and scoring the first 720 during

the morning session which resulted in DeAbreu with a 626 score and Persaud with a 620.

After a break, the afternoon session commenced with the other 72 and that concluded the second 720 round, after which DeAbreu secured 603 and Persaud emerged with a 644 thereby elevating his ranking.

Archery Guyana is pleased to report that Devin Persaud is currently ranked 9th in Canada after

the top 5 scores are recorded and Wa y n e DeAbreu is ranked as 17th in Canada.

Current plans and training are ongoing and they are to continue to shoot in upcoming Tournaments to continuously better scores and raise the ranking and ultimately the level of Archery. The Board of Archery Guyana stands behind our two highest ranked Archers as they continue to represent Guyana.

Devin Persaud (left) and Wayne DeAbreu at the Double 720 Qualification in Baltimore, Canada.

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 31, 2019

Williams Industries International Race meet

Successful testing ahead of today’s qualifiers The Williams Industries International Race meet that is being organised by the Bushy Park Motorsport Inc. (BPMI) speeds off this weekend in Barbados and Te a m G u y a n a , w h i c h consists of five competitors, had a very good testing day yesterday, ahead of the qualifying round today.

The time for the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) seems to be coming to an end but the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is keen on

keeping the sport alive and thus has sent the largest overseas contingent to contest the BPMI organised meet.

Team Guyana consists of Rameez Mohamed, who will be competing in Groups 2 and 3 with his Honda Civic, Danny Persaud in his Mazda Miata for Groups 3 and 4 action along with Mohan Rangasammy, who is slated for Group 4 action in his Mazda Rx7.

Andrew King, the 2017 and 2018 Group 4 champion will be in his iconic yellow

Rameez Mohamed’s Honda Civic that will be in group three action at the event.

RX-7, while Guyana’s first Caribbean group four champion; Kristian Jeffery, will be contesting in the SR3 Radicals class.

Mohamed, in an invited comment with this publication through social media, noted that he was very satisfied with yesterday’s testing and tuning and he is looking forward to putting in some fast times during today’s qualifying round.

PAGE 33

Mohan Rangasammy’s RX-7 undergoing tuning yesterday at Bushy Park.

Kohli made an unbeaten fifty on the first day. (AFP / Randy Brooks)

rt o p S Cornwall (R) celebrates his first Test wicket.

(AFP/Randy Brooks)

Kohli fifty helps India into strong position against Windies Interim Head Coach Márcio Máximo taking the local based Golden Jaguars through the paces at the GFF National Training Centre yesterday morning.

GFF Interim Head Coach -Guyana’s potential Márcio Máximo officially is exciting from youth perspective introduced to Media

Interim Head Coach Márcio Máximo with his charges yesterday morning during training at the GFF National Training Centre.

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