Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Friday August 03, 2018
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
President Maduro and his hold on power
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s Venezuelans continue to cross into Guyana and the border communities seeking help, it seems that President Nicolas Maduro is clinging to power against all odds. Venezuela has entered its worst phase of economic decline, and with the world’s highest inflation rates in recent years, it has reached the stage of hyperinflation. Earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that inflation in Venezuela could reach one million percent by the end of this year which is compared to what Germany had experienced during the 1930 depression. The IMF has calculated that Venezuela’s economy will contract by 18 percent in 2018, for a total of 55 percent decline over the past five years. If these forecasts materialize, Guyana should brace itself for a massive influx of Venezuelan refugees. Venezuela’s economic crisis is acute; it will only get worse. According to economists, when countries reach hyperinflation, money becomes useless and the economy is paralyzed and is thrown into chaos, because of the high cost for goods and services. Venezuela’s worsening economic problems have led to a decline in living conditions, healthcare and educational services, greater demands for political change at home and increased migration to neighbouring countries. Since the crisis began, almost three million Venezuelans have migrated to Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and the United States, and many more are expected to follow suit. Political scientists believe that the Maduro regime may be actually encouraging people, especially the rich to leave the country just like what Fidel Castro did in Cuba in an earlier period so that he can control the impoverished population left behind with government subsidies for food and other basic human needs. His brutal attack on protestors and his opponents has led to many deaths and his rigging of the last election which is undemocratic may be aimed at convincing his opponents that it is time to leave the country. The Inter-American Development Bank has stated that while some countries in the past have been able to overcome hyperinflation, there is no political will on the part of the Maduro government to embark on structural economic reforms to combat it anytime soon. As a result, the cost for food and services will keep rising. It is difficult to know how long President Maduro will be able to cling to power in the country with hyperinflation. However, in countries that had hyperinflation, such as Argentina in the late 1980s, there were riots in the streets which led to a chaotic situation and the resignation of President Raul Alfonsin. So far, this has not been the case in Venezuela. If history is any guide to the future, then President Maduro’s government could remain in office for many more years as was the case of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. In 2007, Zimbabwe experienced hyperinflation and instead of embarking on structural economic reforms to combat it, the government printed more money and added zeroes to its currency until it adopted the U.S. dollar as its currency in 2008. That kept President Mugabe in power for another nine years until he was forced to step down in a bloodless military coup in 2017. Few, expect Maduro would suffer the same fate. Recently, he created a crypto-currency called the Petro, which drew laughter from many financial experts because it is worthless. Hyperinflation and the brutal repression of opponents by the Maduro government will worsen the situation in Venezuela. Unless the United States and the leaders of Latin American intensify their pressure and force Maduro to resign, they will have more Venezuelan refugees in their countries.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Exxon’s Esso is not our master; we are the masters of our destiny DEAR EDITOR, The passage of time, thus far, has not caused the disinfection and disembowelment of the Petroleum Sharing Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the other parties: namely Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, CNOOC NEXEN Petroleum Guyana Limited and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited. With our political parties and private sector groups groveling to the corporate behemoth, many with the power to make the change and renegotiate the unconscionable and diabolical agreement have surrendered what will eventually exceed 10 Billion Barrels of Oil, for a ludicrous 2% royalty. What a tragedy. Our leadership from key sectors is disenfranchising citizens’ right to a fair share of G u y a n a ’s o i l w e a l t h .
Guyana’s off-shore ten gigabyte barrel oil lottery is Exxon’s Esso 21st century jewel crown, that easily surpasses all of Exxon other ventures for this century, and yet they insult with an embarrassing pittance; we must not be victims or be seen as victims of a marauding super-sized corporation. The benefits to Guyanese from a fair oil contract for Guyana’s billions of barrels of oil, will exceed by several thousand-fold, any advantage to Guyana’s development, reachable by voting for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) or the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). It is vitally important that Guyanese and our political leadership recognize that whichever party wins the next few General Elections is far less important, and of little proportional valuable to Guyana, compared to the
incredible benefits and wealth that will be obtained from a renegotiated, fair oil contract. Does anyone seriously believe that if Guyana cancels the contract with Exxon’s Esso et al, that we will not have suitors queuing and offering us fair compensation to access the black gold find of the century, discovered in Guyana’s waters. With a fair contract we will easily repay costs incurred by Exxon’s Esso and still be left with a huge bonanza for Guyanese. We must show the courage to avoid being robbed daily for decades to come. Courage must be a byword for being Guyanese. To cull from the wisdom of Alexander the Great: “Nothing is impossible if you try”; while the Frenchman Michel de Montaigne noted in one of his more influential essays “Our experience of man and things should not be perceived as limited by our
present standards of judgment. It is a sort of madness when we settle limits for the possible and the impossible” Fortune favours the brave, but the coward is spoilt by his faint heart. Why must we cower before Exxon; when we have 10,000,000,000 barrels of light sweet crude oil, the most sought after highquality oil in the world. Let courage be symbolic of being Guyanese, we must not at this moment of fortune, deny ourselves what belongs to us. William Shakespeare is again on our side when he noted “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries.” This 2% madness must not become a standard for abuse and exploitation of the resources of developing countries. This issue goes (Continued on page 5)
The legacy of the CCJ judgment will serve us well now and in the future DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) has recognised that several sections of the press reported about the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) judgement regarding our Union and our colleague union, the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE)’s legal challenge to the decision by the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to close Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates at the end of 2017. Those reports reflected on several aspects of the judgment which demonstrate the breadth of the matter and the comprehensiveness of the issues that were put before the CCJ. While indeed the CCJ disagreed with our representations regarding the adequacy of consultations on the estate closures, the Honourable Justices pointed out that the Government and GuySuCo just met the ”…minimum requirements of meaningful consultations …”. Indeed this says a lot, especially when one considers that thousands of Guyanese have been affected by the estate closures. The satisfaction of the barest minimum of engagement
when considering the consequences of the decisions that were taken is a matter, we believe, our decision-makers cannot be elated about. It goes to show, in our view, that the decisionmakers were engaged in a mere ritualistic exercise without any sincere consideration of how to avoid the repercussions of the closure. In fact, the CCJ determined that the consultations between the U n i o n s a n d t h e Government/GuySuCo were not perfect or ideal. The Court said ”in a matter of such national importance impacting such large number of workers, the process could have been more extensive and more responsive to the concerns of the Applicants [GAWU and NAACIE]”. The Justices opined that ”notwithstanding the absence of a statutory obligation, the Respondents ought to have given a considered response (whether written or oral) to the GAWU’s proposals explaining why they were not adopted”. Of course, the GAWU contends that such explanation would have been unconvincing, recognizing that several of the Union’s proposals have been adopted by GuySuCo towards making the industry viable.
The Court also felt that the Government and GuySuCo should have engaged the Unions regarding its plans for alternative employment for the now jobless workers. On this score, the GAWU’s knowledge is limited to what we read and hear in the press. The CCJ also found that the High Court and Court of Appeal erred when they deemed that the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) ”…was sufficient to satisfy the obligation to consult…”. The Justices found that closure was not recommended by the CoI and, therefore, GAWU and NAACIE were not able to make their views known on the matter. The CCJ also disagreed with the lower courts which determined that the Unions only remedy for GuySuCo’s contravention of the Trade Union Recognition Act was limited to the penalty of a fine of $56,000 and to imprisonment of 6 months which is prescribed in the Act. The Court also did not find favour with the Attorney-General (AG) who argued that the CCJ should not consider the matter since it had become academic, noting that the closure decision had been effected and the workers were made redundant. On this, the Justices citing relevant case law concluded that ”…the
determination of the dispute i s o f n a t i o n a l importance…”and thus proceeded to hear the dispute. The CCJ also agreed with the Unions submission that the GuySuCo could not have been represented by the AG chambers. The Justices also determined that ”…there was a legitimate expectation that the Applicants would have been consulted prior to the closure of the sugar Estates, both because of longstanding GuySuCo policies and the specific promises by Vice President Ramjattan and Minister of State Harmon…” . Of great importance to us is the CCJ’s elucidation out of the consultation process. Here the Justices said there should be consultation when the proposals are still at a formative stage; there should be adequate information on which to respond; there ought to be adequate time in which to respond; and there must be conscientious consideration by an authority to the consultation. Notably several pieces of legislation require consultative engagements, and thus we believe the setting out of the aforementioned parameters by the CCJ is both useful and timely. We were also heartened (Continued on page 5)
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Kaieteur News
Friday August 03, 2018
When will City Hall get serious about El Sindicato vs. The Nation State of “not a blade of grass” the crises we face in Georgetown? DEAR EDITOR, The current situation in the remote mining communities is a direct threat to the nation. The ability of foreign nationals to illegally cross the borders and set up command and control centres is indicative of the weak security posture of our nation state. The five basic functions of identifying, protecting, detecting, responding and recovering have failed, because every functional area has already been circumvented in any strategy that we may have had to secure this nation. I’m not a politician, but I’ve listened to every stakeholder and those with executive power, and concluded that we lack adequate safeguards to secure our nation. I’ve also concluded that there is a divide between those titled politicians and those titled military in this situation. Why is our military training, if not to be excited to respond to this escalation on our borders? As a nation state, within our territory, we can respond to any threat with the use of kinetic military action to subdue and mitigate the risks of that threat. We do not have to wait on NATO or consult the Tallinn Manual to wage kinetic and other offensive operations on threats within our nation state.
I know that our leaders know this, but they also have a number of other threats to manage and ultimately determine which ones are high priority. Only focusing on the situation on the border, we need to ensure that we have operational readiness to locate, monitor and plan an offensive course of action. This should not only be done by leveraging intelligence from local miners and members of the community. This would be responding to the situation at the same level of abstraction that the threat exists. We need to now think of the ways in which we can leverage the existing technological advances that the wider world uses and determine the costs and potential advantages of using such strategies. Yes, technological advances in terms of obtaining and using Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR). What is this and why does this little nation need this? On the simpler side, Guyana finds herself in a very peculiar socio-economic, geopolitical and sovereigntychallenged situation. Threats from the opposition and localized actors, and threats from her neighbours. How do we leverage control
and gain superiority over all of these challenges? Our operational readiness will depend on all of the potential threat indicators and inputs into such systems. Our well-trained Guyanese will have the ability to protect this nation and leverage both our military and police infrastructure; and those other agencies such as CANU and Child Protection Service, to respond in kind to any situation that threatens the wellbeing of our nation. With that said, I’m confident that our minister and military will respond adequately and recover from this situation, and the community and miners will have assurance that this government has the capability of dominating any threat. Going forward, as we adapt the use of advanced computing capabilities, even the slightest unwanted or unwarranted activity in those remote areas of our country will be dominated. Whether Venezuela is pussyfooting with the use of proxy gangs and testing their performance and effectiveness of whatever their objectives are – we have a saying of “not a blade of grass.” Ultimately, it’s Guyana, our nation state, that has to respond and determine our Measures of Merit. Dustin Fraser
Exxon’s Esso is not our master;... From page 4 beyond politicking in Guyana. United we can change the pittance royalty from Exxon, the tiny crumb royalty that rats would ignore; as ants’ scurry and content themselves with the tiny crumbs. We are neither rats nor ants, and what nature and fortune has bestowed upon us, must allow us to have at least 10% royalty of the gross value of the oil. It is the minimum acceptable standard that will guarantee wealth and respect for and to Guyanese. Let our Grangers and Jagdeos collectively embrace courage, and become legends in Guyana, the Caribbean, and heroes to our brothers and sisters in Africa and India. We are made of sterner stuff. Everything seems impossible until it is done. What a
monument to bravery and justice our Guyanese leadership will represent, when we stand together and act for what is right, by renegotiating and discarding this most ungodly contract. Why must we be hewers of wood in the 21st century for Exxon? What is there to fear? The oil is ours; let us act like owners and leaders. I say with absolute confidence that Burnham, Jagan or Rodney would never have allowed this rubbish contract to see the light of day. Let us fortify ourselves at this moment in time; and not reject our fortune. The outrageous final kicker is Exxon’s Esso invoicing Guyanese for US$460 Million; this ridiculous invoice would have Burnham, Jagan and Rodney - rolling on the floor laughing, and thinking it is
good that we are now emancipated, independent and free. All the great maxims and precepts referenced above were written to inspire courage, and in this spirit, I say to our leaders – renegotiate this dishonourable contract now. Let us not reward extreme greed, let us obtain a fair share of the oil wealth for Guyanese. Exxon’s Esso is not our master; we are the masters of our destiny. Let us take sanctuary in doing what is right and just for Guyanese. Nigel Hinds
DEAR EDITOR, With massive preparations underway for large scale celebrations of Georgetown’s quartoseptcentennial anniversary, one question pops up in the minds of several of its citizens, and that is: what is there to celebrate? Indeed, with poor street lighting which contributes to the daily armed robberies, carjackings and wanton lawlessness in the city, pot-holed roads that cause many accidents and destroy the undercarriages of our vehicles, the Le Repentir cemetery in an atrocious, abominable, and horrible condition, the clogged drains that lead to the flooding of most of the city, the robberies that occur in and around the municipal markets unchecked by the City Constabulary, with City Hall in cardiac arrest, according to two international experts, with bits and pieces constantly falling off, one wonders how it is that the Council could be in such a celebratory mood. It has been reported that not a dollar will be used from the Council’s coffers, but rather the Council’s friends in the business sector, have indicated their willingness to
underwrite the whopping 19 million dollars that these celebrations will cost. Will the citizens or even the Councillors ever be told who these ‘friends of the Council’ are and how much each contributed? Will there be a thorough financial audit done after the event, unlike the Council’s accounts for the last two decades? One can only hope that these contributing friends are not contractors, suppliers and other persons that do business with the Council, or they would only be advancing these monies to the Council, with sure ways of getting them back from us the citizens. It is stupid, unreasonable and deserving to be laughed at that the Mayor and City Council could be having a big fancy launch at the front of the Stabroek Market, while at the back, the roof and other parts are collapsing. Wouldn’t their time, money and effort be better spent ensuring the safety and comfort of the vendors and shoppers of that market? What is the logic of hosting a fabulous $8,000 per plate dinner party, for which they are coercing officers, busi-
ness persons and others to buy into and attend. Would it not have been more meaningful to feed the hungry, homeless and the poor in the City? The Bible says we are to care for the poor, which involves feeding the hungry. Similarly, rather than having a $5,000 per head cocktail reception, maybe the Council could have organized a summer programme for the city’s children, particularly the vulnerable ones, with adventure sports, in which they could have offered progressive courses enabling students to become independent leaders and to develop their personal skills and group management skills. But the most ridiculous of all is the beach party at the Marriott Hotel beachfront, which probably should be called ‘Comedy on the Waterfront’. Can we expect to see the Council’s bigwigs in their beachwear frolicking in the sand and ocean? This sounds like a rerun of the Amy Adams’ Spoof Comedy ‘Psycho Beach Party’. When will City Hall get serious about the crises we the residents face here in Georgetown? Regards, Kwasi Sanderson
The legacy of the CCJ judgment ... From page 4 to note that the CCJ recognised that ”the sugar industry has undoubtedly played a large part in the socio-economic development of Guyana. Thus, its future was an issue of national importance and required vigorous discussions with all stakeholders before an informed decision could be made. In this regard, the Respondents could have engaged with the Applicants on a deeper level…” This is a stain of notoriety that further demonstrates the Administration’s lack of
concern. While ultimately the verdict was not the one we would have preferred, the CCJ judgment, in our view, addressed several important and critical issues. The scope of the matters addressed goes to justify that our move to the Judiciary was a step in the right direction. While one section of the press, for reasons best known to them, has sought to cast aspersions, we must once again reiterate that this decision, like all others, was considered and approved by the Union’s General Council. Such unwarranted and
unnecessary attacks on our organisation are nothing more than malicious and wicked. The GAWU remains proud of its actions to defend and protect the workers. Our commitment is unwavering and our dedication unquestionable. The consequences of closure sadly will linger on, but the legacy of the CCJ judgment will serve all Guyana well now and in the future as well. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
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DICTATORSHIP AND FALSE PROMISES IN LOCAL DEMOCRACY DEAR EDITOR, The recently held inaugural National Conference of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO) is definitely a living example of extravagant and a complete waste of taxpayers’ money. The huge publicity by the APNU/AFC Coalition Government boasting about the hosting of this NCLDO conference is to divert attention from the critical issues that are affecting the various Local Authorities Areas and to use the opportunity to campaign hypocritically that the APNU/AFC are strong advocates of Local Democracy which is way beyond the truth . During the visit by President David Granger to Fyrish on the 16th March, 2018, he told local officials that his government is committed to working with local democratic organs (RDC and NDC) to find workable solutions. He also announced that he will convene a region-wide conference engaging regional and local officials with the view of addressing the problems that are being faced at the local level so that citizens at community level can enjoy a
higher quality of service from their respective local democratic organs. These were the commitments made by President Granger publicly and were definitely not fulfilled by the hosting of the NCLDO. Instead he informed officials that they h a v e t o b e s e l f - s u f f i c i e n t, imposing autonomy, which means that in order to sustain the Local Authority Areas, the Local Leaders must increase burdens such as increase taxes, fees etc., on the struggling Guyanese people in various Local Authority Areas. Since the first Local Government Conference in 2015, numerous issues where raised by Local Leaders. To date, nothing has been done to address these issues. The Local Government System has been brought to irrelevance since 2015 .This is the first time in the history of Guyana that an elected Regional Democratic Council (Region Five) cannot function effectively. The government is imposing new NDCs and Municipalities down the throats of people in the new Local Authority Areas without any consultation, a new form of
dictatorship. Imagine at a meeting by GECOM in a new NDC, the Caracas-Wyburg area, the residents were dissatisfied with GECOM just coming to inform residents about the Local Government elections by imposing demarcation of various constituencies without any consultation. The government never even consulted with residents that the area would be a new Local Authority Area. On Local Authorities Amendment Bill #9/2018 our Regional Member of Parliament Cde Zulfikar Mustapha mention e d i n his presentation that there was no consultation in the formation of these specific Local Authority Areas and the ‘big stick’ method used to dictate the formation. The APNU/AFC Coalition Government is trying to convince the International Communities and the world that they are advocates of Local Democracy, which is a fallacy. Regards Zamal Hussain Councillor Regional Democratic Council Region Six
Friday August 03, 2018
IT PAINS MORE WHEN YOU ARE STRICKEN BY YOUR OWN WHIP DEAR EDITOR, I am in agreement with an article by FK in KN,”The freudian authoritarian instincts that drives this Country” on July 31st. Freddie said, “Examine with a meticulous eye, legislation, ministerial edicts, governmental guidelines and related action, and you will see there is hardly the intention to maximize freedom and to allow for the decentralization of authority, and to let power devolve to the communities and the people in general.” Freddie added, “What is at work in this country since British colonialism is the Freudian love for power.” In the context of the British we understand their motive – Colonialism was dying - the British found it expedient to hang on to every piece of their colonial empire for as long as possible by any means possible. Allowing only the propertied class to vote was deliberately done because they felt that it was the easiest way to control the masses. The rising politicians of the day had to struggle for “adult suffrage” (The right for one man one vote) These politicians - having convinced the masses that independence and nationhood was a good thing - had followed in the footsteps of the British by adopting the same repressive approach to governance after independence. The building of a state as a set of institutions, administered by the Government of the day never materialized. The people had been deceived. Government and state remain inseparable. It is the quintessential reason for our lack of progress since independence. It was all done be-
cause of freudian love for power.” Our constitution, while it does contain its shining spots like Article 13 which states that,” The principal objective….blah blah blah, were never intended to be made into reality. We have seen it (the constitution) being tweaked and twisted by successive regimes, from time to time, to give them the desired leverage to have absolute power. Our democracy has cloaked our Governments in invisible robes of the monarchy it was intended to replace, and like true tyrants they (Governments) have always strived for autocratic control by repression of dissenting voices. The fact that clause 18 in the proposed cybercrime bill was placed there is testimony of their autocratic proclivity. Dissidence has never been tolerated by the British - that has not changed since independence. In short, repression was replaced by more repression - because it pains more when you are stricken by your own whip. I was aghast to read in KN on July 31st that Parliament was delayed for 90 minutes because of a letter written by Harry Gill criticizing the Speaker of the House, “over decisions made against the Opposition”. Dr. Scotland told the House that the conduct of the Speaker (himself) cannot be criticised, except by way of a substantive Motion. A quick check on the meaning of “substantive” revealed,”having a firm base in reality and so important or meaningful.” Now this is crazy! Who decides what
is a “substantive motion” in parliament? Is it the Speaker or the National Assembly? Either way we are in a bind because parliament comprises 33 and 32 “die-hards” for the coalition and the PPP respectively. Kaieteur News stated, “The Speaker’s authority in the chair, Dr. Scotland stated, is fortified by many special powers.” This is clear language. I have no problem with Dr Scotland’s authority staying where it belongs - in the chair in parliament. Why should the letter pages of the papers be taken to Parliament for a debate by the speaker - with intent to get retribution from someone who does not agree with his actions? How does that coincide with freedom of expression? Harry Gill is entitled to his opinion and has the right to share it in the public domain taking him before the committee of privileges for his criticisms of the Speaker of the House is repression of dissenting ideas. This essentially echoes my point that 52 years after getting rid of the British, our leaders have not changed a wee bit from the mentality of the British colonialist. Constructive criticism (criticism supported by logical reasoning) is the equilibrium on which, truth, right, wrong, prejudice and pandemonium balances. Constructive criticism is the impetus for the dispensation of acceptable justice by man. Human beings are very culpable creatures, putting them in positions where it is criminal to criticize them is detrimental to society. Rudolph Singh
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Friday August 03, 2018
Given proven oil reserves… Future contracts must include provisions for ring fencing, be subject to new laws - UNDP report By Kiana Wilburg Now that Guyana’s basin has been de-risked, the government should require that future oil deals with companies be subject to provisions for ring fencing. This is according to a report that was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and prepared by Oil and Gas Consultant, Anthony Paul. The ring-fencing arrangement ensures that the government’s revenue from the Stabroek Block is calculated based on each field or well separately. In Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil, there are no ring-fencing provisions. This means that costs from one well, whether productive or not, can be carried over to other wells. Paul in the UNDP report notes that Guyana must guard against this in future contracts. The Local Content Expert also notes that the government must require where
there is no prior commitment, a new model licence, asserting that it will be subject to new laws and regulations. He said that government must require signature bonuses, retain equity in all new licences, and seek early or aggressive relinquishment clauses. WORLD BANK WARNS Governments which are new to the oil and gas industry are often obsessed with one thing—billions in revenue. With such clouded judgment, issues like adequate ring-fencing provisions quickly fade into the background of nothingness. More than 80 countries worldwide have not only paid dearly for such a mistake, but the future of their governments and generations to come will be haunted by it. The painful economic lessons learnt by these nations were adequately summed up by the World Bank in one of its many reports on the sticky issues of oil and gas exploration. In one of its documents,
Oil and Gas Consultant and Local Content Expert, Anthony Paul. Fiscal Systems for Hydrocarbons, the World Bank explains that ring-fencing is an industry-specific feature. This refers to the demarcation of taxable entities. The World Bank said that while corporate income tax normally applies at the company level, in the petroleum
PPP Presidential Candidate will be known by year- end – Jagdeo There is a view that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) should select their next presidential candidate before Local Government Elections (LGE) are held on November 12.This is according to the party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, who disclosed further that some party members believe that the decision should be left until after the LGE. “I am in favour of the early [date], but definitely before the end of the year,” Jagdeo stated. Several senior party members are said to be considering the top post. Attorney-atlaw Charles Ramson, who is among the youngest in the party, and Government Chief Whip have publicly declared an intention to lead the party into the General and Regional Elections in 2020. Ramson’s public declaration did not sit well with Jagdeo who pointed out that it was a departure from the approach that the party has used in the past. This essentially shut down any further public announcements from other presidential hopefuls. Kaieteur News understands that Jagdeo has other choices for presidential candidate in keeping with the working relationship he has with respective members of the party. Those potential
Attorney-at-Law Charles Ramson candidates, he disclosed, are following the rules. Among the notable personalities in the mix are Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira; former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall;, former Government Ministers Frank Anthony, Irfaan Ali and Clement Rohee. There is also some indication that other women may seek to get the nod, but they have a harder climb to the top in convincing the party’s top Committees. However, the selection process to be utilized by the party has received criticisms. Former Speaker of the National Assembly and former PPP member, Ralph Ramkarran, in his weekly column in the Stabroek News in-
dicated that the party has no special rules for the selection of a presidential candidate. “The rules are archaic and have long outlived their usefulness. In this era of liberal democracy, the public would like to see and hear the candidates before one is selected by the party, especially having regard to the powerful position the president holds under the constitution. And the selection process for all parties in Guyana, not only for presidential candidates but also for officials, should be determined by members,” Ramkarran indicated. Ramkarran noted that the decision-making rules under which the executive committee of 15 recommends and the central committee of 35 decides. He stated that the latter invariably follows the former. Jagdeo has stated that he intends to play a pivotal role as General Secretary in the selection of the party’s next presidential candidate. He said that the one quality the PPP ensures is held by a Presidential candidate is modesty. Jagdeo said that the only “other” person the PPP had with a big ego was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. He said that no one’s ego in the PPP can compare to Nagamootoo. “The biggest ego in the PPP is small to Nagamootoo’s.”
sector, the taxable entity is often the contract area or the individual project. When ring fencing applies at the contract area or project level, income derived from one area/one project cannot be offset against losses from another area/project. Another type of ring fencing separates upstream from downstream operations. Usu-
ally, all costs associated with a given block or licence must be recovered from revenue generated within that block: the block is ring fenced. The World Bank emphasized that the objective of ring fencing is to protect the level of current tax revenue and, to some extent, level the playing field by treating newcomers and existing investors equally. It noted that the disadvantage of ring fencing is that it does not incentivize exploration and investment activities. The Bank stated however, “By allowing costs to cross the fence, the host government may end up subsidizing unsuccessful exploration.” (More in this regard can be read by following this link: https://openknowled ge.worldbank.org/bitstream/ ha ndle/10986/6746/ 4 0 9 0 2 0 PA P E R 0 F i 1 C 0disclosed0Sept0 181.pdf?sequence=1). GRA’S POSITION Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, like many others, firmly believes that adequate ring-provisions
are indeed necessary when it comes to the oil and gas sector. In this regard, Statia opined that Guyana must safeguard itself. The ring fencing provision ensures that USA oil giant, ExxonMobil, cannot transfer the expenses incurred at one well to another. In Guyana’s contract with ExxonMobil, the mechanisms to safeguard against this are absent. GRA’s Commissioner General notes however that the effects can be minimized with the right regulation, separation provisions and controls and continual audits and reviews. He said that there must be identification and isolation of activities, assets, costs and revenues for each well. Statia expressed, “Sure, Guyana must be on its guard. The principle (of ring fencing) exists in certain industries in Guyana already and GRA is taking steps to deal with this as it relates to companies, which are in the habit of transferring costs as it relates to sister and related companies…”
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Guyana must review rules for cost recovery - IMF By Kiana Wilburg
P
roduction Sharing Agreements (PSAs) normally include an accounting annex, which details the rules for cost recovery. The annex specifies, which costs are allowed to be recovered by an operator for an oil and gas project. It also outlines the treatment of certain expenses such as services provided by affiliated parties and financing costs. But after a review of Guyana’s accounting annex in its PSA with ExxonMobil, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes that there can be opportunities for abuse and profit shifting activities. The IMF notes that in Guyana’s PSAs, exploration and even development costs
can be fully expensed for cost recovery purposes. Moreover, the IMF noted with concern, that in any given period, unrecovered costs by ExxonMobil can be carried forward to subsequent periods without any limitation. Taking this into consideration, the IMF said that the government needs to close fiscal loopholes in existing PSAs. Significantly, the IMF called for the government to undertake a policy review of fiscal terms contained in existing PSAs to ensure that these are implemented appropriately, and assess areas of improvement for future investment. COST RECOVERY AND TYPES Cost recovery is a fundamental part of any basic Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).
…Finds contract with ExxonMobil allows unrecovered costs to be carried over without any limitation It is a method, which allows an oil company to recover costs from the petroleum produced. The various costs are subtracted from gross production. Only after costs have been recovered is the remaining “profit gas” divided between the company and the government. EXPLORATION COSTS Exploration costs are expenses incurred in the search for petroleum within the contract area. The period of exploration begins with the signing of the contract and includes the discovery of petroleum and its subsequent appraisal, up until the government approves the first Development Plan. Costs related to exploration can be recovered in the year when Commercial Production begins. Examples of explorations costs, as set out in Annex C of most contracts, include: seismic surveys and studies; core hole drilling; labor, materials and services used in drilling wells; and facilities used solely in support of these purposes including access roads.
DEVELOPMENT COSTS Often called capital costs, development costs are the money spent to build infrastructure to extract petroleum and send it to market. Putting in place the capi-
Examples of such costs, as set out in Annex C of most contracts include drilling and completing wells; the costs of field facilities such as production and treatment units, drill-
tal infrastructure represents the overwhelming majority of the costs of an oil and gas project.
ing platforms; petroleum storage facilities, export terminals and piers, harbors and related facilities, access
roads for production activities. OPERATIONS Operating Costs start from the beginning of commercial production. Operating costs attributable to petroleum operations can be recovered in the full amount in the year in which they were incurred. These costs include all expenditures incurred in the petroleum operations including: operating and maintaining field facilities completed during the Development and Production Operations; and producing petroleum and gathering, storing and transporting the petroleum from the reservoir to the delivery point. SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS Service costs are direct and indirect expenditures in support of the Petroleum Operations including warehouses, offices, vehicles, water and sewage plants, power plants, housing, community and recreational facilities and furniture, tools and equipment used in these activities. General and administrative costs are all main office, field office and general administrative costs. CHALLENGES The higher the cost recovery claims by the company, the smaller the pie to be divided between the company and host country. The American state of Alaska provides a compelling example of the technical challenges of securing the full proportion of revenues owed to the Government. According to an analysis undertaken in 2003, over the 25-year lifespan of the petroleum sector, “one dollar out of every six that Alaska received from its oil development was obtained through legal challenges to the industries original payment.” The majority (90%) of the petroleum production in Alaska since first exports in 1977 has been controlled by three companies now know by the names British Petroleum, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. Over the first 25 years of production, Alaska received approximately $70 billion in petroleum revenue from royalty payments of 12.5% of the value of the oil, and three principal taxes: corporate income tax, a petroleum production tax, and property tax. Based on independent analyses and audits, Alaskan officials overseeing the petroleum sector claim that, “industry chronically reduced the (Contiunued on page 9)
G
uyanese must not read too much into the recent rejection by the National Assembly of a motion piloted by the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Dr. George Norton, asking for approval of duty free concessions for officers of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The motion failed after a number of members on the government side either abstained or were not present during the voting, leading to speculation that there are deep divisions developing within the Coalition government. The failed vote was not the result of any cracks within the Coalition. It was an exercise in the usual confusion with the Coalition. The Financial Intelligence Unit, which is concerned with anti-money laundering and the countering of terrorist financing. The National Assembly had in January of this year, approved of the appointments of an accountant and an attorney for the agency. The motion brought before the House was for the granting of duty-free concessions.
It is trite law that while the Legislature may make appointments, the issue of benefits or terms of service is an Executive function. There are legal authorities, which can be quoted on this point. The National Assembly has no role in deciding these benefits. Therefore, there were concerns that the motion itself was defective and this, no doubt, explains why some members on the government benches were reserved in supporting it. The Committee of Appointments of the National Assembly is responsible making recommendations for appointments to designated offices, which the Constitution and the laws require must be made by the National Assembly. There are constitutional commissions and other bodies whose senior officers have to be appointed by the Appointments Committee of the National Assembly, and in many cases after consultations with other bodies. The Committee is required to identify the appropriated bodies for consultation, undertake the necessary consul-
Guyana must review rules for cost recovery... From page 8 bases for calculating royalty, severance, and income tax payments by underestimating the market value of a barrel of oil at the point of sale. Overstated pipeline shipping charges (tariffs) had the same result.� In order to secure what Government officials believed to be a fair share of revenues from this petroleum development, they were forced to take prolonged and intensive legal action against the companies. Between 1977 and 1994, the Alaskan Department of Law reported that it had paid contract lawyers and accounting specialists from 30 different companies a total of more than $217 million to follow-up these legal claims. The money was well spent. Litigation resulted in additional company payments to government of $2.7 billon. The issues in dispute were highly technical and in some cases based on a legitimate difference of opinion in the interpretation of complex contractual language and taxation law.
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However, in many cases, the differences were based on outright deceit and fraud. By tracking the export and value of each barrel of oil being exported, Alaskan authorities demonstrated that overall revenues were deliberately minimized by misrepresenting the actual sale value of oil and by inflating the costs associated with transporting oil by pipeline and tankers. By 2000, litigation had produced an additional $10.6 billion in revenue including $6.8 billion in direct payments for taxes and royalties, and an additional $3.8 billion in increased taxes and royalties related to reassessing pipeline transportation costs. This pattern has continued with an additional $1.7 billion in oil and gas settlements over the past decade. The figures listed above substantially underestimate the scale of abuse. Many other claims were launched against companies by the Government but were settled out-ofcourt and are therefore not public.
tation and, where necessary, receive the nominations from appropriated bodies. The Committee then makes its recommendations to the National Assembly. The confusion, which rained down recently in the National Assembly saw two AFC Ministers abstain in the vote and other Ministers not being present during the vote. However, this is not evidence of divisions within the government. There were differences over the legality of the motion. The AFC Ministers have explained that they were concerned about the legality of
the motion – that whether it was the responsibility of the Committee to do this and whether this was the correct route for the granting of the concessions, which were being sought. What is not being explained is why was there no intervention to stop the introduction of the motion before it was defeated. Why were the concerns of the AFC and other persons on the government side not forcibly communicated to their colleague, the Chairman, so as to avoid the embarrassing situation of the government motion being defeated.
In March of this year, the government was forced to abort discussion of a motion on the appointment of the Anti-money Laundering and Countering of the Financing of Terrorism Authority. However, it is still not exactly clear as to why this was done. This is the sort of confusion which is the government’s actions are attracting in the in the National Assembly. In the case of the duty free recommendations for the senior officials of the FIU, it is obvious, now that there should have been better communication within the Coalition.
The Chairman of the Appointments Committee should never have had to face the embarrassing situation of having members from the government side abstain from his motion. If there were issues with the legality of the recommendations, this should have been sorted out before the sitting.
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The speaker’s ruling is unacceptably undemocratic An ugly flaw of people with state power that has endured over the centuries is they simply cannot understand that life is beyond the control of any human. If you birth a law to have presidential relatives receive a colossal pension because you wanted your two cousins to have the money, way down the line another president will use the treasury to finance ten cousins. You do not make an edict because at that particular moment it suits your purpose. Anyone who wants to understand how complicated is poli-
tics should immediately read the Shakespearean drama playing out in Malaysia. What took place in Malaysia two months ago does not happen in real life but is happening and it is going on right now.If you do not like the PPP, then you still should not accept the unacceptable ruling of the Speaker of the House in relation to a PPP Member of Parliament. Such an edict can come back to haunt the party you support. The Speaker wants the MP to face a disciplinary hearing from an action that is at the heart of justice and liberty and fair
play. The Opposition should not abide by the Speaker’s ruling because it is anathema to the right to free speech. I am willing to learn but I know of no case at the moment in any nation where a legislator writes the newspaper to complain that the Speaker is not being impartial and has to face an investigation committee because of that. There are too many dimensions of this situation that is pregnant with danger. The Speaker presides over Parliament, which is inherently about the affairs of the nation. However, at all
times the Speaker must remember that he is administering a place where the representatives have been chosen by the population to speak on their behalf. At no time, outside of criminal behaviour, repugnant immoral conduct, libelous deliveries, the people’s representatives must be hindered in their national role as protective of the citizenry. If they are, then that is an assault on democracy. It is the natural right of a House member to address the people of his/her country through the media. Such a pathway is common in perhaps all countries in the world. If a Parliamentarian holds the perspective that the Speaker is biased and wants to address his constituency about this problem then why he/she doesn’t have the right to use the media to do so? The Speaker’s response to the MP’s letter in the press raises serious questions about how he sees the rights of Parliamentarians. The Speaker advised that any queries of his decisions should first be raised with him. Nevertheless, isn’t that antithetical with natural rights?
Should it not be left to the discretion of the MP to decide whether he/she wants to have a dialogue with the Speaker or simply go directly to the Guyanese people? The Speaker can argue about lack of decorum, meaning the proper thing to do as to approach him, but there is nothing in violation of law or morality if the MP wants to go to the press.The operative words here are ‘libelous” and “lying.” If in the letter, the MP libels the Speaker or speaks despairingly of him by citing fictional situations then a motion can be brought to the House and even then we are on shaky grounds because libel is not determined by Parliament but in a court room. In such a situation, a libel writ may be the wiser course of action for the Speaker. It is clear to any schoolboy, that the Speaker has authority to stop a member from speaking, have the member removed or suspend the member. We are going in unchartered waters when the Speaker of the National Assembly can stop a Parliamentarian from writing a letter of complaint against him in the newspapers. If this country accepts
Frederick Kissoon that then what we have agreed to is a further curtailment of rights and freedoms in a country where such precious values have been in short supply since Independence in 1966. Have we reached the stage in Guyana where an elected Parliamentarian can complain in the newspaper about the President, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Whip, etc but not the Speaker? This is an inherently undemocratic society so if the Opposition loses this particular round, I would suggest they resort to the Granger method. President Granger in defending Minister Bulkan, observed that Ministers have the right to express their opinion in a private capacity. So the MP can write again and this time sign his name as a citizen of Guyana.
DEM BOYS SEH
Give a dog a bad name, den hang him Give a dog a bad name, den hang hFrom de time de news come dat dem miners get killed at Lindo Creek and dat Fine Man and he gang do it, dem boys know dat something de wrang. One of de people who own de mining camp come wid a map and show how when Fine Man and he gang run after de confrontation wid de police, he couldn’t run to Lindo Creek, kill de people and go back across de river. Was a big story because de army people was patrolling all over de place. Dem was de people who help track de Fine Man gang all to de coast. Of course de police was busy hunting dem. Was de police who ketch up wid dem at Christmas Falls and kill one. Dat is when Fine Man and he gang run. Dem boys remember de police talking bout chasing de gang and giving de impression dat de men was cornered. Some of de reports was dat de police seeing de tracks and was about half day behind de gang.
In de end de gang split up; some of dem get kill in de trail and one youth man get ketch because he couldn’t keep up. People talk how dem see Fine Man pun a bus playing wid a lady child. People calculate dat from de time dem see de man pun de bus to when dem hear he escape, he couldn’t go to Lindo Creek and come back. But as people seh dead men tell no tales. Fine Man dead suh he couldn’t testify at de commission of inquiry.Of course Jagdeo and Rohee and some oders refuse to testify. Dem didn’t want to answer no question and dem know dat people woulda ask questions about de army. Dem boys seh somebody woulda tie up demself. De report come out and wha it ain’t seh is wha people suspect long ago. It pointing fingers at places weh people wasn’t looking. And of course as de saying goes, “Give a dog a bad name and hang it in de morning.” Fine Man really had a bad name. Talk half and wait fuh de full report
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Half naked body of lawyer’s clerk found in Kuru Kururu home
Family, friends and residents of the community gather after the discovery of the man’s body.
T
he body of a 46year-old Gregory “Wayne” Frank, a lawyer clerk, was discovered on Thursday morning around 04:25 hrs at his Lot 686, Kuru Kururu, Linden Highway, East Bank Demerara home. Frank, who has been a lawyer’s clerk with Attorney Abiola Wong Inniss, for over ten years, lived alone in a single flat concrete house, which was one of two flat houses that stand 50 feet apart in the same yard. The other house is occupied by Frank’s stepfather, Rupert Patterson. Mr. Patterson was the person who discovered Frank’s body after other family members who were not getting on to Frank called inquiring about him. The man went over to check on Frank and found the back door ajar. On entering the house, the elderly man made the gruesome discovery, and called the police. Photos, taken of Frank’s body where it was found, show the man’s body lying in his living room, face down, with his arms folded under him and his face tilted to the right. The lower part of the body lay on the carpet while the man’s upper body was on a tiled area, with coagulated blood around the
head. The body was clad in a grey jersey and a dark blue under pants that was pulled down just below the butt line, the man still had on his socks. One of the witnesses suggested the body was in the early stages of decomposition since it was swollen and discoloured. Frank’s uncle, Kendrick McPhoy, got a call about his demise and was at the scene when this publication visited. The man said the whole house was ransacked, with drawers pulled out and items strewn around as though someone was looking for something. An electric drill and a black cap were found in the yard. These items seemed to have been dropped by the invaders. The uncle also claimed that he noticed a number of items that he knew belonged to Frank missing. They included the man’s gold chains and rings, three flat screen television sets, one of which was delivered to the now dead man recently in a big crate. There was also a laptop missing. The dead man’s uncle said the man’s fridge and cupboard were well stocked since the man was very meticulous about how he did things.
This was evident in how the man’s yard was kept, well raked, something family and friends said the now dead man would normally do himself. Frank lived alone since he became divorced some three years ago. The uncle claims that it might have been someone the man knew, since there were no signs of forced entry and the man would have had to let the individual in, because he always had his doors locked. The uncle said that even when he visited, he would have to walk around the house and call, before Frank would open up. The man’s employer issued a statement on her Facebook page that seemed to share the sentiments of all who came into contact with the man. “To me, the depth of one’s loss, when someone dies, is determined by the nature and or quality of the relationship. My loss at this time is deep, as Gregory was not only my staff, but also like a family member to me, having worked with me for more than 10 years. ”To his father, surviving siblings, stepfather, other family members and friends, may you continue to cherish the fond memories that you all
Items found in the dead man’s yard after the gruesome discovery
Gregory “Wayne” Frank’s body being removed by the undertakers, while his stepfather looks on. shared with him - of his many special traits, I chose to remember that he was trustworthy, amiable and warm-hearted. Forever grateful for the time we shared.” Police also confirmed in a statement, “The back door was found open, the entire house ransacked and valuables, which the deceased was known to have possessed, are missing. The scene is currently being processed and no arrests have at this time, been made.” This publication has learnt that the police have advised family members to be present for a post mortem examination that will be conducted today.
The back door that was found ajar when the dead man’s stepfather ventured to the house looking for him.
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Lindo Creek findings cast doubt on ‘Fine Man’ gang killing miners - says former Govt. functionaries failed to properly investigate the massacre
Lindo Creek victims
Government officials and others at the Office of the President yesterday
Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins (fine man)
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he Lindo Creek Commission of In quiry has cast doubt on suggestions that Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins and his gang slaughtered and burnt eight miners in their Upper Berbice River camp in June, 2008. It has pointed to “other persons” being responsible for the killing, known as the “Lindo Creek Massacre.” The Commissioner’s report also concluded that some former Government functionaries, including senior police ranks, failed to properly investigate the killings and recommended that their individuals be subjected to an investigation. It also recommended that financial compensation, as well as benefits for the victim’s children, be awarded to the families of the slain men. Most of the victims were the main financial providers for their households. Presenting the report to President David Granger yesterday at the Ministry of the President, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Desmond Trotman said that despite several challenges and constraints, the team tried its best to be faithful to the requirements of the terms of reference, to achieve the objectives and to obey the mandate of the Inquiry.
Justice Desmond Trotman, COI Attorney Patrice Henry and other members of the Commission
Commending President Granger for appointing the Commission, Trotman said t h a t d u r ing the past six months, the Commission “has searched and travelled to find truth that could lead to justice. “In our own time and for the sake of closure, we and the suffering families of the murdered miners may want to forget that gruesome massacre of Lindo Creek, which shocked the conscience of the nation. “But history and posterity will not erase the dark deeds of those who have conspired to disrespect the dead, to deceive the living and to conceal the truth from the nation.” A Ministry of the Presidency release stated that President Granger vowed to ensure that no efforts are spared by the Government to expose the intellectual authors and the perpetrators of the deadly violence during the period of the “Troubles” as he noted that the truth must be determined to reinforce regard for the sanctity of life, respect for the Constitution and law and the restoration of public trust in those entrusted with upholding the law. The Head of State said that the ‘Troubles’ will be remembered for a spate of uninvestigated massacres –
at Kitty, Lamaha Gardens, Bourda, Buxton-Friendship, Prashad Nagar, AgricolaEccles, La Bonne Intention, Bagotstown, Black Bush Polder, Lusignan, Lindo Creek and elsewhere. He therefore noted that the Government is determined to ensure that, as far as humanly possible, the truth about the ‘Troubles’ is uncovered. “I commit to lifting the veil of dissimulation and deception surrounding the deaths of so many Guyanese citizens. Human safety and respect for the right to life have never been so imperiled as during the first decade of the 21st century – a period to which I have referred as the ‘Troubles’. “I stated, in my address to the National Assembly on 13th October 2016: “The ‘Troubles’ will be remembered as the darkest hour of our history. It was a time of the uninves t i g a t e d a s s a s s i nation of a Minister; of the investigation into the alleged implication of another Minister in the direction of a ‘death squad’; of the alleged implication of yet another Minister in the acquisition of a computer to track the telephone communication and location of adversaries targeted for assassination.
“It was a time of arbitrary arrests; of disappearances and of torture of young men; of the surge in armed robberies, narco-trafficking and gunrunning. During that first, deadly decade, there were 1,317 murders and 7,865 armed robberies,” the President said. President Granger noted that the Constitution, at Article 138 (1), enshrines respect for the right to life, stating, “No person shall be deprived of his life intentionally save in the execution of sentence of a court in respect of an offence under the law of Guyana of which he has been convicted.” Guyanese citizens, he said, do not deserve to live in continual fear, under the threat of violent death. Their lives should not be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” “Human safety would be imperiled without respect for the law. Citizens would live in continual fear, under the threat of violent death and their lives would be “…solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short…” to quote Thomas Hobbes. Public trust will be enhanced when i n q u i r i e s could be held into all incidents of criminal violence. Public trust will be enhanced when officers who
CoI Chairman Justice Donald Trotman presets the report to President David Granger are responsible for enforcing the law enjoy the confidence of the majority of the people and are themselves not ensnared in allegations of misconduct. Commissions of Inquiry are necessary to ascertain the facts to recommend measures to prevent recurrences of crimes. Inquiries will ensure that those accused of crimes are brought before the courts of law. “This Inquiry started the process of searching for the causes and culprits behind some of the most deadly atrocities committed during the ‘Troubles’,” he noted. Bonny Harry, Horace Drakes, Dax Arokium, Cecil Arokium, Nigel Torres, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee and Compton Spiers were killed then burnt at a mining camp a t L i ndo Creek, Uppe r Berbice River on or about June 21, 2008. The Commission began its hearings on February 15. It held 22 public hearings, seven in-camera hearings and interviewed some 80 witnesses. Several senior police ranks, including former Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Head of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility Heeralall Mackinlall tes-
tified. Hicken had testified to spotting ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins during gunfight between a police team and the gang at Christmas Falls in early June. However, mining camp boss Leonard A r o k i u m had insisted that the ‘Fine Man’ gang could not have covered the rough terrain leading from Christmas Falls to Lindo Creek to kill his miners. A number of former Government officials, including former President Bharrat Jagdeo, declined a request to participate in private hearings. The hearings were often emotional with family members of the victims recounting how they lear n e d o f the tragedy, and lamenting the manner in which the remains were buried. T h e Commission returned to Lindo Creek and also held a memorial service with relatives of the massacre victims, who also visited the area at La Repentir Cemetery where the burnt remains were buried. Granger has promised a thorough investigation into the deaths of hundreds of Guyanese, including the former Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow ‘Sash’ Sawh, during the period of 20022009.
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Angry bandits burn documents after failed bid to rob Wismar Post Office Quick action by alert citizens averted what could have turned out to be a major catastrophe yesterday morning at the Wismar Post Office. Bandits set the building on fire after their efforts to remove a vault with money proved futile. According to reports, smoke and fire were observed emanating from the Post Office building. That led two pensioners who were in the vicinity to call the police and fire service. Both responded promptly and the fire was contained. However, important documents including mail were destroyed in the fire. The thieves reportedly broke down a door to gain access to the facility. Reports are that the intruders attempted to break into a vault, and then tried to remove it but their efforts were futile. Several pensioners who turned up to collect their pension expressed frustration at having to cross over to Mackenzie. “I barely hitch a ride to come here, now we hearing we got to go over the river…This thing happening too steady and it punishing we. Sometimes, we come out here without a cent, so how we supposed to pay to cross the river?”. Regional Chairman Rennis Morian accompanied by Councillors Denise Belgrave,
Sorojnie Narine and an engineer visited the scene and spoke with members of the media and police, yesterday. Morian said that the time has come for security to be beefed up at the facility, which has been targeted by criminals over the years. He described yesterday as a bad day for pensioners, who had turned up and had to be turned away. He also expressed concern over the lack of security at the post office. “There needs to be a paradigm shift here, none of the other institutions that deal with money has ever suffered a break in. All the years the post office has depended on grill and mesh (for security) that can’t work anymore, that paradigm has shifted. There has to be a security booth at the back and another at the front.” Morian said that because the post office does not have a proper fence, thieves and vandals have free access. “We don’t have to wait for budget 2019 to rectify this situation. We have to find a way to access appropriate emergency funding to deal with this. I’m going to write to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of State on behalf of the residents of Region Ten that monies have to be appropriated from wherever to deal with this because it is an emergency.”
Porter dies in accident
The deceased: Lildar Jaggernauth A 26-year-old man is now dead following an accident involving him and a car along the Rosignol Public Road. Dead is Lildar Jaggernauth of Murphy Dam, Rosignol, West Coast Berbice. The driver of the car, bearing licence plate number PLL 7562, is in police custody at the Fort Wellington Police Station. According to information received, Jaggernauth who is a father of one, reportedly left his parent’s home sometime around 18:30 hrs on
Wednesday to purchase a phone card. After taking hours to return, his father tried contacting him via his cell phone but those calls went unanswered. It was just after midnight yesterday that Jaggernauth’s father was awakened by the police and informed that his son was involved in an accident. Reports are that Jaggernauth was intoxicated at the time of his demise. Investigations are ongoing.
Morian commended the vigilance of the pensioners who alerted the police and fire service. Councillor Denise Belgrave observed that that there have been several incidents of the Post office being robbed, and with the necessary “shuffling” of pensioners to the Mackenzie Post Office, serious hardships are created. She expressed concern that several pensioners who had turned up for their pensions had to be sent to Mackenzie.
“We would pay a visit to the Mackenzie facility and talk with the pensioners who have gone over there to see how we could assist them.” Belgrave also cited the need for security cameras at the facility. Those sentiments were reiterated by Councillor Sorojnie Narine. Narine also expressed the hope that the police would speed up their investigations into the matter. Targeted The Wismar post office has over the years been tar-
geted by bandits. In December 2009, police detained a former member of the Guyana Defence Force and three other men in connection with a $7M heist at the facility. The detained men were reportedly from various areas in Linden. Postal staff were also held by police and subsequently released following the incident. In addition, in June 2014 armed men carted off an undisclosed sum of money that was intended to pay pensioners and also relieved a police
rank of his service revolver. The men forced their way into the building and removed $2 million from a safe, according to police reports. That robbery was the third suffered by the entity, in as many years. It was carried out in full view of about fifty pensioners who had turned up to collect their pensions. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. Meanwhile, the Wismar Post Office remains closed to the general public.
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Kaieteur News
Mayor DeBlasio honours Fly Jamaica Airways New York City- Mayor Bill DeBlasio recently honoured Fly Jamaica Airways’ Executive Director and co-owner, Mrs. Roxanne Reece, with a citation for the stellar service the carrier provides to the
Diaspora, and for her years of philanthropic work. Pastor James Richmond, community liaison, on behalf of the politician, presented Mrs. Reece with the prestigious honour during an event
hosted by the Brooklynbased, Guyana Unity Movement (GUM), to welcome First Lady of Guyana, Sandra Granger to New York. Roxanne Reece, who was also presented with a plaque
from Mrs. Granger, on behalf of the Guyana Unity Movement (GUY), was congratulated, and thanked by President of GUM, Sherif Barker Fraser, for Fly Jamaica Airways’ commitment to the community. Mrs. Reece, who is also the Managing Director, and co-owner of Guyana-based Wings Aviation Ltd., with more than 30 years of experience in the aviation field, spoke passionately about the exceptional services Fly Jamaica Airways provides to thousands of passengers from Jamaica, where the airline is based, and from Guyana with scheduled service to JFK, and Pearson Int. Airports. Fly Jamaica Airways commenced service five years ago, with inaugural flights to both Guyana and Jamaica, has maintained a consistent presence in the Caribbean countries, all thanks to the diligent work of Mrs. Reece, a Guyana-born mother of four daughters, who has been engineering creative and diverse professional paths to take care of herself and her family. Fondly called, Roxanne, this strong, generous lady, whose stirring path to success is attributed to commitment and hard work, starting with a 12-year career in banking, in both England and Guyana. Her drive ultimately led her to become an entrepreneur in fashion where she designed her own lines of ready to wear creations from her boutique Raffiné on Main Street, in Georgetown. Many of her fashion shows were organized to help churches and other charitable organizations in their fundraising efforts, while lending support to local communities. Multi-talented, Mrs. Reece designed jewellery from her home, inspiring and
Fly Jamaica’s Roxanne Reece teaching her daughter the value of independence. An alumna of the prestigious St. Joseph High school, Roxanne continues to support her communities, both at home in Guyana and throughout the Diaspora. She provides aid to alumni associations, grassroots organizations, charities, medical groups, cultural and sport organizations and individuals so that they may better execute their work in their communities. Roxanne’s commitment to women’s rights influences all of her endeavours. Specifically, her focus on women’s economic empowerment and independence translated in initiatives within her own companies to hire, train and lead up the corporate ladder, women from all walks of life. Several of Fly Jamaica’s flight attendants are from interior villages of Guyana such as Surama, and other communities in Essequibo, West Demerara and Berbice. With more than 400 staff worldwide in four different countries, the management of Fly Jamaica Airways and Wings Aviation Ltd. consists of 60 percent women. Recent highlights of
partnering with community organizations are in the two instances where girls and women benefited. Working with Help and Shelter in Georgetown, Guyana, Roxanne facilitated travel with Fly Jamaica Airways from Georgetown to New York, assisting a domestic abuse survivor to obtain prosthetic limbs. Roxanne also made it possible for a teenage girl with scoliosis to receive a medical procedure in Toronto, opening a new and confident path as she approaches womanhood. Working daily as an aviation executive, Roxanne saw that there was no aviation component at the University of Guyana. Over the last two years, Roxanne partnered with Elena Trim from The University of Guyana to formulate the university’s first Aviation Management Degree. The programme began January 2018 and has enrolled 18 candidates. Mrs. Reece is a fierce advocate who is committed to the development of women, and remains a stalwart contributor to her local communities, her industries and her c o u n t r y . (www.caribbeanlifenews.com)
Department of Energy head “fit and proper” - President Granger President David Granger has said that he is confident of the work that will be executed by the recently appointed head of the newly established Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, as the Unit takes off the ground. Dr. Bynoe, an Environment and Resource Economist was appointed to the post by President Granger. He officially took up the appointment on August 1. According to President Granger, Dr. Bynoe will be tasked with identifying qualified persons to be part of the department. “We have been searching for someone who is
experienced, not necessarily in petroleum, but who has the intelligence and the experience to find people who are experienced for the important industry… He knows enough to find people to make that sector functional,” the president told the media yesterday. He added that the government over the last seven months has been examining the state of the energy industry, especially following the recommendation by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman that a department be established for this. (Continued on page 31)
Head of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe
Friday August 03, 2018
Two army officers complete Chinese fighter pilot courses - now fluent in Mandarin Guyana Defence Force Second Lieutenants Steffon Cameron and Teffurn James, have successfully completed a Chinese Air Force Basic Fighter Pilot and Officer Development Course, and have since returned to Guyana to continue serving. Cameron and James both earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aircraft Systems and Operations, a Bachelor ’s Degree in Military Science Av i a t i o n Flight and Command, and a Professional Diploma. The two commenced studies on September 1, 2013 at the Chinese Air Force Aviation University of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the People’s Republic of China. Military personnel from Cambodia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, were among their classmates. The five-year programme of study was designed to develop young officers by imparting command knowledge and skills, and also to train the participants to be efficient pilots operating under modern informationbased systems. It included several educational tours and visits to various cities in China, an appreciation of Chinese customs, culture, lifestyle and societal values, and required the graduates to pass the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) level six examination. In addition, Second Lieutenants Cameron and James completed in excess of
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Kaieteur News
The pilots who graduated from the Chinese courses. 80 flying hours on the PT-6 aircraft and 91 flying hours on the J-8 aircraft. They are also fluent in Mandarin. Chief-of-Staff Brigadier
Patrick West has since welcomed the two officers back to service with the Force and congratulated them on their sterling achievements, the army said in a statement.
Prominent gold mining advocate, Tony Shields, dies One of the country’s most outspoken advocate for gold miners has died. According to the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), it is mourning the loss of its former Executive Secretary and founder member who passed away Wednesday in the USA after a period of illness. “Mr. Edward Anthony Shields, a former Vietnam veteran, joined the mining association in 1984 and served it faithfully until his passing. He was 72 years old.” The Association said it mourns the loss of the mining stalwart. “His guidance and tenacity will be missed. He was a friend of the miners and a champion for miners rights in Guyana.” Shields has led many delegations during his long tenure in sometimes rocky negotiations with Government for better mining conditions.
The late Edward Anthony Shields According to the Association, Shields will be cremated in the USA. A
memorial service and wake will be held in Guyana at a date to be announced later.
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Friday August 03, 2018
Kaieteur News
Tapakuma to benefit from improved access road by year-end After years of severe inconvenience, the residents of Tapakuma on the Essequibo Coast can finally sigh in relief, now that the construction of an improved access road was recently approved by the
Ministry of Finance. According to Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, the Region has decided to allocate $11M of its savings towards upgrading the Tapakuma Hill Top
road. The village of Tapakuma is located more than eight miles aback of the main land on the Essequibo Coast. Enveloped in dense forest, this small Amerindian Village is
home to about 400 residents. For years, however, an important access road leading into the community has been eroded. Located in a valley between two hills, the access road is often flooded when it rains. Constant flooding has eventually led to severe erosion, leaving a number of pointed rocks on the road’s surface. The village Toshao, Aubrey Fradareks said on Wednesday, that the road has been an issue for quite some years. He explained that the former villager councils had made multiple representations
in the past representations. Kaieteur News understands that due to the severe deteriorations, school children also find it challenging to get to school. Since the pointed rocks on top of the hill penetrate the road’s surface, it becomes difficult for the David G school bus to access the community. Toshao Fradareks explained, “Our children are living about a mile from here and so they have to get ready early in the morning, from about 5 o clock. The bus parks at the hill top; the children take about half hour to
an hour to get out there. In the afternoon, they reach back about 5, so that is difficult for the children.” The Toshao emphasized the need for quality work to be implemented; noting that inferior works had often contributed to deterioration in the past. The REO explained during a press conference last Friday; however, that the new hilltop road will be surfaced, unlike the many loam roads in the area. Work, he said, is scheduled to commence shortly, and will be completed by year end.
Sections of the deteriorated hill top road, Tapakuma.”
Region Six officials demand probe into police inspector’s transfer There is growing pressure on the Police Force following a decision earlier this year to transfer an inspector who stopped a minibus at a Berbice Bridge control point back in March. The minibus, according to the police, had passengers who included two police ranks. The inspector, Godfrey Playter, refused to take a call on a phone that was being handed to him by a civilian in the bus. It later turned out that it was the Commissioner of Police (ag), David Ramnarine, on the line. Playter said that he was transferred for not taking (Continued on page 31)
RDC Councillor/PM representative, Gobin Harbhajan
Top Cop, David Ramnarine
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Friday August 03, 2018
Kaieteur News
Suspects cleared of M&M heist fingered in four other robberies
The “Presidential Touch” wash bay Two men who were picked up and cleared of committing the recent heist at M&M Snackette have been implicated in four other robberies. A senior police official said that the men were initially suspects in last week Friday’s robbery at the M&M Snackette at Houston, East Bank Demerara. However, they were not picked out during an identifi-
cation parade. But before they could be released, the victims of four other robberies identified them. One of the robberies occurred last week Thursday at the “Presidential Touch” Wash Bay, located at Lot 38 Public Road, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. The suspects are to appear in court today. The owner, Debbie Atwell,
told Kaieteur News that she was sitting in her business place around 11:15 hrs when she heard someone say: “Don’t move, or we going to kill you.” She then saw three men, including one with a handgun, standing in front of her. A fourth man with a bicycle remained outside. The robbers relieved her of a gold chain, two rings and
The robber in the M&M Snackette a band. They took her purse, which had some documents and money before fleeing. She said that three of the bandits headed in the direction of the Haags Bosch dumpsite at the back of Eccles, while one went along the East Bank Public Road, also in the direction of Eccles. Meanwhile, police are still to apprehend the gunman
who was seen on security cameras brazenly robbing staff at the M&M Snackette. The youth, who had a bicycle, walked into the M&M snackette on Friday and pointed the gun at the lone snackette attendant at that time. He picked up the attendant’s Samsung S8 cell phone and forced the em-
ployee to place the day’s sales in a plastic bag. The M&M location at Houston was robbed some eight times since it opened in 2013. The water store to the northern side of the M&M snackette was also robbed. There is a cooking gas distributor to the south of the snackette, which was also robbed.
Guyana looks to tap into US$20M regional climate change project
Head of Office of Climate Change, Janelle Christian makes a point during the meeting with CCCCC representatives Two representatives of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) are in Guyana to conduct a fact-finding mission for the preparation of a regional programme titled “Enhancing Coastal Protection for Climate Change Resilience” with focus on building capacity for mangrove protection. Resource Economist, Donneil Cain, and Independent Marine Scientist, Dr. Emma Rendle, met with Head,
Office of Climate Change (OCC), Janelle Christian, on Monday at the OCC’s Office, Ministry of the Presidency. The OCC, as the Secretariat of the National Designated Authority (NDA), is assisting the representatives by providing critical information and pointing them to key personnel to facilitate their study. Several stakeholder engagements and meetings with key agencies including the Mangrove Unit of the Minis-
try of Agriculture, the Hydrometeorological Office, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as well as members of civil society and academia are being conducted. A site visit is slated for Friday at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). These engagements are expected to determine the requirements based on the country’s specific needs to craft the funding proposal for (Continued on page 31)
Friday August 03, 2018
Kaieteur News
CCJ judgment demonstrates concern for sugar workers The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has recognised that several sections of the press reported about the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) judgment regarding the Union and the colleague union – the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). The two unions had filed a legal challenge to the decision by the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) to close Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates at the end of 2017. Those reports reflected on several aspects of the judgment, which demonstrates the breadth of the matter and the comprehensiveness of the issues that were put before the CCJ. “While indeed the CCJ disagreed with our representations regarding the adequacy of consultations on the estate closures, the Honourable Justices pointed out that the Government and GuySuCo just met the ‘…minimum requirements of meaningful consultations …”, GAWU stated in a release. Indeed this says a lot especially when one considers that thousands of Guyanese have been affected by the estate closures, it added. “The satisfaction, of the barest minimum of engagement when considering the consequences of the decisions that were taken, is a matter, we believe, our decision-makers cannot be elated about. “It goes to show, in our view, that the decisionmakers were engaged in a mere ritualistic exercise without any sincere consideration of how to avoid the repercussions of the closure.” The CCJ determined that the consultations between the Unions and the Government/GuySuCo were not perfect or ideal. The Court said, “[i]n a matter of such national importance impacting such large number of workers the process could have been more extensive and more responsive to the concerns of the
Applicants [GAWU and NAACIE]”. The Justices opined that “[n]otwithstading the absence of a statutory obligation the Respondents ought to have given a considered response (whether written or oral) to the GAWU’s proposals explaining why they were not adopted”. GAWU contends that such explanation would have been unconvincing recognizing that several of the Union’s proposals have been adopted by GuySuCo towards making the industry viable. The Court also felt that the Government and GuySuCo should have engaged the Unions regarding its plans for alternative employment for the now jobless workers. The CCJ found that the High Court and Court of Appeal erred when they deemed that the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) “…was sufficient to satisfy the obligation to consult…” The Justices found that closure was not recommended by the CoI and, therefore, GAWU and NAACIE were not able to make their views known on the matter. The CCJ also disagreed with the lower courts, which determined that the Unions only remedy for GuySuCo’s contravention of the Trade Union Recognition Act was limited to the penalty of a fine of $56,000 and to imprisonment of six months, which is prescribed in the Act. “We were also heartened to note that the CCJ recognised that the sugar industry has undoubtedly played a large part in the socio-economic development of Guyana. Thus, its future was an issue of national importance and required vigorous discussions with all stakeholders before an informed decision could be made. “In this regard, the Respondents could have engaged with the Applicants on a deeper level…” This is a stain of notoriety that further demonstrates the Administration’s lack of concern, GAWU noted.
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Kaieteur News
Oil and Guyana… By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
Friday August 03, 2018
Govt’s propaganda machinery seeks to influence public opinion - It is distasteful and should not be encouraged - Ramson
It’s fantastic news for us.I expect massive infrastructural projects, better hospitals and much needed funding for education.
The comment
A
ttorney-at-law Charles Ramson has frowned upon what he described as a blatant attempt “distort public opinion.” He was referring to actions by the Director of Public Information (DPI), Imran Khan; William Walker of Oasis Café; and part owner of Oil Now, Michael Leonard, all members of the Alliance For Change (AFC). Recently, Al Jazeera broadcast a 25-minute programme, which focused on Guyana’s oil boom. Making contributions to that programme were attorney-atlaw, Christopher Ram; Director of Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Lisa
Sachs; former Presidential Advisor, Jan Mangal and Khan. On that programme, Khan painted a glorious picture of Guyana’s oil and gas industry.The DPI said many things that were refuted by Ram and Mangal. He spoke of all the strong efforts Government is making, all the international advice it is taking and how better off Guyana will be. In fact, Khan even made a commitment that Guyana will be ready for first oil by 2020. Essentially, he was saying that within less than two years, Guyana will have a Local Content Policy, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, a Petroleum Commission, a National
The Facebook post
Attorney-at-Law Charles Ramson Oil Spill Response Plan, a functioning Energy Agency
and other required tools that can speak to true readiness. Ramson pointed to Khan’s unrealistic comments. But perhaps Khan’s biggest sin, according to Ramson, was his attempt to skew public opinion. During the Al Jazeera programme, the hosts were taking comments from “the community.” The unwitting hosts were of the opinion that
these comments were from regular Guyanese. Lo and behold, it turned out that quite a few of these comments were being offered by persons sitting right next to Khan. Particularly, comments were made by Walker and Leonard. At one point, the host said, “…On the other side though, someone who might agree with you (Khan)” and she went on to read Walker’s comment. Walker said that there was already a “bump in economic activities” in Guyana, a comment that is not supported by the cry of businessmen. Later on in the programme, the host read a comment from Leonard who expressed optimism in the great things ahead for Guyana. She turned her attention to Ram and said, “People seem excited about this, what is your take?” Ram said, “Yes, this is a major moment for Guyana. But, we have always been a richly endowed country with a really small population. So, the per capita wealth in our resources is quite consider-
able. “The point is, two years before first oil we are just not ready. We are talking about a Sovereign Wealth Fund like it is some legal instrument. I am sorry, Imran, you have it completely wrong. I know you work with the government and you have to say that but a Sovereign Wealth Fund is much more than a legal instrument.” Ramson provided this newspaper with a photo that was uploaded on Facebook after the show. In the photo, Khan was surrounded by Walker and Leonard, “which means that they were in the same room, commenting while he is speaking.” Ramson said that it is unforgiveable that “Government’s propaganda machinery tried to give the impression that the Guyanese masses are happy with what is going on. It is distasteful and should not be allowed.” He said, “This means that they were not comfortable enough that persons not connected to the government will speak well about what is happening on the oil front.”
Kaieteur News
Friday August 03, 2018
AG’s presence on new Anti-money Laundering Committee sparks Opposition concerns …Plans to approach Int’l monitoring agencies The Opposition plans to approach international financial monitoring agencies regarding the presence of the Attorney General on the soon to be established Antimoney Laundering Committee. The Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2018, which was passed last Friday by the National Assembly establishes the Committee with the Attorney General as the head. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, explained yesterday that they have big concerns that the Committee is not an independent and autonomous entity provided for by the Act to oversee antimoney laundering activities, the countering of terrorist financing and proliferation. “Any independent external body examining the amendments that Basil Williams and this Coalition Government hoisted on the nation, they will conclude that no longer is this authority independent and no longer can you separate in a technical way, the fight against money laundering and anti-terrorism activity from the political people,” Jagdeo stated. The Committee replaces the Anti-money Laundering Authority, which came about because of Amendment Act #1 of 2015, which was passed by the current Coalition administration and was signed
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo into law on July 10, 2015. He said that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) intends to point this out to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (on Money Laundering) (FATF) because a politician is being conferred with the enormous authority through the Committee that undermines the technical authority that was in the original Act, which the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) was suppose to police. “An intensely political person like Basil Williams who will chair this committee now, will be so intrusive in people’s bank accounts and in their records. He is a loud mouth; he is political and he is partisan to the core. Now that person will have the records of all of the people of Guyana. Their financial records, their transaction records at their finger tips,” Jagdeo noted.
He added, “This bothers me a lot and it must bother the business community.” Jagdeo reasoned that because of the intrusive nature and the political interference, capital flight will be enhanced.There are also concerns that the Committee, its assets, property, income and its operations and transactions authorised by this Act, shall be exempt from all taxation including customs duty, consumption tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, income tax, property tax and purchase tax, and the Committee shall be exempt from payment of any tax or duty whatsoever.Further, the Bill clearly states, ‘No taxation of any kind shall be levied on any obligations or security issued by the Committee’. Apart from the AG, the other members to be appointed to the Committee includes the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit, the head of the Special Organised Crime Unit, the General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, the Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Chairperson of the Guyana Securities Council, the Chairperson of the Gaming Authority and the Chief Cooperatives and Development Officer.
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SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
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Need your fence, yard, house to wash and yard to weed and maintain. Call: 666-2326
EDUCATION
Friday August 03, 2018
Kaieteur News
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 TO LET Newly constructed apt in a safe and healthy environment. Call: #698-6496 1 room apartment bathroom and living room @ 294 4th Field Cummings Lodge ECD, Job letter required #222-0401/ 673-2467 Preferably UG students. Business Space, Upper flat @ 177 Charlotte & Alexander, Georgetown, Very spacious, suitable for lessons. #6443555/689-3462/679-1579
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Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608 Domestic help wanted. Female @ Vreed-en-hoop, light house keeping $3000 daily. Call 682-5230/615-4414 serious enquiries only. Experienced Roti/Puri Cook, cleaner, handy boys. Apply Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St. Drivers Wanted, Truck Driver to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717 Field Supervisor to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717 Cooks, cleaners, cashiers. Apply at 112 3rd & Albert Streets, Alberttown. Must be able to work shift. Phone: 2269000, 225-6255.
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Friday August 03, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Men placed on 12 month Bond Porter remanded on robbery charges A man who gave a powerful explanation for his wrongdoings appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The man allegedly unlawfully assaulted and causing bodily harm to his wife. Prosecutor Deniro Jones said that the defendant is known as Eon Forde. At approximately 03:00hrs on July 30, the virtual complainant returned home after hanging out with her friends. She discovered that the doors were locked so she decided to call the defendant via telephone so he can open the door. The prosecution told the court that the defendant opened the door and pushed the virtual complainant down the stairs; dealt her several cuffs and a blow with a piece of wood. Forde pleaded guilty to the charge. The defendant said that last week his wife bought a tablet for the sum of $100,000 and the following week she lost it. The day after she lost the tablet, she fell sick and decided to register for sick leave from work. The day in question, he said, she left the house in the night to report to work for her sick leave. He noticed that his wife was taking very long to return home. He said at approximately 1:15 hours, he heard a noise at the gate and suddenly peeped outside and saw his wife seating on the
step speaking on the phone with a man. He told the court that 40 minutes later, he opened the door and repeatedly slapped her behind her head while she was crying and saying “I know I wrong; I sorry”. He said that he then pushed her down the stairs causing her to crash into a motorbike and injured her eyes. He finally picked up a wood and started to hit her. The father of three said this was the first time he ever hit his wife even though every time she would go out late and party with the same friends that stole her tablet. He continued to say that he loves his wife and wants a better life with her. The virtual complainant admitted that she loves to party late and she apologised for all the negative things she has done to hurt her husband and her family. The Magistrate after listening to the virtual complainant submission made a brief statement to the couple stating that the virtual complainant has responsibilities as a mother and a wife and also that the defendant should control his temper towards matters. The defendant was put on a bond for 12 months, if he is found breaking this bond, he must report to prison for six weeks. Meanwhile, in the same Magistrates’ Court, 18-year old, Edward Munilall, of 113
Unity Village, East Coast Demerara, was accused of using threatening language to Luanne Walker. The prosecutor said that the defendant is the stepson of the virtual complainant. On the day in question, the defendant got into an argument with Walker over a shoe. Munilall then threatened to burn down Walker’s house. Walker became afraid and made a report to the police station. The defendant was arrested and later charged. Munilall pleaded guilty and explained to the court that he went into the house to put on his brother’s shoe to go with his friend. He said his stepmother called him but he refused to answer. Munilall said his stepmother and her daughter came downstairs and began to assault him. He ran up the road and started to curse even as his stepmother was pelting a glass bottle at him. He stated the he never threatened to burn down their house. The virtual complainant was represented by her daughter. She told the court that her mother and she did assault him because he never wants to listen to them. She said that the defendant has a mental problem and asked the court for a restraining order against him. The magistrate after listening to the submissions also placed the defendant on a 12 month bond.
Department of Energy head “fit and proper” - President Granger From page 14 Dr. Bynoe has the responsibility of embarking on a four-phase programme for the establishment of the department. The first phase is administrative in which he will assemble a team of people to work in the department, President Granger said. The second is the issue of
rationalisation. The Head of State said the petroleum units, within the Ministry of Natural Resources and other ministries, will have to be transferred to the department of energy. The government is also looking at the operationalisation of the department. “A lot of work has to be done, we have to advertise for
experts all over the world and we have to look at drafting legislation, look at financing and we have to look at all aspects of the operationalisation of the department “. He said it is “an early day yet”, however, he hopes that much of the work will be completed within the month of August.
Guyana looks to tap into US$20M... From page 26 the regional programme, which would then be submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). According to Donneil Cain, an important aspect of the project is geared towards building climate resilience in communities and the expectation is to identify projects Guyana would want to initiate through the Enhancing Direct Access (EDA) project. Under the EDA project, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has allocated $4Billion or US$20Million for each project, with a total of 10 projects catered for. The money is on a grant to national agencies across the re-
gion. Cain said six countries are part of the project including Guyana. Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and government agencies stand to benefit. “It is not only geared towards coastal protection in terms of mangrove but also farming activities that are along the Coast…but what we are here for is to really determine what the priorities of Guyana are and what are some of the potential projects that could benefit under this facility,” Cain noted. Gender and the needs of the Indigenous People are critical to the articulating of the “country-driven” project
“and so we are taking a bottom-up approach for developing the finding proposal for submission to the GCF,” he added. Dr. Rendle said she is tasked with developing a Gender and Social Engagement Plan as well as a Stakeholder Engagement Plan. There are several aspects of the project, however, integral to the process is information on the needs of each of the six countries to aid in the project’s implementation. Specific target groups will be identified with assistance from the OCC for engagement by the CCCCC to allow for a well-designed plan.
A porter who allegedly stole over one million dollars worth in vehicle parts from three persons, yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Twenty-six-year-old Ronaldo Benn was slapped with two robbery charges and a break and entry and larceny charge. The first charge alleged that between July 6 and July 7 at One Mile, Port Kaituma in the North West Magisterial District, he stole a quantity of vehicle parts worth $520,000, property of Steven Wong. It was further alleged that between July 10 and July 17 at Fitzburg Port Kaituma, in the North West Magisterial District, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Shanel Profit and stole two fuel pumps worth $700,000, property of the said Shanel Profit. The last charge stated that between June 30 and July 1 last, at Train Line Port Kaituma, he stole a quantity of vehicle parts worth $190,000. Benn denied all the allegations after they were
Ronaldo Benn read to him by the Magistrate. Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. The prosecutor added that if bail is granted to the defendant, the police will have
a difficult time in locating him, citing that he give conflicting addresses to the court. The prosecution objection was upheld and the defendant was remanded to prison. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on August 6 at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate Court.
Region Six officials demand probe... From page 16 the call. The Police Force later said that the Route 45 bus was on a trip to Berbice, on behalf of Ramnarine, when it was stopped at the eastern end of the bridge, at Crab Island, at the checkpoint. The Police Force never explained what exactly the bus with the two police and two civilians was doing in Berbice. Inspector Playter, who lives in Albion, East Berbice, in the police station compound, was summoned to meet the Police Force’s top officials and later issued a letter transferring him to the East Coast Demerara division. The police in a statement accused Playter of making unbecoming statements to the persons in the bus. They said he later apologized. The Force never explained why a call was placed to the civilian’s phone instead of Playter’s or even the Commander of the area. A trained prosecutor, after the transfer in April, the inspector was travelling back and forth for his duties for almost a month, before he took leave to fix an eye problem. The case has sparked accusations of discrimination in the Force and even for the introduction of unions to protect members of the Police Force. Yesterday, the matter was raised at the statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council of Region
PPP Councillor, Zamal Hussain
Inspector Godfrey Playter
According to Councillor of the People’s Progressive Party, Zamal Hussain, the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, should take actions to investigate and possibly reverse what is a clear case of discrimination. He said that Minister Ramjattan has been assuring the Force has no discrimination and victimisation and that the Ministry is being administered in a “high level” manner. Hussain said that Playter appeared to have just been doing his job in a professional manner when he stopped vehicles at the checkpoint. In condemning the transfer, which police said is a normal part of the rotation
procedures, the councillor said that he wants Minister Ramjattan to look into the matter. Another councillor, this time from the Alliance For Change, Gobin Harbhajan, also joined in lending his support to Playter. According to Harbhajan, who is also the Prime Minister’s representative in East Berbice, the matter had landed on his desk and he had advised Playter to write Minister Ramjattan. He commended the inspector for speaking out, a symbolic move on behalf of other police ranks who may have suffered similar fates. The PM representative urged the Regional Democratic Council to launch an investigation.
Six.
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Fernandez century guides Ariel B to 127... From page 40 took first strike and got to 147 with Andy Tribuwan scoring 61, In reply, Over 40 needed five runs from one ball and D. Narine smashed a 6 to take his team safely home. Ariel B whipped Richmond Warriors by 79 runs. Ariel B made 160 for 4. Jonathan Fernandez smashed eight sixes in a top score of 84. Richmond were bowled out for 81 in 10 overs in response. Brian Mangar snared 2-10. Adventure hammered Annandale B by 10 wickets. Annandale B batted first and got to 107 while Adventure replied with 108 without loss. Gavindra Sharma and Shaz Grosvenor finished on 52 and 51 respectively. Ariel B hammered RG XI
by 73 runs. Ariel made 158 with David Williams scoring 84; Amzad Callender took 225. In reply RG XI only gathered 85-7; J. Fernandez and A. Durga picked up two wickets each. Golden Fleece beat Richmond by eight wickets. Richmond mustered 101 for 6 wickets while Golden Fleece managed 108 for 2 in 6. 1 overs in reply. Crown XI beat Over 40 by eight runs. Crown XI posted 171, taking first knock. Munir Amin scored 74 and B. Daserat 54; R. Gopaul had 229. Over 40 made 162 in reply. R. Patterson struck 59; M. Raj picked up two wickets. Annandale A beat R1 by seven wickets. R1 batted first and made 126 with Leyland McDonald and Derick Dasilva making 49 and 45 re-
spectively; P. Singh took two wickets. Annandale A responded with 128 for 3 in 7.3 overs. Neilan Cadogan and Andy Tribuwan made 49 and 45 in that order; I. Kawal had two wickets. Adventure beat Annandale A by 70 runs. Adventure rattled up 167 for 4, batting first. Shaz Grosvenor hammered 65 and Chandy Jairam 50. In reply Annandale got to 98- 8; E. Baksh took three wickets. Annandale B got the better of Over 40. Over 40 took first turn in the middle and managed 127 for 5. Y. Seemangal made 43 and S. Narine 40.Avo Kumar took three wickets. Annandale B responded with 128 in 9.5 overs. Richard Patterson took two wickets.
Friday August 03, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You probably should settle down a bit today in the love and romance department, Aries. Realize that your relationships with others aren't a show or stage act to perform. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Sit back and observe others' behavior today, Taurus. Take a look at the people around you and figure out what makes them tick. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your love life might be a little fragile, and you'll find that your partner is more sensitive than usual, Gemini. CANCER(June21–July22) Things in the love and beauty department should be going rather well for you now, Cancer, so it's a good time to make a move toward the object of your desire. Make sure that you're being completely realistic in your actions. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Slow down and take a more reserved, sensitive, and calculated approach to things today, especially when it comes to matters involving love and beauty. You'll find a greater level of sensuality waiting for you when you're willing to open up the door even wider. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be at a rather climactic point now in the department of love and beauty, Virgo. Your creative levels are peaking and you might feel a strong urge to create something on a giant canvas.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Pieces of your life that you've tried to avoid for some time may come to the surface today and cause you a bit of trouble, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Cupid has fired his arrow into your heart today, Scorpio, so snuggle up with the object of your desire. You'll feel more sensual and romantic than usual. Gourmet foods and fine wines should grace your plate tonight. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may feel a bit of a creative block now, Sagittarius, but don't view this as a signal to stop pursuing your artistic goals. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Today is an important day in which you can breathe creative energy into a structured situation, Capricorn. You'll find that bolstering the aesthetics of your surroundings will help inspire you to be more disciplined AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be a bit more selective in terms of where you put your energy today, Aquarius. Don't waste your time with situations that aren't healthy or conducive to your aims. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Love and romance are coming your way today, but it's important to be practical, Pisces. Don't take your relationships for granted. Realize that love doesn't necessarily mean that everything is perfect.
Crown XI hammered R1 by 94 runs. Crown XI posted 2004 in 10. S. Jagmohan got 51. In reply R1 were restricted to 107 as M. Amin and S. Jagmohan picked up two wickets apiece. Richmond beat Ariel A by 47 runs. Richmond made 162, taking first knock with S. Ahiram scoring 63. In reply Arial A made 115 for 5. Seolall Maken made 47; Safraz Ali took two wickets. G XI beat Golden Fleece by 15 runs. RG XI scored 147 batting first with Devindra Mohan scoring 68; Golden Fleece responded with 132-7. S. Singh made 30; R Baljodah had two wickets.
Forbes wins... From page 37 took it.” In the men’s 200 metres finals, T&T’s Kyle Greaux finished third in 20.26 seconds and Jamaica’s Rasheed Dwyer fourth (20.41). The race was won by Colombia’s Bernardo Baloyes in a time of 20.13 seconds, while Panamanian Alonso Edward finished second in 20.17. There was glory for T&T in the women’s shot put when Cleopatra Borel-Brown won the event with a distance of 18.14 metres. Cuba’s Yaniuvis Lupez finished second with a throw of 18.02 metres and MarÌa Orozco of Mexico grabbed third with 17.88 metres.
English Football Association preparing for potential 2030 World Cup bid Manchester, England (Reuters) - England’s Football Association (FA) is carrying out a study into the feasibility of hosting the 2030 World Cup finals, FA chairman Greg Clarke said in a statement on Wednesday. England, who hosted the World Cup in 1966, failed in their most recent attempt to win the rights for the 2018 tournament, which was held in Russia. ”Last month the English FA board agreed to conduct feasibility work into the possibility of putting itself forward to be UEFA’s potential candidate to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” Clarke said. ”This work will take place during the new season and no decision will be made until 2019.” A South American trination bid involving Argen-
tina, Uruguay and Paraguay has already been announced for 2030. South American officials have said they are expecting a bid from England, possibly in alliance with the other parts of the United Kingdom. While the FA has not directly addressed the possibility of a joint bid, it is likely that their study will look into the potential benefits of such an approach — given the World Cup will expand to 48 teams in 2026. FIFA’s congress voted in June for a joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup. Following that decision, the FA’s representative at FIFA, David Gill, said the cleaner bidding process opened up the possibility of a new England bid.
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Grenada banking on the fabulous five in Bradenton, FL Grenada’s Spice Princesses will be in action at the CONCACAF U15 Tournament in Bradenton, Florida and four of the players would be considered veterans in their own rights. When the island hosted the CONCACAF U17 Women’s tournament in 2015, four of their players were part of the U17 squad and are still qualified to represent the island three years later at U15 level. Shaniah Johnson, Melania Fullerton, Britney Charles and Sabrina Rennie are the players hoping to make their experience count. Despite their respective tender ages, these young ladies have served this country outstandingly over the past three years. They have all played for the U17 and U20 squads as well as the Senior Women’s National Team minus Melania Fullerton who has not yet represented the Spice Isle at senior level. Shaniah Johnson a native of River Road has too much of football in her blood. Her father Godwin “Poposin” Johnson was a prolific left winger playing for Queen’s Park Rangers in the 1980’s to 1990’s. Her cousin Randy
Grenada’s Spice Princesses ready for action.
“Platts” Boca himself a youth and girls team coach has also been lending her some assistance with her training and
many believes she is one for the future. Sabrina Rennie, comes from a generation of football,
Shane, Windell and Jake Rennie have all represented the island. She will be the custodian from the Spice Prin-
cesses and many believe she commands the post extremely well. In the case of Charles and Fullerton, their habitual attitude of putting the ball at the back of net is well known. They both combined for a total of nine goals in the CONCACAF U17 Qualifications last year playing for the U17 outfit. Fullerton has been spotted as early as seven years in Texas and though still years away from twenty she is dubbed one for the future. Charles on the other hand has had a love for football very early herself and is known as the ‘Little Girl’ who loves to play against older male counterparts. This might have also contributed for her extremely awesome skills and fearless approach to the game. Fullerton made her name as the youngest player ever to represent her country at a mere ten years in 2015. She caught the attention of many who were on hand to see the Grenadians take part in the CONCACAF U17 which was hosted by Grenada. She then went unto representing Grenada at the U17 level where she scored four
goals against much older opponents. Another player who is also highly watched by coaches is Monique George referred to as a special player although she didn’t play in U17 Team last year; she made her senior team debut and has also played in the WIFA tournament. These five fine young ladies referred to as the fabulous five will bear the brunt of responsibilities when Grenada plays from August 49 in the United States. The squad released are as follows: Melania Fullerton, Ruth Lewis, Briana Coutain, Rayne Ernst, Monique George, Jeanelle Decoteau, Britney Charles, Kemely Robertson, Shonika Phillip, Shaniah Johnson, Esther Abraham, Sabrina Rennie, Shakala Francis, Keona Salandy, Cleshante Marryshow, Shanika Flemming, Nyah Hood and Shydiamond Belgrave. The management team comes from Alana Francois: Head Coach, Ariba Collins: Assistant Coach, Sherry Ann Hector Team Manager, Dr. Petra Francis: Team Doctor, Vin Blaine: Technical Director and Renae Samuel: Chief of Mission.
Holland 2-0 England: World Cup dream crushed again as dominant Dutch end hockey hopes Football is not coming home, and after this Dutch demolition, hockey has rarely appeared further from pulling into the driveway. For England, there will be no glorious repeat of Great Britain’s gold-medal summer in Rio in 2016. After being vanquished by England in final of the women’s hockey at the Olympic Games, Holland have returned as a supreme force and last night on the outskirts of the Olympic Park, the Dutch underlined their dominance quite superbly. Holland, the seven-time World Cup winners, are unbeaten since Rio and have already regained their European title. Now they are primed for global dominance and Britain’s hopes of defending gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 seem bleak on this evidence. For England manager Danny Kerry, there is no shame in defeat. This Holland team are the hockey equivalent of a Pep Guardiola outfit. They pass the ball with speed and precision, they press in packs to recover possession and barely give their opponents a second to breathe. In possession, it is quite mesmeric. The close control, the tricks, the flicks - it was all too much for England. The Dutch verdict on this England side was cast beforehand, when captain Carlien Dirkse van del Heuvel described the hosts as ‘headless chickens’. ’Can it be 5-0?,’ the Holland skip-
per mused. ‘Yes, it could.’ Coach Kerry bristled afterwards: ‘If we were headless chickens, we would have lost 12-0.’ All the portents did point towards a Dutch victory. The form of Annan Alyson’s side has been excellent at the tournament, with their rampaging forward line scoring 26 goals in three pool games and conceding only twice. To underline the Dutch quality, the next-highest scoring side in the pool stage was Spain with 10 goals. England, by contrast, made a modest start to life at the World Cup, drawing two of their three group games and enduring a nerve-shredding tie as they overcame South Korea by a 2-0 scoreline to progress to the quarter-finals. Had England won the group, they would have avoided Holland at this early stage. England’s fear was justified. This became a grievous ordeal. The first-half ended 1-0 but it was 1-0 going on ten, with the home side reduced to chasing shadows. Forward forays were rare and Susannah Townsend’s run upfield ended with an effort scuffed wide from distance. That, sadly, was as good as it got. In front of a sell-out crowd, England lacked composure and conviction in every department. Still, the supporters kept up the noise, breaking into ditties of ‘Hockey’s Coming Home’ and then dancing along to the choruses of YMCA and Sweet
Holland beat England in the World Cup quarter-finals last evening at Lee Valley. Caroline.Holland repeatedly came close. Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch spread herself courageously at the feet of Frederique Matla early on. From a penalty corner, Caia van Maasakker thundered a strike against the crossbar and Hinch then responded sharply to block the rebound. Hinch said: ‘I thought from those chances “Oh God, it’s going to be a long game”. They are a fantastic
team. We didn’t mess up today. We messed up in the group stage.’ The Dutch took the lead shortly before the end of the first quarter, when Lidewij Welten applied the finishing touch to another tippy-tappy move. Only the wastefulness of the Dutch that spared England humiliation. Hinch, outstanding in the final in Rio in 2016, excelled once more but within moments of the second-
half starting, Laurien Leurnik sealed victory. After falling two behind, England did at least summon some spirit, enjoying more of the play and forcing one excellent save from Anne Veenendaal in the Dutch goal. Yet Holland were by then playing with the handbrake on, looking ahead to a semi-final against Australia and dreaming of back-to-back World Cup triumphs. (Mailonline)
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Trinidad’s Hamilton Virat Kohli makes 149 to joins Detroit Pistons rescue tourists in first Test Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidadian seven footer Johnny Hamilton has signed a deal to play for the Detroit Pistons in the upcoming 2018 NBA season. The contract is for one year and is partially guaranteed. Hamilton impressed coaches with his play during the recently concluded NBA Summer League, where he turned out for the Pistons, after he went undrafted in the 2018 draft. The 230-pound center started his college career at Virginia Tech where he played sparingly in two seasons before transferring to the University of Texas-Arlington. Last season he averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, while shooting 63 per cent from the field. He also averaged 2.3 blocks. Last month in the Summer League, Hamilton had eight points and grabbed three rebounds in Detroit’s 105-97 against the New Orleans Pelicans. Hamilton joins the “Bad Boys” of Detroit which will feature NBA All-Stars Andre
Virat Kohli
Johnny Hamilton Drummond and Blake Griffin. ”What a day to be alive. Thanks to the Almighty, my family and coaches for having my back and helping me grow into the man I am today. I couldn’t do it without y’all,” Hamilton said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. ”Thanks to the Detroit
Pistons for granting my first opportunity to be a professional athlete. I look forward to this year as I take on a new chapter in my life. I also want to thank everyone that had something to do with me getting to this chapter. Whether negative or positive contributions y’all were all part of God’s plan for me.”
Endurance Meet slated for South Dakota Circuit on Sunday
Adrian Fernandes poses with his car after winning January’s first round of the GMRSC’s endurance series (Calvin Chapman Photo) The second round of the 2018 Endurance Series will take off this Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, from 13:00hrs. There will be 4 classes in which the drivers will be able to compete in, namely: 0 – 1500 cc; 1501 – 1600 cc; 1601 – 2000 cc; 2001 cc & over (unlimited). The overall championship is currently being led by the duo of Adrian Fernandes and Anand Ramchand who com-
pleted a total of 83 laps in round one of the championship which took place earlier this year on January 27th. In the 0-1500cc class, Roshan Ali and Shahabudin Roshandin are the defending champions as they outshone the Nexus team of Haniff Mohamed and Raymond Seebarran who completed one lap less.The 1501-1600cc was won by Team Wreckers’ Fernandes and Ramchand
who were the overall winners. In the 1601-2000cc class, Rameez Mohamed was the only driver to finish the race with 32 laps, also resetting the lap record with 1:19.086. The Unlimited class was won by Romeo Singh who completed 57 laps. The event which is being sponsored by Special Auto, B.M. Soat, Tropical Shipping and Ansa Mcal will be free to the public.
BBCsport - Virat Kohli withstood England’s bowlers to score a fine 149 and keep India in the game on an enthralling second day in the first Test at Edgbaston. England were bowled out for 287 before reducing India to 50-3 and 100-5. Sam Curran took 4-74 and James Anderson and Ben Stokes bowled superbly for two wickets apiece, but captain Kohli dragged India back into the game. India made 274 before England lost Alastair Cook to the day’s final ball as they closed on 9-1 - a lead of 22. Cook’s dismissal - bowled again by a fine delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin leaves the game in the balance. England will be left to rue their missed chances: they dropped two catches and allowed India’s last two wickets to add 92. Kohli was put down on 21 and 51 by Dawid Malan but he mixed patience with late aggression to reach his first century in England. Former
England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special: “Alastair Cook will be gutted to get out, but the man whose head will be down in England’s dressing room is Dawid Malan. ”It was an easy drop with Kohli on 21. And now the India captain has confidence.” Kohli’s last trip to England was not a success. He finished the 2014 tour with an average of 13.40 and was undone by Anderson, who dismissed him four times in 10 innings.This time, however, feels different. His huge celebration when he ran out England captain Joe Root on the opening day was a sign of how determined he is to succeed in these conditions. It was not an easy start for Kohli. He still struggled to read which way Anderson was swinging the ball and the pace bowler found the edge of his bat four times. After Malan put down a tough one-handed chance at second slip, Kohli settled then targeted Curran, first clip-
ping him through mid-wicket then angling him down to third man. On 97, Stokes dropped short and Kohli leaned back to punch the ball through point for four, before letting out a loud roar in celebration. He removed his wedding ring from around his neck and kissed it - a nod to his wife, Anushka, who was blamed for his poor form in 2014 - before he took the attack to England. His last-wicket stand of 57 with Umesh Yadav - of which the number 11 contributed only one run - was full of clean hitting from Kohli, who launched Rashid over long-on for six before finally falling as he slapped the legspinner to Stuart Broad at point. Booed by the crowd when he came out to bat, Kohli left to applause from the England fielders and fans alike. Vaughan said: “The great players love the biggest stage. Kohli thought, “You’re going to boo me? OK, I’ll stick around.’”
Today’s matches postponed The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has been forced to postpone all matches of the GFF Elite League scheduled for today as result of the unavailability of venues. Matches will therefore continue on Sunday at the National Track & Field Centre, Leonora. This fixture will feature Buxton United taking on Cougars at 18:30hours with GDF opposing Western Tigers at 20:30 hours. Revised League fixtures will be released at the earliest possible time. Admission to matches is five hundred dollars and all women and children U12 years old will be admitted free of cost.
Friday August 03, 2018
CFU 2018 Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series ”The nature of this tournament is not about winning and deciding who the champion is but it’s focused on the development of young players across the Region, including Guyana. The structure of the tournament is set to facilitate that,” said Bryan Joseph, Head Coach of the National U14 Team that departed for Curacao last Wednesday to participate in the CFU 2018 Boys’ U14 Challenge Series. The squad, consisting of 17 players and four officials, will play their first match against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow at the Ergilio Hata Stadium from 16:00hrs, having been placed in Group C along with Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. According to Joseph, the current National U14 Boys’ team will inform next year ’s CONCACAF U15 squad: “Our target is to go
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Guyana’s focus is on development of players
out there and be competitive but, in the same vein, we want to ensure that development takes place. This group needs the experience. I don’t think any member from this group ever played outside of Guyana, at the front of a huge crowd or packed stadium so this tournament will seek to have them become acquainted with that. This group will be the core of our U15 who will participate in the CONCACAF U15 Championship in 2019, so this is the beginning of this process.” Joseph said that while the preparation was not as thorough as that of the youth team last year, he is of the view that “Guyana is in a fairly good place because of the work done at the GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres. Additionally, we have done some work with this group last year as part of the U13
preparation. Following the first encampment period, we had a few training days and practice matches so the group came together nicely.” Meanwhile, Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said this tournament will serve as part of the development process for the 2026 World Cup Campaign: “The U14 boys group participating in their first international tournament is part of the key performance indicators of the strategy for the 2026 campaign. Gaining international experience and exposure at an early age is vital towards this. The ATC programme is the conveyor belt to produce elite performers for the Senior Teams on a consistent basis. The players in the squad have been developed through this landmark system, through the ATCs they have a greater level of game understand-
# First Name 1 Mark 2 Tyquan 3 Kevin 4 Keishawn 5 Brandon 6 Oswin 7 Shoran 8 Kevon 9 Colin 10 Ofancy 11 Tyrice 12 Devon 13 Samuel 14 Daniel 15 Rajan 16 Shavid 17 Gerald Technical Squad First Name Bryan Devnon Sasha Nico
CFU 2018 Boys’ U14 Challenge Series Squad Last Name ATC Morgan EDFA Brummell Essq-Pom FA Mullin GFA Smith WDFA Solomon GFA Archer WDFA James EBFA Scott EBFA Henriques EDFA Winter RFA Dennis EDFA Padmore EBFA Garnett EDFA Lowe GFA Ramdeholl UDFA Hernandez RFA Whittington UDFA Last Name Joseph Winter Gouveia Alstrom
ing than previous youth squads.” Following their first match, Guyana will play
Position Defender Defender Defender Defender Defender Defender Striker Striker Striker Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Goalkeeper Goalkeeper
Role Head Coach Assistant Coach Team Manager Doctor
their second, third and fourth matches on August 8, 10 and 12 against
Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba respectively. All matches will be held at the Ergilio Hato Stadium.
Warner and Stars hoping to bounce back Forbes wins 200m, earns Jamaica’s sixth gold medal
Castries, St Lucia, CMC – After going winless in last year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Australian David Warner believes that the St Lucia Stars has what it takes to go all the way in this year’s edition. The Stars turned out a disappointing performance last year, failing to win a single game. Warner is hoping that the team can start on a winning note when they face the Trinbago Knight Riders in the first game of the tournament on August 8. ”We just have to win one game to be better than last year, which is a positive, but I personally think that we have got a chance to actually progress and move a lot further forward than they did last year. Improvement is about attitude and if you go back to last year, win that first game and gain some momentum. You don’t want to look too far ahead; take each game as it comes,” Warner said. ”I think that when you look at the batting unit, it looks very strong and obviously the all-rounding unit, and bowling unit complements itself. I think the batting unit, in the way I look at it, is like hammer and tongs. So we can go out there and be almost 80 or 90 off the first six [overs], but even if we lose a couple wickets we will still be flying at a rapid rate, that’s what I see with our batting order. We surely pack a punch there.” Warner will be teaming up with T20 superstars Kieron
Shashalee Forbes
David Warner Pollard – who previously played for the Barbados Tridents – and Darren Sammy. Having played against both men numerous times, Warner said he was looking forward to playing alongside them. ”I don’t think it will be too much different. The thing that they all bring is each individual is dif-
ferent in their character, but what they do bring to the table is their competitiveness, along with their knowledge of the game. They have played a lot of the short form of the game as well, so experience is a big thing, but just pure competitiveness. ”They both play the game hard once they are on the field
and that’s one thing that I love doing as well, so I think they go suited to each other very well and they have also played a lot of cricket with each other, so I’m expecting the same thing when I play with them — to go out there, play the cricket hard and to be ultra-competitive,” Warner said.
Barranquilla, Colombia, CMC – Sprinter Shashalee Forbes helped Jamaica make a clean sweep of the women’s sprints when she stormed to victory in the 200 metres at the Central American and Caribbean Games here on Wednesday night. After watching teammate Jonielle Smith capture the 100 metres on Monday night, Forbes comfortably raced to victory as Caribbean athletes swept the first three positions. Forbes clocked 22.80 seconds, ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) Semoy
Hackett (22.95) and fellow Jamaican Jodean Williams, who finished a close third in 22.96. Forbes, who was running with a hamstring injury, said she was elated to win gold in the event. ”I didn’t run like I wanted to, but I came out here with a lot of pain so to finish first is very exciting,” she said after the race. ”Because of the [right hamstring] injury, I didn’t want to push too hard in the first part of the race, but then I saw the opportunity, so I (Continued on page 34)
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Friday August 03, 2018
Kaieteur News
16th Annual IPF/ NAPF Championship – Mexico Day 1
Nadina Taharally snares gold and bronze medals; Paul Adams takes gold by 2.5kgs
Guyanese lifters on day one from right, Nadina Taharally, Paul Adams and Grace Babb Guyana’s powerlifters got off to a fantastic start yesterday when the 16th Annual IPF/ NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championship lifted off in Mexico City. Three lifters took the platform with two medaling as Guyana won two gold medals and a bronze. Nadina Taharally, started off the medal haul for the Guyanese with a gold medal in the Women’s Classic Masters I and followed up that performance with a bronze medal in Women’s Classic
Open72kg class, narrowly missing the silver by 2.5kg. Taharally’s had a best Squat of 130kg, Bench Press 65kg, Deadlift 160 and a Total 355kg. Grace Babb on debut at this level also competed in the Women’s Classic Open 72kg class and ended behind her countrywoman Taharally in 4th place with a best Squat of 107.5kg, Bench Press 60kg, Deadlift 140kg for a Total of 307.5kg. Competing in the evening session, Paul Adams stormed to the gold
medal in the Men’s Classic Open, 83kg by the same margin that eluded Taharally for the silver medal, 2.5kg. Adams achieved a best Squat of 215kg, Bench Pressed 140kg, Deadlift 262.5kg for a Total of 617.5kg. Adams’ Deadlift and Total are new Personal Best’s. Lifting today would be Carlos Petterson (Men’s Classic Open and Men’s Equipped Open, 93kg) and Franklyn Brisport in the Men’s Equipped Open and Men’s Equipped Masters II, 66kg.
Battle for supremacy continues this weekend at Timehri Red Ground... From page 37 He will have able support from his Captain Jonathan Andries and Floyd Boyce. Diamond United, in the best run of form at any level in their history would also be fancying their chances of continuing that run when they come up against fellow village side, Diamond Upsetters, tomorrow.
U n i t e d ’s Captain Ronaldo Adams, Shakeem Welcome, Joel Ross and Shaquan Braithwaite will be leading their charge against Upsetters which would be seeking to jolt the progress of their fellow village side. Upsetters would be led by the Amin brothers, Mohamed and Abdullah and Shaquan
Gilkes. Timehri Panthers, like Agricola and Diamond United are the only teams so far and would be aiming to notch up their sixth win from as many matches on Sunday when they face Upsetters. Keyron Williams, Joshua Clenkian and Antoine Denny be will leading the Panthers’ charge for another win.
Matthew Prass named Best Cricketer as RHTY&SC concludes best ever Cricket Academy The curtains came down on the best ever Cricket Academy of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Friday last where over 120 youths between the ages of 8 to 19 years attended the two weeks activity at the Area ‘H’ Ground. Level Three Coach Winston Smith , National Senior Player Eon Hooper and PreLevel One Coach Joel Pike were the facilitators. RHTY&SC Asst. Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu served as Director of the Academy which was the 28th of its kind to be organised by the club. Seventeen-year-old Matthew Prass copped the prestigious Cricketer of the Academy Award after being selected by the Coaches based on personal discipline, commitment, performance and attendance. Other Awardees were Best Batsman Jonathan Rampersaud, Best Bowler Jeremy Sandian, Most Committed - Matthew Prass, Most Discipline - Collis Williams, Most Improved - Matthew Pottaya, Best Female - Akeela James and Most Promising Rampersaud Rampertab. Four players, Christopher Deroop, Rampertab Ramnauth, Asif Marimuthu and Arif Marimuthu received special prizes for their hard work. Prizes included trophies, medals, cricket bats, batting gloves and pads,
wicket keeping pads and educational materials. RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the Academy as the most successful in the Club’s history and praised the hard work of Coaches Smith, Pike and Hooper along with his Assistant Secretary, 18 year-old Simon Naidu. This year’s Academy which saw the largest number of registration in the club’s history enabled the Coaches to identify dozens of promising and talented players for the club. This, Foster stated is important as they strive to uphold its hard earned reputation as one of Guyana’s best cricket clubs. Over the years, the Academy has produced 6 West Indies, 16 National, 56 National junior and 105 players for Berbice at all levels. The RHTY&SC success story on the field of play, the long serving official stated is tied closely to the Academy’s ability to produce outstanding players the likes of Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Eon Hooper, Erva Giddings, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud, Abdel Fudadin, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Plaffiana Millington, Shabika Gajnabi, Marian Samaroo and Dominique Rikhi among others who have gone on to play for the West Indies and Guyana.
Foster urged the young players to develop a culture of hard work, personal discipline and dedication. He committed the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club to continue its investment into their careers and to make sure that they fulfill their potential on and off the field. Also the Berbice Cricket Board President, Foster also informed the attentive youths that the Board would organise cricket as never before at the Under-15, 17, 19 and 21 levels to make sure that they can develop properly. Head Coach Winston Smith expressed pleasure at the huge turnout which surpassed expectations and stated that he was delighted with the high level of discipline displayed with no reported case of indiscipline. Smith urged his students to practice on a daily basis what they have learnt. The 2018 Academy was sponsored by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Patron, President David Granger and the Guyana Goldfield Inc. The RHTY&SC has expressed gratitude to Guyana Beverage Company, Rana Persaud, H.A Snacks Co. Ltd, S. Tulsi, Bello Welding Shop, Nermala Hussain, Stephen Sampson, Ryan Tillack, Mayor Vijai Ramoo and Sunil Marimuthu.
FIFA reduces ban on Derrick by two years Zurich, Switzerland, CMC – FIFA’s Appeal Committee has reduced the ban on former Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president Gordon Derrick from six years to four years. The reduction means he has three years and six weeks left on his ban. Derrick, the former General Secretary of Antigua’s Football Association, had initially been given the six-year ban by a FIFA’s Ethics Committee back in September 2017, following an investigation which began in March 2015. He has denied wrongdoing. He had also been barred from contesting the 2016 election for the CONCACAF presidency that saw Canadian Victor Montagliani taking the job. FIFA’s appeal committee said it agreed with the original verdict that Derrick had violated rules on offering and
Gordon Derrick
accepting gifts and other benefits, conflicts of interest, loyalty and general conduct. ”These breaches were confirmed by the FIFA Appeal Committee,” it said in a FIFA statement. It did not agree, however, with the ethics committee’s findings that Derrick had failed to collaborate with the investigation or disclose information. It therefore decided to
“reduce the sanction imposed on Derrick, following its finding that fewer (ethics code) articles had been infringed, and taking into account all mitigating circumstances of the case.” The appeal committee said it had also halved an original fine of 30,000 Swiss francs ($30,300). Derrick now has the option of taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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Friday August 03, 2018
NAGICO/Vernon Thorne sponsored Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira Berbice visit an outstanding success - BCB honours Legendary Commentator
Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira (2nd right) follwing his meeting with youths at Rose Hall Canje.
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resident of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster has described t h e N A G I C O / Ve r n o n Thorne sponsored visit of the Legendary Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira as an outstanding success which surpassed all expectations. The four-day visit was arranged by the BCB with several objectives including providing inspiration to young cricketers, to educate administrators of their duties, to strengthen the Management of Clubs and the BCB and to allow youths to learn from Perreira’s vast experience of over 57 years associated with cricket. Perreira arrived in Guyana on Wednesday July
18 and visited Blairmont, Albion, Rose Hall Canje and Rose Hall town Youth & Sports Club, where he spoke to hundreds of junior cricketers. At the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club alone, he spoke to one hundred and twenty youths on the importance of hard work, dedication, practice and remaining humble. The Legendary Commentator who commentated in 147 Test Matches, 200 ODI and 350 First Class Matches also held inspirational meetings with Executives of the BCB, Berbice Umpires Association and Board President, Hilbert Foster. Numerous ideas were discussed and accepted by
the Management of the Board as it strives to lift the game to a higher level. Courtesy calls were also made to Regional Chairman of Region 6, David Armogan and the Mayors of Rose Hall Town, Corriverton and New Amsterdam. Perreira was able to inspire the elected officials to commit themselves to playing a bigger role in the promotion of the game and the honouring of outstanding players by naming of streets etc., as a mark of respect. The highlight of the visit was the BCB’s hosting of over seventy youth players and Representatives of 63 clubs from across the Ancient County in separate
developmental sessions with Perreira and President Hilbert Foster. The youths and club representatives were high in praise of the sessions and encouraged the BCB to host more events in the future. The delegates were left in awe when Foster encouraged Perreira to roll back the years by doing a period of imaginary cricket commentary. Perreira was full of praise for the way he was welcomed and treated by the Berbice Cricket Board. The entire trip, Perreira stated went like clockwork and he was totally impressed with the passion, vision, discipline and dedication of Foster, who is
working beyond the call of duty to make a positive difference. Perreira donated three boxes of cricket balls to the BCB while the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association also received twenty four counting clickers for its members. Donations were also made to the Berbice Volleyball Association, Football clubs and the Berbice Branch of the National Library. The BCB also honoured the Pomeroon born Perreira by presenting him with its highest Award “The Tribute t o H e r o Aw a r d o f Excellence. The St. Lucia former Commentator stated that he
was humbled by the honour and committed himself to working along with the Board in the future. The Board expressed gratitude to overseas based Guyanese Imran Mc Sood Amjad, Vernon Thorne and Oscar Ramjeet for their assistance in making the visit possible. Special thanks to NAGICO, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Blairmont Cricket Club, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Albion Cricket Club, Big ‘B’ Restaurant, St. Francis Community Developers, Rose Hall Canje Community Centre, Regional Chairman David Armogan and the Mayors of Rose Hall Town, Corriverton and New Amsterdam.
EBFA / Juicy Juice U-13 League
Battle for supremacy continues this weekend at Timehri Red Ground Diamond United, Timehri Panthers, Agricola Red Triangle and Diamond Upsetters, the top four clubs in the ongoing East Bank Football Association (EBFA) / Juicy Juice Under13 League will be aiming to further consolidate their Following are the Fixtures: Match Day 8 28. Agricola 29. Diamond Upsetters 30. Samatta Point/K.Ville 31. Swan Match Day 9 32. Diamond Upsetters 33. Diamond United
positions while the lower placed clubs will be seeking improved performances when play continues this weekend. Four matches would be played tomorrow while two will be played on Sunday. Agricola will have back to
back matches and their leading marksman. Eon Daniels who has a whopping 19 goals in four matches so far would be relishing his chances of adding to his personal account in leading his team to more victories. (Continued on page 38)
vs vs vs vs
Soesdyke 04.08.18 Diamond United “ KK Warriors “ Hararuni Eagles “
10:00hrs 11:15hrs 12:15hrs 13:15hrs
vs vs
Timehri Panthers 05.08.18 Agricola “
10:00hrs 11:15hrs
Diamond Upsetters (red) and Swan during their clash at the Timehri Red Ground.
Kaieteur News
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Friday August 03, 2018
Guyana’s U-19s to face Leeward Islands as defense of CWI Regional Crowns starts
Members of the Guyana U19 team prior to their departure.
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he National Under-19 team which departed for the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday morning will commence the defense of its One Day title today against
the Leeward Islands t the Arnos Vale Ogle ground. The Guyanese are also the defending Cricket West Indies Regional 3-Day champions and will also face off against the Windward Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad
Adventure Sports Club Softball - Essequibo
Fernandez century guides Ariel B to 127run win over Reliance
Jonathan Fernandez
Shaz Grosvenor
Jonathan Fernandez struck a fine century as Ariel B defeated Reliance by 127 runs when the Adventure Sports Club 10-overs softball tournament continued on Sunday last at Perseverance beach on the Essequibo Coast. Fernandez struck 118 and got valuable support from M. Mohabir with 73 as Ariel B rattled up 219-2, taking first strike. In reply Reliance were restricted to 92 for 7; Anil Durga captured three wickets.
Adventure Sports Club defeated R1 by 95 runs. Batting first, Adventure Sports Club managed 190-3 in 10 overs. Shaz Grosvenor struck four fours and 10 sixes in an attacking 95 while Gavindra Sharma made 61 with seven sixes. Bowling for R1 Racendra Baljodah had 2-22. R1 were limited to 95-9 in reply. Gavindra Sharma claimed 2-15. Over 40 overcame Annandale A. Annandale A (Continued on page 34)
and Tobago and Barbados. Canada will be on the radar in the One-Day format. The 14-man squad reads: BhaskarYadram (Captain), Kevin Sinclair, Alex Algoo, Sachin Singh, Adrian Hinds, Joshua Jones , Junior
Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Javed Karim, Yeudister Persaud, Kelvin Umroa, Joshua Persaud, Ashmead Nedd and Qumar Torrington. This team is being managed by Andy Ramnarine and coached by Julian Moore.
Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie; Chairman of Selectors, Rayon Griffith and Nazimul Drepaul met with players prior to their departure. The Guyana Cricket
Board’s Executives assured the players of continued support in their careers and challenged them to return h o m e w i t h t h e unprecedented success of f i v e r e g i o n a l championships.
Whatley is first Guyanese to achieve IFBB Elite Pro Card
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ollowing his e x p l o s i v e performances at the just concluded CAC Body Building and Fitness Championships this past weekend in Mexico City, Mexico where he placed 2nd overall after winning gold medals in the Masters and Middleweight classes, USA based Bruce Whatley became the first Guyanese to win an IFBB Elite Pro Card. This is Whatley’s second such card having also won a Pro Card with the National Gym Association of America (NGA) in 2016. With the IFBB Elite Pro Card, Whatley has said goodbye to CAC competition and will now be focused on doing bigger things. He spoke with Kaieteur Sport about his achievement: “I’m extremely happy with my performance at this year’s CAC competition, not only because I won two gold medals and my IFBB Elite Pro Card but because I prepared for this competition
in less time than I would normally do for any competition.” Whatley also indicated that he was nursing a knee injury which had held up his training in the early stages of preparation. “It curtailed my preparation to work my legs the way I would have liked. My chiropractor, DR. Sims continued to work with me and it got better and better. But as I’ve said many times before, champions don’t complain, they just do what has to be done.” As a result of this, Whatley said that his preparation time was shorter but he was motivated to work even harder towards doing well, “And I believe the results speak for itself.” He thanked the many persons for supporting him in his biggest achievement to date as a bodybuilder. ”But more importantly, I continue to give God the glory for his continued grace in allowing me to not only compete but do so, successfully.”
A Cut Above the Rest! Bruce Whatlesy celebrates with the Golden Arrowhead in Mexico.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 03, 2018
PAGE 41
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Finale
“We are expecting a huge turnout” – Troy Peters By Calvin Chapman Tomorrow’s finale of the 2018 edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ national playoffs, has been projected to be a grand affair according to the Organsing Committee of the tournament. And, with the expected large number of fans that will want to view the final showdown of the tournament that began November last year, the organisers and sponsors have opted to host the event at the spacious National Stadium, Providence, Tarmac. During a press brief yesterday at Banks DIH’s Sports Club, Guinness B r a n d M a n a g e r, L e e Baptiste, posited that, “This tournament had humble beginnings in the streets of Tiger Bay and now it has grown so big that we have to host it at the Stadium shows how popular the community based tournament has become.” There will be a total of
400 seats available for those patrons who may be desirous of being a bit more comfortable when viewing the games. Communications Manager of Banks DIH, Troy Peters, noted that, “We are expecting a huge turnout and as such we have taken parking into account. Patrons will be able to utilise the limited parking inside the Stadium for a small fee while there will be parking available at the loam ground just outside the Stadium as well.” Peters further stated that, “With the exception of one zone, all other zones saw first time winners and that is testament to the improved competitiveness of the competition which was aimed at giving street ‘ballers’ a platform for development.” Colours have been the only additional sponsor of the Banks DIH’s flagship tournament and representative of the popular clothing and footwear store,
Organisers and sponsors’ representatives from left, Wayne Griffith, Troy Peters, Rawle Welch, Lee Baptitse, Samantha Thomas and Mortimer Stewart pose for a photo during the press conference at Banks DIH yesterday. Samantha Thomas, explained that Colours have been onboard from day one and that they will continue to support the promotion through their usual provisions of balls and gears to teams. Rawle Welch, one of the organisers of the event which will see a total prize payout of over $1million, said that they (the organisers and the fans) couldn’t have asked for better match ups, “Everyone loves the Linden
versus Georgetown football rivalry and that is what we will have in the two semifinals before the final is decided. Former Champions Sparta Boss will clash with the reigning champions from Linden, Dave and Celina’s All-stars while 2018 Linden Zone Champs will play current Georgetown Zone holders, Gold is Money.” Despite the prejudice the Guinness street football tournament has received by some, over 250 teams have
Sankar’s Auto Works and Bumper to Bumper strike with Mohamed’s Futsal Although the fifth annual New Era Entertainment o rg a n i s e d M o h a m e d ’s Enterprise/ExxonMobil Futsal tournament has already began with the round robin phase they are still receiving welcome support from the corporate community. Last week, two entities at Sankar’s Autoworks and Bumper To Bumper aligned themselves with the New Era Entertainment Company’s venture. In Linden, Roddy Bowen, Bumper To Bumper’s Stock Room Manager, handed over to the sponsorship cheque to New Era’s Director, Kenrick Noel.
Sankar’s Auto Works has their head office at Seaforth Street, Cambellville. This year, Linden’s premier futsal tournament will carry a total prize purse of over $2 million and 20 teams will continue battling for the top prize of $600,000 tomorrow at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court where eight more matches would be contested from 18:30hrs; the third of the seven playing nights in the tournament which has teams from Georgetown, Linden and West Demerara pitted together. When the final whistle is blown on August 18th, the runners-up will receive a
Tomorrow’s fixtures are as follows. Game1 Presidential Family vs West Side Ballers Game 2 Quiet Storm vs trend setters Game 3 Swag vs Money Move Game 4 Haynes Hitters vs Good Fellas Game5 West Side Ballers vs Hard Ball Game 6 Figgy Green Jags vs Red Line Game7 DC Ballers vs Germans Game 8 Silver Bullets vs Nut Genahside
played 184 games during the 2018 season so far and only one red along with three yellows cards have been issued, according to Referee Coordinator Wayne Griffith, which speaks volumes about the discipline of the teams. When quizzed about the impact of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) protecting their players by barring them from participating in the tournament, Guinness Manager, Baptitse,
explained that, “The Guinness street tournament was never designed for elite or club players but as organised football has been diminishing over time, those players have been drawn toward the Guinness in the street.” In addition to the semifinal, third place and final matches, there will be two exhibition matches consisting of an all-female matchup and a mixed team encounter.
Grove/Diamond NDC to host King Domino competition tomorrow The Grove/Diamond NDC is set to host a King Dominos competition tomorrow at the NDC Compound, aback the Grove Police Station. Registration will commence at 09:30hrs with double six time, one hour later. To be eligible to play, players must be residing within the Grove/Diamond NDC district. Registration is free and according to the organizer, snacks and drinks are on the house. The first forty players registered would be competing. The two in/one out system would be employed while trophies would be presented to the top three players. For further information, interested players can contact Councillor Jiaram on 614 6671 or the NDC Office on 265 2256 or 265 2265.
Sankar’s Autoworks and Bumper To Bumper Stock Room Manager, Roddy Bowen (left) hands over cheque to New Era Entertainment’s, Kenrick Noel. handsome $250,000, third $100,000 and fourth place $50,000 in the competition
which has been sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).
16th Annual IPF/ NAPF Championship – Mexico Day 1
rt o p S Nadina Taharally snares gold and bronze medals; P. 38 Paul Adams takes gold by 2.5kgs
Paul Adams proudly displays the Golden Arrowhead and medal following his gold medal in the 83kg Open Class.
CFU 2018 Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series
Nadina Taharally poses with her medal in Mexico yesterday.
Guyana’s focus is on development of players P. 37
The Guyana players and staff that will compete at the CFU U14 Boys Challenge Series in Curacao. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.