Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

BORDER DISPUTE IN LIMBO? The CARICOM nations, especially Guyana, should not stand idly and allow Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, to transform Venezuela from a peaceful democracy to a brutal, violent and despotic regime. Our border dispute with Venezuela - which is in the threshold of a political and economic meltdown - could potentially present some problems. The primary concern is that the crisis in Venezuela could lead to an unmanageable influx of Venezuelan refugees into the country because of our notoriously porous border. Therefore, all necessary preparations should be made in the event the situation becomes real. Secondly, much is at stake for Guyana, because it would not be inconceivable that the border dispute may be in limbo as a result of the continued unrest next door. It certainly is not a priority for Maduro, who faces stiff opposition at home and from neighbouring countries. While the CARICOM leaders have always upheld the principle that no country should interfere in the sovereign affairs of others, they should not condone Venezuela’s descent into totalitarianism. In fact, many agree with the financial sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime by the US. The CARICOM leaders have called for a peaceful solution to end the violence in Venezuela. They have also offered to mediate the impasse between President Maduro and the leaders of the opposition on condition that all parties must approach the mediation process with good faith. Although they have called off their mediation proposal following the illegal imprisonment of the leaders of the opposition, the CARICOM states must act urgently. They cannot afford to stand by and witness the birth of a dictator who has taken complete control of the state apparatus. The US has hinted at military action against Venezuela should Maduro proceed to change the constitution. Maduro would have the people in the world to believe that the recent elections will usher in a new era of peace and stability. This is far from the truth, because his actions since have demonstrated what many had feared all along. Against the will of the majority of Venezuelans, Maduro is using his newly appointed constituent assembly as a front for an unashamedly brutal consolidation of his power. He has continued his bloody quest to silence opponents, thereby ensuring the end of a free and democratic society. If there was any doubt as to his intentions, the events of the last few days have clarified them. It was only hours after the results of the rigged elections were announced that Maduro ordered his security forces to imprison the leaders of the opposition, Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma. Although both men had been under house arrest, their lawyers have contended that there is no clear legal basis for their house arrests or their imprisonment. But Maduro is bent on using his power as a dictator to silence his opponents in an effort to quell any future uprisings and protests which he claimed are illegal. However, experts from outside and within the region have stated that US sanctions could further hurt the already delicate situation and thus disrupt production of oil in Venezuela which could have a spillover effect on the global production of oil. They assert that the sanctions would simply bolster claims by Maduro - who has a strong hold on all of Venezuela’s key institutions -that the protests by the opposition are being orchestrated by the US. The experts also claimed that the threatened military action by the Trump administration could further advance Maduro’s claims that the US is interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs with its practice of “gunboat diplomacy.” However, the US is not alone in its condemnation of the election in Venezuela. Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Paraguay and several other countries, including the CARICOM states, have not recognized the elections, whereas, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Cuba and Russia did. Russia, in a thinly-veiled warning to the US and other countries who supported economic sanctions against the Maduro regime, said that they should display restraint and abandon such destructive plans. No country should condone the dismantling of the democratic process and values against the will of the people.

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.

GECOM’s deputy Chief Elections Officer clarifies Dear Editor, Kindly publish my response, as follows, with regards to an anonymous letter published by another newspaper on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, under the caption “Will the Auditor General investigate the deputy chief elections officer?” Mr. Editor, this letter is the second deliberate attempt aimed at besmirching my integrity – obviously with clandestine objectives. And it brings to mind something that a former boss of mine had continuously repeated i.e. a lie repeated often enough metamorphose to become the truth. This is the only reason that I have taken the decision to respond to this piece of mischief, lest the general populace internalize the contents of the letter to conclude that I have been involved in corrupt undertakings and that, somehow, I am being shielded and protected. The motive behind this targeted aggression is anybody’s guess and leaves great room for speculation. The forensic investigations that are currently being conducted by the Auditor General into allegations of fraud has nothing to do with

me. Accordingly, I will not comment on this except to note that reference to this was made at the opening of the letter to create the platform to launch the mischief aimed at me. I am not at all surprised at this letter because of reasons I need not mention here. However, I find it astounding that the author(s) of the letter would attack the Auditor General in an attempt to dare him to launch an investigation into me relative to allegations that were published in the Guyana Chronicle last year. In so doing, the author(s) failed to recall that I had debunked those allegations via the said articles in the Guyana Chronicle. One year later – here we go again. Specifically, the letter asked – Why was Vishnu Persaud signing contracts and documents as deputy chief election officer and public relations officer”, and “whether I was usurping the functions of the substantive PRO at the time…” In this regard, please note the following.I have never signed any contract in my capacity of Deputy Chief Election Officer nor Public R e l a t i o n s O ff i c e r. Documents prepared by me in my capacity Deputy Chief

Election Officer and Public R e l a t i o n s O ff i c e r f o r submission to GECOM personnel above me were required to be signed by me for obvious reasons. There was an instance in which I prepared the evaluation of quotations pertaining to Civic and Voter Education during the high activity period of preparations for the conduct of the 2015 General and Regional Elections. This is an activity that I had been doing over the years as authorized by the Commission. In so doing, and in the interest of saving time, I had copied the format from the last evaluation I had done and made the required changes accordingly. The evaluation was submitted to the CEO for approval with my designation was unintentionally stated as Public Relations Officer, as had been copied from the earlier evaluation. The CEO brought this to my attention, and I requested that he return the document to me so that I can append the rubber stamp of the Deputy Chief Election Officer, sign there-above and return it. This was done. In retrospect, I admit that I should have printed a new page and signed thereon or at

the least cancel my signature as PRO. I have never usurped, nor even encroached upon, the functions of the PRO in reference. In view of the foregoing, I wish to state categorically that, throughout my tenure at G E C O M , w h i c h commenced in November 2001, I have never conducted myself in any way, shape or form that could have brought disrepute to myself or the Commission. On the contrary, I stand grounded in my conviction that I have always carried out my responsibilities with loyalty to the organization, and with consistent efficiency to the satisfaction of my superiors. I therefore have no reluctance or objection to avail myself to any investigation pertaining to any area of my conduct relative to official activities that were undertaken by me at GECOM.As it relates to the use of quotes, I will close with the simple one that were taught to us by all of our grandparents: - “Do nothing – fear nothing”. This is my only and last public position on this matter. Vishnu Persaud Deputy Chief Election Officer

Friday August 18, 2017

We need a political party of youths to believe me; I don’t want the fix Guyana course. However, they are not the PPP back in there. They stole DEAR EDITOR, “This is the dark time my love.” This quote comes from the Martin Carter poem of the same name and seriously can’t describe the situation of Guyana better. This is no place to raise one’s children. Yes, I am pointing fingers at the Government. It’s been two years since the “APNU + AFC” coalition came into power. They did promise change and we have noticed changes, for the worse. Our economy is at an all time low while crime is at an all time high. The recently imposed value added tax on private education will see students drop out of school and eventually turn to crime. It’s quite clear this Government is in a mess, with President Granger not knowing what to do, except go on vacations and reject GECOM lists of

only ones to blame for the country being in this sad state. Kudos to the PPP also. We all knew of the corruption that ensued during their era. Basically, we can call them the trailblazers. In fact, where is Prime Minister Nagamootoo? He promised so much; what he would do if he won the elections and now he’s practically out of sight; a typical carbon of Sam Hinds during his time as Prime Minister; doing absolutely nothing. Gone were the days when the PPP didn’t know what to do while the opposition knew what to do. Now, the APNU+AFC government is useless while the PPP claims to know what to do. Is this how it’s going to be? The opposition knowing so much but doing so little once they get power? Oh,

so much and were “power drunk” to the core. I don’t want the coalition back in either. It seems like politics in Guyana is about a bunch of useless old men battling for power so that they can be well off. By the time the next elections come, I will be of age to vote. I can reassure you all that neither of those two parties mentioned will gain my vote. I noticed a party spring up composed of youths. These are what we need. All the youths need to rise up and repair this country once and for all. Not these old, corrupt wastes (APNU +AFC and PPP) who profess to be politicians. Let this nation prosper and grow and show the world what a wonderful place Guyana can be. Guyanese Student

I now ask President Granger what I asked Jagdeo in 2008 DEAR EDITOR Under a different legal name I wrote this letter about the radio monopoly which was printed on 2 June 2008:”The government should give up the radio monopoly” While I can understand the reasons why the governing PPP/C would want to keep hold of the radio monopoly in Guyana it is imperative that President Jagdeo free the radio spectrum. Hanging onto the radio monopoly makes it look as if the President is

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afraid, and as if the governing party needs to control and to broadcast propaganda. With the President’s ideal of justice I believe that he needs to do the right thing, as he should have done in April/May 2001. Making the radio a free medium is essential for creating better institutions than the ones the present government inherited, and I do like the idea that there will be more free media in Guyana able to do investigative re-

porting. Freeing the radio would not hurt the President in any way because his time in office will be up in 2011, so he has nothing to lose. It is a fallacy to think that the government needs the monopoly; they are scared about what might happen as opposed to what is actually happening. ”Today, I can ask the same question to President David Granger “What are you afraid of in privatising NCN and Guyana Chronicle?” Sean Ori

The needs of the villagers of Region 9 are neglected by govt. DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me a space in your newspaper to bring to the attention of the general public an issue of four capital projects that were approved in 2016 by the National Assembly of Guyana for the enhancement and delivery of education in region nine, all of which yet remain incomplete, despite final payment having been awarded t o t h e c o n t r a c t o r. T h e projects were rolled over to 2017. Editor, as aforementioned, in late 2016 four capital projects were awarded to a coastland contractor. These projects are the construction of Tabatinga Nursery School in the Municipality of Lethem, Baishaidrun Nursery School in Deep South Rupununi, Pipang Nursery School in South Pakaraimas and Teachers Five Apartment Living Quarters in Sand Creek in South Central Rupununi. Each project was put at approximately G$18M. It is pellucid and public knowledge that the awarded contractor had sub-contracted these capital projects. The stipulated month of completion of the projects was May, 2017. Checks and follow-ups were made by

the Public Works Standing Committee of the Regional Democratic Council of Region nine as the work on these projects progressed. It has been revealed that the awarded contractor had received final payments for the said projects, pending 10% retention, yet all four capital projects remain incomplete. Editor, the opening of their new nursery schools and teachers’ quarters, respectively, in the new school academic

year in September, 2017 was highly anticipated by parents, teachers and pupils and the collective disappointment is indescribable. I call on the subject minister and relevant authorities, since you have promised transparency and accountability on public spending, to intervene forthwith in this matter so that the nursery schools and teachers’ quarters are completed at the earliest (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

(Under) valuing resources of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, It may be a while before the citizens of Guyana learn through cross-examination in the High Court what was and is a fair price for land at the Pradoville 2 luxury estate. It may also take a while to learn what ExxonMobil will actually pay in real income to Guyana in net payment per barrel of pumped oil. Meanwhile, here is a comparison between what Guyana earned from its forests in 1861 (156 years ago), what loggers pay now, and what the GFC estimated could be fair revenues in December 2016. By the 1861 Ordinance, wood cutting grants were leased for 300-1000 acres for 1-5 years renewable. Government charged an acreage fee of G$ 0.30 per acre, plus a onetime survey fee of G$ 0.10 per acre, and a onetime combined fee for advertisement, registration and stamping of the grant document

of G$ 63 (= G$ 0.06 per acre for the maximum lease size). The total annual cost of the lease was thus just over G$ 0.33 per acre for the maximum lease. What is the equivalent at today’s prices? Using the mid-1800s fixed exchange rate of G$ 1 = 4 shillings and 2 pence sterling, and either the real price ratio or the historical standard of living (change in retail price index), the equivalent fee at 2017 prices is US$ 19 per hectare per year. What does the GFC actually charge to holders of State Forest Permissions (SFPs, maximum 8000 ha renewable every two years)? It is only US$ 0.20 per hectare per year, plus a negligible royalty rate charged on declared log volumes of timber produced. So, amazingly, the government revenue from SFPs is 1/95 of what was earned 156 years ago, per hectare per year.

Guyana Forestry Commission is encouraging skullduggery DEAR EDITOR, I wish to make the public aware of the many issues which have played the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) this abusive and unacceptable performance continues unabatedly. On the 07th August, 2017, 2500bm purple hear lumber mysteriously disappeared. The disappearance of this lumber was only discovered on the 10th August, 2017 by the four man team attached to this outpost. On the 15th August, 2017 at 42km Buckhall road, 3 washiba and a purple heart logs were illegally harvested, a 51 still chainsaw was also seized during the find. The person found harvesting these logs admitted working with a certain man that works under authorization from another company working the ramps once held by BaiShanLin. It is a deliberate strategy to harvest these logs illegally then report it to GFC with the intention of buying them at a very low cost. This incident was also reported by Mr. J. John in a previous letter to the press, he also lost

his lumber despite being in possession of the custody form for these products issued by GFC. Editor, this man is no stranger to GFC; he is an exforestry officer and was also involved in the illegal harvesting of 20,000bm washiba lumber from a certain concession in 2015. When pressured by forestry officers for minor mistakes and other issues, he would normally say that his boss and the commission’s big wigs are friends and no one can stop him. I am of the opinion that there is collusion between the officers from the 46km Forestry Outpost and this individual. Neither the purple heart logs were reported as discovered. It is obvious that conflict of interest do exist at GFC. We are calling on GFC to be professional and politically neutral with high integrity for effective management and administration, so as to rebuild trust and confidence for the good of all. We further recognize that it is the toil, sweat and sacrifices of we, the workers that

are responsible for whatever achievements the GFC have made and success you enjoy, but more importantly, we are concerned about our future, our children’s future and the future of our country. Editor, every productive sector is on the decline. In the sugar industry, estates are being closed and thousands are being dismissed. In the rice sector, they are no new markets, and no competitive price is being offered for paddy. In the mining sector, small and medium scale miners can no longer afford the cost of production. In the commercial sector, there is drastic decline in trade and commerce and in the forestry sector only the big players survive with the help of those in authority. I am hereby calling for an urgent investigation into the operations of a certain man and the 46km Forestry Outpost and I call on readers to put themselves in our shoes in the campaign to have these problems rectified as soon as possible. S. Yearwood

Service at this hotel is atrocious and unacceptable

During the last 23 years, the GFC has received several consultancy reports which analyse this give-away of State-controlled resources and which make various recommendations for a more rational approach. In December 2016 the GFC proposed again the replacement of the artificial royalty rates, among the lowest in the world, by a stumpage system based on estimated harvest costs and declared prices. This 2016 proposal was an update of a 2005 document. The GFC proposed a scheme which could have generated stumpage of US$ 22-25 per hectare per year, so much closer to the equivalent revenue in 1861 (US$ 19). This revenue

would depend on the SFP holders declaring a production of 4.5-5.0 m3/ha/year, which is much higher than the current SFP average. But at the same time the GFC has proposed reducing even the abysmal US$ 0.20 acreage fee (per hectare per year) to US$ 0.05; in effect, treating the property value of the SFP lease as of negligible cost and value, and so encouraging the acquisition and retention of large areas of State forest without any productive use. For comparison, the GFC acreage fee for longterm large-scale Timber Sales Agreements (TSAs, over 20000 ha, c.25 years renewable) should be US$ 0.37 per hectare per year but the TSA holders nego-

tiated this back to the SFP level and, even more amazingly, are almost all in debt to the GFC because they simply do not pay the fees and the GFC makes little attempt to collect on these million dollar debts. Contrast this leniency with the big companies with the treatment of the smallscale SFP holders: no upto-date payment of all fees and taxes results in no renewal of the logging concession. The acreage fee for TSAs proposed by the GFC in 2016 would be the same as for SFPs, US$ 0.05/ ha/year. Let us hope that the government’s staff responsible for setting petroleum revenue rates in 2017 is as smart as the revenue men in 1861. Janette Bulkan

DEAR EDITOR, I became a guest at one of the new, middle level hotels in the heart of the city on July 29th where guests are offered a free breakfast from 7:30 AM to 10 AM. On August 8th, 2017 when I tried to get breakfast I went to fill up my 12oz swell water bottle, when I was told by the serving staff manager that guests are only entitled to one glass of water and refused to serve me breakfast after I completed filling up my water bottle that I

take with me to the office. I am currently on assignment working in Guyana. Generally, guests line up around the pool from 7:30am expecting the dining room to be opened. However, the dining room typically opens at 7:50am. Furthermore, if there are 50 guests (as an example) breakfast is only prepared for 25 guests and you must accept the extremely meager servings because you are told it must last until 10am for the other guest who may want to

have breakfast. I would very much appreciate you interviewing me for an article or to take pictures while we are queued up by the pool for breakfast before I am transferred this weekend to Latin America. I am very surprised that an establishment such as this is attempting to get a certain type of license from the government of Guyana which has not been approved and should not be. Pedro

The needs of the villagers of Region... From page 5 for its beneficiaries. Editor, of major note, and immense concern, is the fact that the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Aff a i r s a n d f o u r t h Vi c e President recently visited Sand Creek village but chose to turn a blind eye on the incomplete and stalled teachers five

apartment construction. The people of Region Nine have seen and noted that government ministers frequently visit, lecture and make pronouncements, with none addressing needs and concerns, or finding solutions to existing problems of the villagers; but they instead

choose to make glowing remarks in self-praise of the “Good life” the people now enjoy. However, some persons may be enjoying ‘the good life’, but at the level of the Communities, it is a different reality. Alister Charlie Member of Parliament Region Nine

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No bail for taxi driver AFC Executives are not bribable accused of trafficking ganja - Gaskin In spite of oil’s corruptible nature… By Kiana Wilburg

While there are a number of instances where oil has led many governments down the dark road of corruption, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is insisting that Guyana’s officials would not be led astray. The Party’s Executive members echoed these sentiments, among other assertions, during a press conference that was held at its Kitty headquarters. Specifically making this statement yesterday was Dominic Gaskin, who is currently the Minister of Business. The politician said that the oil find by the USA multinational company, ExxonMobil is a significant one. He noted, however, that the Government has the support of a number of advisors when it comes to charting the way forward for the development of such a crucial industry. “What we have been told by a lot of advisors is that we could have done a lot worse in choosing a partner for this particular project. Exxon is a fairly reputable company as far as oil companies go and we could have done a lot worse. I take comfort in that.” In fact, Gaskin noted that

AFC Executive Member, Dominic Gaskin Guyana has done a lot, while referring to the fact that there have been several companies which were operating in the nation’s forestry sector with huge concessions. He said, “So I don’t know why we are agonizing over doing business with a large international company. That company is accountable. It is accountable in the country in which it operates, in which it is headquartered. So like I said, we could have done worse.” Gaskin went further to state that Guyanese should not look to talk themselves out of the biggest economic project that it has ever seen. “We need to be a lot more

positive. This is an extremely positive development. We can pick at it and find all the bad things about it, but as a government, we can assure you we are not going to be the ones taking money from anybody to do anything underhanded…I can speak for all of our AFC Executives, we are not bribable,” expressed Gaskin. EQUATORIALGUINEA It was on Monday that Kaieteur News carried an article which showed how the friends and families connected to the government of Equatorial Guinea live lifestyles fit for kings and queens. These “selected” individuals can happily enjoy their riches today, much to the credit of ExxonMobil. But a damning investigation later revealed that the source of their wealth was due to the fact that ExxonMobil was funneling millions of dollars into a private account belonging to the Government, and was also granting contracts to the friends and family members connected to the government of Equatorial Guinea.

A taxi driver, who was recently charged for giving a police officer a wrong name, was yesterday remanded to prison for allegedly having in his possession over six pounds of marijuana. Mark Anthony, 35, of 66 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on July 24 at Evans Street, Charlestown, Georgetown he had in his possession 2,870 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. The defendant appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Anthony was represented by Attorney-at-law Jed Vasconcellos who asked that his client be released on bail, citing that he is partially handicapped due to the fact that the soles of his feet are bent and he cannot stand or walk for long periods. The lawyer went on to tell the court that his client was involved in an accident with a police officer on June 22, and it was when he went to the station that he was arrested for giving a police officer a wrong name. The lawyer added that the vehicle that the alleged nar-

cotics were found in does not belong to his client, since he borrowed it from a friend on the day in question. The attorney added that since his client was arrested he has been cooperating with the police. However, Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing that no special reason was outlined by defence counsel. The prosecutor went on to tell the court that based on the prevalence of the offence, if granted bail, the defendant would not return to court for the trial. Facts presented by the Prosecutor stated that on the day in question, the vehicle which was being driven by the defendant slammed into a police officer’s vehicle. The court heard that after the accident the defendant was approached by the officer and he attempted to exit the vehicle with a suitcase which was in the back seat of the car. The officer called for back-up and gave chase after the defendant attempted to get rid of the suitcase. The defendant was later intercepted by a party of policemen after he attempted to throw the suitcase in a yard. The prosecutor told the court that the suitcase was

Remanded to prison Mark Anthony searched in the presence of the defendant and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be narcotics were unearthed. The defendant was then arrested and taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Anthony was previously charged and ordered to post $15,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he denied a charged which alleged that on July 23, last, at Ruimveldt Police Station, he told Corporal Eastman that his name was Justin Tony Chase, knowing same to be false. Anthony will make his next court appearance on September 8.

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Guyana and Exxon Mobil … Enhanced capacity, comprehensive legislative arrangement is our aim - Ramjattan Several nations have experienced a number of difficulties when dealing with oil giant Exxon Mobil. These challenges, which include the avoidance by ExxonMobil to pay up on royalties and taxes due to nations in several cases, has seen them being hauled before the courts. Be that as it may, the Government of Guyana insists that there is no need for the nation to be consumed with fear. In fact, it insists that there should be a sense of ease and relief for a number of reasons, one of which is the fact that the Government is heading in the direction of enhanced capacity and a comprehensive legislative arrangement. Making this statement was Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. At a press conference yesterday, the AFC Chairman was asked to say if his party is satisfied that the Judiciary is prepared for the worse, given ExxonMobil’s behaviour in other territories. While he did not answer in the affirmative or the negative, Ramjattan commented that he does not see it necessary for a judge to be an oil expert in order to adjudicate on oil and gas matters. He said, “Indeed, it would be better if you have a judge with experience in that (area),

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan but it is only now that we have found oil and we didn’t know beforehand that we would have found oil in 2017, so that expectation is a bit harsh on our judges. We need to be fair here. The court has an inherent jurisdiction to rely upon experts for guidance on an issue.” Ramjattan said that this is a practice all over the world. Kaieteur News subsequently clarified that its question never had anything to do with judges being oil and gas experts. This publication said that its question was intended to highlight that several nations had issues with ExxonMobil and when judg-

ments are passed, Exxon, in some cases, did not adhere to those rulings. In short, this publication emphasized that its question was really to ascertain if the AFC is comfortable that Guyana’s judiciary can handle such challenges. In this regard, Ramjattan said that generally, it is the Executive branch which would ensure the enforcement of judgments. “Yes we are a small nation and if indeed, theoretically, Exxon behaves how it did in Chad or whatever, we would have to rely on diplomatic and government to government resources to ensure that this big company pays what the court orders and if it does not, then we would have a big problem,” theAFC Chairman opined. He noted however that this does not mean that the Government should not engage with ExxonMobil. “We must not allow those theoretical and hypothetical and (in some instances) factual cases, to not allow us to proceed on the cusp of great things that can come from this oil sector.” Additionally, theAFC Chairman noted that ExxonMobil is an American company, and if it behaves the way it did with some nations, it can be subjected to Senatorial enquiries in the United States. Ramjattan said that this is a good sign as there are some companies which go abroad, do their dirty work and when they return to their homeland, nothing happens. Instead, these companies are celebrated. In paying attention to the mistakes of other nations when it comes to oil, Ramjattan reiterated that the Government will be moving in the direction of enhancing its capacity, getting experts on board and arming itself with a comprehensive legislative arrangement. In this way, he insists that there can only be benefits for all of Guyana.

Council still to decide way forward on parking meter project - SCS refuses to disclose critical financial information – Committee Head

Committee Head Malcolm Ferreira addresses the Council at the meeting yesterday. The Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) has been updated on the findings and recommendations for a contract related to the controversial parking meter project. At an extraordinary meeting held at City Hall yesterday, Head of the Parking Meter Negotiating Committee, Councillor Malcolm Ferreira listed the finding of the committee, which he said were based on consultations with civil society and members of the business community. He noted that the 27-page document was drafted based on the consultations. The document outlines the concerns and issues of the public in respect to the contract and arrangements between the M&CC and Smart City Solutions (SCS), the company contracted to supply the city with meters and mechanisms for paid parking. According to the report, the Councillor outlined that the stakeholders, shared the

candid view that the agreement lacked transparency, and that the Council did not operate within the confines of the law at Sections 231 or 332 (6) of the Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01; therefore the Contract is void ab initio (to be treated as invalid from the outset). However, Ferreira mentioned that there are still those who view the Contract as legal and binding. Towards this end, he noted that the legality of the contract is currently being challenged in the High Court. According to Ferreira, the Committee has listed several options for the Council to consider in moving forward that the M&CC can either move forward with SCS, discontinue the agreement with SCS altogether, or continue with the project independently. The Committee is resolute, however, that the Council cannot move forward under the terms and agreement of the present contract. In order for this to change, he said the Committee must

be provided relevant documents such as a feasibility study, business plan, environmental impact assessment as well as ensure that the necessary due diligence is observed. While briefing the Council, Ferreira said that at the beginning of the consultations, SCS refused to provide vital financial information and asked Committee members to sign a non-disclosure agreement but members refused to sign such an agreement. “SCS refused to provide proof of investment and were informed by the Committee that no further discussions will take place unless and until the documents requested are submitted to the Committee,” states the committee’s report, adding that similar concerns were registered by Attorney General Basil Williams and representatives of the Ministry of Finance. As such, in moving forward with the company, Councillor Ferreira stressed that consideration must be (Continued on page 10)

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Businesses are being hurt by crime Criminals this past week invaded a private café in the centre of the city. The bandits robbed the customers of their money and personal possessions. This must have been a terrifying experience for those who were robbed. It is best they had gone to a horror movie than to have to endure being robbed in broad daylight. This is a frightening development because if such a brazen act of criminality could have been conducted in the centre of the capital, then it means that very few places are

now safe from possible criminal attacks. The bandits are getting more brazen with each day. They are doing as they please. Nowhere seems safe anymore. Guyanese cannot continue to live in such an environment. What short of life will people have when you go for a cup of coffee and have to be scared that bandits can come rushing it at any time and rob you. Where are Guyanese to go with their families if they want to relax? If a café can be attacked, then where else is

safe? A lot of Guyanese use the weekends to take their family to parks and to the seawall. There is no entrance fee there. It is a place in which you can spend some free time with your family in pleasant outdoors without costing a fortune. A lot of people cannot afford to buy ice cream for their children on weekends. At one location a cone made from foreign ice cream costs as much as $400. Now if you have three children, it will cost you $1200 just to take them for a

‘Ensure that every resident is treated equally’ - Minister Norton tells Corriverton councillors at sensitisation session Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, on Wednesday, charged councillors from the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), the Mayor and Town Council of Corriverton, Overseers and members of the private sector in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) to ensure that every resident in their communities is treated equally and that they do not experience any bias or prejudice. Speaking to the 28 participants at Number 78 Village where the meeting was held, the Minister also committed to hosting more workshops in the Region, after education stakeholders and councillors requested same. In his address, Minister

Norton said that sensitisation is the first step in strengthening and empowering national, regional, municipal and local administrative bodies in the governance process. “You are critical stakeholders in the process of building a unified Guyana since you have the ability to bring about change in the communities in which you live and work. It all begins here… there is need for social cohesion in everything that we do and it is important that in executing our jobs, you ensure that … every resident in your communities is treated equally and that no amount of prejudice, bias or stereotypical behaviour is exhibited,” he said.

Minister Norton also noted that it is critical to foster a better understanding and appreciation of each other at the community level. “Despite our differences, you must seize every opportunity of bringing persons of varying backgrounds together. We need to work together as a people, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, socioeconomic status and other differences to build Guyana,” he said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Town Clerk, Mr. Narendra Sukhram, who charged the participants to “cooperate for the dignity of our country”. The Town Clerk noted that while Corriverton has achieved a number of goals on its work plan for 2017, building (Continued on page 12)

cone. If they ask for something else, the tab climbs. For this reason many people take their family to seawall. The fresh air is free. Some guys take their girlfriends there rather than spending a fortune at the bars. Most go there because it is clean, healthy relaxation. Well, even the seawall is no longer safe. It was reported in the media that last week there was an attack on a person in a car, right on the seawall. More and more Guyanese are going to stay at home if these criminal attacks are not halted. People are asking just where now is safe to go with your family. The other major implication of last week’s attack is what is going to happen to small businesses in the country by these attacks. It takes a lot of money to establish a business such as the one which was invaded by bandits. Rent has to be paid; equipment purchased, furniture supplied,

staff paid, utilities must be catered for. That runs into millions of dollars each month. Businesses are not doing well at the moment. Owners are finding it difficult to stay out of the red. They are hanging in hoping that things will change. When incidents like these happen, it makes it more difficult for the business. Patrons stay away and the business will not earn enough to even cover salaries of staff. They will eventually be forced to close doors. When businesses begin to lose money, the tax man suffers. The businesses are not generating profits from which taxes are deducted. They are not employing staff from whom taxes are deducted. They are not buying as much materials on which VAT has to be paid. They will eventually be forced to close and this will mean that no taxes would then be paid. Crime is affecting busi-

ness. Many business places are complaining that ever since the prisoners escaped from the Camp Street and Lusignan prisons, persons have not been shopping as they used to. Some persons from rural areas are not venturing into the city to shop. It is not just, however, the slowdown in business which is problematic. Many businesses are also victims of break-ins. And you cannot rely on the police to catch the thieves. So on the one hand bandits are robbing the business when it is open and when it is closed there is the risk of theft. Something has to be done to ensure that crime is brought under control. But if the authorities cannot control the prisons, how can they be expected to control crime.

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Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A cruel neo-liberal government rules Guyana What did Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, the New World group and later Walter Rodney have in common? They believed that post-colonial development must avoid copying the formula of economic development as advised by western capitalist rulers. Every radical thinker in Guyana after Independence urged a pathway that avoided large airports, palatial ministries, eight-lane highways, construction of huge military headquarters, enormous infrastructural constructions etc. The thinking behind this Western blueprint was that you need modern infrastructure to attract investment. It didn’t work. India in particular had no use for that theory. In fact, Indian university curriculum moved away from the British emphasis on the classics, humanities, the arts and social sciences. After Independence, India emphasized medicine in its university curriculum. The confrontation between Burnham and Rodney remains a mystery in the history of the entire Third World. Both men didn’t accept the traditional capitalist approach to economic development. Burnham from 1974 onwards moved Guyana as far away as

possible from the Puerto Rican model that the Americans imposed on post-colonial states, through aid and loans (for more on this see the wellargued article of Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan in the journal, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE, Volume 3, Number 1, Spring 1982 and titled, “Alternative models of Caribbean Economic Development and Industrialization.”) A disciple of Forbes Burnham is in power in Guyana, David Granger, and perhaps he is still to learn about the political economy that characterized the rule of his idol from 1974 onwards. Mr. Granger presides over one of the purest neo-liberal economies anywhere in the world. It is a flawed, failed system that is bound to lead to disaster. But then again, this country has known nothing else except disasters. The government announced that it was proceeding with the construction of waterfront recreational facilities, involving hundreds of millions of dollars, when the British decided that they would fund the project. Three sites have been identified – Vreed-en-Hoop stelling, the Stabroek river front area and the long stretch of beach from

the Kingston jetty to Ogle. Now remember, Minister Patterson said the government was well on its way to financing this aesthetic venture (my word, and I mean to be cynical) when the British stepped in. More than fifty years after Burnham and Jagan rejected the Puerto Rican model of development it is back in Guyana, and most ironically being championed by an idol of Burnham. Basic infrastructure and essential services in this country have been primitive for a very long time, yet we will spend hundreds of millions on beautifying water front sites. So my wife and I will go on the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling, buy two fish burgers, look at the Demerara River, engage in a romantic, nocturnal embrace, then drive home on the streets where I live in the dark, and we will die, because there we will not see the roaming horses. I live at the junction of the Railway Embankment and UG Road where there are no street lamps that have been working for decades now. The Alberttown fire station building is a disgrace. Kaieteur News carried a front page story where a house

right next to the station was burnt to the ground. Please note; right next to the station that had a fire tender at the time. The Georgetown Hospital doesn’t have a tonopen to test eye pressure. It never had one, neither did the ophthalmology centre in Berbice. Guyana, unlike Barbados, does not have facilities for DNA testing. Only private hospitals in Guyana do dialysis treatment; no public hospitals have the facilities. The police force at the moment does not have even a third of the quota of speed guns that it needs. Ninety percent of the streets in the capital city do not have public lamps and that includes the

continuation of Irving Street named J.B. Latchmansingh Road that takes in the headquarters of the army. Not one public school in the entire territory of Guyana, and this includes Queen’s College, has consistently functioning washrooms. The technology labs at Government Technical Institute and at UG are bare. The National Library in an age of high technology does not offer computer service to its users. UG students have to make do with two photocopiers. And last, but certainly not least. Next year citizens are going to these three waterfront leisure sites, enjoy themselves, and return home to blackouts. Please believe

Frederick Kissoon me; it is true when I say that at Turkeyen where I live, we get blackouts daily. Not five times a week, but daily. The politicians that run this neoliberal economy are going to ask you in 2020 to return them to power. And an idiot like you are going to do just that.

Council still to decide way forward on parking meter project From page 8 given by the Council for continuing the parking meter system with SCS for renegotiation by a committee, having all points and findings contained in the report addressed. In addition, Ferreira noted the importance of holding public meetings to discuss the findings and recommend areas for the new contract. That would require, according to the report, SCS to “provide any and all documents” within reasonable time, including the financial

records, to know the true initial capital expenditure to ensure City Hall and citizens know they are getting the best deal. Toward the end of the meeting, it was agreed that the documents will be made available to Council and members of the public before the matter is deliberated and the Council makes a decision on the matter next week. In March, the Georgetown M&CC set up a committee to conduct consultations with stake-

holders and renegotiate the parking meter contract during the three-month suspension of the project. Councillor Ferreira was elected Chairman of the seven-member team and Councillor Noelle ChowChee was elected ViceChairwoman of the Parking Meter Committee. The other members of the committee are Councillors Carlyle Goring, Tricia Richards, Ivelaw Henry, Roopnarine Persaud and Heston Bostwick. The members of the Committee were all nominated by Councillor and Chairman of the Finance Committee Oscar Clarke following the approval of the Terms of Reference (TOR) which will guide the operations of the Committee.

Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Telecoms liberalisation delayed due to talks between GTT, GRA The deadline of July 2017 was given for all the negotiations concerning the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector to be concluded. However, this was not achieved due to continuing talks between the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This is according to Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes. The Minister gave this explanation yesterday during an Alliance for Change (AFC) press conference at the party’s headquarters at Railway Line, Kitty. She said that the process is running a bit behind time. Minister Hughes indicated that she had hoped that the process would have been completed by the end of the July to August period. However, she said that based on all indications the process will not be over by the end of this month. “Unfortunately, we are into August and I have no confirmation that we will complete the process by the end of August. But I certainly wanted to say that is only because part of the negotiations requires GTT and the Guyana Revenue Authority to be working out tax issues.” She said that the talks between the company and the revenue authority will impact on the liberalisation negotiations between her Ministry, GTT and Digicel Guyana. According to the Minister, at this point, she cannot fast-track the process. “Everybody knows that the Guyana Revenue Author-

Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes ity is a solely independent agency. I have no jurisdiction, impact or anything in that direction, so I am certainly waiting patiently for them to finish that part of the negotiations.” Despite the delay, Hughes informed the media that last week Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) and GTT had a meeting with GRA following which they paid her a visit. She reported that based on what was relayed to her, discussions are productive. “They are very confident that we are moving ahead and I think we are seeing already indications of GTT’s commitment to the Guyanese market. Many of you will know that they are already moving out and bringing fibre. So, it is my hope that once they have finished that side of the discussion, we would be able to push the process forward.” Meanwhile, the Minister gave an update on work being done by her Ministry. She said that presently, the Pub-

lic Telecommunications Ministry is designing the job descriptions for positions at the new Telecommunications Agency that will be established. Hughes said that this agency will be the new regulatory body under which individuals are going to apply for licenses which include spectrum licenses and any other area that the applicant would have interest. She added that due to the new broadcast legislation the Frequency Management Unit will be submerged within the new telecommunications agency. Moreover, Hughes said that her Ministry has been moving ahead with its Information Communication Technology (ICT) Hubs. She said that as of now, the Ministry has created 34 ICT Hubs throughout Guyana. “For me it is a success story because we have seen the partnerships between communities that actually run and operate the hub with of course the Ministry of Public Telecommunications providing the laptops and the safe space and the free internet access and that is working extremely well.” Further, Hughes said that the Ministry to date has provided free internet access to 101 schools and government agencies. She said that areas such as Massakenari have been connected while work is ongoing at Mabaruma. The Minister said that based on budgetary allocations for this year, the Ministry was able to provide internet access via satellite to a number of hinterland, rural and poor communities.

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‘Ensure that every resident is treated ... Transparency important to all areas of From page 9 stronger partnerships is essential to a more productive and peaceful future. “Fighting fearlessly to exclude marginalisation should be our first and foremost objective. In this manner a sense of belonging will be created. Trust will be promoted and the opportunity of having upward mobility will definitely be realised… We have the ability to allow social cohesion to prevail. Negativity will never allow us to pursue achieving unity,” he said. Councillor for the Number 52-74 NDC, Mr. Daveanand Chaitram invited the Ministry to host a sensitisation workshop within his NDC. He said that his NDC comprises 25 villages, which could benefit from smaller sessions with the Ministry, as it will provide the residents with an opportunity to exchange ideas on fostering solidarity. Similar views were shared by Councillor for the MaidaTarlogie NDC, Ms. Sheralyn Pestano and member of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI), Mr. Gurdeo Tejram,

who both asked the Ministry to partner with them to introduce programmes to communities, particularly those between Skeldon and New Amsterdam, that cater to enhancing the lives of the youth and elderly persons. Meanwhile, UCCCI member, Mr. Prakash Singh applauded the Ministry’s efforts and noted that because of incidents in the past, it faces a “Herculean task to promote unity in the Region”. He, however, pledged to support any programme aimed at fostering unity. “We need social cohesion to escalate our likeness so that we can embrace one another. We live in this one country; many countries have many different peoples and they live very harmoniously together. Our education system did not teach us an integrated culture from the inception, our schools, our communities; we have inherited that legacy… We need to know what kind of budgets we have; what are the things [that] we can do and the effects of doing those things, what we can reasonably ex-

pect within a reasonable timeframe to [promote social cohesion],” he said. Councillors from the Crabwood Creek-Moleson Creek, Good Hope-Number 51, Black Bush Polder and Macedonia-Joppa NDCs and members of the Rotary Club of Corriverton also attended the workshop. This session followed closely on the heels of a sensitisation workshop for councillors of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four) and administrative heads, which was held on Tuesday at the RDC office in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. Also on Tuesday, the Ministry hosted a Diversity Education and Inclusion Workshop with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Salvation Army’s Men’s Social Centre, the Indian Action Committee (IAC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

governance; oil and gas no exception - UK envoy

By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Transparency remains a key component of good governance. That key principle should be used as a guiding light in all of any governments’ engagements, says United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn. Quinn hosted a press conference at his residence yesterday, and at that forum, the envoy spoke to issues surrounding Constitutional Reform, gender quality, Brexit, Security Sector Reform and Guyana’s developing oil and gas industry. Quinn was questioned as to whether he feels Guyanese should be benefitting from a higher level of transparency within its embryonic oil and gas industry. Being true to his profession, Quinn avoided giving a yes or no answer. He said, “I will give a top level response to that question. Governments should be as transparent with their public as much as possible, across the board.” He continued, “There

are certain issues where there will always be restrictions, but those should be kept at the very minimum. The goal of any government should be transparency, as much as possible.” This is not the first time the UK High Commissioner made his country’s stance on transparency known. In 2016, Quinn said that the fact that the media is having a hard time getting hold of contracts and concession agreements signed by public officials—both past and present—is a source of discomfort to him. The High Commissioner’s position is that unless the disclosure of a signed contract would compromise national security, it should be made public. Quinn has told Kaieteur News that the demand for transparency should be met by any government worth its salt. He said, “Transparency is fundamental. It is at the core of everything that is good in governance, as happens in the UK.” PREPARATION Yesterday, Quinn told the media that he is heartened by the fact that the government is cognizant of

its responsibility to put relevant legislation in place in order to get Guyana ready for oil and gas. Quinn said, “I see there is a movement to do legislation.” He highlighted parts of that movement to be the effort to pass the Petroleum Commission Bill, ongoing work being done to set a Sovereign Wealth Fund policy, and the development of a draft Local Content Policy. “So these things are moving forward, and these are important things that need to be resolved as soon as possible. I think there is an urgency around the legislation to make sure that Guyana as a government is able to oversee and manage what is coming down the line in two and a half years.” Quinn said that he is confident that the government understands that legislation is urgent, “but there is still a need to consult. A legislation may need to go through quickly, but it also needs to go through having been the subject of consultation with as wide a group of stakeholders as possible.

Friday August 18, 2017

Legal action ensues over President’s directive to halt police promotions

Legal action has ensued to challenge the constitutionality of the directive by President David Granger to the Police Service Commission (PSC), to halt all Police promotions until further notice. President Granger had “ordered the PSC to halt all promotions. The President’s direction came on the heels of revelations of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the operations of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Force came under the microscope following reports that an investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate President Granger was poorly done. As the modus operandi of the GPF is being examined at the COI, the President wrote to the PSC and asked that all promotions be halted until further notice. Kaieteur News understands that at least three officers summoned to the COI into the alleged assassination plot are on the list to be promoted. These officers include Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, for the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Chief Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum for Assistant Commissioner and Assistant Superintendent, Head of Major Crimes Unit, Mitchell Caesar, to Deputy Superintendent. The President has since noted that promotions have been delayed to probe the complaints of abuse and malpractice. However, after threatening legal action, the law office of Anil Nandlall and Associates has approached the Court seeking a declaration that the letter by the President is in violation of Article 226 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect. The constitutional motion filed seeks a declaration by the Court that the PSC, is established by the Constitution

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Kaieteur News

Attorney Anil Nandlall

President David Granger

of Guyana, and in the exercise of its functions shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. “The applicant has a vested interest in ensuring that the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the supreme law of this land by virtue of Article 8, is not violated,” the document stated. It further outlined that, the applicant Rajendra Jaigobin considers it his national duty to ensure that those representatives who, and the democratic organs which, exercise the sovereignty of Guyana on his behalf, act in due compliance with the said Constitution in the discharge of their public functions and constitutional duties. The PSC is an independent Constitutional Commission tasked with the responsibility and power to make appointments to offices within the Guyana Police Force and to remove and to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and also is responsible for the promotion and demo-

tion to offices within the said Force. In a letter dated July, 26 2017, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, wrote to the Secretary of the PSC, Marvalyn Stephens, informing her that President David Granger has instructed that there be no consideration of promotions for members of the Guyana Police Force by the Police Service Commission, until further notice.” He requested that Ms. Stephens bring the President‘s directive to the immediate attention of the Commission. Nandlall later sought to overturn the directive by issuing a notice of legal action to Harmon. In enclosing a copy of the Notice of Motion, Nandlall stressed that the Police Service Commission and the Public Service Commission form part of the same constitutional genus. In the circumstances, the Lawyer demanded the withdrawal, in writing, of the letter dated 2017-07-26, addressed to Marvalyn Stephens. Failure to do so, Nandlall had warned, would have resulted in legal action.

‘Black boy’ charged for friend’s beating death Thirty-five-year-old Naresh Baldeo called ‘Black boy,’ a miner of Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, was yesterday remanded to prison almost one week after he allegedly used a spade to beat his 54-year-old fellow workmate, Mohabeer Gangadeen, to death. The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on August 12 at Potaro Backdam, Potaro River, in the Essequibo district, he murdered Mohabeer Gangadeen. The accused was represented by Attorney-at-law Tiffany Jeffrey who told the court that her client is in need of medical treatment, since he received several lashes to his head and across his chest with a spade due to the altercation between him and the now deceased Gangadeen. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded the fa-

ther of one until October 17, when he will make his next court appearance in the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court. According to reports, Mohabeer Gangadeen of Lot 1 GAC Old Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, died after he was involved in a verbal and physical confrontation with the accused, whom he was drinking with at the time. Reports indicated that Gangadeen was battered with a spade by the accused and thrown overboard at Potaro Backdam, Potaro River, Essequibo, during the physical confrontation. According to information, the two men who worked at the same mining company were drinking alcohol when Gangadeen accused Baldeo of stealing gold. The two then got into an argument and Gangadeen reportedly armed himself with a spade and dealt the accused several lashes about his

Remanded to prison Naresh Baldeo body. Baldeo then managed to take the spade from Gangadeen and dealt him several lashes about his body and reportedly pushed him overboard The matter was then reported and Baldeo was arrested and charged for the offence.

Female passenger from Guyana arrested in Bahamas hotel with coke Bahamas (Bahamas Journal) - Two women are in custody following the seizure of a quantity of cocaine in two separate incidents on Tuesday. The two incidents uncovered dangerous drugs that were brought into The Bahamas through the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). Shortly after 2 p.m., Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers on duty at LPIA conducted a search of a suitcase owned by a woman arriving from Suriname on a Caribbean airline; it was found that she was in possession of over nine pounds of cocaine.

The woman was brought into custody. Following up on information, shortly thereafter at 4 p.m., another suspicious woman who was staying in a hotel room on Charlotte Street was also suspected of possession of dangerous drugs. After searching the woman’s suitcase, DEU officers located the same amount of dangerous drugs seized as the woman was arrested shortly after 2 p.m. It is noted that over nine pounds of cocaine hidden in a suitcase was found. The woman arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Guyana and is also in custody.

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Kaieteur News

Meetings with Exxon about policies - Minister Trotman Recent discussions between government ministers and ExxonMobil officials are of a policy nature, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman has revealed. In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Trotman assured there is no secrecy in meeting with Exxon, who along with Hess and CNOOC Nexen, will produce Guyana’s oil. Guyana is a 50 percent partner with ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC Nexen for the development of the offshore Stabroek Block in which oil has been discovered. On August 10-11 Minister Trotman, along with Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson; Finance Minister, Winston Jordan; Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and Presidential Advisor on Petroleum Dr. Jan Mangal, participated in meetings and briefings with officials of the ExxonMobil Development Company and ExxonMobil Gas and Power Marketing Company at the ExxonMobil Campus in Hous-

ton, Texas, USA. “These meetings held in early August were considered to be very important, very timely. There’s nothing secretive about them,” Minister Trotman told DPI. He further explained that the government and Exxon and its partners have been in “close collaboration to bring production on stream by 2020” since the 2015 oil discovery. The consultation between the government and the oil producers “are part of a continuing series of engagements which are held both in Guyana and in Houston on a yearly basis,” Minister Trotman said, noting that Cabinet had approved this recent visit. At the briefings, the Ministers were provided with updates on developments with the Liza field. Phase one is scheduled to commence in 2020 and will recover approximately 500m barrels of oil at a rate of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) while phase two is expected to recover the remaining resource in the Lisa field in 2023 and beyond. Trotman explained that

The ministers of government during a briefing at the ExxonMobil Campus in Houston, Texas, USA. (ExxonMobil photo) discussions revolved around local content development, foreign relations, maritime space and fiscal matters, all of which bear relevance to the Ministers who attended the meeting. “It was a very high level meeting,” Trotman pointed out. He said that the government will do its best to meet the expectations of its citizens, who “have the right to want to know” what is happening in the industry’s development. Meanwhile, the Ministers were also briefed on, and en-

gaged in, discussions on the advancements of the proposed project to utilise available natural gas for energy generation by Guyana Power

and Light (GPL). Trotman said that Exxon will facilitate a workshop in September where energy experts from Texas will engage

GPL officials to explore bringing the natural gas to shore at a cost that is less than the country’s current energy bill.

Woman dies after found with - cops question injuries on roadway husband Police are trying to ascertain whether a 38-year-old Sophia woman, who died after being found lying on a roadway Wednesday night, was the victim of an accident or homicide. Janice Edwards, of 121 ‘C’ Field, Sophia, East Coast Demerara, was found in an unconscious state, and with head injuries, at around 19.30 hrs on the University of Guyana Access Road, East Coast Demerara, Police said that the woman’s reputed husband told the driver of a passing pickup that she was injured after falling from his motor-

cycle. The pickup driver took Edwards to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she succumbed. However, police were unable to locate her spouse, who had not turned up at the hospital. Kaieteur News understands that the reputed husband, who bore some injuries, subsequently turned up several hours later at a police station, in the company of a relative. According to a police release, the man alleged that he was proceeding north along the western carriageway of

the UG Access Road on his motor cycle, CJ 1830, with his wife seated behind, when he was blinded by the lights of an approaching vehicle. He allegedly swerved further west and crashed into a heap of mud. His wife was flung off the cycle and sustained injuries, he alleged. Kaieteur News understands that the man’s motorcycle was unlicenced. Police said that the reputed husband is assisting with the investigation, as police await a post-mortem examination on the victim.

Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

In wake of 2015 GYTS findings...

PAHO-spearheaded research to determine why youths use tobacco Because it always favours evidence over speculation, the local office of the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO] will be spearheading research to determine why youths within the school system use tobacco. This development comes on the heels of the recent release of the 2015 round of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey [GYTS]. PAHO Consultant on the GYTS, Dr. Morris Edwards, had emphasised the need to ascertain why youths use tobacco, given the daunting data which the GYTS yielded. The GYTS data suggest that more than half of the 1,697 students, between the ages of 13 and 15 - who represented the survey sample - were current users of tobacco. Taking the reins of the research to find out what are the root causes for youth tobacco use is PAHO’s Specialist for Chronic Diseases and Family Health, Ms. Karen Roberts. Roberts, who doubles as the PAHO’s Tobacco Control Focal Point, made it clear that such a move is warranted since “PAHO likes to do things based on evidence. We are going to have to do some additional research to find out reasons why our young people use tobacco”. She pointed out, during an interview with this publication, that while there are many theories that have been proven in some countries, “we have our own theories as to what are the reasons that have contributed to young people using tobacco in Guyana.” Roberts however noted, “we still are going to do the necessary research, so that we can say definitely that it is because they are exposed to it at a young age; they see smoking in the home or it’s the in-thing or peer pressure. We want to be able to prove those things for Guyana,” asserted Roberts. “So those are some of the areas we will need to add to our research agenda where tobacco prevention and control is concerned,” said the Chronic Diseases Specialist, who also revealed that since there are some known common reasons for youths’ inclination to use tobacco, PAHO will be working towards putting in place intervening measures. The move in this latter re-

PAHO’s Specialist for Chronic Diseases and Family Health, Ms. Karen Roberts gard will be considerably supported once the recently passed Tobacco Control Bill is assented to by President David Granger. According to Roberts, “The good thing about the tobacco legislation is that it encompasses things like advertising, promotions, sponsorship, labelling and packaging, meaning that there are going to be warnings against young people’s use...” PAHO, according to Roberts, will be working in close collaboration with the Ministries of Public Health and Education to achieve its planned agenda. Roberts pointed out that full advantage will be taken of the Ministry of Education’s Health and Family Life Education [HFLE]’s curriculum. The HFLE programme, Roberts observed, already addresses issues such as tobacco use among youths. As such she noted that the efforts that will be fast-tracked by PAHO will include strengthening of such programmes even as deliberate moves are simultaneously made to uncover hardcore evidence. But it is anticipated that support will not only be forthcoming from the Government ministries but also other stakeholders as well. For instance, Roberts anticipates some level of support from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards [GNBS] which has been helping to develop standards for advertising, promotion and sponsorship as it relates to tobacco products for CARICOM territories. “Even though we [Guyana] have gone ahead where we have a tobacco law and as a result we don’t necessarily need the standards,

even though it is going to guide regulations, we are still going to work with other countries to ensure that they develop the CARICOM standards so that that can work for them in the absence of comprehensive legislation,” said Roberts. Speaking of the GYTS data Wednesday, PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, described it as “scary.” He considered that “30.1 percent of our youths between the age of 13 and 15 have used tobacco before; 14.8 percent are current users...I mean it is that scary”. “Even about 17 percent feel that they are susceptible to the effects of tobacco. They probably think it [addiction] cannot happen to us, because I am in the company of my friends who smoke for a short while, but they don’t think about the repercussion,” Dr. Adu-Krow observed. He also highlighted that the GYTS found that there were 28 percent of students who thought smoking made them feel more comfortable at gatherings with their friends. Even as he pondered over the fact that “28 percent wouldn’t have smoked but they think I will blend-in with the crowd because it makes me feel more comfortable, I think that is scary.” But based on the findings, 58 percent of youths were fully aware that smoking of others could be harmful to them. According to Dr. AduKrow, “If six out of 10 don’t want people to smoke in their presence why don’t they say stop that? And those who want to smoke let them go ahead and smoke alone.” The GYTS also revealed that 56 percent of the students favoured banning of smoking and, according to Dr. AduKrow, “I think we owe it to ourselves and we owe it to future generations to have the [Tobacco Control] Bill turned into law.” Even as the GYTS is closely examined, Roberts disclosed that the Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, which looked at tobacco use among adults between the ages of 18 and 69, will also be released by year end. Once released, the findings of that survey, Roberts noted, will also give a very good picture of what is happening with tobacco use among adults.

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Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

PM asks for briefing on broadcasters who have not paid their fees Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo met Wednesday with board members of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) at the authority’s office on Lamaha Street. The PM welcomed the members to their new location and congratulated the organisation on their work completed so far, and also for their recommendations that were made and inputted in the Broadcast Act. The three Ps ‘Public-Private Partnership’ were noted by the Prime Minister, as important in the execution of the functions and mandate of the GNBA. “You have my full support, as the Minister with responsibility for broadcasting, in your zoning activities in redefining the contours of broadcasting in Guyana”, he said. The issue of broadcast time was discussed extensively. Nagamootoo noted that the authority recommended one minute per 60 minutes per day. He explained “the Act had stated that a certain percentage of broadcast time shall be made available for public broadcasting which was

called Development Support Broadcasting”. The Prime Minister said that the organization should not leave it to government to create 60- minute or 10-minute content, but open it to all enterprising persons, “maybe a fund could be developed by the GNBA … for producers of Public Content, Public Information Content, and they should apply to access the funds to produce programmes, whether it is a programme they wish to produce in a particular way, in a particular format to deal with suicide prevention, or smoking to alcohol consumption.” Nagamootoo identified that there is a difference “between government information and government provided information and party propaganda”. He noted that “no station private or public” should be required or mandated to carry party political propaganda; the GNBA needs to assure the Guyanese people that it understands public broadcasting content is not synonymous with political party propaganda. While addressing key is-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (fourth from right) with Board Members of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority. sues in the meeting, he told the board members that clarity is needed on the number of companies that have not submitted their annual licence fee since 2016, as this renders them unlicensed and vulnerable under the law. “I would like that at this

meeting with you, whether or not the payment of fees would have meant that any action would have been taken in regards to the assigned frequencies, because there is a requirement under law that all persons, legal persons that is, licensed to operate, must pay a fee. I need to be informed by this Authority what is the status of those entities that have not paid their fees and have been operating”, the Prime Minister said. Additionally, the amount licensed operators are required to pay was discussed. Nagamootoo said the previ-

ous regulation had stipulated a certain amount in the fee structure. He explained that there was an alternative that they either pay the base fee or 3.5 percent of gross revenues. He asked to be advised on whether licensees had stated a profit or if they were declaring losses because, “it means that the computation of 3.5 percent would have to be defined whether it was intended to be growth gross or net gross, because I heard in the National Assembly that if Broadcasters were to go with the one-hour public service

broadcasting, they will suffer the loss of millions of dollars, because their revenue is computed on a fix sum of $30,000 per hour”, he pointed out. The Prime Minister urged board members to earnestly pursue the matter to ascertain the actual amount operators were earning when they do not disclose gross earnings, since this means the Authority is being cheated out of revenues it is entitled to under the law He emphasised that the broadcasting authority was created to satisfy the needs and necessities of the community which it serves.

No new Ministry being created under Ministry of the Presidency The Ministry of the Presidency has made it clear that - Minister Hastings to no new Ministry is being created for the current Minister receive detailed ToR within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams, who will assume responsibility for Public Affairs as a Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency on September 1. “The Ministry wishes to correct the misinformation being peddled in a section of the press, which incorrectly reports that Minister Hastings-Williams’s appointment brings to 20 the number of Ministries. There are, in fact, only 15 ministries, government insisted yesterday. “The Ministry of the Presidency is a single ministry, which houses the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministers of State, Citizenship, Public Service and with Hastings-Williams’ addition,

Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams Public Affairs.” Minister Hastings-Williams is currently still performing her functions as Minister within the Ministry of Communities and will maintain that role until August 31, 2017.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, President David Granger has outlined several key areas, which will fall within her remit, including oversight of the sections, which fall under the President's Secretariat, administration of the National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST) Programme and hinterland and rural relations. “Minister Hastings will receive a detailed Terms of Reference (ToRs) from the Head of State before taking up office on September 1, 2017. President Granger has said that the move is part of a continuous process of rebalancing Government’s work with the aim of ensuring efficiency and the effective delivery of services.”

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“Learn to adapt” Among the arguments against the Tobacco Control Bill has been that many people are going to lose their livelihood. But according to Dr. William Adu-Krow, the local representative of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO], people are not likely to lose their livelihood if they adhere to the stipulations of the Tobacco Control legislation once it is passed. “It is not saying don’t sell tobacco if it is your livelihood, but make sure that it is in packages of 20 cigarettes, and make sure you don’t sell to minors. If you are going to be selling, ensure you are not selling in a school or hospital,” said Dr. Adu-Krow as he questioned “what is this livelihood thing

Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

that they are talking about?” “We are not supporting a ban of tobacco use, we are saying people who want to continue to do that they will have to do that alone; not even in your homes, because you are putting your children and significant spouse at risk….if you are selling, sell it responsibility,” stressed Dr. AduKrow. He however noted that for those who will not be able to adhere to the legislation, they should divert their livelihood focus in order to avoid facing the associated fines and penalties. “I would encourage everybody who is peddling cigarettes, look at other sustainable livelihoods. People change their professions every day! Some people while

here they are doctors [but] when they move to the United States they are something else,” said Dr. Adu-Krow. He recalled, “I had a colleague who was trained as a doctor in Russia but got to the US and couldn’t pass the exam, and started to work as a nurse. So what is this thing that people are saying that they are going to lose their livelihood... adapt, that is why we have the word adapt!” But according to, Dr. AduKrow, it has been shown that the passing of Tobacco Control Bills have always fostered positive and favourable increases in terms of how people feel by a minimum of 25 percent of the population. Dr. Adu-Krow had presented this finding to some local parliamentarians to amplify how

– PAHO/WHO Rep. says to “peddlers” of tobacco products

Tobacco Control legislation can protect the health and wellbeing of an individual. According to Dr. AduKrow, “many countries, including countries that are lax and more pervasive, and even countries that are strict, on average it is 25 percent of people who feel better after the law is passed.” He underscored that even though there may be more people arguing against the law after passage, it has been shown conclusively that people have a better feeling of themselves and even a better perception of their environment after the passage of such Bills. Meanwhile, Dr. Adu-Krow in commenting on concerns raised, said that the local tobacco company, Demerara Tobacco Company, was not consulted ahead of the drafting and eventual passing of the Bill. But according to the PAHO/WHO Representative, consultation is usually dependent on respective govern-

PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow ments. He said that he has witnessed this first hand in quite a few territories. “I was in Solomon Islands when it was passed and I was in Papua New Guinea when it was passed. In Solomon Islands they said it is the law of the land that when these discussions are being held, persons who have interest in that area must be there, so they

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forced us to have the tobacco company there,” recalled Dr. Adu-Krow. But he asserted that PAHO/WHO has embraced the firm position that “you should not go to bed with your enemy.” He moreover questioned the wisdom in engaging tobacco companies, since he is convinced that it would always be an exercise in futility. “How do you sit down to discuss something that conscientiously we can never agree on?” asked the PAHO/ WHO Rep. He however asserted, “in this country they [tobacco company] cannot say that they were not consulted, because the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce came with them during some of the consultations. They joined the Chambers of Commerce, so they cannot say they were not consulted.” But according to Dr. AduKrow, “If I had my own way and in accordance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control [FCTC] statutes, they would not have been there, but every country has its own rules. They were there, so they cannot say that they were not involved in the consultation.”

Friday August 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Youths in Natural Resources group visits Aurora Gold Mine The youths participating in the Ministry of Natural Resources Apprenticeship programme got an up-close look at mining operations as part of their schedule. On Wednesday, the 16 young men and women were briefed by Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) staff on the company’s operations before taking a tour of the mines and milling operations. Fatima Karim, an aspiring petroleum engineer, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the experience has left her in somewhat of a dilemma on which industry in the natural resources she chooses to work in. “What this trip has done… is that it has made me become more interested in the field of mining and I’m thinking that maybe it has changed

my career path,” Karim said. She added that she would like to develop a form of technology that will make mining environmentally safe. More importantly, the visit has clarified misconceptions in the mining industry. “It’s not a very environmentally dangerous project, they do their best to make sure that the environment is kept in the same manner,” she said. AGM is one of the sponsors of the Ministry of Natural Resources inaugural apprenticeship programme. “We were very enthusiastic about participating in that programme primarily because one of our mandates from a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) perspective is to make an onboarding of skills and interests in the industry,” Corporate Social

The youth apprentices in Natural Resources observing operations at the Rory Knoll mine. Responsibility (CSR) Officer of AGM Leon Roberts said. Youths in Natural Re-

sources is a three-week programme which seeks to reverse the negativity con-

nected to the extractive sector while at the same time stimulating interest among

young people in the work of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Releasing Exxon contract would ensure accountability - TT Economics Expert ing nature of the public or the inquiring mind of the press, has created the impression that there are secret clauses in the contract. He said that Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

Dr. Hosein (seated) responding to questions on Wednesday evening

It is the opinion of Trinidadian economics expert, Dr. Roger Hosein, that the contract signed between Guyana and ExxonMobil should be released on the premise that it would ensure accountability. Hosein expressed his position Wednesday evening during an event organised by the Guyana Oil and Gas Association at the Pegasus Hotel where he was asked to give a lecture on ‘Corporate Social Responsibility in Small Oil Producing States”. During his presentation, Hosein stressed that civil society plays an important role in guiding the transparency process forward. Based on this, the expert was asked how can Guyanese ensure transparency when there is difficulty accessing the contract. According to Hosein, in this day and age, persons should be allowed to see the contract. He said that the state is acting as the agent on behalf of Guyana in the agreement. As such, Hosein explained that the agent should be instructed by the stakeholders to share the various

documents that the state would have engaged on, on behalf of the citizens. Using Trinidad and Tobago as an example, Dr. Hosein said that when the stakeholders wanted to see the various contracts signed with multinational companies, the country’s Freedom of Information Act was used successfully. He recommended that maybe those persons interested in seeing the Exxon contract can use the same route. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan said yesterday that the contract was signed under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). As such, the party’s Chairman said that the then PPP/C government made the contract secret as a result of an amendment made to the Petroleum Act and the way in which the contract itself was crafted. Ramjattan said that this is an important point which must be understood. He said that during those early days the oil company would have demanded that the contract be made secret,

and it was allowed by the PPP/ C government. However, Ramjattan said that it must also be understood that another administration would not go simply wrecking the agreement, since it has implications as to what ExxonMobil can do. Further, he said that the government of Guyana would like ExxonMobil to proceed with its operations since it would be tremendously valuable for the country. He said that his government has recognised that there is a call from many stakeholders to release the contract. However, he said that this request is cribbed and confined by the reality of the contract’s history, based on how it was written and the amendment to the law that does not allow for such disclosure. Also speaking on the issue was AFC Executive Member and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. He said that when the contract is revealed some time in the future, persons will be very disappointed as to the contents of the document. He said that the distrust-

would have already disclosed the reasons why it would not be wise to disclose the contents of the contract now. According to Patterson, there is the non-disclosure clause and secondly, Guyana

is under review as it relates to the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. He said that based on advice from legal persons and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is not the opportune time to put a contract in the public domain that was signed in 1999, before the review process has started.

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Kaieteur News

Friday August 18, 2017

Friday August 18, 2017

Taking aim at China, India tightens power grid, telecoms rules NEW DELHI (Reuters) India is tightening the rules for businesses entering its power transmission sector and making stringent checks on both power and telecoms equipment for malware - moves that government and industry officials say aim to check C h i n a ’s a d v a n c e i n t o sensitive sectors. Chinese firms such as Harbin Electric (1133.HK), Dongfang Electronics (000682.SZ), Shanghai Electric (601727.SS) and Sifang Automation either supply equipment or manage power distribution networks in 18 cities in India. Local firms have long lobbied against Chinese involvement in the power s e c t o r, r a i s i n g s e c u r i t y concerns and saying they get no reciprocal access to Chinese markets. With India and China locked in their most serious military face-off in three decades, the effort to restrict Chinese business has gathered more support from within the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worried about the possibility of a cyber attack. The Indian government is considering a report prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

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Kaieteur News

Narendra Modi that sets new conditions for firms bidding for power transmission contracts, tipping the scales in favour of local companies. According to an official involved in drafting the report, who asked not to be named, it says companies looking to invest in India should have been operating there for at least 10 years, have Indian citizens as top executives, and employees of the foreign firm should have lived in India for a certain period, the official said. Those companies have to detail where they procure the raw materials for transmission systems, and will be barred from further operations in India if their materials contain malware. Though the report makes no direct reference

to China, the official said the recommendations are intended to deter China from making further headway in India, because of the security risks. CEA Chairman R.K. Verma said the possibility of a crippling cyber attack on India’s power systems was a key consideration while drafting the policy. “Cyber attacks are a challenge,” he told Reuters. A representative of a Chinese enterprise engaged in exporting electric power equipment in India told China’s state-run Global Times that India’s industry has long tried to block foreign competition under the garb of safety issues. “Now, as Sino-Indian relations are getting intense, the old tune is on again. But in fact, it is unrealistic to completely ban China and India power investment cooperation. India will pay a huge price for this,” the paper said. Shanghai Electric, Harbin Electric, Dongfang Electronics and state-run China Southern Power Grid Co Ltd, all involved in India or trying to enter, did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the proposed Indian investment rules.

13 dead in Barcelona van carnage; over more 100 people injured

People hid in shops and restaurants after a van ploughed into crowds on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas (AFP Photo/Pau Barrena) Barcelona (AFP) - A van driver ploughed into crowds of pedestrians on Barcelona’s most popular street in broad daylight yesterday, killing 13 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. Police announced the arrest of two suspects, identified as a Spaniard and a Moroccan, but said the driver was still on the run. Witnesses told of scenes of

chaos and horror, with bodies strewn along the famous boulevard as other people fled for their lives, screaming in panic. The rampage in a city hugely popular with tourists from around the world is the latest in a wave of attacks in Europe where vehicles have been used as weapons of terror. As world leaders united in condemning the carnage, the IS

propaganda agency Amaq claimed that it was carried out by “soldiers” from the jihadist group. Regional interior minister Joaquim Forn said 13 people had died and another 100 were injured in what police were treating as a “terrorist attack”, warning that the death toll could rise further. Foreigners were among the victims.

PAGE 30

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

Experienced curry cook. Apply at Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street (Day Shift only)

INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Live in couple: duties husband (driving & mechanical skills), wife: (domestic), good rates and private cottage. Call: 2271830

Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966

1 Experienced person to work at Superbet outlet. Apply at August Beverages Enterprise. Call:225-5501

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Christian couple is seeking to care take property – house, yard and pets. Call: 667-9013 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Computer & Mobile repairs systems upgrade, software installation, website development, mobile unlocking. Beats any price. Call: 647-7622/647-7471

Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Plumber for Jacuzzi, tiler, painter, carpenter for wooden steps, mason. Call: 625-3705 Female bartender- $18,000 weekly, female to prepare bunjal & cutter $16,000 weekly in G/Town live in/ out. Call: 648-4810 Dried corilla bush in large quantities. Call: 665-1397 Labourers for farm work. Call: 695-0007 Sell us your land in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Zeelugt. Call:656-0701/ 651-1969 1 Live-in nanny/domestic to care for small children & home; must know to cook various food. Call: 600-1898

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11SEATMINIBUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILYOUTINGS,CHEAPEST RATE.Call:698-7807

Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Security guard, apply in person @ Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, between John & Camp Streets. Ladies to do cleaning on the W.C.D- Call: 629-4236/ 6629341

VACANCY

FOR SALE

2 Salesgirls preferably from East Bank, 1 Farm worker. Call: 265-3586

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Tuschen Phase 1 -$2.5M, Zeelugt 1stNewScheme-$2.5M,LaParfaite Harmonie-$1.6M.Call:642-1252

New Housing Developments @ Blankenburg & Schoonord, Houses and lots available. Cash or terms. Contact # 650-0402/ 603-1402

New Road Vreed-en-Hoop house & land- $50M, $5.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie house & land -$3.5M, Tuschen house & land -$2.7M. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608

One experienced salesman, apply with written application & recommendation, also one general domestic. Apply @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. Electrical Technician to work in Georgetown. Call: 6232277 One Cleaner. Contact223-5273/74 One Supervisor / Manager to work in Charity contact 2235273/74 One Cook contact 223-5273/74 Cook -apply to manager @ Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets, Queenstown G/Town, Guyana. Tel: 225-0808 Accounts Clerk for Eccles Area, knowledge of VAT, QuickBooks and Payroll. Call: 614-4358 Cashiers, Supervisors, Security personnel @ Survival Supermarket, Sheriff Street. Call: 227-5289 Immediate vacancy exists for males to work at Ice Factory in Blairmont Berbice, ages 2540. Call: 618-3800 One female Accounts Clerk. Call: 611-5398 Male security guard, female room attendant 30yrs & older @ 233 South Road Lacytown. 225-0198 One office assistant female, must be between the age of 3045yrs. Call: 220-2034/623-8078

1 Live in maid. Call: 666-4153/ 656-3241 Wanted one experience cook. Tel: 623-8654, 265-3111 or 2260554.

5 lots in Blankenburg, back of the gas station @$2.9 M each. Contact: 650-0402\6031402 1 - Mitsubishi Fuso 7 1/2 ton Canter, year :2007 - $ 4 M. Contact: 650-0402/ 603-1402 House & land. Just Arrive! Tundra, Tucoma & Titan parts. Call: 674-8911

LaParfaiteHarmonie-$3M,$1.2M, $1.6M, $3.5M, $2.5M, Eccles $6M, Farm- $4M, Herstelling $3M & $4.5M, Tuschen $2.5M. Call:666-2326 Land to cultivate rice 33.14 Acre, Plantation Betterhope, Essequibo Coast. Call: 667-3322 Back half of land -$12M, Size: length 105ftXwidth 65ft, Well Street Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Call: 625-1514

Two (2) Caterpillar 324DL Excavators. In good working condition. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8

La Parfaite Harmonie main road (50X100) - $3M, $1.4M, $1.7M, $2.5M, Eccles -$6M, Crane main road -$8.5M. Call: 604-6724/ 686-9608

Caterpillar, Model: D6M, In good working condition. Price: G$10,000,000 negotiable. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8

La Parfaite Harmonie- $1.4M & $1.6M, Uitvlugt (100ftx50ft) $2.8M, Farm (East Bank) -$2.8 ($100ftX50ft). Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969

One 306 Caterpillar excavator with 700 ours. Contact: 602-4692.

57 Acres land at Soesdyke suitable for business or house lots. Call: 615-3054/ 265-4180

All sizes of solar panels, batteries & inverters. Come & check us out @ Boodhoo’s General Store. Contact: 260-4115\260-4018 \650-0402

Land in La Parfaite Harmonie: 45X90, well fenced land & sand filled, serious inquiries only. Call: 671-9035

40 HP Yamaha, long foot, light use -$695,000. Call: 617-2245

Titled land: E.B.D River @ Loo Creek, Linden Highway, 85.6 Acres, water source, farm land, etc. Call:625-8589/6880882/518-859-5313

Chef and Assistant cook preferably Carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street. Security officer, welder, kitchen assistant, accountant. Interested persons can contact via email: chungsoffice@gmail.com Experienced female Accounts clerk between ages of 2350yrs. Apply @ Alabama Trading, 65-66 Robb Street.

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). B&C Driving School: pickupdrop off. Call: 231-8719/680-6826

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda, 1 building in front & 2 storey house at the back, L 120X B 30- $50M negotiable. Call: 624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 Property @ Middle & Cummings Street, Georgetown. Call: 667-3322 Transported property in Regent Street, between Wellington & Camp Street. Call: 667-3322 Lot 22 Dowding Street, Kitty, G/ Town, 100 Granville Park B.V, E.C.D.Call:619-4152or227-1905 Kastev, Meeten Meer Zorg, W.C.D: 3 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, verandah overlooking Atlantic ocean. Owner migrating -$36M, negotiable. Call: 676-7974/ 615-0173 One 3 bedroom property with bond, big land space for building house, poultry rearing, farming, etc. Call: 627-5607 25-X72 house and land p/r Friendship, EBD, parking space for 10 cars, business or residential $16M. Call: 6484810 House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, etc, we also assist with financing. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274 Property @ lot 89 Robb Street Lacytown, Georgetown next door to Mike’s Pharmacy, size 3431.25 sq.ft. Call: 6175323 or 666-8052 Property @ Uitvlugt Pasture. Call: 625-7688/ 276-1786 Transported 2 story with shop ideal for business, E.B.D Soesdyke, Public Road. Call: 625-8589/ 688-0882/518-8595313

TO LET Fully furnished apartment $95,000-$140,000. Call: 644-5151 Fully furnished one bedroom apartment (refrigerator, microwave, queen size bed, television, cable, WiFi and air conditioner, etc). Call: 612-1351 FURNISHED TWO BEDROOMSAPARTMENT, SHORT/LONG TERM. CALL: 222-7891/ 609-9202

Female worker wanted that finished CXC 2017. Call: 6225518 Urgently wanted to buy house and land E.C.D & E.B.D between $6M - $7M. No Agent! Call: 648-4810

Lawn grass - $1,400, potting soil -$800, Ficus, Exora, Purple Heathers – 4 for $1,000, Palms @ $1,000. Call: 626-1044

LAND FOR SALE Land for sale in Tuschen, Phase 1. Call: 679-1096

Unfurnished 1-2 bedrooms bottom flat at 57 Austin Street Campbellville. Call: 618-3706/ 219-4072/ 219-0986 MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: let us relieve the stress from your body with lovely masseuses. For appointment call: 658-5528

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 First Aid/CPR Courses available at St. John Ambulance Brigade for morning and evening classes. Call: 225-9082 Rising Star Academy: spaces available for Nursery, Grades 1 & 2 Students, in class sizes of 8, 12 &15. Call: 677-0296/ 690-9378 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

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

VEHICLE FOR SALE Nissan Pathfinder jeep, fully loaded, left hand drive. Call: 609-7766 Continued on Page 31

Friday August 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

SleepIn denies funding from shadowy Suriname’s businessman -says newspaper reports have dented casino licence chances Hotelier Clifton Bacchus, who is battling for a casino licence, has denied that he is being funded by a Suriname’s businessman who is facing legal troubles in that neighbouring country. Bacchus has also made it clear that his hopes for a licence for his Church Street hotel, appear to have been dashed with a number of recent, damning reports by the state-owned Guyana Chronicle. Yesterday, the businessman’s lawyer, Anil Nandlall, in a letter to the Guyana Chronicle demanded an immediate apology, claiming that the reports have caused customers to cancel reservations, and that the businessman is suffering embarrassment and facing significant business losses. The case is being looked at closely by stakeholders and other interest groups as a casino licence is at stake. The law allows for each of the 10 administrative regions to have three casinos operating, making it a total of 30 such facilities in the country. However, for Region Four, one licence - to Princess Casino at Providence has already been allocated. Two more are up for grabs- with one said to be earmarked for the stateowned Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. A number of applicants are said to be interested in that third licence.

According to the letter to Chronicle, the story yesterday headlined- “THE DUTCH CONNECTION…Sleepin Casino Surinamese partner was jailed for money laundering…Bacchus quizzed about permission to import slot machines, pgs 2 & 4”- contains a series of libels of and concerning Bacchus. “In fact, the entire tenor, purport and intent of the article, is to convey to the reader that our client, his company and their operations are funded and financed from criminal proceeds, more specifically, drug trafficking, money laundering and forgery.” According to the lawyer’s firm in the letter, the article also “falsely and maliciously” publishes that Bacchus, his company and its operation are being funded by Bhagwandath ‘Bidjay’ Parmasar. The newspaper reportedly said that Parmasar is the owner of Yokohoma Trading Company, the parent company of Pasha Global Group… and one of the main players in the setup of Carnival Casino, owned by Bacchus. The article noted that certain criminal legal proceedings were instituted against Parmasar, detailing matters in relation to Parmasar’s trial, the investigation launched against him and elements of the evidence adduced against him.

“The article then, maliciously and libelously refers to an alleged SOCU probe involving our client, clearly trying to create a nexus between our client and Mr. Parmasar’s legal wrangle. As you are aware, our client has already issued a public statement disclaiming any knowledge of this alleged investigation by SOCU.” SOCU is the acronym of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), a police arm which specialized in tracking dirty money and in investigating financial crimes. “In short, the clear intent of this article is to convey the clear and unequivocal impression that our client and his company are connected to, engaged in, associated with and funded by, illegal monies and proceeds of international crimes.” Nandlall insisted that his client has received not a single cent of funding from any “Bhagwandath ‘Bidjay’ Parmasar” or any “Yokohama Trading Company”. “Our client’s financing are from Trust Company (Guyana Limited) and Scotia Bank (Guyana), Wide Grace Limited and Global Trading Company Limited. Bhagwandath ‘Bidjay’ Parmasar and Yokohama Trading Company are not directors or shareholders of any of the aforementioned companies.” Rather, it was said that Bacchus has a rental arrangement with Pasha Global Inc., a Guyanese company which

is neither owned by nor connected to Parmasar, the lawyer said. “We are to further inform you, that the aforementioned damning and defamatory publications have damaged our client’s character and reputation. They have also caused him and his family immeasurable pain, suffering, trauma and public humiliation. More significantly, the offensive publications have significantly tarnished and irretrievably stained our client’s business, as an international hotel.” Nandlall said that the resultant loss and financial damage are and will continue to be irreparable. “Indeed, cancellations of reservations have already begun and are expected to continue, unabated. We must also inform you that the aforementioned publications may have also damaged our client’s prospects of being granted a Casino License for which an application has been made and is pending before the relevant authority.” The letter also claimed that the publication has and is likely to cost Bacchus hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and possibly, financial ruination. “In the circumstances, we are to call upon you to publish as soon as possible, a public apology to our client, giving same equal prominence which the offensive article

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VEHICLE FOR SALE

Businessman, Clifton Bacchus enjoyed, along with a retraction of the said article. The same will certainly be of some mitigating effect in legal proceedings which shall e n s u e . ” The letter was copied to the Chairperson of the Guyana National Newspaper Limited. Bacchus has completed building the hotel and the facilities for the casino. He was allowed to bring in some of the game machines and he has gone ahead with interviewing staffers. The Gaming Authority, which regulates the gambling industry, earlier this week visited the Church Street premises as part of the application review process. The authority is chaired by attorney-at-law, Roysdale Forde.

CARICOM looks to Sweden for help in dealing with stringent development financing criteria (CMC) - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Irwin LaRocque on Wednesday called for a new model for development finance saying that the existing gross domestic product (GDP) per capita should not be the principal measurement used in determining the development status of a country. “We will continue to advocate for the use of a more accurate and realistic measure of development which considers vulnerability, including exposure to natural disasters and other exogenous shocks,” LaRocque said as he accepted the accreditation of Elisabeth Eklund, the new Swedish Ambassador to the 15-member grouping. “In the interest of realising our economic aspirations as a Community, we believe that a new paradigm in development finance needs to be considered,” he added. CARICOM leaders have in the past complained at the measurement used by

developed countries as well as international financial institutions in providing assistance to their regional countries, saying it severely affects their socio-economic development. La Rocque also urged Sweden to use its position in two major international organisations to highlight the unfair labelling of some of CARICOM countries as “non-cooperative tax jurisdictions”. “As we seek to diversify our economies and build our services sector, some of our member states, engaged in financial services, have been labelled as “non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. This is despite the fact that the countries in question are not so designated by the relevant global authorities, such as the Financial Action Task Force and the OECD Global Forum.” “As a member of the EU and the OECD, Sweden can assist in encouraging these bodies to be guided by the informed position of the relevant global regulatory authorities and desist from their unnecessary seemingly punitive actions,” he added. The Secretary-General

recalled the decision earlier this year by the European Union Council to screen some CARICOM countries to determine whether they were co-operative tax jurisdictions using new criteria. “The stated criteria go beyond the generally accepted international tax transparency and accountability standards which our countries have been meeting over the past several years,” he said, noting it was extremely onerous for small countries to address different international initiatives which dealt with the same, similar or related subject matter yet stipulated different sets of criteria. “There appears almost to be a predisposition to blacklisting our countries,” La Rocque said, adding that a major consequence of this blacklisting was the “derisking” strategies being employed by certain international banks which had resulted in the withdrawal of crucial correspondent banking relationships. “This particularly affects our indigenous banks and other

financial services entities and could lead to the disconnection of our small economies from the global economy and international trade. Its socioeconomic impact would be disastrous, given that remittances which are the main source of income for many of our poorest citizens will be affected,” the Secretary-General said. LaRocque said he welcomed Sweden’s efforts as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council to raise awareness in that forum of the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. He said this was one of the priority areas of our Region and the Community looked forward to Sweden’s continued support for UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. “Our countries are vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks compounded by the effects of climate change. Therefore, global agreements on

sustainable development and climate change are of special significance for the Community. “Most of our Member States bear a heavy debt burden, brought on in large measure by reconstruction after major climatic events, in a region designated as the “most natural disaster-prone in the world,” LaRocque said. Ambassador Eklund noted that her accreditation was a continuation of years of building bilateral relations with CARICOM and a biregional dialogue between CARICOM and the countries of the Nordic region. Sweden is one of the countries in the Nordic Group with which CARICOM has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Political Dialogue and Cooperation. Ambassador Eklund stated that the UN was central to Sweden’s foreign policy and the UN’s Agenda 2030 was a top priority. She listed humanitarian actions, poverty r e duction, sustainable development and Climate Change as areas of interest for her county. (CMC)

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Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

JAMPRO to promote local brands in Georgia

Robert Scott KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Promotions Corporations (JAMPRO) will lead a trade mission in Atalnta, Georgia next week to promote Jamaican products for export. According to JAMPRO, eight companies will be part of the delegation to the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show, which hosts over 30,000 beauty professionals yearly. The show starts on Au-

gust 19th and runs until August 21st. The local brands to be represented include, Clarendon Emollients, Nyas Jamaican Natural Hair Care, Kumea’s Hair Perspectives, Perfect Hair & Skin Products, Purerzan, Shavuot Farms, Temple Foods Ltd and True Shade Cosmetics. JAMPRO said six of the companies will be focusing on the promotion of Jamaican Black Castor oil products, as JAMPRO strengthens its

strategy to develop the castor oil sector. The Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) will also join the mission to support the companies. Based on its research, JAMPRO says it believes there is a significant opportunity for exporters of castor oil and manufacturers of cosmetic products. JAMPRO says it is now working to expand the presence of Jamaican cosmetics in the US and the UK, and will use the Bronner Brothers event as a launching pad to strengthen the marketing of Jamaican cosmetics in the United States. The new JAMPRO-facilitated Jamaica Castor Industry Association (JCIA) will also be highlighted as the source for authentic Jamaican castor oil. JAMPRO’s Vice President of Export and Market Development Robert Scott said that the Agency was encouraged by the growing progress with Jamaica’s non-traditional exports and that Jamaica was ready to exploit new opportunities internationally. He described JAMPRO’s work with the beauty indus-

try as a journey to success that is filled with opportunity for local manufacturers. “It is evident that the global beauty industry continues to expand in the face of economic challenges, therefore, it is only natural for Ja-

maica to try to capitalise on this growth in demand as we have so many excellent natural and organic resources and unique finished products,” he said. “JAMPRO started this journey late last year with the

launch of our Castor Report, and we are seeing excellent progress with regards to the formation of the Jamaica Castor Industry Association and the increase in prominence of our local castor and cosmetics brands.

Brazil’s Lula launches unlikely bid to retake presidency Brasília (AFP) - Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has never taken the easy path but yesterday the onetime shoeshine boy turned political giant embarks on his most audacious challenge yet: to recapture the presidency — and avoid prison. The presidential election won’t take place until October 2018 and the many potential candidates are still keeping below the radar. Campaigning is not even officially allowed. But when Lula embarks late yesterday on a bus tour of around 20 cities through the northeast, there’ll be no doubting what he wants. Modeled on a marathon

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva tour of 359 cities that Lula made two decades ago, the “Lula for Brazil” bus trip is the fiery speaker’s opening bid

for a spectacular comeback. A spokesman said there’ll be rallies at universities created during his 2003-2010 rule, meetings with small-scale farmers, and events aimed at defending anti-poverty projects now under threat from the center-right government’s austerity cuts. In other words, 71-yearold Lula will be going back to the leftist base that once made him Latin America’s most influential politician. “He’s a candidate who needs to touch people, to hug babies. The sheer physical contact can generate iconic images and will strengthen Lula’s aura of a messianic leader,” said Paulo Moura, a political marketing specialist.

Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Jamaica records 4.4 percent inflation rate for April-June quarter KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Central Bank Governor Brian Wynter says Jamaica recorded an inflation

rate of 4.4 per cent for the April to June 2017 quarter. Speaking at the Bank of Jamaica’s (BOJ) quarterly

press briefing, on Wednesday, Wynter noted that the out-turn for June was slightly above the 4.1 per cent re-

corded at March 2017. “The rate (4.4 per cent) is on track to fall within the Bank’s target range of four per

cent to six per cent for the 2017/18 financial year,” he pointed out. Mr. Wynter said that the uptick in inflation is in line with what had been previously announced and “partly reflected the impact on agricultural food prices of the flood rains in May 2017”. The rate has also been affected by changes in the prices of goods and services because of the tax package implemented at the start of the year. The Governor indicated that the overall effect on food prices of the May rains is expected to continue to be felt for a few more months before normalising prior to the end of the current fiscal period. Turning to lending rates, Wynter said new loan rates have declined over the past year and are expected to fall even lower. The BOJ’s Survey of Credit Conditions shows that rates on new loans offered to businesses fell by more than 2.5 percentage points over the year to March 2017. However, the BOJ Governor indicated that interest rates on bank loans in Jamaica, “while falling, (are) nonetheless still too high”. For business lending, he

Brian Wynter said that with an adjustment made to remove the effect of inflation, then lending rates at March were around 7.5 per cent. “This means that businesses that cannot generate a real rate of return above this level cannot successfully approach a financial institution for a loan,” he said. Wynter also said that there has been an increase in both business and personal loans. “Business lending at May 2017 expanded by 13.6 per cent, slightly higher than the 13 per cent at May 2016. Personal loans expanded at a steady annual rate of 12.2 per cent in May,” he said.

Friday August 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Bolt silences doubters with Invaders Masters overcome medical proof of hamstring tear Everest Masters in T20 match Dream of playing for Manchester United in charity match, ends

Manchester United fan Bolt will no longer be able to play in a charity game against Barcelona. Usain Bolt has posted medical proof to silence doubters who questioned whether he was genuinely injured during last Saturday’s 4x100m relay final in London. The 30-year-old sprint legend pulled up during the anchor leg as Jamaica were bidding for gold at the IAAF World Championships, in his last ever race before retirement. He spent two of the next three nights partying in the

British capital, causing some to suggest that Bolt may have exaggerated the injury to excuse his rare failure. But Bolt took to Twitter on yesterday and shared an image — which he later deleted — of a medical scan showing a seriously torn hamstring. He posted it alongside the words: ‘Sadly I have Te a r o f t h e p r o x i m a l myotendineous junction of biceps femoris in my left hamstring with partial re-

traction. 3 months rehab.’ Eight-time Olympic champion Bolt added: ‘I don’t usually release my medical report to the public but sadly I have sat and listened to people questioning if I was really injured. ’I have never been one to cheat my fans in anyway & my entire desire at the championship was run one last time for my fans. ‘Thanks for the continued support my fans and I rest, heal and move onto the next chapter of my life.’ Bolt’s injury and threemonth lay-off rules him out of Manchester United’s charity match against Barcelona next month. He had been due to play alongside the likes of Andy Cole, Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes, Jesper Blomqvist, Denis Irwin, Ronny Johnsen, Dwight Yorke, Wes Brown and Phil Neville at Old Trafford on September 2. Bolt makes no secret of his love for the Red Devils and h a s b e en spotted at Old Trafford many times since his first visit in 2009. He took his role as a United fan to a new level in December last year when he called into an MUFC phone-in show to praise Jose Mourinho’s men. Playing for the famous club would have been a dream come true for Bolt, but he will now have to watch from the sidelines as United and Barca raise money for charity. The Manchester United Foundation made an impressive £1.8million from the Legends’ last two games — against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Royal stars with... (From page 36) stand of 102 with Kadeem Henry before they were dismissed within seven balls of each other, but the rest of the Leewards batting held their nerve against incisive bowling Sealron Williams to limp over the finish line with 12.4 overs remaining. Williams ended with 5-17 from six overs, but they were not enough runs on the board for him to end the match as the hero. Windwards’ batting had failed to click with West Indies Under19 captain Emmanuel Stewart dismissed for just one and it took a rearguard of 41 from Darron Nedd to beef up their total, as Mikyle Louis undermined them with 4-22 from 10 overs.

Captain of the Invaders Masters team Linden Daniels (left) accepts the trophy from Everest Masters skipper Rajesh Singh in the presence of team members and supporters. Invaders Masters of Essequibo Coast defeated host Everest Masters by six runs when the teams collided in a T20 match on Sunday last. Batting first, Invaders Masters posted 162-3 with Sudesh Persaud scoring 51 while

Ramesh Narine made 37 not out. Surendra Hiralall claimed 2-36. In reply Everest Masters were restricted to 156-5; Saheed Mohamed struck an unbeaten 66 while Basil Persaud got 30. Beesham Seepersaud, Narine and D.

Madho picked up one wicket each. Saheed Mohamed was voted man-of-the-match while Invaders Masters received a trophy, compliments of Trophy Stall - Bourda Market. A return game is slated for later this year.

Friday August 18, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Get involved in the activities of children. You will be popular and will easily attract members of the opposite sex. You may not have the same ideas when it comes to what you both enjoy. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't forget to let your mate know how much you care. Sign up for seminars that will expand your busin e s s a w a r e n e s s . Yo u should put in some extra hours developing that creative idea you have. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Make your intentions perfectly clear and find out exactly what is expected of you. Real estate investments will be profitable. Don't jump as quickly as you usually do. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your pilgrimage may end up being fruitless. Rid yourself of that which is old and no longer of use. Try to convince a good friend to take a holiday with you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You need to do something energetic and different. Those you live with may be experiencing problems. You may find yourself caught in a triangle. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Be careful. You can meet someone who will become very dear to you if you get out and socialize.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't try to twist things around so that they sound more enticing. Losses are likely if you have left your financial affairs in other people's hands. Talk to employers in order to promote your career objectives. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can discuss your findings behind closed doors with your boss. Be sure to question any detail that you feel could leave you in a precarious position at a later date. Don't let others saddle you with guilt that isn't warranted. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Strengthen your position among your peers. Don't be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes. Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family. Don't reveal anything about your personal life that could be used adversely. Someone you live with could be frustrated and upset. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may be uncertain about some of your coworkers and your boss. You could do extremely well in competitive sports events. Avoid any erratic behavior or it could cause isolation at home. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Try not to get involved in other people's problems. Luck is with you.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 18, 2017

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Yarrowkabra hosts successful Fun Day

Yarrowkabra Stars win softball cricket and football

Michael Carrington MP hands over the winning trophy to Captain of the Yarowkabra Stars football team, Daniel Gibson in the presence of his teammates and AFC GS, Marlon Williams. Asafa Nelson’s undefeated 56 set the foundation for Yarrowkabra Stars 45-run win the two best in three T10 softball cricket competition organised as part of a fun day hosted in the village of Yarrowkabra, Linden Soesdyke Highway

on Saturday last at the area playfield. Nelson’s innings along with teammate Obene N e l s o n ’s 2 3 g u i d e d Yarrowkabra Stars to 111-6 off their 10-overs against Kuru Kururu which was limited to 66-9 in reply.

Obene Nelson capped a fine all-round performance by returning with the ball to grab 3-21. He was well supported by Carlton Burgan and Junior Charter who took 316 and 3-18, respectively. The first match saw

Historic opening match for Windies U-19s at Youth World Cup Dubai, England, CMC – Reigning champions West Indies Under-19s will be part of history, when they kick off their title defence of the ICC Youth World Cup against hosts New Zealand Under19s. The two teams will contest the match in the first day/night fixture ever in the history of the YWC at the Bay Oval in Tauranga on the opening day of the tournament which runs from January 13 to February 3. The Windies Under-19s, under the leadership of Shimron Hetmyer, collected their first ever youth world title last year, when they beat India in the Final of the tournament staged in Bangladesh. The tournament which features 16 teams contesting matches at seven venues in four cities – Christchurch, Queenstown, Tauranga and Whangarei – will see the Windies Under-19s play in Group A which also comprises 2012 champions South Africa and African qualifier Kenya. The Windies Under-19s, under the leadership of G r e n a d i a n wicketkeeper/batsman Emmanuel Stewart and coached by Graeme West, have already started preparations for the YWC, winning series against the South Africans and Zimbabwe last month on the road.

Grenadian wicketkeeper/batsman Emmanuel Stewart led West Indies Under-19s on a pre-Youth World Cup tour of southern Africa last month. The team is likely to be further fortified for the conclusion of this year’s Regional Under-19 Tournament being contested in St. Kitts. India and Australia, both three-time YWC champions, are clubbed together in Group B along with Zimbabwe and East Asia Pacific qualifier Papua New Guinea. Bangladesh, Canada, England and Namibia comprise Group C, while two-time champion Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Asia qualifier Afghanistan and European qualifier Ireland form Group D in what is the 11th edition of the tournament and the third to be held in New Zealand. The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super League, while the remaining eight teams will figure in the plate championship.

The quarterfinals, semifinals and the final of the Super League will be among the 20 matches to be broadcast “live”. The final will be played at the Bay Oval in Tauranga on February 3, while both semifinals will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on January 29 and 30. The plate tournament will run simultaneously, but end with the plate final at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch on January 28. Schedule of West Indies Under-19 group matches: J a n u a r y Sat 13: New Zealand Under19s vs West Indies Under19s – Bay Oval, Mount M a u n g a n u i Wed 17: West Indies Under19s vs South Africa Under19s – Bay Oval Sat 20: West Indies Under19s vs Kenya Under-19s – Lincoln Green, Lincoln

Organiser, Winston Benons presents the winning trophy to Yarrowkabra Stars cricket team captain in the presence of teammates. Yarrowkabra blowing away Kuru Kururu by 10 wickets. The latter was bowled out for a meager 23 off 5.3 overs, Carlton Burgan and Junior Charter grabbed 4 wickets each for 5 and 10 apiece. Obene Nelson had 28. Asfa Nelson made 12 in

Yarrowkabra’s response of 24-0. In the football final, Yarrowkabra outplayed their counterparts from Kuru Kururu yet again to lift the winner’s trophy. A number of prominent village figures including

Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Change (AFC) Michael Carrington and AFC General Secretary, Marlon Williams. The event was organised by Winston Benons.

Ariel Masters defeat Wellman by 40 runs Ariel Masters defeated Wellman by 40 runs when the Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall and Nauth’s Motor Spares 20-over softball tournament continued on Sunday last. At Bourda, Ariel Masters posted 236-6. Fazal Ally struck 55, Ron Ramnauth 52 and Surujlall Kumar 50; Lakeram Singh had 2-44. Wellman were restricted to 196-9 in reply. Greg De Franca made 47, Lloyd Ruplall 36 and Jagdesh Persaud 34; Rudolph Mayers claimed 3-27 and Ryan Singh 2-46. Amazon Warriors beat Liger Masters seven wickets. Liger Masters were bowled out for 63 in 15.5 overs, taking firs t s trike. M us tapha Azimullah made 23 and Khemraj Baljhit 20; Salman Ghanie claimed 2-17. Amazon Warriors replied with 65-3 in seven overs. Randolph Perreira made 25 not out. Fisherman XI overcame Enterprise Legends by 85 runs. Fisherman XI took first strike and scored 162 all out in 19.3 overs. Zameer Hassan slammed 51 and Narendra Pooran 21; Narine Roopdeo had 2-16. Enterprise Legends were sent packing for 77 in 15 overs in reply. Unnis Yusuf snared 2-12. In the female category, 4R Lioness beat Wollwoman by eight wickets.

Fazal Ally Wellwoman batted first and scored 122-7. Latoya Smith made 26 and D. Headley 22; Shyon Ghanie had 2-8 and Akaze Thompson 2-15. 4R Lioness responded with 1232 in 13.1 overs. Tamika Wilson got 39 and Thompson 35 not out. And 4R Lioness beat Blue Divas by one run. 4R Lioness took first knock and got to 157-6. Wilson hit 48 and Thompson 43; Malika Mars took 3-29. Blue Divas made 156-4 in reply. Sangeeta Shaw struck 34 and Rayenna Shetto 23; Shyon Goodluck had 2-17 and Ganagdai Singh 2-25. At Hydronie, Essequibo, Parika Defenders beat HS Masters by 85 runs. Parika Defenders took first strike and posted 180-7. Jerome Basdeo stroked 57 while

Bisham Singh made 24; M. Arjune had 2-26. HS Masters were bowled out for 95 in reply. Devanan Kannan captured 3-12 and Kubesh Persaud captured 3-14. The competition continues on Sunday. At DCC on pitch one at 10:00hrs, Floodlights will face Wellman, at 13:00hrs Amazon Warriors will take on Enterprise Legends. On pitch two at 10:00hrs, Super Star will play Success, at 13:00hrs Regal Allstars will entertain Farm. At Bourda on pitch one at 10:00hrs, Regal Masters will play Sunrisers, at 13:00hrs Regal Masters will battle Liger Masters. On pitch two at 10:00hrs, Ariel Masters will play Liger Masters and at 13:00hrs Ariel Masters will face Sunrisers.

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Friday August 18, 2017

CPL T20 Cricket

Capacity crowd see Warriors find another way to lose; Tallawahs snatch thrilling two-run win By Sean Devers The Warriors could not want better support. The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic at Providence last night as a sold out crowd, only second in size to Trinidad, danced and waved Warriors flags creating a sea off yellow in the stands in what was surly the biggest party in sports before they left the venue angry and heart- broken as the Guyana Amazon Warriors found another way to lose. Led by a 47-ball 51 with four fours and a six from 20year-old New Zealander Glenn Phillips, 20 from Lindl Simmons and 12-ball 20 from Guyanese Jonathon Foo with two fours and a six in one over off leg-spinner Rashid Khan, Tallawahs reached 128-7 off 20 overs on a good track for batting. O ff - s p i n n e r S t e v e n Jacobs, back in the side after being dropped in St Lucia, continued to be one of Guyana’s most economical bowlers with 2-18, while Rayed Emrit (2-24), Khan (2-38) and Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir (1-14) were the wicket takers for the Warriors who reached 126-4 in 20 overs. Chadwick Walton (37 from 33 balls), Skipper Martin Guptill (33 from 41 balls), Babar Azam (23 from 27 balls) and Jason Mohammed (24) all got starts but failed to carry on. The Warriors had the game in their hands until the final over which began with them needing eight to win but even when Azam was removed in the final over by Kesrick Williams with four for victory, the Warriors still had the advantage. With three to win off the last ball Roshan Primus, instead of playing the on the ground and running as if his life depended on it to take the game into a super over, opted to try and clear the Red Stand and was taken well inside the boundary leaving the Warriors to now win four of their remaining five games to qualify for the semis. Walton and Guptill shared in a 67-run opening stand but the top order batted too slowly while Jason Mohammed’s unbeaten 24 from 18 balls was too little

Glen Phillips

Kesrick Williams too late as Williams bagged 3 3 0 E a r l i e r, t h e Wa r r i o r s replaced fast bowling allrounder Kemo Paul with Jacobs and asked the Tallawahs to bat in ideal batting conditions; Tanvir conceded just two runs from his first over despite bowling a wide to Simmons. Simmons hit the first boundary in the second over bowled by spinner Veerasammy Permaul but the over cost just five runs. Emrit replaced Tanvir in the fifth over and Simmons smashed him for his second boundary to ease the pressure under a clear night sky before Khan; bowling the final over in the power play, was dumped for six by Simmons. Khan had the last laugh when Simmons was comprehensively bowled next ball to leave the visitors on 30-1 in 5.2 overs. Phillips pulled a long hop from Khan to the mid-wicket boundary and at the end of six overs Tallawahs were 35-1. Another tight over from Permaul kept the shackles on the batsmen and Jacobs was introduced and produced an economical first over but Phillips used his feet nicely and clipped Permaul to the mid-wicket boundary before Jacobs bowled Andrew McCarthy (8), who has two fifties in this tournament, to leave the score on 50-2. Kumar Sangakkara joined Phillips but excellent bowling in the first 10 overs kept the Tallawahs on a tight leash. Sangakkara (5) was

bowled by Jacobs as Tallawahs slumped to 62-3 in the 12th over as Jacobs and Khan, operating in tandem, confused the batsmen as Rovman Powell joined Phillips who again looked good. Phillips hit Emrit for consecutive boundaries, the first going for six over longon as a difficult catch was parried over the ropes by Khan before Powell (7) was brilliantly taken at midwicket by Khan off Emrit at 85-4 in 15.5 overs and huge crowd, many of whom arrived last due to the traffic congestion on the East Bank Public Road, were waving Warriors flags and dancing in the stands. But Phillips kept going and pulled Roshon Primus into the ram-packed Party stands to gallop into the 40s while Foo joined him with 4.1 overs to go. Foo smashed Khan over extra cover for four, dumped him over midwicket for six and cut him to third man for consecutive boundaries before he was bowled in an eventful over which cost 16 runs to leave Tallawahs on 118-5. Phillips’ entertaining knock ended when he missed a switch hit and was LBW to Tanvir at 120-6 in the penultimate over while Imran Wasim (3) was bowled by Emrit in the final over at 124-7 as 42 runs were scored in the last five overs. When the Warriors began t h e i r r e p l y, Wa l t o n dominated a slow opening stand and after six over were 30 without loss with Walton

on 18 and Guptill on 12. Walton spanked Kesrick Williams for a bullet-like boundary past mid-off and the 50 came up in the eighth over and the fans in stands were dancing to pulsating music from the huge speakers in the Party stand. Guptill has struggled to get big scores in this tournament and last night was no different. He was dropped off Mohammed

Sami on 16 with the Warriors on 52 in the ninth over and again by spinner Gary Mathurin off his own bowling two runs later. Guptill responded by hitting Mathurin for his first boundary and at the end of the 10th over with the score 61 without loss. However, Walton was soon removed by Williams at 67-1 in 11.3 overs while Guptill was bowled in the

Martin Guptill plays through the off-side.

13th over by Mathurin with the score 76-2. Mohammed joined Azam with 53 needed from 44 balls and the pair batted sensible with Mohammed clobbering Krismar Santokie for six before Phillips dropped Azam off Mohammed Sami with 13 to get from 10 balls. Mohammed was put down with seven to win and the rest is now history.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 18, 2017

PAGE 39

CONCACAF Under-15 Boys’ Championship

Windies toil, Cook, Root share Guyana through to next round the spoils – 1st day, 1st Test

with 1-0 win over St. Lucia

Guyana finally found success in their third and final Group F match in the CONCACAF Under-15 Boys’ championship after holding on to a 1-0 victory over St. Lucia at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA, yesterday. The young Jaguars had drawn their first match against St. Kitts and Nevis 11 before losing the next against rivals and neighbours, Suriname, 3-1. In both those games Guyana had scored first but

couldn’t protect their lead, this final game against St. Lucia was no different. The young Guyanese again scored first but found the fortitude to protect their lead even though they had to wait until the second half of y e s t e r d a y ’s e n c o u n t e r against the St. Lucians to open the scoring through an Omari Glasgow 55th minute strike. The team defended well and held on for the victory which has resulted in them moving into the next round

of the competition after finishing second behind Suriname in Group F. Coach of the Under-15 Jaguars, Bryan Joseph, stated that his side is, “Happy after finally getting success in the tournament.” Coach Joseph further related that, “With the win, I think that has propelled us to second place in group F, which means we will play the second placed team in Group A, who I think is Guadeloupe. We will play them on Saturday.”

Mohamed to lead Wakenaam in Busta Festival All-rounder Siddiq Mohamed has been chosen to lead Wakenaam in the upcoming Essequibo Cricket Board Busta Festival which is set to commence later this month. Mohamed will have off-spinner Gurnauth Khemraj as his deputy while the team includes former Police first division player Kamal Khan, Nokta Moses, Navishaul Pooran and wicket-keeper Ryan Adams. According to Wakenaam Cricket Committee Chairman of Selectors, Oyono Sampson, the team will be without Keemo Paul who is with the Guyana Amazon Warriors while Wa y n e O s b o u r n e a n d Ricardo Adams have chosen to represent other area a s s o c i a t i o n s . Sampson added that despite the absence of those players, the team still has what it takes to reach the final four.

Gurnauth Khemraj

Siddiq Mohamed

”This is an opportunity for the younger players to step up and show their worth,” S a m p s o n s a i d . The squad reads: Siddiq Mohamed (Captain), Gurnauth Khemraj (Vice Captain), Nokta Moses, Vi c k r a m R a m n a r i n e , Navishaul Pooran, Ryan

Adams, Bernard Lewis, Leorayan Ramlakhan, Neil Ramalho, Lokram Narine, Kamal Khan, Seon Venture a n d R e o n Ve n t u r e . Nandkishore Andrews is the Coach and Vijay Persaud, Manager. Standby players are Beesham Moses and Devon Rambarran.

GFF General Secretary resigns General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Althea Scipio, has resigned effective Monday, 14th August, 2017 after being in the employ of the Federation from December 2016. According to President Wayne Forde, during her tenure, Scipio contributed significantly to the development of football in Guyana and will continue to participate in the f e d e r a t i o n ’s f u t u r e programmes and projects. In the interim, Ms. Rennella Bourne, Deputy General Secretary, will perform the duties of

Althea Scipio General Secretary until further notice. The President and the Executive

Committee wishes Scipio well in her future endeavours.

Alastair Cook and Joe Root hit hundreds for England during a record third-wicket stand. Birmingham, England, CMC – A day that started brightly ended in typical uncertainty for West Indies, after Alastair Cook and Joe Root plundered hundreds to give England an early hold on the historic first Test, yesterday. After wickets for Kemar Roach and Miguel Cummins in the first hour put a smile on the Windies’ faces, the unflappable Cook batted through the opening day of the first ever day/night Test in this country and was undefeated on 153, and Root, the player that succeeded him in the post of England captain, made 136, as the home team reached 348 for three in their first innings at the close. The pink Dukes cricket ball being used and an easypaced Edgbaston pitch, hosting its 50th Test, offered little assistance to the visitors’ attack that comprised mainly four fast bowlers – Roach, Cummins, skipper Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph. For the better part of the day, there was little for West Indies to celebrate, after Roach and Cummins removed debutant lefthanded opener Mark Stoneman and rookie Tom Westley respectively, both for eight, to leave England 39 for two. A lack of consistency from the Windies’ bowlers saw Cook and Root purposefully wrestle the balance power England’s way with a record 248-run, third-wicket stand. Small periods of attrition from the Caribbean side were often broken by crisp strokes for boundaries from Cook and Root, as they majestically advanced their own and their

side’s cause before a near capacity crowd. Holder came close to breaking the stand in the period between lunch and tea, when Root top-edged a cut through the slips to third man for his 10th boundary to reach his 50 from 83 balls before he later swept a wayward delivery from parttime off-spinner Roston Chase hard down the legside for his 19th four to bring up his 13th Test hundred from 139 balls. Chase was again in the thick of things, when Cook chopped a delivery to backward point for a single to reach his 31st Test hundred from 187 balls in the third over after tea. Roach, playing his first Test in 19 months after battling back from a succession of injuries and patchy form, used his vast experience and was easily the pick of the bowlers. He was rewarded for his persistence throughout the day, when he bowled Root in the final hour of regulation time, after the England captain essayed a tiredlooking drive at a delivery that moved back after pitching to finish with 2-2 from 20 overs. Things might have looked better for West Indies had slip fielder Jermaine Blackwood held onto a very sharp chance, after Dawid Malan, on two, top-edged a cut at a delivery from the part-time off-spin of Kraigg Brathwaite. H o l d e r ’s s t r a n g e

decision to delay taking the second new ball when it became due after 80 further epitomised the lack of purpose from the Windies in the closing stages, as Malan batted through the remainder of the day to usher Cook to his 150 which came when he drove Joseph through midon for his 23rd boundary. Before lunch, Roach had made the initial breakthrough with the first delivery of his second over, the third of the day, when he bowled Stoneman with a peach of a delivery that moved across the left-hander and hit the top of the offstump. Cummins, playing for the first time since last October ahead of out-ofsorts, regular spearhead Shannon Gabriel, earned an lbw verdict to remove Westley, following a review of a highly questionable decision from umpire Marais Erasmus. For the close to the next 4 1/2 hours, there was no further success for the Windies, as Cook and Root gave proof of their class batting through either side of the interval to repair the early damage, as they have become accustomed in recent Tests taking England to lunch on 108 for two. West Indies endured a fruitless toil between lunch and tea, as Root raced to his milestone and Cook inched to his landmark, fortifying England’s early grip, as they took their side to 215 for two.

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The Corona Invitational Tournament resumes today

Eleven-a-side football has to be played” – Troy Mendonca Action in the Corona Invitational tournament between Riddim Squad and Eastveldt at the GFC.

Play in the Top Brandz Corona Beer Georgetown Invitational Football tournament resumes this evening with three matches in the 4th round of play at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC). The first begins at 17:00hrs and will see Police Sports Club coming up against Black Pearl FC. Both these clubs suffered defeats in their last games and will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways. The Policemen lost 3-0 to the home team GFC while Black Pearl were hammered 7-0 by Beacons. The second match tonight will see the inform Pele FC against Northern Rangers from 19:00hrs. Pele smashed 5 goals past Flamingo in their last match while Northern Rangers completed a miraculous come from behind 3-1 victory against Santos in their last game on

August 4 at GFC. The third and final match of the night begins at 21:00hrs and will see Santos and Riddim Squad squaring off. Santos will seek to rebound following the Northern Rangers loss especially after dominating the game with the majority of possession and chances created. Despite, Rangers snatched an exciting, late, comeback victory. Riddim Squad’s previous encounter saw a come from behind victory in spite of squandering numerous opportunities against a youthful Eastveldt side which had taken the lead first but the youths ended up losing 2-1. Based on what have been exhibited so far, the knockout stage is going to be very exciting Meanwhile, Director of the Petra Organisation, the company responsible for organising the Corona

Invitational Football tournament, Troy Mendonca, was quizzed on the importance of 11-a-side football during a press brief yesterday. In a time when a lot of futsal tournaments have gained prominence, Mendonca explained that, “11-a-side is the major thing worldwide. The sad thing is that most of the teams playing futsal are not structured teams that are part of the GFF (Guyana Football Federation) structure. They are more or less war teams and a lot of the futsal players are not involved in club football.” Mendonca who has also been involved in futsal tournaments, PeeWee and Under-18 football further explained that, “Futsal forms a meager part of the FIFA and the GFF programme. Eleven-a-side football has to be played.”

Cricket- Royal stars with bat and ball U-19 in Jamaica win – 2nd round Basseterre, St. Kitts, CMC – A strong all-round performance from Javeor Royal propelled Jamaica Under-19s to a four-wicket victory over ICC Americas Under-19s in the Regional One-day youth tournament yesterday. Important half-centuries from Cephas Cooper and Kirstan Kallicharran, as well as Jamie Cornelius also saw Trinidad & Tobago Under19s and Leeward Islands Under-19s collected victories in the second round of matches. Royal hit an unbeaten 66 from 29 balls that included one four and an incredible eight sixes to lead the Jamaicans’ successful chase of 195 for victory against the Americas at St. Paul’s.

Jamaica were under a little pressure, when Bhavindu Adhihetty held a return chance to dismiss Dominic Samuels for 42 in the 39th over, but Royal put the result beyond any doubt, scoring 44 of the 54 required in the remaining overs in an unbroken, seventh-wicket stand with Shalome Parnell that carried his side over the finish line. E a r l i e r, R o y a l h a d grabbed an impressive 6-32 from 9.5 overs, defying 75 from Akashdeep Gill and 52 from Arslan Khan, to lead the demolition of the Americas’ batting for 194 in 48.5 overs. At Conaree, Cooper hit six fours in the top score of an unbeaten 85 from 107 balls and a run-a-ball 74

from Kallicharran led T&T to a comfortable victory over arch-rivals Barbados. The pair shared an unbroken, third-wicket stand of 131 that ushered T&T past their target of 209. Earlier, Nyeem Young had led the way with 74, but Aaron Maniram snared 4-18 from nine overs to keep the Barbadian batting in check and help restrict them to 208 for eight from their allocation of 45 overs in the rain-affected contest. In the other match at Conaree, opener Cornelius hit seven fours and two sixes in 61 from 91 balls to pave the way for the Leewards’ successful chase of 136 against Windward Islands. He shared an opening (Continued on page 32)

Friday August 18, 2017

Overseas based donate clocks to the Guyana Draughts Association Overseas based Guyanese Mr. Seenarine recently presented two clocks President of the Guyana Draughts Association, Mr. Jiaram to be used by the association in upcoming games. Jairam had made a call to private individuals and Corporate Guyana to assist with donation of clocks to the association so as to enhance the game locally and bring the players on par with International standards. Mr. Seenarine, who is attached to the Police Traffic Department in New York, is presently on holiday in Guyana and has always been an ardent fan of sports in

Jiaram (right) collects one of the clocks from Seenarine. Guyana. Seenarine wished Jairam, his executive and

players every success in the future and urged them to make full use of the clocks.

Guinness champs Dave & Celena looking to add Cage tournament

Manager and owner of Dave & Celena’s All Stars Lalta Ramdeholl (right) with Rawle Gittens (2nd left), Keon Sears (2nd right) and Kenard Simon. (Franklin Wilson photo) They recently ended the reign of Georgetown-based teams by becoming the first team from the Mining Community of Linden to win the national Guinness title and according to Manager and owner of Dave & Celena’s All Stars Lalta Ramdeholl (aka Ritchie) their focus now is to add the inaugural Guinness Cage/ Three Peat Promotions competition to their cabinet. Ramdeholl, who has been at the helm of the t e a m ’s s u c c e s s w h i c h include the Linden segment of the Guinness competition speaking with the media said that they are in full preparation mode right now and the aim is to take back the crown to Linden. According to Ramdeholl the team has an affinity with

the Guinness brand and because of that they are going all out to win the inaugural tournament which commences on August 24, at the National Gymnasium. ”We are looking to stay as the Guinness champion, we are looking forward to keep our title and continue winning. We are well prepared and ready for the tournament”. Quizzed on whether the team can transition their outdoor success to the indoor version, Ramdeholl pointed to unity and belief as key components that will make the conversion easy for them. ”Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, we believe we can do it again, it’s the same team, it’s a winning team and they are capable of doing it again”. Asked whether he

envisages making any tactical changes in terms of team formation he responded by saying that while the format is a bit different to that of the outdoor, there will be no major changes. He, however, said that should there be any need for adjustments then they are ready to make those adjustments. Among the players he will be depending on to lead the charge for victory are Rawle Gittens, Keon Sears and Kenard Simon. Over $800,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs with the winner set to receive $400,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third and fourth placed finishers will take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies respectively.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 18, 2017

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – Bartica

Rising Stars remain flawless; Lazio hammer Beacons

From left Wesley Smith, Ezekiel King and Ariel Burnette - Lazio FC Rising Stars Keenan Harper is flanked by Darnel James (right) and Ziggie Edwards.

Keenan Harper has continued his goal scoring prowess by scoring another in assisting Rising Stars to remain dominant as they recorded their third win in as many matches when competition in the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under17 Intra Association League continued at the Bartica Secondary School ground, yesterday. Rising Stars behind a brace from Dornell James who is now tied with Harper on 5-goals each trounced Strikers 4-0, the latter’s first loss in their three matches to date. Yesterday’s other match produced win number two for Lazio via a 5-1 margin over Beacons, their second loss in as many matches. James was on sung in the 6th and 58th minute, Ziggy Edwards netted in the 50th

minute while Harper tucked in his in the 53rd minute for another clinical performance from the Rising Stars line-up as they sit at the top all alone on 9 points. Despite the loss, Strikers remains in second place with a better goal average ahead of Lazio and Potaro Strikers, all on 6 points each. Lazio was led to their big win thanks to a hat-trick of goals from Ezekiel King who now moves to 4 goals overall. King netted in the 14th, 23rd, and 39th minute with one each from Ariel Burnett in the 30th minute and Wesley Smith in the 49th. Kyle Caesar scored Beacons’ consolation goal in the 29th minute from the penalty mark. Two more matches are slated for today at the same venue; Lazio will engage Rivers View from 14:00hrs

to be followed by a clash between Strikers and Beacons.

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Kaieteur News

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Friday August 18, 2017

Ashraf Ali, 71-year-old swimmer pays courtesy call on President Granger Aims to inspire elderly folks to exercise President David Granger, yesterday received a courtesy call at State House from Mr. Ashraf Ali, a US-based Guyanese, whose passion is swimming. The 71 year-old swam across the Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo and several other rivers and lakes. His greatest feat thus far is swimming seven miles from Guyana to Suriname, using the route traversed b y t h e F e r r y, w h i c h operates between the two countries. During the meeting, President Granger told Mr. Ali that after hearing about

his accomplishments at such an age, he knew he had to meet him. M r. A l i , p o p u l a r l y referred to as ‘River Conqueror’, who hails from East-Berbice Corentyne said he is a self-taught swimmer; noting that swimming has been his hobby since childhood. Even at 71, he said he has no plans to slow down and is currently in the stages of planning another swim out into the Atlantic from the Berbice River mouth by the end of the month. His aim, he said, is to inspire the older generation to get involved in physical activities, which can add to

their years. ”I am appealing to the elders to do a minimum of half an hour of exercise, three times per week. Swimming is the best exercise but you can do anything. I also want to motivate the younger generation to dream and know that whatever they dream, they can achieve,” he said. Mr. Ali swam across the Berbice River in 1979, the Corentyne River, which leads from Skeldon to Nickerie, Suriname in 1998 and the Demerara River in 1999. Additionally, he swam across the Lake Mainstay twice.

President David Granger and Mr. Ashraj Ali exchange a handshake during the courtesy call at State House.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 18, 2017

Bounty Colts extend lead with win over Pacesetters; UG Trojans edge Eagles in thriller GABA/Banks DIH Under-23 B’ball League The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) / Banks DIH / Rainforest Waters, Malta Supreme and Powerade Under-23 league continued at Burnham Court on Wednesday night with two matches. R e i g n i n g U n d e r- 2 3 champions and current leaders Bounty Colts trounced Pacesetters 93-55 in the first match while Colts’ closest rivals Eagles were edged 78-77 by UG Trojans in the feature showdown. Bounty Colts which lost their first match of tournament to University of Guyana Trojans, have been stacking up convincing victories ever since and Wednesday night was business as usual. In the 38-point win, Damare Gladstone poured in the game high 27 points, knocking down 3 threepointers in the process. Ramone Fogney and Timothy Thompson each scored 17 points for Colts in the commanding victory for the champions. Tafawa Daly scored a team high 16 points for the fazed pacesetters side. In the second match, Eagles, who talked big about

retaining the Under-23 title which they lost to Colts last season, suffered a major setback after going down to the University of Guyana Trojans 78-77. The match saw some fair and some questionable decisions going against the Eagles but Trojans played better ball during the first half of the game and led by 12 points, 45-33, after that period. Eagles rallied back through the remaining periods, seeking a comeback victory, mainly through their skipper Travis Belgrave who scored a game high 27 points but they fell just short. Kwesi Thompson and Shemar Huntley both with 16 points fought hard with Belgrave but ended up on the losing side. Former Eagles player, Darroll Williams, led UG Trojans charge with a team high 21 points. He was supported by Sherland Gillis (16 points) and Kadeem Peterkin (12 points) in the nail biting match up. Play continues tomorrow evening with three matches beginning at 17:30hrs at the Burnham Hard Court.

Aurora Knightriders beat Hibernia Lions by five wickets A spirited batting display by Aurora Knightriders set up a convincing 5 wicket victory over Hibernia Lions in the first of three planned Neighbourhood T20 matches played last Sunday at the Hibernia Cricket Ground, Essequibo Coast. Knightriders won the toss and invited the Hibernia Lions to take first strike on a slow track. Gangabeharry Ramdhanie led the way with an attractive 59 (4x4 5x6) while Norman Fredericks hit 49 (5x4 2x6) and Dovendra Mohan 16 (2x6) as Hibernia Lions posted 205 all out in 19.3 overs. Extras contributed a h e a l t h y 3 4 . Bowling for the Knightriders, Ravi Beharry grabbed 4 for 19; skipper S.

Ally had 3 for 31 while there was a wicket apiece for R. Ally, D. Dindyal and G. Phillips. Knightriders started their run chase in a well organised manner carving out a 63 run opening stand in 4.3 overs between Q. Reedon and Dindyal. In the end, the target was overhauled in 17.2 overs. Man-of- the -match Beharry stroked an aggressive 70 (1x4 9x6), Dindyal slammed 51 (8x4 1x6), Timore Gafoor 30 not out (3x4 2x6) and Reedon 26 (1x4 3x6). Bowling for Hibernia, R. Mangal snared 2 for 30 while G. Ramdhanie, R.Raghoobar and Mohan had one wicket each. Game two is set for this Sunday at the same venue starting at 10:00hrs.

Shemar Huntley (White Vest) drives into the arc in Eagles vs. UG Trojans game on Wednesday night.

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t r o Sp CPL T20 Cricket

Capacity crowd see Warriors find another way to lose; Tallawahs snatch thrilling two-run win

The Jamaica Tallawahs players celebrate their victory. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

CONCACAF Under-15 Boys’ Championship

Guyana through to next round with 1-0 win over St. Lucia

Guyana’s starting X1 vs St. Lucia Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210