Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
LIFE EXPECTANCY According to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects, between 2010 and 2015, the average life expectancy worldwide at birth was 71.5 years (68 years and 4 months for males and 72 years and 8 months for females). The figures represented an increase of 3 percent over the previous five years. They also reflected an improvement in the quality of healthcare in several countries as well as other factors including ongoing wars, obesity, and HIV/AIDS infections. The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100. The countries with the lowest overall life expectancies are located in East and West Africa while those with the highest are in the developed countries of Europe, Asia and North America. Life expectancy equals the average number of years a person born in a given country is expected to live if mortality rates at each age were to remain steady in the future. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and the mortality at all ages. It is measured separately for males and females to form an overall figure for each country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), life expectancy for women has always been slightly higher than for men, and that women live longer than men in all major regions and in all individual countries except for Swaziland and Mali. In the Caribbean excluding Guyana, a joint health study by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the WHO shows that there has been an increase of 16 years in life expectancy on average in the last 40 years, which means that a person born in the region can now aspire to live until age 75, almost four years longer than the world average. While life expectancy has increased all the countries in the Caribbean, some have gained a lot more than others. The countries that have gained the most over the past 40 years are Martinique, Guadeloupe and Haiti. Both Martinique and Guadeloupe have increased their life expectancy by 15 years and Haiti by 14 years.( However, three of the more advanced CARICOM countries, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago saw their life expectancy grow by only five years between 1970 and 2010. Such small increase is not caused by violence as many had believed, but by heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS due to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and smoking and drinking alcohol. In Guyana, the life expectancy rate increased from 62 years in 1970 to 68 years in 2015, which means that Guyana’s position worsened among the 192 countries surveyed, dropping from 137th place in 2012 to 140th in 2015. The ten major causes of death in Guyana are hypertension, stroke, diabetes, cancer, suicide, traffic fatalities, violence and HIV/AIDS. In Cuba, life expectancy is 78 years on average throughout all the provinces and not just in the urban areas, where health care services tend to be of better quality. It is among the highest in the world. Despite its status as a low-income country, Cuba’s medical system, which places emphasis on prevention, is recognized as one of the best in the world. While people are living longer in the Caribbean, the region has the highest mortality rate in the Americas from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death. More than 40 percent of NCD deaths are occurring prematurely in people under 70 years old. Health experts have warned that the NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, kidney disease and stroke have worsened over the years in some Caribbean countries. It is estimated that NCDs are responsible for four out of five deaths per year. This figure is expected to increase in the coming decades due to population growth, aging and exposure to different risk factors. Caribbean leaders must decide on the way forward in tackling the epidemic. They must act, especially given the heavy importation of processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages, all of which have led to obesity.
Friday December 01, 2017
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.
A Change is within range - Sexual Offence Court now in session DEAR EDITOR, It is every parent worst nightmare to discover that not only did their underage child have sex, but is also bearing the fruit of such an act. For centuries, the law formally forbidding sexual activity with children has operated on the basis that there is a certain age below which children cannot consent to sex. Currently in Guyana the age of consent is 16. This age was raised from 13 to 16 on October 31, 2005 by a unanimous resolution of the Parliament of Guyana, amending Chapter 8.01 of the Laws of Guyana, Criminal Offences Act. Reading about the gravid eleven-year-old (Kaieteur News, November 29) whose life is currently hanging in the balance, speaks volume of the moral decay that currently engulfs Guyana. It is apparent that pedophilia continues to be alive and well, with the burgeoning practitioners displaying blatant unconcern regarding the implications or consequences of their vile
actions. Evidence has shown that underage pregnancy and childbearing can have accompanying serious negative effects on the child and mother, both physically and emotionally. In order to become fully functional and successful members of society, children need time to grow and develop, again both physically and emotionally. The task of rearing a child is not an easy one, for it extends far beyond the provision of food and shelter. Hence it is not something that any individual should be forced into or has to deal with before that individual is ready. While this is certainly no time for any finger-pointing the situation nevertheless cries out for serious addressing and redressing at all levels. Firstly from the maternal perspective, there is an obvious displayed failure to provide the child with enough moral guidance. There is, too, overt superimposed neglect and gross unconcern. Seeing that the hapless victim had
commenced her menstrual cycle, who assumed the responsibility to ensure the continuation of a normal physiology? Did the child display any behaviour suggestive of sexual interaction? Were any of the multiple signs of early pregnancy evident? Did the child ever complain of any symptom suggestive of conception? Did no one notice an enlarging uterus that became an abdominal organ at twelve weeks? On a more serious note the relationship between mother and daughter needs to be carefully scrutinized, as the child her secrets did hide, rather than in the adult confide. It is at this juncture, also, that one must question the rationale behind the newspaper reporting that the child in question was of mixed ethnicity? Are we to assume that females of mixed ethnicity possess a proclivity for underage sex and pregnancy, or was the information aimed at mentally alleviating and assuaging other
concerned and interested parties on the level of ethnicity related? According to newspaper report, the female, 10 years old at the time of the alleged assault resided in a home on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway with her mother and 18 year-old brother, and to the best of her knowledge the child only went to school and to the shop, leaving the mother at a loss as to where and how it could have happened. The veracity of such a statement opens wide the door to diverse interpretations, up to and including whether a male teacher could have been a teacher, or merely attending school was not exactly cool. The ongoing increase in these sexual crimes should be an obvious concern for parents, civic –minded citizens, religious leaders, women’s organizations, lawyers, justice system and governmental agencies especially the Ministry of Social Protection tasked with the responsibility of protecting children. Guyana is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on November 20, 1989. In 1991 the Guyana Government ratified the Convention, establishing a National Commission on March 1, 1993. This National Commission for the Survival Protection and Development of Children was appointed to prepare a Guyana National Plan of Action for Children to the year 2000. It is somewhat disheartening that even after all these years, along with the enormity of publicity that accompanied the case of Reeaz Khan, there still remains a lingering increase in the reported cases of statutory rape. Much has been done but very little headway made, seemingly the result of more rhetoric than action. On a heartening note, however (better late than never) the Guyana Supreme Court of Judicature on November 13, last, opened a victim-centered Sexual Offences Court, aimed at Continued on page 6
Friday December 01, 2017
How to celebrate Milad-un-Nabi DEAR EDITOR, In a civilization steeped in immorality, shamelessness, sin and ignorance a child was born; a child who would go on to be the one to lead this nation of godless savages into men of high moral character. This child named Muhammad was born in 570 AD to a widow named Amina in the city of Mecca. This child was no ordinary child for he was destined to be that guiding light for all of humanity who would take immoral men and turn them into godly saints within a matter of days. Today, the name Muhammad (PBUH (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is a household name as is the religion he founded; Islam. However, not many, including those who claim to be true followers of the religion of Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), are truly acquainted with the events of his life and the messages which he preached. This week, many in the Muslim World will celebrate Milaad-un-Nabi, the supposed birthday of the Holy Prophet of Islam. To have a national holiday and to hold various functions and dinner parties, in essence, sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate the life of a beloved one. However, as soon as the holiday is finished and
the food is exhausted very few can say they have actually benefitted in a positive manner from this celebration. How then can we truly celebrate the life and accomplishments of the Holy Prophet of Islam this Milladun-Nabi? In my opinion, the most befitting manner of celebration is to educate oneself about the true teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and to dispel common misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding his life and teachings that have spread far and wide throughout the world today. This is the manner of celebration which would not last one day but would last a lifetime and would work to bring about positive reform not just within yourself but also your homes, communities, and the world at large. Today the name Muhammad and the religion Islam have unfortunately come to be associated with terrorism and extremism. However, even with a fundamental study of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) one can come to understand that his teachings are far from violent. At every step of his life, he exhibited and taught his companions to exhibit peace and patience. The Muslims underwent severe persecution for 13 years in Mecca at the hands of the disbelievers
It’s a shame that world leaders can’t agree DEAR EDITOR, The tension in the Korean Peninsula is showing no signs of abatement. In fact, it has now reached new and dangerous levels following the most recent launch of yet another inter-continental missile which some experts believe has the potential to reach the North American mainland. The Big Powers, namely China, Russia and the United States, are divided on how to respond to this emerging crisis. The United States seems to favour a military solution whereas Russia and China are more inclined to a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, billions of dollars are spent on military build-up by these competing powers, money which could have been better spent on poverty reduction and sustainable human development. It is a shame that in this modern and enlightened age world leaders cannot agree on a peaceful resolution to conflicts and disputes which are taking such heavy toll on resources, both human and financial.
What is needed is a framework for peace and peaceful co-existence which should govern intra-state relations and which should be enforced by the United Nations. I think it is time for the veto power enjoyed by the bigger powers to be revisited in favour of a consensus at the full membership of the United Nations especially when it comes to important issues of war and peace. Hydar Ally
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without once responding with violence or war. After these long and painful years, the Muslims migrated to Medina only to be followed by the Meccans who came with the intention to kill. It was at this point that the Holy Prophet (PBUH), solely for the purpose of selfdefence and to establish religious freedom not only for Muslims but for followers of all religions, permitted his followers to fight back. We also see that at a personal level, all those who wronged the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were almost always forgiven and pardoned by him. There was Hinda, a female warrior who mutilated the dead body of the beloved uncle of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). She was forgiven by him upon repentance. There was Habbar bin-alAswad who caused the miscarriage and consequential death of the daughter of The Continued on page 6
An overdue apology DEAR EDITOR, A recent article by a G. Pereira entitled “Applauding the Peeper” reminded me that I owed him an apology for an article I wrote about one of his missives a few moons ago. I must confess that I did not read the “Peeper’s article,” Capitalism cannot exist where there is socialist thinking”which was the focus of Pereira’s critique. I wrote purely because I was disappointed in the caption versus the content of his missive. Looking at the caption “Socialism is a superior system to capitalism,” I was probably expecting a heated pros and cons argument and I felt that I just did not get it. Being dejected, I had somehow missed the words “Leader of the OVP” beside his name, below the missive. I do apologize for that. I am just an ordinary Joe and I do realize how little I know about Socialism-thanks to Pereira and his comrade R. Bissesar who came in defense
of Pereira in his missive “Adumbrations on the cruel manifestations of Capitalism”. Anyway! I consulted my dictionary on Socialism, and this is what I got. (Socialisma political and economic theory which advocates that the means of production, distribution and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.(In Marxist theory) a transitional social state between the overthrow of capitalism and communism.) So I check Communism and got-—a theory or system of social organization. Not much I guess! So I wonder if those two definitions would suffice the Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP) or are they purely “Eurocentric thinking”-— the likes of which Pereira mentioned in his missive, “An indictment of the neoliberal, capitalist system.” Or should we consider the entire Dictionary as “Eurocentric thinking”? Perreira opined; “Any po-
Christmas is here, isn’t it? DEAR EDITOR, I would like to shed some light on the pre-Christmas, actual Christmas and postChristmas Season and how significant to know the difference. Christmas is not here yet. We begin pre-Christmas season which is called Advent and then the actual Christmas when we commemorate the birth of Jesus, and there is Christmas Season that follows Christmas until the Baptism of the Lord. Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter itself. It is the feast of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin “in carne” means “enfleshment”). It is a uniquely Christian teaching, the Divine choosing to become one of us. Because of this belief,
God is not only Transcendent, but also wholly Immanent, Emmanuel (God-withus). While remaining Transcendent (meaning we must rise above our present condition to reach Him), He is at the same time Immanent (meaning He is with us as we rise toward Him). This weekend, the Christians begin Season of Advent. Advent means waiting or coming and we wait for the coming of someone we love. During this season we focus on waiting for the Lord, waiting for the coming of Jesus. In Guyana, we begin the novena on 15 to 23 December. Christmas Novena has its long history and tradition, which could be traced back to 1861 when Fr. Benedict Schembri celebrated Christmas midnight Mass at the newly constructed Church on Main Street. This Church was
basically helped by the Portuguese from Madeira who spoke mostly Portuguese. Under the “padroado” (The privilege of patronage extended by the Pope to the King of Portugal) system, initially Sacred Heart operated as “the Portuguese Church” being the Centre of pastoral activities for the Portuguese community throughout Guiana. Only in 1932 was this status revised and Sacred Heart constituted as a normal parish. The indefatigable Schembri established guilds and charitable associations, organized religious and cultural events and generally strengthened the bonds of fellowship and faith among the Portuguese. Of particular note was the introduction of the Christmas Novena, with a 3:00 am mass on each of the nine mornings before Christmas. This prac-
litical/economic system adopted by a nation-state must emanate from its people’s own culture and historical experience, and cannot be mechanically transported from one country to another. We invite you to think outside of the box, Mr Singh. “I figure his opinion or should I say dogmatic assertion, considering his use of the word “must”, would require some serious computer simulations to decide what political/economic system can “ emanate” from a cosmopolitan mix of Amerindians, Africans and East Indians, correlating with an intricate “historical experience”-” Genocidal war, Slavery and Indentureship.” Pereira’s words. Pereira list a series of socialism-communitarian, democratic, people’s and entrepreneurial socialism as been recognized by the OVP. “This socialist tradition has nothing to do with state Continued on page 6 tice rapidly became a popular and enduring feature of Catholic Churches throughout Guiana. Even the “BemditaSajaes” a hymn to Our Lady with words in the Madeiran dialect of Portuguese became a much-loved feature of many an African and East Indian family Christmas. Cleaning and decorating for Christmas plays imperative part. In all this, the Christmas tree takes the precedence. The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing. Rev. Fr. Jerri Dias SJ
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I am so hurt and crushed about 2017 retroactive salary increases DEAR EDITOR, As a public servant employed in February of 2017 I am not entitled to a retroactive increase. This is the first of my working career that I will not benefit from such retroactive payments. Mr. President, Finance Minister and PS of PSM, this year Christmas after tax my
family will get a total of $6,270 dollars for their Christmas. I am deeply crushed, hurt and depressed. Based on the Finance Circular 5/2017 and 15/2017 issued by the Ministry of Finance, all public servants are only entitled to a retroactive increase once they are employed as at 1st of January 2017. Given this info I am plead-
ing with the President the Finance Minister the PS of Public Service Ministry and the Minister of State anyone who is willing to listen, please amend these circulars to allow public servants retroactive salary increases since we depend on it especially this time of the year. Crushed Public Servant
Poor customer service continues DEAR EDITOR, I read the recent letter about poor customer service in Guyana, and thought things are still the same as when I briefly relocated to Georgetown in the 1990s. Then, I had to personally complain to the manager of a ‘paint shop’ located in the Stabroek end of Regent Street about a scruffy saleswoman ‘chucking’ change at me in the manner of throwing a bone to
a dog. I did so in the presence of others, because it was the second time it had happened years apart and had demonstrably become habit. From her clothing, I gathered she was poorly paid and therefore ‘cheap’ labour, so...’ I had hoped that by now sales techniques had vastly improved in the country. Apparently not generally. If people do not buy, the doors
An overdue apology From page 5 ownership,” he wrote. He then gave his vision of his ideal brand of socialism. “Privately owned businesses will co-exist with other forms of ownership such as community, co-operative and genuine public ownership. “Here I would like him to lift me out of his proverbial “box”. We have been taught that “public ownership” is state ownership. A categorical explanation from Mr Pereira to the contrary would be good. In the end I was addressed; “Do I need to remind you that it was capitalism that waged genocidal war against the Indigenous peoples of the Americas; enslaved my African ancestors during the horrific period of chattel slavery” and “As indentured servants, your own ancestors
were exploited and treated as lesser beings by this barbaric system.”Just a little correction! I share parentage from both sides of the divide-slavery and indentured servants and I like to think within the “box”; that is where the reality checks are. It would be ludicrous to think that Mr Pereira could envision that the British Empire, the known Superpower of that age, trying to expand its Empire would in an act of good will, sail a fleet of ships to Africa and India to collect Africans and Indians solely for the purpose of populating its new colony -British Guiana. There had to be a more sinister motive involved-the maritime nations of Europe were set on extracting wealth from their colonies. Our ancestors became collateral
will eventually remain closed. Think on this. One thought: Does the Government outfit, housed in the former “Bookers building” across the road from the Bank of Guyana, still offer better service? I found they did, whenever I visited. In fact, they were on a par with many London shops - courteous and helpful.. Geralda D damage in their pursuit. You can call it capitalism or whatever! It is simply the ways of the world. We owe our existence here to our ancestors who were forced to make the ultimate sacrifice and that would not have been possible without the Empire that brought them here. We should be thankful for that. The Indigenous people were doing fine on their own. Capitalism! While it may be described as flawed or cruel, is accredited with the production of a wide variety of products over the past century. The Television, telephone and computer are three that had made the world a better place; three that I perceive Mr Pereira would not donned with willingly to go back to some form of “slash and burn” existence. Yes! It is logical that people can like milk, while they hate the cow. Rudolph Singh
Friday December 01, 2017
The amnesty is ongoing DEAR EDITOR, The Mayor and City Council wishes to thank all those property owners who have made full use of the ongoing amnesty of interest accrued on general rates. This has greatly assisted the Municipality to recover outstanding sums which is being used by the Council to honour its financial obligation to workers and contractors. However, the Council is concerned that certain corporations with huge outstanding amounts have not visited or called the office to settle their accounts with the Council. This is an extremely
worrying situation because it leaves the Council with the impression that some individuals have no intention of honouring their civic obligation to the city. This we view as unfair and unhelpful to not only the City Council, but also all those property owners who have been making efforts to ensure the integrity of their accounts with the Council. The Council is in urgent need of money to sustain vital municipal services including: roads, street lights, drainage, law enforcement, community security, maternal and child welfare,
public health and environmental services and a host of others. As a result, the Council is urging all property owners to settle their accounts and assist the Council in its effort to sustainably develop the nation’s capital. Also, the council wishes to remind property owners that the current amnesty will come to an end on December 15, 2017 after which, all property owners will be obligated to pay all interest and penalties related to general rates. Royston King Town Clerk
A Change is within range - Sexual... From page 4 reducing the upsurge in sexual related offences. This landmark court was initiated as a result of the Sexual Offences Act 2010, under the directives of former Education Minister Priya Manickchand. At the opening of the court Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette CummingsEdwards, stressed the need for such a court, by highlighting the statistics showing where more than half of the cases before the Demerara Assizes, sexual offences made up half of the list. Hopefully, there would be a swift call to justice and the punitive measures meted out would be fully reflective of total non-tolerance. As a supporting measure, it is imperative that everyone speaks out loud and long and far and wide against these reprobates, old or bold, who continue to perpetrate these dastardly sexual acts against females, especially young underage children. Parents are implored to have serious discussions with their children about sex, consequences of unprotected sex, abstinence, contraception and drugs.
Granted each female develops differently, and the age when discussion about these topics becomes appropriate may differ, but sex and sexuality must be addressed, along with public awareness campaigns especially in the hinterland. Males also need to be educated regarding sexual responsibility. The life of this hapless underage female, along with that of her yet unborn, all stand as a glaring testimony showing how once again adults and institutions, especially the educational system, have failed Guyanese children. A successful outcome is wished her. Once the perpetrator is revealed, the punishment should befit the crime in a manner never before seen in Guyana, sending a clear message to the next—verify the age before having sex. There is no rush to judgment, as all should wait and see if the
brother could the putative father be. If this is positive, then the government should prepare the nation for its first known case of chemical castration. And if further factual evidence gives proof that the mother was aware and showed little care, then the full extent of the law should not spare her. However, before deciding her fate, one should assess her mental and psychological state. With the opening of a Sexual Offences Court replete with adequate judiciary and legal personnel, and at the risk of sounding overly optimistic, it is my fervent hope that now the machinery is in motion, it remains on track, gradually gaining momentum as it head towards total eradication of the sexual scourge that now covers the land. Y. Sam
How to celebrate Milad-un-Nabi From page 5 Holy Prophet (PBUH), Zainab. She was forgiven by him at the time of the conquest of Mecca. As such, there are countless examples from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in which he has shown the moral qualities of peace and forgiveness at the highest level conceivable. However, today the world, out of sheer lack of education and misguidance, associates the name Muhammad with violence and terrorism not
knowing that he was a personification of the complete opposite; of love, peace, compassion, friendship, brotherhood and kindness. As such what better way could there be to celebrate his life than by educating ourselves and the world at large of his beautiful and pure life and to inculcate these same moral qualities within us. Ali Raza Ahmad Missionary Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at
Friday December 01, 2017
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More countries achieve mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis status Even as Guyana continues to prepare to realize elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, six Caribbean territories will today receive validation from the World Health Organisation [WHO] for this status. This historic development is set to occur today as the world celebrates Worlds AIDS Day 2017. World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1. According to information released by PAHO/WHO, “Experts from PAHO, WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS, PANCAP/ CARICOM and the Regional Validation Committee, along with the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris, will announce this achievement and describe efforts made to reach it [elimination status], in addition to progress at the regional level. Participants will include health ministers and other high-level officials from the honoured islands.” After Cuba in 2015, this group of six countries and territories are the second in the Region of the Americas to receive this recognition. Until now, only two other countries in the world, Thailand and Belarus, have received WHO validation for dual elimination, while Armenia and the Republic of Moldova achieved global elimination goals for mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and syphilis, respectively. Meanwhile, a new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of WHO, and UNAIDS says that expanding access to
- as new report highlights importance of access to HIV prevention options
all HIV prevention options that are now available would reduce the number of new cases of HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean, which since 2010 has remained at 120,000 every year. Launched on the eve of World AIDS Day, the report, HIV Prevention in the Spotlight - An Analysis from the Perspective of the Health Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, analyzes progress made and challenges facing health systems in preventing HIV transmission. "We have seen important progress in the fight against AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean, with major reductions in childhood infections, improved treatment and fewer deaths from AIDS. But we have not yet seen the same success in terms of reducing new cases in adults,” said PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne. She added, “Preventing new infections requires intensifying efforts and ensuring that the most vulnerable people have access to all options and new technologies in a discrimination-free environment."
The report advocates what is known as the combination prevention approach, which is based on scientific evidence, respect for human rights and non-discrimination, and which includes three elements: offering a comprehensive package of biomedical interventions to users, promotion of healthy behaviours, and establishment of enabling environments that facilitate access to and use of prevention measures. According to the report, and UNAIDS data, the majority (64 percent) of new HIV cases occur in gays and other men who have sex with men, in sex workers and their clients, in transgender women, in people who inject themselves drugs, and in couples belonging to those key population groups. In addition, one third of new infections occur in young people aged 15 to 24. "Reducing new HIV infections among key population groups and the most vulnerable, including women and young people, will require specific high-impact HIV prevention actions, access to
evidence, treatment for all, and joint actions against discrimination," said UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dr. César Núñez. He added that it is equally important to have "an unwavering commitment to respect, gender equality, protection and the promotion of human rights, including the right to health." Currently there are many scientifically proven prevention options that health services can offer to help people prevent HIV infection and protect their health. These measures include new options such as self-administered HIV testing, which can be done at home, and the availability of HIV testing in places other than health centers. In Latin America, two in 10 people with HIV and four in 10 in the Caribbean do not know they have the virus, which represents an improvement over last year. But health officials have, over the years, remained ada-
mant that early diagnosis improves the quality of life of people with HIV and also helps prevent new infections. Other recommendations include providing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to people at high risk of contracting HIV and offering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in emergency situations, such as when someone has sex with a partner without knowing that person’s HIV status. Although the Region of the Americas pioneered early research that supported WHO’s 2015 recommendation to adopt PrEP, only three of the region’s countries currently offer pre-exposure prophylaxis in their public health service. The report also advocates distribution of condoms and lubricants, offering syphilis testing at the same time as HIV testing, and providing universal access to treatment, which significantly improves the health of people with HIV while also reducing the risk
that they will infect their partners. The report also recommends the promotion of peerled community outreach activities and providing health information and education. Further, the publication warns against dependence on international funding for prevention actions [such as peer education and provision of condoms and tests by NGOs] for key population groups, while also highlighting the decisive role that civil society can play in making the HIV response more effective, particularly in the area of prevention. Moreover, the report calls on governments, civil society and international organizations to work together in partnerships to accelerate the introduction of new prevention technologies, expand the availability of prevention options and ensure universal access to HIV prevention services to reduce new infections and end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
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Friday December 01, 2017
GPL’s chairman defends company’s performance - Minister to report on performance to Cabinet; new CEO to be named soon
GPL’s chairman, Robert Badal
Infrastructure Minister David Patterson
With yet another year of growing anger over the national power company’s performance, the Cabinet of Ministers is set to hear next week on the current situation at the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). The company is continuing to face problems in its service delivery, with Board Chairman, Robert Badal, yesterday stressing that despite a stronger financial position because of tighter systems, when it comes to generating power, the company is skating on thin ice. On Tuesday, last, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, was set to make a presentation on the situation at GPL to his colleague Cabinet ministers and President David Granger.
However, because of constraints, that presentation will now be accommodated in the next Cabinet meeting set for Tuesday, says Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. Harmon made the disclosure yesterday while being questioned during the postCabinet press briefing. In recent weeks, there have been prolonged outages, with scheduled line maintenance two Sundays ago shutting power to the city. This was despite billions being plugged into the utility company in recent years. More than two years ago, a US$40M project including seven sub-stations and new transmissions lines were commissioned. This year, a US$23M project to introduce smart
Almost half of the generators operated by GPL are two decades old, the company said yesterday. meters and run medium voltage lines on the coastland, was also launched. Prior to this, a new 26 megawatts power plant at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, was commissioned in the last few years. However, generation, transmission and distribution issues continue to plague the power company, Badal said yesterday. “GPL takes its responsibility to the nation to supply reliable and stable electricity seriously at all times. In fact, our customers are its ultimate stakeholders and therefore we
Constitutional reform remains key on Govt.’s agenda - Jordan Constitutional reform has been, and remains, a key agenda item for the Government. This sentiment was recently expressed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Jordan noted that while the calls for Constitutional reform have intensified, the Government is indeed making moves on this front. He said that this year, the Government held several consultations on the constitutional reform process; fostered partnerships to promote transparency and impartiality; and laid the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill in Parliament. The Finance Minister said that this legislation is currently engaging the attention of a special select committee. Upon completion
of the deliberations and passage of the Bill, he said that a Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission will be formed. Additionally, the economist said that the Commission will be mandated to do extensive work with the people of Guyana in every administrative region, to ensure an inclusive and transparent process. He said that the Government will gather information for the reform process, and put its reports and recommendations to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform. The Finance Minister said that the substantive process of constitutional reform can only commence when the aforesaid legislation has been passed and assented to. This is expected to occur in 2018.
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan Further, the Finance Minister said that the Government, with support from its development partners, will be providing for capacity building to the Commission and civic education across the country.
have an unwavering commitment to this mandate.” The official said that the recent spate of blackouts in the city and around the country have caused much concern among customers. “While we apologize for these interruptions it is important to understand the constraints and challenges affecting GPL’s everyday operations and the circumstances surrounding these outages. The outages were the result of intensified maintenance works on both generating assets and the transmission and distribution network (grid).” According to the chairman, the age of the electricity grid requires frequent maintenance to replace cables, connectors and the like. “The absence of redundancy lines mean that the areas serviced by the lines scheduled for maintenance would obviously be affected. Executive management has recently been mandated to implement live wire maintenance which would require minimum disruption of service during maintenance. Currently we do not have this expertise… this would require much training of local technicians, but it’s the way forward.” Badal insisted that over the years, investments in generating assets have lagged behind the need to retire aging generators. LESS THAN HALF “Currently we have 50MW of generators in Kingston and Garden of Eden that are over 22 years old and their replacement is now being planned. These units are now derated, resulting in lower generating capacity. While the units under maintenance have now been restored, shortfall in supply at SEI in Skeldon has made our reserve very
thin.” Currently GPL has total available generating capacity within the Demerara/Berbice Interconnection System (DBIS) of 123MW against a peak demand of 115MW. “This leaves us with a reserve capacity of only 8MW. This means that in the event of an unexpected break down or even scheduled maintenance the generating capacity may be inadequate.” To arrest this scenario, GPL has invited expressions of interest for the installation of 50MW of generation, based on natural gas, under a power purchase agreement, but the lead time for such supply could be two years, leaving GPL in a most challenging situation. According to Badal, divesting of all new generation is the new model GPL would be using going forward, to allow private sector investment in the electricity sector, while allowing it to focus its operating cash flows on modernizing its electricity grid. “The same neglect of renewal was evident at Bartica, Anna Regina and Canje, where the generating sets are more than 30 years old, which logically would give rise to maintenance challenges and affect reliability of electricity. We have purchased new gensets for these areas which after commissioning would remove outages in those areas. Nonetheless, a sensible policy of scheduled retiring and replacement of Gensets is vital in ensuring adequate long term generating capacity.” As regards the grid, which links Demerara and Berbice, the Public Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP), a US$64M Investment, would see 54,000 smart meters installed and more than 1000km of low voltage distribution lines aimed at reducing losses,
management strengthening and capacity building. In addition, Phase Two of the Infrastructural Development Programme will soon be commissioned. “This programme costing in excess of US$22M would build four new sub-stations, expand seven existing substations, build 55km of transmission lines and integrate generation with transmission through the SCADA system.” According to Badal, GPL is now in a stronger financial position than where it was a few years ago. Over the past two years, it has added more than $8B in free cash flows through prudent management, better inventory control and scheduling of procurement, even after extending a 20% reduction in electricity rates. “In addition, it repaid the Government $1B in interest in 2017, the first time it has done so in its history. It is now able to finance its own operations from operating cash flows instead of needing state funding. All executive posts are now filled and a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) will soon be on board.” Next year, GPL is hoping to complete the PUUP and execute the IDP 2, build generation capacity through private sector partnerships, intensify the reduction of losses, and improve operational efficiency and productivity. “Customer service of all aspects has been found wanting, with frequent complaints in one form or another. A new Director - Customer Service, recruited a few months ago, should make significant improvements in this area.” With strong leadership, which a substantive CEO brings, GPL should be propelled to achieve the goals, the chairman said. Currently, Renford Homer is acting as CEO.
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Jordan presents a ‘Jagdeo’ Budget There is a stark resemblance of this year’s Budget Speech to those which were presented under former President Bharrat Jagdeo. The structure of the Budget speech is almost the same. While the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act specifies what should be included in the National Budget, it does not mean that the Budget has to be regimented each year along the same lines. Ministers can be creative while honouring the ob-
ligations under the law. The similarities between the structure of the Budget speech between 2015 and 2017 with that what existed under President Jagdeo, may have to do with fact that the current Minister of Finance was a key technocrat under Jagdeo when he was Finance Minister. As a former Budget Director, he would have played a prime role in the Budget process. He therefore, now as Minister of Finance, may have stuck with what was
familiar to him. The problem with doing that, though, is that the Budget speech read very much like Jagdeo's budget speeches. It covers the welltrodden ground – international developments, domestic developments, targets etc. And then it highlights some measures which are like sweeteners, because they get people excited. There were quite a few this year in the Budget speech, relating to vehicles
for use in tourism, removing the discriminatory nature of the travel tax allowance for the benefit of private sector employees, granting an amnesty for tax defaulters, removing the education tax; removal of taxes on buses with seating capacity in excess of 21 seats and an increase in old age pensions by the princely sum of $500. These are the measures which will excite people. They are the basis on which the average man judges the Bud-
GPF announces new procedures for management of its vehicles At a forum held yesterday morning at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary, the Guyana Police Force announced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be able to better manage its fleet of vehicles, including those that were previously donated by the Chinese Government. In addition to the announcement, provisions are being made to have the officers trained to maintain the vehicles. As part of the agreement made between the government of China and Guyana, a Chinese technical training officer, Hu Jian, will be conducting training sessions
with the officers of the Force. The sessions will be held for two days and according to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Clifton Hicken, “We expect to have a roll out immediately after the training would have been completed”. As it relates to the new Standard Operating Procedures, Hicken said that it comes as a result of the Special Projects Unit that was formed within the force. “Coming out of our security sector reform… what we are doing now is that we have decentralized logistics officers that span the seven administrative divisions and the
departments. That is to be done so that across the board, we will have standardization in terms of maintaining the vehicles at the required standard as expected, so that we can ensure the shelf life of the vehicles.” He added that these new procedures seek to guarantee stringent decrees are in place to tackle the accountability of the police force. Hicken explained, “It is expected that with the structures we have in place there is no room for neglect, for the want of a better term, because it will be managed from the force at the policy level and decentralized to the commanders”.
GCCI commends Govt. on reversal of tax measures After conducting a quick review of Budget 2018, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) noted recently that it was pleased with the reversal of several tax measures. In this regard, it highlighted the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on education, the reduction in the Tributors’ Tax from 20 % to 10 % and the exemption of VAT on the supply of logs and rough lumber to the forestry sector. GCCI also said that it views the Minister’s consideration and incorporation of the measures as particularly encouraging, and hopes that this dialogue can extend into the future and other areas of policy-making. Be that as it may, GCCI noted that there were several shortcomings in Budget 2018. In this regard, the Chamber said that the budget did not provide a clear direction on an incentive regime for the private sector, apart from the Investment Act and Aid of Industry Act. In this regard, the Chamber said it is displeased that the fiscal policy initiatives
- but stresses on shortcomings of Budget 2018 detailed in the budget did not provide stimulus to some main sectors of the economy, and particularly, that there has been no reduction to the corporate income taxation rate, personal income tax rate, or a raising of the tax threshold. Additionally, the GCCI said it was hopeful that a clear plan would have been articulated in the area of job creation, investments and/or, facilitation of job-creating investments. Also worrisome to the GCCI is the fact that there was no elaboration of a strategy to absorb workers who will be displaced by government’s attempts at closing some sugar estates. GCCI said that the government’s efforts to address the economic and social malaise stemming from this divestment were reduced to three sentences in a paragraph. This, the Chamber said, is a great cause for concern, given the industry’s importance and material impact on the economic livelihood of many communities. GCCI said, “Furthermore, it was anticipated by the
Chamber that there would have been some elaboration regarding the Oil and Gas Sector and the expected role and recent developments of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), especially when considering the importance of the SWF to the creation and promotion of a resilient economy.” It continued, “This becomes more worrying as Guyana moves closer to the production of oil in 2020 and remains, by the Minister’s own admission, vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in international commodity prices.” When taking this vulnerability into consideration, the Chamber said it expected some emphasis to be placed on the promotion of the agriculture sector, particularly through a suitable incentive regime. The GCCI said that it looks forward to copies of the National Estimates, where it will do further analysis into the Government’s fiscal policy for 2018 and the other dimensions of the macroeconomic performance.
According to him, the police force is liable in enforcing the laws made by the government. Additionally, he said that the force is expected to, as a result of the decentralization, “…have databases in all the sub divisions that speak to accountability for the vehicles and accoutrements in the divisions”. The Assistant Commissioner asserted that part of the database system is a warning scheme that gives an alert when the vehicle is due for servicing. This, he said, will be controlled at the decentralized level, however information will be sent to Georgetown for a central database. With that being said, the law enforcer stressed the importance of the training sessions.
get. But how do these measures fit into the overall strategy of the government? It is important that measures not be ad hoc based on consultations, but become instead, part of the strategic approach of the government. In this regard, the 2017 Budget does not seem much different from those which were presented under Bharrat Jagdeo. They do not address the fundamental economic concerns: unemployment, growing the economy at higher rates than what existed before; setting a living wage etc. How do the Budget measures fit into a plan for reducing unemployment? How do the Budget measures stimulate growth for the private sector when government is pushing the private sector out? There is a lack of fiscal space for paying workers a living wage, yet the revenues which are being collected now, are many times what was being collected in 1992. Teachers were given an interim increase in salaries. They were expecting something more before the end of the year. The negotiations obviously are not completed, because the Minister has not announced any further increases. If the government cannot afford to pay a miserly $25,000 bonus to public service workers, how is it going to find the money to pay the post-interim increase for 2017 for teachers?
We hear a lot about the green economy, but where is the evidence that Guyana is going green, apart from painting buildings in green. How many government buildings have exited the national grid? Most are still utilizing energy from the national grid which is generated from fossil fuels? Jagdeo’s Budgets were about government spending. Each successive Budget was bigger than the next. The same scenario is repeating itself under Jordan. Each successive Budget of Jordan is bigger than the other. The question is whether the government has the capacity to spend that kind of money. Jagdeo’s secret weapon was to give everybody something so that they could feel nice. This year’s Budget is a feel good Budget. It tries to give as many persons something to feel good about. Jordan himself said it is about giving back. Last year was about taking back from the workers by taxing the living daylights out of them. This year they get a little ease, and you know what? Guyanese are so gullible, they will smile and say that this is the best Budget ever, just as they did with Jagdeo.
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Archaic Securities Act to be updated The legal and regulatory framework governing the operation of the securities sector has not kept pace with developments in the country and global best practices. This has created an impediment to the development and expansion of the securities market. According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, a modern and comprehensive legislative framework will enable the diversification of the capital market in Guyana, facilitate the mobilization of financial resources, and broaden market participation. It will also enhance investor protection and strengthen cross-border supervision and cooperation among financial regulators, in order to reduce systemic risk. To correct this deficiency, Jordan recently revealed that the Guyana Securities Council has begun rewriting the Securities Industry Act. Key elements of the new legislation will include improved licensing regimes for self-regulatory organisations, securities exchanges and securities intermediaries; extension of regulatory authority over the entire securities marketplace, including quotation and trade reporting systems and alternative trading schemes; and the institution of a licensing regime for collective investment schemes. The updated Act will seek to address the establishment of a Central Securities Depository to record, maintain securities and register the transfer
of ownership of securities. It would also feature a conferral on the regulator (to be renamed the Securities Commission) of such powers and duties as would enable it to promote the orderly development of the securities market and to protect the integrity of the market from abuse. SECURITIES MARKET A securities market is fundamental to the expansion, improvement and vigour of a nation's economy. It supports commercial initiatives, funds the use of new thoughts and assists the management of financial risk. Since retail investors are placing an ever-increasing amount of their cash in reciprocated finances and other combined asset schemes, it is therefore understandable that securities markets would evolve to such a state that it has become indispensible to individual wealth and retirement planning. But confidence and integrity in this process must be maintained at all times, and it is here one sees the need for the securities council. Guyana’s Council is an autonomous body which was established through the Securities Industry Act 1998. This piece of legislation provides for the registration of securities brokers and dealers, self regulatory organizations, and issuers of securities. It also paves the way for the regulation of securities issuances; with the purpose of encouraging capital formation and the growth of efficient
securities markets, while protecting purchasers of securities and promoting ethical behaviour in the securities industry. The functions of the Council in Guyana are many. They include advising the Minister of Finance on all matters relating to securities; maintaining surveillance over the securities market and ensuring orderly, fair and equitable dealings in securities. The Council also has a secondary mandate as a Supervisory Authority under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML.CFT) Act 2009. Section 22 (c) of the AML/
CFT Act 2009 gives the Council the responsibility as a Supervisory Authority for reporting entities which perform the business activities specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Act, which include trading for own account or for account of customers in money market instruments (such as cheques, bills, certificates of deposit), foreign exchange, financial futures and options, exchange and interest rate instruments, and transferable securities. The Council conducts annual training sessions for its Market Participants under the Securities Industry Act and its reporting entities under the
AML/CFT Act annually. These training programmes are highly beneficial to the stakeholders involved, as they increase the awareness of the requirements to ensure compliance with the various pieces of legislation, as well as to identify any risks that may be existing in their operations, and how they can mitigate those risks. The agencies which benefit from the Council’s training are all the stakeholders of the Securities Industry, including all Market Participants. The Reporting Issuers are also invited to attend. Other agencies that are invited are the Bank of Guyana,
Guyana Police Force, Special Organized Crime Unit and the State Asset Recovery Unit. The Council is also a member of several organizations within the region, namely the Caribbean Group of Securities Regulators (CGSR), the Council of Securities Regulators of the Americas (COSRA) and the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC). These organizations host several meetings and workshops annually which the Council is required to participate in. Among the issues being discussed at this point is the Regional Choice of Law and Rule of Law Guidelines.
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Commissioners still to receive fraud report from GECOM CEO
GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield
GECOM’s Chief Accountant, Joseph Eastman
GECOM’s Manager of Administration and Support Services
Multiple Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are baffled after another meeting ended without the submission of the $100M fraud report that surrounds the purchase of communication equipment. Kaieteur News has confirmed that the report has been handed over to the Commission and after two meetings, Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, has not distributed it to the seven-member Commission presided over by newly appointed Chairman, Justice James Patterson (ret’d). At Tuesday’s meeting, the Commissioners started to receive reports from Lowenfield on matters that have been executed by the Secretariat during the lack of Commission meetings due to the absence of a Chairman. “Why we have not received the report as yet is mindboggling,” one Commissioner stated. Justice Patterson was appointed on October 19, last, and has called two meetings since then. Commissioner, Bibi Shadick had told Kaieteur News that the auditor’s report should be placed high on the agenda for the Commission. The audit report was handed over to Lowenfield, who is also the accounting officer, but without the Commissioners examining the report, further action has not been taken. Auditor General Deodat Sharma has indicated a willingness to use the powers of his office to call in the police if the Commissioners fail to act on the recommendations in his report. GECOM’s Secretariat, which is headed by Lowenfield, is being accused of deliberately overseeing a system of procurement irregularities involving hundreds of millions of dollars in purchases– from radios, to pliers and batteries, to toners. The Auditor General had descended on GECOM’s office after a series of articles pointed to what appeared to be worrying procurement practices at an entity that
overlooks General and Local Government elections. One of the purchases for the 2015 General elections was of a number of communication radios. It was found that less than 90 percent of the radios were used, despite the strong reasons advanced by GECOM to the administration for the purchases. Some $100M was spent. It was found that the radios arrived too late to be deployed for the May 11, 2015 elections. The radios were purchased from a Water Street businessman. The report found that on top of that purchase for the radios which were all outdated, GECOM went ahead and bought 12 satellite phones for use in case the radios could not be put into operation. When Local Government Elections were held in 2016, the radios were not used. Checks on the radios found that six of the 50 sets were not working. GECOM defended itself for not going to tender by saying that it had little time before the May 11, 2015 elections to undertake the purchase. There were other questionable purchases, forged quotations, and prices that were way above market prices, paid for several other items. Some of these included
Duracell batteries, nippers, toners for printers and even office furniture. While the eventual supplier quoted for other brands of radios, it was selected over another bidder, who met the criteria. In the three quotes for the radios, one was from a separate entity dated a year earlier. The Audit Office found GECOM breached procurement regulations when it went ahead and evaluated the quotes for the radios without first seeking the approval of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). This was done after. In fact, the audit report found that GECOM signed the contract for the radios six days before the elections, making it impossible for the radios to be sourced, delivered, and installed in remote locations and for staffers to be trained. GECOM, in its defence, said that it could find nowhere in the report where anyone could be found culpable and that it would be difficult, therefore, to engage the police to pursue criminal indictments. Among other things, the police are being asked to find out how a quote from one of the entities ended up in the system, as the company has denied it ever submitted one.
Finance Ministry upgrades central accounting system The Finance Ministry has moved ahead with the upgraded version of Government’s accounting software—Integrated Financial Management and Accounting Systems (IFMAS). This is according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Going forward, Jordan said that the Government will be examining the effectiveness and user-friendliness of existing and alternative platforms. He said that this will be done to ensure that Government continues to improve on processing times within IFMAS. He said, too, that Government will also be moving to design the Integrated Financial Management and Information Systems (IFMIS), to replace the IFMAS. IFMAS is intended to ensure accountability and transparency regarding how taxpayers’ money is budgeted and spent by the government. A specially tailored system was first developed for Guyana by the Canadian company Free Balance and was secured at a cost of $132M. It came with seven components: Appropriation, Expenditure, General Ledger, Budget Preparation and Reporting System (BPRS), Purchasing, Revenue and Asset and Inventory Modules. But after ten years, the Purchasing and Asset and Inventory Modules were not implemented. In 2014, this newspaper carried a series of articles showing how liability for assets and monies could be improved if all the mod-
ules belonging to the IFMAS system were operable. The Finance Minister recalled that in 2004, the past administration began the phased implementation of the system. This change saw a move from a completely manual system to an automated accounting system. During his 2015 Budget speech, Jordan had revealed that after more than ten years and the expenditure of vast sums of money, the four installed IFMAS modules were “operating suboptimally” or not to the highest standard. He recalled that the country’s Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, had complained bitterly that the Finance Ministry’s system for recording gifts and assets is very poor. Sharma in an interview with Kaieteur News had even stated that had the two unused IFMAS modules been operationalized, it would have made for an easier and more efficient audit of government books. With this position, the guardian of the national purse continuously called for the two modules to be activated. Doug Hadden, Vice President of Sales of the Canadian Company, which develops the IFMAS, had said that he is unaware of any case where a government bought the system and did not use all of the modules. He said that while Governments are treated with a sense of privacy, he would advise that all the modules be used.
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Bonasika bauxite developer eyes products for deepwater wells - gets 1-year extension to start US$50M construction A New Orleans, Louisiana-based bauxite development company is exploring products that can be used in deepwater off-shore well. First Bauxite Corporation Announces, in its filing of its unaudited quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the period ended September 30, 2017, disclosed that it is continuing to assess potential strategic opportunities to utilise idled ceramic proppant production capacity in the USA or to construct a new production facility with a smaller capacity than envisaged in its 2015 Feasibility Study. “The company also continued developing market information for ultra highstrength ceramic proppants, with an emphasis for use in deepwater offshore wells, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico.” There has been renewed interest around proppants – the hard microspheres injected into well bores to “prop open” rock fissures allowing natural gas and oil to flow out. Ceramic proppants – a manmade proppant, offer a tailored solution in more demanding drilling settings. Ceramic proppants can
Alan Roughead, President and CEO of First Bauxite Corporation presenting Minister of State, Joseph Harmon (right) with the Project Document in late August.
withstand a much greater crush strength than traditional frac sand products – up to 10,000 psi. First Bauxite recently met with Government announcing that it is looking to invest US$50M into a project at Bonasika, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven with construction to start next year and 12 months after. However, the company has been granted a one-year extension. The project is expected to
provide employment for over 150 locals. The company commenced feasibility work on the Bonasika Project in 2008. Since then the company says it has expended US$20M on developing the bauxite resource and has completed three feasibility studies. The company has also conducted two major production trials in Guyana over the past two years. During the nine months
ended September 30, 2017, the company says it continued to make progress. It has completed a series of industrial scale ceramic proppant production trials in China that began in the third quarter of last year. “Initial results have been very encouraging with independent recognised US laboratory testwork confirming a superior product,” First Bauxite disclosed in its filing. During the second quar-
ter of this year, the company said it shipped an additional 3,000 metric tonnes to China for additional industrial scale production trials. “The additional production trials are to ensure an adequate supply of product available for potential customers and to further improve the production quality and consistency.” In addition, the company said it has continued to assess other potential markets and business models including a “Direct Shipping Ore” strategy to utilise idled sintered refractory bauxite capacity for the refractory and other markets. “Recent improvements in the sintered refractory bauxite market have made this strategy more attractive.” With regards to its operations and regulations, First Bauxite said it has received formal notification from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission that its request for an extension to commence construction under its Mining License for the Bonasika Project has been approved. “The Company had earlier received an extension through January 31, 2018, which also provided for an additional year to be granted if the GGMC
considered the company to have made sufficient progress to merit the additional extension. The construction commencement date has now been extended to January 31, 2019. In addition, the company has also received from the Government of Guyana an executed Amendment Agreement to its Mineral Agreement to reflect the new project concept of a mining and beneficiation plant in Guyana and the downstream processing plant in the USA.” First Bauxite is a Canadian natural resources company engaged in the exploration and development of bauxite deposits in Guyana. The company says it intends to produce and sell bauxite raw ore from its facility in Guyana and intends to produce sintered refractory products and ceramic proppants for the refractory and energy industries in the future. The entrance of the Bonasika project would help boost an industry that has below radar for a number of years now. The other bauxite operations are in Linden and in the Upper Berbice area, Region 10, and are operated by the Chinese and Russians.
UNDP partners with Govt. to take internet to hinterland, poor and remote areas The signing of a second contract was yesterday done between Minister of Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Catherine Hughes, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Resident Representative of UNDP, Mikko Tanaka. It represented the first step to commence a programme which will facilitate internet in communities that are referred to as poor, remote and hinterland, according to the Ministers. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in the boardroom of the Ministry of Finance, Main Street, Georgetown. With funding from the Guyana REDD-Plus Investment Fund (GRIF), managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) this project has become a reality. After approximately twelve months of planning, innovative thinking, research, project design and comprehensive consultations with stakeholders, Minister Hughes said it has brought them to the point of decision. She said through the E-government unit, under her Ministry - that has been working
with the Ministry of Finance, UNDP and GRIF - the finalization design and implementation strategy of the project was delivered. In her remarks, she said she was excited about the project since it will offer Guyanese in Hinterland, poor and remote communities the access that they deserve. “I am excited that the need possibilities this project will offer Guyanese in the Hinterland, poor and remote communities who have been left out when it comes to access to the benefits of ICT (Information Communication Technology), in the area of health, education, public security, telecommunications, entrepreneurial possibilities that ICT offers and so many other sectors”. She added, “For far too long the digital divide in these areas has been real and the project that we are about to start will change and start the transformation”. Hughes explained that the project will address policy development issues that includes cyber security, new supporting legislation for the sector, access to government services through the use of
ICT, the use of renewable and green technology, the establishment of more ICT hubs, the connection of more schools and support services, and the ability to provide more facilities and services online through internet access and skills training. Resident Representative of UNDP, Mikko Tanaka said she was happy to work with these different ministries to have internet services taken to these areas and is indeed happy to work with the government to implement the project. She said she hopes to learn from the project, how to develop better programmes in these specific areas which are challenged. In closing, Tanaka asserted that she hopes the initiative will be helpful in aiding young people, men and women to achieve their developmental objectives. In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Hughes said that under this project, the Ministry applied for funds through the Guyana REDDplus Investment Fund (GRIF). The project proposal was US$17 million to cover the five-year intervention
(From right) Resident Representative of UNDP, Mikko Tanaka, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes display the newly signed MOU programme and was formally submitted to the GRIF Secretariat. The Minister noted that there are many, “far flung parts of the hinterland like the Rupununi in the interior where we need special approaches”. She further said that there is a
cost to provide internet access and projects will need to be developed to generate income into the communities. Another important component of the project, Minister Hughes identified, is training of individuals. She explained that training of persons in the
communities that are to be connected is imperative. “We will need to go into these communities and provide training so that they can know how to use this internet they are getting to better themselves”, Minister Hughes said.
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Protestors target Nagamootoo’s birthday event on the C’tyne Members and supporters of the People's Progressive Party Civic Regional arm yesterday protested Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during his visit at the Auchlyne Primary School while he engaged in a celebra-
tion of his 70th birthday. The protest was done in light of the over 400 Rose Hall Estate workers that received letters of termination on Wednesday from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
Nagamootoo, as he exited the school's compound with smiles and a Guyana flag in hand shouted to the protesters, "Give my regards to Jagdeo", while his wife, Sita Nagamootoo also waved and smiled.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (at left) waving his flag at protestors across the roadway.
Zamal Hussain, PPP/C Regional Supervisor, told this publication that they will continue to protest the Prime Minister, the president and ministers’ visits to the region for "... the betterment of the working people". He reiterated that the protests are being held as a reminder that, "Two years ago at Whim, he said sugar was too big to fail, and he had the solution to ensure that the industry becomes profitable again". Hussain also stated that they want their voices to be heard on the many other mat-
ters such as the 2018 Budget and the appointment of the GECOM Chairman. Over 30 persons took part in the exercise as they displayed placards such as "Budget 2018 is a disaster", "Jordan posing while economy crumbling" among the many others. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nagamootoo while addressing students at the school, spoke of the many books he has written and also donated a water dispenser, a photocopying machine, exercise books, teaching and learning aids along with other items
of stationery. Five laptop computers were also handed over to the school, provided by Minister Cathy Hughes. Nagamootoo also revealed that Hughes has promised to work towards making Auchlyne Primary the first primary school "to be connected to the worldwide web". Also present at the celebration yesterday were Deputy Commander, Edmond Cooper, Nagamootoo's regional representative, Gobin Harbhajan and other officials from the Department of Education, Region Six.
Public Debt Management Bill for Nat’l Assembly in 2018 In the area of public debt management, progress has been made to consolidate various pieces of legislation that govern debt, into a draft Public Debt Management Bill. According to the coalition administration, it is anticipated that under this consolidated umbrella, institutional and legal frameworks will be solidified to allow for more effective public debt management. The Government has articulated that the intent is to promote transparency, accountability and debt sustainability while striving to meet the nation’s financing needs at minimal borrowing costs and an acceptable level of risk. The Bill is expected to be laid in the National Assembly, in 2018. According to the 2015 Public Debt Annual Report, the existing legal framework for debt management in Guyana is not consistent with many of the elements of international best practices and would need to be improved. The report says that the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) attempted to fill some of the gaps in the legislation and identifies the Ministry of Fi-
nance as being principally responsible for managing the public debt and cash-flow as they pertain to the Treasury functions. The report notes, however, that this Act still needs further elaboration regarding the management of borrowing, lending, investments and guarantees. In addition, the existing legislation does not require an approved medium term debt strategy being linked to a high-level debt management objective, expressed in terms of the cost-risk borrowing preferences of the Government. The report articulates that currently, debt levels and ceilings in the law are not linked to fiscal and macroeconomic conditions. There is also no requirement for the involvement of the Parliament or the Cabinet in the drafting or approval of the National Debt Strategy and; no guidance regarding the organizational structure for debt management, the roles of debt management officials and their relations with fiscal, monetary and other agencies. Additionally, current legislation does not address the public dissemination of infor-
mation or the flow of information among agencies regarding the public debt Transparency in debt management operations is an integral component of sound debt management practice. While the existing legal framework provides for the auditing of loans, there is no requirement for the specific auditing of the Debt Management Division and its debt operations. There is no provision for the evaluation of debt management activities and outcomes against goals and objectives in what is called performance auditing. The report outlines that sound practice in public debt management requires the auditing of public debt management operations, especially activities related to the formulation of the debt strategy, recording and accounting for debt, debt system administration, and management of loan records. With the help of an InterAmerican Development Bank funded Consultant, a single Public Debt and Aid Management Act and Regulations were drafted in 2006. This important draft legislation was never enacted. It has since been updated.
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Disability Council takes on role of Govt. watchdog Several buildings are still not disability-friendly, in accordance with the Guyana Disability Act of 2010. The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities is not taking this state of affairs lightly. In fact, Chairman of the Council, Mr. Leon Walcott, says that he intends to write to those in authority, pointing out that there are a number of popular public buildings that lack access for persons with disabilities. He disclosed, for instance, that although the Kingston, Georgetown Red House was some time ago outfitted with a ramp for persons confined to a wheelchair, a recent visit
- as efforts made to highlight contribution of persons with disability to the building revealed that the wooden ramp there had deteriorated. “A concrete ramp would only cost them about $20,000,” said Walcott, as he recalled how his recent visit to Red House required that persons lift him out of his wheelchair in order for him to gain access to the building. According to Walcott, although Government has always responded favourably to the concerns of persons
with disabilities, there is still need for much more to be done in terms of ensuring that the public adheres to the Disability Act. “We have to keep approaching Government...our buildings have to be disability-friendly. If buildings do not have the necessary measures in place, it means that they are violating the building code,” Walcott noted. Situations like these persist, Walcott added, despite efforts by both the past and
present administrations to ensure that new buildings, whether public or private, have a ramp. The Council, Walcott informed, is tasked with being the Government’s watchdog. In so doing, he revealed that he recently had cause to speak out against a property in the heart of the city that has failed to incorporate disability-friendly features. “I posted about it on Facebook and got about 30 comments...many other
Bus driver freed on dangerous driving charge - after accident which left 14 school children injured After six months, 28-yearold bus driver Alpha Felix, who was charged with dangerous driving in relation to an accident along the West Coast Berbice Public Road, which left 14 school children injured, was on Monday cleared of the c h a r g e by Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court. The injured children ranged in age from three to nine years old. Felix, of Weldaad, West Coast Berbice, was slapped with the offence days after the accident involving three
minibuses at Rising Sun, West Coast Berbice. Felix, who had been released on $50,000 bail pending trial, walked out of court a free man after the Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to convict him. His driver’s licence had also been suspended pending the outcome of the matter. Three route 50 minibuses - BHH 5558, BTT 2426 and BNN 8359 - were involved in the collision. According to the police, BHH 5558 was transporting Primary and pre-school children at the time. At the time of the accident,
Bus driver Alpha Felix all three of the buses were proceeding west along the Rising Sun Public Road with BHH 5558 ahead, followed by BNN 8359 and BTT 2426. It was reported that BNN
8359 was in the process of overtaking BTT 2426, being driven by Felix, when he observed that another vehicle was approaching in the lane. But as the driver of BNN 8359, attempted to reduce acceleration, his vehicle collided with the other two buses which toppled. “The minibus attempting to overtake came into contact with the front right side of the vehicle being overtaken. The impact caused the overtaking minibus to topple onto its side. It skidded and came into contact with the parked school bus. The school bus with children in it, also toppled and skidded off the parapet,” a police official had explained.
Leon Walcott people [with disabilities] had issues with entering that building too, and this is simply because there are no ramps at that building,” Walcott related. According to the Council Chairman, addressing such shortcomings come as part of the ongoing efforts to realise attitudinal and architectural changes. “It has been a very difficult thing to create change, because people grow up with a mindset that persons with disabilities are good for nothing,” Walcott stated emphatically. But using himself as an example, Walcott assured that this is certainly not the case. “I have a physical disability, but that’s where it stops,” he said, as he spoke of “walking the corridors of power”. “I worked with two presidents – Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Desmond Hoyte – as a Special Assistant. I was a successful teacher, a sports coach, and I have made substantial
contributions to my country,” Walcott said, as he stressed that “persons with disabilities can make very good contributions just like anyone else”. At the age of eight, Walcott was diagnosed with muscle atrophy, a situation in which the muscles and the nerves of his feet deteriorated. Essentially, the condition is one where a protein feeds on the covering of the nerves. “It progressed very slowly,” said Walcott of his condition. Although he was affected in ways that he wished were avoidable, Walcott said that it wasn’t until 2003 that he was confined to a wheelchair. “There are some things you may never be able to do with certain disabilities, but once you can overcome it [your disability] mentally, you can do much. I tell people just look at me for inspiration. I have been blessed; in spite of my disability I have been able to make a contribution and continue to do so,” said Walcott. In order to educate other persons with disabilities of their rights, the Council recently held a two-day sensitisation forum. Moves to raise awareness, according to Walcott, are intended to enhance the leadership and advocacy capabilities of persons living with various forms of disabilities, with a view to helping them become more inclusive in society. The forum represents part of the activities this week to mark National Disability Week 2017 which spans the period November 26 – December 1.
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Friday December 01, 2017
Kaieteur News
Cop confesses: ‘I helped Vicky escape’
Vicky Boodram Trinidad Express - A Police officer in custody in connection with the escape of alleged fraudster Vicky Boodram, has allegedly confessed to assisting her. The officer has allegedly changed his initial statement to police that he knew noth-
ing of an escape plot by Boodram. He had previously claimed to officers of the Professional Standards Bureau when he was arrested on Tuesday that he and a female special reserve police officer were performing officially sanctioned
police duties when they picked up Boodram at the Women’s Prison, Golden Grove. Whether he did if for money or love, is being unraveled. The male and female officer arrived at around 5.15 p.m. in a marked Nissan Xtrail and handed over a document requesting Boodram to appear before a magistrate in the Tunapuna Magistrates’ Court. A senior prison officer was contacted and he gave permission for Boodram to be taken away in the custody of the two police officers. Investigators have since uncovered that the female SRP was dropped off at her home and the male constable and Boodram drove off. Footage of closed circuit television cameras showed that the male officer parked the police vehicle in the back of the Tunapuna Police Station shortly after 6 p.m. Boodram was not seen in the footage.
Finance Minister optimisitc after official visit to Qatar KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - CMC – Issues related to hotel development were among the matters discussed Finance Minister Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves’ recent official to Qatar, his first since taking up the finance portfolio this month. During his trip last week, Gonsalves held meetings with Prime Minister of Qatar, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Finance Ali Sharif Al Emadi, Prime Minister and representatives of Katara Hospitality, Qatar’s leading hospitality organisation. Gonsalves said that one of the main issues discussed with the Qatari officials was hotel development in St Vincent and the Grenadines. He said his delegation, which included St Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United Nations, Rhonda King, explained to the respective Qatari ministers that 2018 will be the first full year after the opening of Ar-
Venezuela arrests ex-oil bosses for graft in widening purge
Eulogio del Pino and Nelson Martinez CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuelan authorities yesterday arrested two once-powerful officials who had run the oil ministry and state energy company PDVSA as part of a deepening industry purge also seen as a power play by leftist President Nicolas Maduro. In the highest-profile arrests to date, engineer Eulogio Del Pino and chemist Nelson Martinez were detained early yesterday on accusations of graft and seeking to sabotage the nation’s ailing energy industry, prosecutor Tarek Saab said in a televised speech. He accused Del Pino of participating in a $500 million corruption and sabotage scheme at the Petrozamora joint venture with Russia’s Gazprombank and said Martinez had allowed a poor refinancing deal for Venezuela’s Citgo Petroleum Corp, a U.S.-based refiner that
he used to lead, to go ahead without government approval. “We’re talking about the dismantling of a cartel of organised crime that had taken over PDVSA,” Saab said as state television flashed a video of armed military intelligence agents knocking on a door and images of the two men being arrested. Maduro has promised a vast anti-corruption purge to cleanse the oil industry of “mafias.” Some 65 executives have been detained so far, panicking PDVSA workers, depriving Venezuela’s oil industry of much of its top brass, and stalling decisionmaking in the company overseeing the world’s biggest crude reserves, insiders say. The opposition dismisses the probe as a power struggle within Maduro’s inner circle, noting that the industry has been under tight control of the ruling Socialist Party since early in the late President
Hugo Chavez’s 14-year rule. They say authorities ridiculed and dismissed a report last year by the oppositionrun Congress, which concluded that some $11 billion went missing at PDVSA over a decade when Del Pino and Martinez were both influential officials. Insiders instead say the probe is politically motivated, likening it to a recent crackdown on graft in Saudi Arabia that has strengthened the power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. PDVSA and Venezuela’s Information and Oil Ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters was unable to contact Del Pino or Martinez. The arrests of Del Pino and Martinez have brought more attention to Rafael Ramirez, who was Venezuela’s all-powerful oil czar for a decade and under whom both men ascended.
Data shows increase in population, decrease in unemployment Camillo Gonsalves gyle International Airport, which began operating on February 14. He said he told them that while his government has completed the herculean task of building the airport, there are other tasks ahead, including increasing the room stock and building more quality hotel rooms which will attract
airlines and other hotels to be built in a positive cycle. He said he explained to Katara Hospitality that the mandate of the government is to build its own 250-room hotel while trying to attract foreign investors to build a hotel. Gonsalves said Katara Hospitality was very clear that their vision for their first Caribbean facility is a good bit larger than 250 rooms. They, however, would be interested in the island “because we are, essentially, in their eyes, virgin territory — the best locations have not been taken by other hotels and that they can brand and market St. Vincent and the Grenadines in a particular way.”
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - CMC – Grenada has seen an increase in the size of its population based on the latest data from the Central Statsitcs Office. According ot a report, as of June 2016, the island’s population expanded by 814 persons bringing the count to 110,910 which in 2015 stood at 110,096. The 0.7 percent increase to the 2015 figures which included 55,955 males and 54,955 females. The data, which part of the annex documents to the 2018 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure said revealed that presently the 67.3 percent of the population are in the age group 15 to 64. “The section of the population ages 0-14 years (24,201) persons and 65 years and above (12,023) were 21.8 percent and 10. percent respectively,” said the report which
explained that Grenada’s dependency ratio stood at 48.5%. It also pointed out that the legal age for employment in Grenada is 16 and according to the preliminary results of the 2017 labour force survey, the labour force in Grenada decrease by 3 percent, moving from 56,998 persons in 2016 to 55,268 in 2017. Of that amount, Central Statistics said that 42,011 were employed and 13,257 were unemployed. The labour force survey that was conducted in September 2017, was undertaken by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) of the Ministry of Finance and Energy, in collaboration with the OECS Commission, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Decent Work Team, the World Bank and the Office for the Caribbean and the United Nations Development
Programme. A Labour Force Survey is a household sample survey that provides estimates of employment and unemployment. The main objectives of the 2017 Labour Force Survey which collected data from 1365 households were – to divide the working-age population into three mutually exclusive classifications – employed, unemployed, and not in the labour force; to provide descriptive and explanatory data on each of these classifications; and To assess the level of poverty in Grenada using the multi-dimensional approach to poverty measurement. The annex report to the budget statement said that the high employment rate reflects low educational attainment among school leavers most of whom had only primary, partial secondary or full secondary school.
Friday December 01, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Argentina ends missing sub rescue mission
PNC/R preaches unity in diversity -as Youman Nabi is observed “We need to recommit ourselves to the achievement of the ideals of a truly multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society where there is unity in diversity.” This was the message amplified by the People’s National Congress/Reform [PNC/R] to mark Youman Nabi. The PNC/R not only extended Youman Nabi Greetings to the Muslim brothers and sisters, but to all Guyanese.
Youman Nabi or Mawlid al-Nabi or Eid-e-Milad, fixed at the 12th day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal in the Muslim calendar, is a celebration of the Birth Anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The day is marked by sermons, recitation of litanies, honouring of religious dignitaries, gift giving, and a feast. According to the PNC/R, “The occasion also serves as a reminder that whatever trials and tribulations we face,
the prophet of God faced even greater and yet he never allowed anger and hatred to determine his actions.” As such the political party underscored that “We, in Guyana, can benefit from the legacy by using it as an instrument, not only for promoting understanding among our various ethnic, religious and social groups, but also, and more importantly, for bringing a healing towel to dilemmas and challenges which affect our nation.”
“Prophet Hazrat Muhammad was the personification of righteousness. His teachings and deeds have been so powerful that it influenced the beginning of the world’s second largest religion, with over one billion persons now following the path of Islam.” This was the observation of Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, in a message to commemorate the Muslim religious occasion of Youman Nabi today. “Today, we join the Islamic community to celebrate the birth and life of
their Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad Sahib (Peace be upon him). Sincerest Youman Nabi greetings to you all,” said Minister Muhammad. He highlighted that Muhammad’s teachings of compassion, love, kindness, charity, brotherhood and tolerance have become universal. It is therefore important that “we take this day to rededicate ourselves to the ideals for which he lived his life.” He moreover added, “I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to see beauty in the diversity of these six peoples and cultures that dwell on the Land of Many Waters. Let
us honour this great Prophet by shattering the barriers that have divided us for far too long. Let us be kind and compassionate to all fellow beings, regardless of their ethnic background and social status. Do your part to practice and promote peace over chaos, and forgiveness over fighting and malice. Following the Prophet’s teachings is key helping us achieve Social Cohesion here in Guyana and across the globe. There is forever strength in unity,” the Minister underscored in his message.
Promote peace over chaos – Minister Norton
The ARA San Juan (BBC) The Argentine navy has said it has abandoned attempts to rescue 44 crew members on board a submarine that disappeared two weeks ago. “Despite the magnitude of the efforts made, it has not been possible to locate the submarine,” navy spokesman Enrique Balbi said yesterday. The sub, the ARA San Juan, last made contact on Wednesday 15 November. Hopes of finding survivors faded after a suspected explosion was reported near its last-known location. Capt Balbi said the search for the submarine had been “extended to more than double the number of days that determine the possibilities of rescuing the crew”, but added that teams would continue to search for the vessel on the seabed. He said the “phase had changed” and that the operation, involving numerous vessels and other subma-
rines, was now a hunt for a wreck in the area where the ARA San Juan is believed to have vanished. On Tuesday, Capt Balbi told reporters that water had entered the submarine’s snorkel, which can be used to take in air from above the surface when the submarine is submerged. The saltwater dripped onto a battery tray in the prow, causing the battery to short circuit and to smoulder, he said. The navy spokesman’s comments followed reports of an “abnormal, singular, short, violent, non-nuclear event” recorded in the south Atlantic by a nuclear test watchdog. News of the suspected explosion on board the ARA San Juan was last week broken to relatives of the missing crew gathered at the Mar del Plata navy base, who responded with anger and tears. Family members accused the navy of lying to them and
of raising false hopes. An international search mission to try and find the submarine has seen the deployment of 4,000 personnel from more than a dozen countries. The Argentine navy’s last contact with the vessel was at approximately 07:30 (10:30 GMT) on 15 November, at which point its captain had reportedly confirmed that the crew were well. Eight days after the sub vanished, the Vienna-based Comprehensive Nuclear TestBan Treaty Organisation said that it had detected a noise a few hours after the sub’s last contact. The body, which operates a network of listening posts to monitor nuclear explosions, said that there had been a “hydro-acoustic anomaly” about 30 nautical miles (60km) north of the sub’s last-known position at 10:31 (13:31 GMT). The Argentine navy said it could have been the sound of the submarine imploding.
(BBC) The world’s leading oil exporting nations have agreed to extend production curbs, aimed at boosting the oil price, by nine months. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and non-members, led by Russia, agreed the output limits would continue until the end of 2018. The limits were first agreed a year ago, and helped to push up the price of crude oil by about 30%. The oil price fell slightly after the latest deal, which
had been expected. Brent Crude was down 0.3% at $62.35 a barrel. The oil exporting countries have suffered in the face of a falling oil price brought about by global oversupply. The new deal means 1.8 million barrels a day will continue to be cut from the market in an effort to reduce the oversupply and push up prices. The 14-member Opec, whose biggest member is Saudi Arabia, has often limited output to boost prices.
However, last December they were joined by 10 nonmembers others, including the biggest exporter outside the group, Russia. That agreement had already been extended once until the end of March. A major factor behind global oversupply of oil is growing shale oil production in the US. Russia has previously voiced concerns that continuing the output curbs could lead to more shale oil production.
Oil exporters agree to extend output curbs
Matt Lauer apologizes after ‘Today’ firing as more women come forward NEW YORK (Reuters) Longtime “Today” show host Matt Lauer apologized for what he called his “troubling flaws” in a statement read out on the NBC morning show on Thursday, a day after the network fired him for inappropriate sexual behavior. As his 20 years as a fixture of U.S. morning television came to an abrupt end, Lauer found himself among the growing ranks of powerful men in U.S. entertainment, politics and media to be felled in recent months by accusations of sexual misconduct. Lauer said in his statement that some of the accusations against him were “untrue or mischaracterized,” without explaining further, but said that “there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.” Lauer, 59, is married. He was fired after a female colleague complained to NBC officials on Monday evening about a pattern of inappropriate sexual behavior that began while they were on assignment at the 2014 Sochi winter Olympics in Russia, according to NBC statements.
Since then, at least two more women have gone to NBC with similar complaints against Lauer, the “Today” show reported on Thursday. None of the women have been publicly identified. “Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching and I‘m committed to beginning that effort,” Lauer said in the statement, which was read by his former co-host Savannah Guthrie at the start of Thursday’s broadcast. “It is now my full-time job,” the statement said. “The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws.” Lauer said he was “truly sorry” for pain he had caused. Reuters has not independently verified the accusations. NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack said the network had never received a complaint about Lauer’s conduct prior to Monday but that “we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.” Jeff Zucker, a former “Today” show producer who rose up the ranks to become president of NBC Universal,
said he had never heard any complaints against Lauer during his time at the network, where he spent 25 years before joining CNN as president in 2013. “There was never a suggestion of that kind of deviant, predatory behavior, not even a whisper of it,” Zucker said during the Business Insider IGNITION 2017 conference in New York on Thursday. He called the allegations against Lauer “incredibly disturbing” and sad. Lauer was promoted to a host of the “Today” show in 1997 and went on to become one of NBC’s highest-paid personalities, reportedly being paid $20 million a year. The network, owned by Comcast Corp(CMCSA.O), did not respond to questions about its plans for replacing Lauer. Media analysts say his sudden departure could send some viewers to morningnews rivals, at least in the short term. “Today” dominated the morning rating wars for much of Lauer’s tenure but it was overtaken in 2012 by “Good Morning America” on Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) ABC network.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 630-1600 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Friday December 01, 2017
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 One Hilux Surf in excellent condition. Cost $2,200,000 negotiable Contact : 612-2592 (1) Flat bottom boat 35 ft. in length, 6 ft. depth with 400 lbs. catguts seine (5 inch) Tel#6766002/622-8697, 695-9860. Masilla Expoxica Marina, part “A” and “B”, good price Contact : 677-6679, 662-7965 One massive six month old male American bully/Pitbull ready to be trained. 629-7426/ 233-0570 Creole chicks, ducklings, ducks, turkey chicks, one fridge & household items. Contact: 610-0901 Fridge, freezer, stove, beds, washing machine, microwave, furniture. Call 6713004. Husky dog. 1 yr. old. Call 2670205. Whatsapp 671-9136 2 ft x 2 ft fullbodied porcelain tiles approximately 3200 Sq ft. Contact: 641-4952/662-1991. I- Leyland daf cement mixer truck $2.9M,1-caterpillar skid steer $ 3.4 M,1-Bmw 318 I, $2.7M 1-mitsubishi canter $ 3.6 M Contact 650-0402/6031402 LAND FOR SALE 21 acres of land at Moblissa, Linden Highway. House on land (need repairs) $15M Contact: 600-6182, 604-7209. One cornerlot for sale 50x100 in gated community @ Land Of Canaan, Canaan Gardens. Tel: 694-7817, 612-1351 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397. Farm (East Bank) $3.5M Herstelling $2M Parafaite Harmonie Main Road (High Income) 100ft X 50ft $3M 6511969/656-0701
FOR RENT
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
Experienced salesgirl @ Christine’s Variety Store on Lombard St. Contact 227-8529.
Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 1-Two bedroom apt, fully furnish, AC Room, situated in Eccles, EBD Tel: 667-2536 3 bedroom apartment at 19 Goedverwagting. East Coast Demerara. Rent$60,000 per month. Call:222-9098 or 6149516.
Need a cosmetologist. Must be rounded Call; 693-1817 Wanted-One apprentice electrician must have ideas of domestic works. Phone: 6822971. Wanted Minibus driver. 50 yrs and older. Tel#666-6991. 45 Route. 1-Shop assistant & a female cook to work in interior, 1male/female to look after layer bird in the interior Call: 6994718. Responsible Hire Car Drivers. Call: 231-7200 Looking for a seamstress and tailor- Call: 689-5877
EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922
We buy lands in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Covent Garden & Parafaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt $3M. 6511969/656-0701 Legal Secretary/Clerk. Must have CXC English and be Computer Literate. Tel#6009030
Stakeholders consult to review forestry occupational safety regulations The Ministry of Social Protection is currently holding consultations with representatives of the Forestry sector with the intent of making the sector much safer. Participants are reviewing a draft Occupational Safety and Health Regulations document proposed by the Department of Labour. After successful consultations, the regulations are expected to be made under the Occupational Safety and Health Act Chapter 99:06, Laws of Guyana. Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle, noted that while having regulations is one step, implementation is another – something the department of labour is serious about. He advised that during consultation, considerations be made of the local context, so that the regulations are more realistic. It is the view of the Department of Labour that Forestry work is a high-risk activity which necessitates that safety be paramount. The nature of Forestry work is characterized by both manual and mechanical operations that provide complex challenges in harvesting timber, getting it to the roadside, and transporting it to the end
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 One Titan, excellent condition, 718 Diamond EBD Call : 6242462. Toyota Belta. Excellent Condition, AC, PVV, Like new. Good for bank purchases. 1,850,000. 639-2490. 2015 Ford F150 EXT Cab 4X4 fully loaded Auto V6 3500CC 5800km Excellent Condition. 610-5370. 2010 Toyota Rush (PVV) Excellent Condition $3.3M negotiable . 2005 Toyota Vitz PPP Excellent Condition $1.3M Negotiable. Contact 641-2609. One(1) Mitsubishi Canter 14 feet 7.5 ton 50% down payment and no interest. Contact 650-0402 or 603-1402. TOLET
PROPERTY FOR SALE
One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St. Kindly call: 689-3462, 6443555. Serious enquiries only.
Property @ 76 Providence E.B.D with Grocery store & half liquor license for home/ business. Price Negotiable. Call: 667-6877
One bedroom apartment with parking and telephone convenience for a decent mature working couple $30,000 623-8759 or 672-1586
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435122/656-0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES, AND SPECIAL OFFERS! CALL: 690-6494 TOLET Room for working couple/ single person. Light, water, bed included, $32,000 monthly, $32,000 security@ South Ruimveldt. Tel: 6230076
VACANCY 1-Female office assistant to work in office between the age of 30-45 Contact Cell: 6238078, 220-1787 Sales boys & Girls. Apply: Avinash Complex Water Street. 226-3361/227-7828. Experienced Pharmacy Technicians to work flexible hours @ reputable pharmacy in Diamond & Kitty. Call: 6453422/ 227-0630 Vacancy exist for counter staff and handyman. Apply in person to the garage. Aubrey Barker road. Call: 609-1400. Welder/Fabricator must know body work ark/gas welding. Farm workers. Call: 265-3586. Confidential Cabs. Vacancy exist for one experienced dispatcher. Tel#231-5784 6951961. Cook/ baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must have experience. Call:618-2020
user. Workers are at risk to physical hazards such as climate, noise, hand arm vibration which causes white finger disease and environmental hazards such as bites by poisonous snakes, allergic reactions to wood or other plants, and the possible malfunction of machines, among other risks. The Labour Department believes that forest workers who fell trees with chainsaws are perhaps exposed to the greatest risks in the industry, with tree planters also at risk from carrying heavy loads of seedlings and planting in awkward positions. Participants at the consultation exercise hosted at Herdmanston Lodge included the Amerindian Peoples Association, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Trades Union Congress and the Bureau of Standards, among others. The Guyana Forestry Commission has reviewed existing forestry legislation and prepared a new draft Forests Act. The purpose of the new Act is to reform the law relating to the management of forest resources, to provide for sustainable management and to consolidate provisions of predecessor legislation. The legislation provides for the conservation of the forests of Guyana, including measures to conserve biodiversity, special species and habitats, soil and water resources, and to protect forests against pollution, fires, pests and diseases, the participation of interested parties, including Amerindians, local communities, non-governmental organizations and persons engaged in the commercial utilization of forests, in the development and implementation of forest policies, the sustainable use of Guyana's forest resources, in accordance with Guyana's development needs and level of socioeconomic development. Specifically, the (Forest Act 2009) provides for (a) sustainable forest management of State forests and protection to the environment of other states or areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Friday December 01, 2017
DR. CÉSAR NÚÑEZ, UNAIDS LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN REGIONAL SUPPORT TEAM DIRECTOR This World AIDS Day highlights the importance of the right to health as an essential condition to achieve the end of AIDS by 2030, as set forth in the Sustainable Development Goals. The right to health is a fundamental human right. It is the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. For the right to health to be fulfilled, it is imperative: -that everyone, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or social status, has access to the prevention and treatment of any disease, -that health is affordable or free, -and that quality health services are free from discrimination. The right to health goes beyond access to health services and medicines. It is also linked to a variety of important rights, such as access to a comprehensive and quality education, good nutrition and healthy working conditions. Fulfilling the right to health enables everyone to fulfil their promise and their dreams. Latin America and the Caribbean have made important progress towards the Fast-Track goals. Latin America is among the regions of the world with the highest proportions of people living with HIV who know their status and in the Caribbean the proportion of people living with HIV who know their status and are on treatment is over 80%. But we cannot be complacent: - Not when there are still millions of people such as people living with HIV; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people; sex workers; indigenous populations and migrants, who do not have access to health services because of stigma and discrimination. - Not when there are still young people and adolescents who are denied the possibility of making informed decisions about their health and well-being, because they do not receive the education they need. -Not when there are women who, due to inequalities and gender violence, encounter barriers that prevent them from accessing comprehensive health services. Inequities in access to health are not acceptable and have to be eradicated. States have a duty to respect, protect and guarantee the right to health of their citizens. AIDS is not over, but it could be if we make sure that everyone, without exception, anywhere in the world, can fully exercise their right to health.
Today is World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day, designated on December 1 every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Below are some messages that were issued in observance of World AIDS Day 2017.
SECRETARY-GENERAL, CARICOM, AMBASSADOR IRWIN LAROCQUE The Caribbean Community joins the rest of the world in observing World AIDS Day 2017. Through its specialised agency, the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the Community has been directly engaged with issues relating to this disease since 2001. The importance of a healthy population was underscored by our Heads of Government when in the Nassau Declaration of that
health-care infrastructure; that health-care services are respectful and non-discriminatory; and that health care must be medically appropriate and of good quality. But the right to health is more than that— by attaining the right to health, people’s dreams and promises can be fulfilled. On every World AIDS Day, we look back to remember our family members and friends who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and recommit our solidarity with all who are living with or affected by HIV. From the beginning, the AIDS response was built on the fundamental right to health and well-being. The AIDS community advocated for rights-based systems for health and to accelerate efforts for the world to understand HIV: how to prevent it and how to treat it. Too many people—especially those who are the most marginalized and most affected by HIV—still face challenges in accessing the health
same year, they asserted that the “Health of the Region is the Wealth of the Region”. In preserving that wealth, we must be prepared to engage with any threat that diminishes it. In that regard, the Region has made significant strides in its efforts to reduce the incidence of HIV and AIDS. For example today six new countries will be certified as having achieved the target for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Anguilla,
Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Saint Kitts and Nevis. That is just the latest evidence that the goals are attainable particularly with the requisite support from our international partners. Unfortunately, the Caribbean remains one of the most affected regions with serious concern about the increasing prevalence among our youth. It is crucial, therefore for us to maintain and increase our efforts if we are to reverse that
trend and preserve the gains that we have made. The on-going collaboration between PANCAP and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is a key element as we seek to fulfil the goal of expanding access to quality treatment, care and support of people living with HIV and Aids. To make this year’s observance of World Aids Day meaningful, let us commit ourselves today to the vision of an AIDS-Free Caribbean.
PANCAP CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE We, the sixteen PANCAP Champions for Change (C4C), join the many voices on this World AIDS Day (WAD) in a clarion call for the right to health to be a fundamental human right for our people. This includes the right to be treated with dignity, irrespective of sexual orientation, social status, age, gender identity or disability. Our diverse group of youth, religious, medical and media professionals, parliamentarians, academics and advocates come from The Bahamas in the north to Suriname and Guyana in the south. Collectively, we pledge our support for Universal Health with access and coverage for all. We believe that
MICHEL SIDIBÉ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UNAIDS UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UN This World AIDS Day, we are highlighting the importance of the right to health and the challenges that people living with and affected by HIV face in fulfilling that right. The right to health is a fundamental human right— everybody has the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The world will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals—which include the target of ending AIDS by 2030— without people attaining their right to health. The right to health is interrelated with a range of other rights, including the rights to sanitation, food, decent housing, healthy working conditions and a clean environment. The right to health means many different things: that no one person has a greater right to health care than anyone else; that there is adequate
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and social services they urgently need. We all must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people being left behind and demand that no one is denied their human rights. This year has seen significant steps on the way to meeting the 90–90–90 treatment targets towards ending AIDS by 2030. Nearly 21 million people living with HIV are now on treatment and new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are declining in many parts of the world. But we shouldn’t be complacent. In eastern Europe and central Asia, new HIV infections have risen by 60% since 2010 and AIDS-related deaths by 27%. Western and central Africa is still being left behind. Two out of three people are not accessing treatment. We cannot have a two-speed approach to ending AIDS. For all the successes, AIDS is not yet over. But by ensuring that everyone, everywhere accesses their right to health, it can be.
our Caribbean babies deserve to be born HIV free, and there is no reason why the world’s largest vulnerable group, the disabled, should not enjoy the same rights and respect as others do. On this WAD and every day of the year, we encourage all the people of our Region to participate in a relentless campaign against HIV/AIDS. We want to empower our citizens to take responsibility for their health; include all citizens by providing access to health care services without stigma and discrimination; encourage and facilitate their full participation through effective partnerships for sustainability. We call for prevention efforts to be scaled up to include testing and behaviour change and development communication as we accelerate our efforts to end AIDS by 2030. We recommend, among other initiatives, the critical involvement of the media in shaping messages for social change. The media are very important given their power to inform and educate, break the silence, challenge stigma and discrimination, followthrough by connecting audiences to HIV services, and help build political will. In this regard, we believe that increased engagement of the religious community is a critical factor in this quest; that Social Media and Mass Media should be used strategically for the widest and most instantaneous reach and impact; that the strategic partnership with religious Organizations will reduce the challenges created by ‘miscommunication’ and enhance stakeholders participation in the HIV response. Indeed, networking with all stakeholders must be the way forward for sustainability. This means redoubling our efforts to get the public and private sectors as well as civil society and religious organi-
zations to join the promotion of Treat All, which includes the concept of Test and Start. In all of this, our Youth must also be at the forefront of the decision-making. Practical challenges to the status quo and responses to the challenges are needed. HIV/AIDS/Gender Sexual Violence (GSV) programmes and interventions must outline the importance of religious organizations in the response to GSV as part of the overall response/commitment to the AIDS response; their powerful influence in family life— where much of GSV occurs— and therefore their ability to develop attitudes that lead to non-violent family relationships must be exploited. These are issues that make populations vulnerable to HIV. It is therefore imperative that the Region begins to confront them openly so that the shame and stigma that attend them are to be removed. As our Region moves towards ending AIDS by 2030, we, the PANCAP Champions for Change, recommend strengthening social norms and policies by involving people living with HIV in planning and implementing relevant and sustainable programmes and services. As everyone has a right to health, health practitioners and facilities must offer innovative modalities for prevention (e.g., Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP]). We must explore and provide the best and preferred
HIV treatment options, especially low cost generics, for the preferred medicines that have been recently brokered. For years, there has been advocacy at all levels for better medications for the Caribbean. Now that this is possible, they must be available for every patient in every Caribbean country. We think it is important to highlight the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s definition of health: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". Within this context, as Champions, we have committed to focus on the promotion of healthy living. We reiterate that future interventions and advocacy against stigma directed at key populations, we believe that as a Region, we can end AIDS by 2030. Finally, we implore the Region (Governments and Civil Society) to invest in behaviour change for development in Caribbean societies as the benefits are a secure and enabling environment that facilitates access to health irrespective of identity and status. It is also vital to keep stakeholders updated on the results of interventions. In this context, as well we urge our parliamentarians to remove the legal strictures that have hampered prevention, treatment and care programmes.
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 01, 2017
Friday December 01, 2017
St Kitts Nevis Government to present Budget on December B A S S E T E R R E , St . Kitts - CMC – Legislators in St. Kitts Nevis are scheduled to return to the National Assembly next Wednesday at which time the Draft Estimates for 2018 will be laid before the House and the Appropriation Bill for 2018 will be debated. The Appropriation Bill provides for the social services of the federation for the upcoming financial year. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr.Timothy Harris, made the announcement a press briefing on Wednesday – the mark the 9th meeting of the Legislature. According to Harris, the budget will be tax free. “In keeping with our track record, we are expecting and we will know for certain on the 6th of December, since we have not yet finalized—the
historic budget will be taxfree, notwithstanding the damage and provision in the Budget for the reconstruction works on several of the sectors impacted [by Hurricanes Irma and Maria], such as the Old Road Bay project, the fisheries project, [and] the resurfacing of our Island main road.” “The fiscal situation is in incredibly good health and the economy is moving in the right direction. For the record, there has been no other time in the history of Government [in St. Kitts and Nevis] where so much good is being done for so many people,” he added. In last year ’s budget presentation, Harris pres e n t e d the 2017 budget which allocated EC$712.9 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) to both recurrent and capital expenditures.
Kaieteur News
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Dazzel ton hands MMZ Primary... From page 37 15. Tusha Mahadeo and Nekaicia Glasgow had two wickets each. In other fixtures, Lusignan Primary took first strike and made 85-6. Yugraj Rambarran made 33; Torana Seepersaud and Johnathan Ramesar claimed two wickets each. Valmik Vidyala Primary responded with 70-9. Travis Jagnandan 19, Vedika Mohamed 16 and Wirel Ramrattan 13 were the princi-
pal batters. At Ogle, Chateau Margot Primary managed 86-11 in 14 overs. James Sookdeo made 28, Risel Slowe 20 and Samuel Harding 18; Ashanti Paul had 3-18 and Mario Charles 2-1. Plaisance Primary were bowled out for 45 in 9.3 overs. Fami Edwards made 12 as Harding picked up 2-6. Montrose Primary took first strike and were limited for 35-13. Chris Ramkishun made 19; Simeera Singh, Simran
Athletes optimistic... From page 39 them with lights and fencing; the upgrading of facilities such as the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the National Gymnasium. Several athletes were also afforded the opportunity to participate in regional and international events along with receiving scholarships to study locally or abroad. Sporting activities attract many from across the country and it is anticipated with the allocation of more than $500 million, both athletes and fans will benefit.
Persaud and Jairam Persaud took two wickets each. Mon Repo replied with 36 without lost in 2.2 overs. Mario Beck got 26 and Shane Persaud 10. BV Quamina Primary took first turn at the crease and got to 102-3. Anthony Crandon stroked 62, Malachi Blackman made 22 and Precious Gulliver 18; Kevin Pompey took two wicekets. Friendship Primary were restricted for 69-8 in reply. Tyron Glasgow made 22 not out and Kemo Prince 21. Gulliver picked up three wickets. Enmore Hope Primary batted first and posted 159-2. Deshawn Kaladin slammed 81 while Balkishun Matthew made 43 and Vikash Wilkinson 27. Enterprise Primary replied with 157-5. Matthew Crawford scored 70 and Joel Lalman 34.
Friday December 01, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 You may be feeling way too serious at the moment. Whether you know it or not, you're in dire need of cheering up. If someone invites you to a comedy club, go. Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 New winds will begin to blow away the black clouds that have been hovering over you lately. What more could you want? Today will seem like a walk in the park compared to days past! Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 Drop the conclusions you've reached concerning your work at the moment. Normally, you wouldn't consider the sorts of propositions that people will make to you now. Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 It looks like you're making headway again. Now that you're planning for the future, you could enroll in an educational program or take a trip. Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 You can look forward to a bright day. What a relief it will be after the tension of the past several days. This would be a good time to confide in a close friend. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 It's a relief when the hostilities subside, isn't it? It has seemed like people have repeatedly slammed doors in your face.
Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 There's something blossoming inside you today. The heavy pressure of the past several days has ebbed, and you're able to go about your business with a lighter heart. Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 The last several days have been a bit of an ordeal, so you could be surprised by the brightness of the day ahead. Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 You'll be more talkative than usual. This interlude will give you an opportunity to refresh yourself by spending some quality time with family. Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 This may be a laid-back day for you, but a period of calm will do you a lot of good. You could lounge around in a park and let your imagination go. Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 Today will be lighthearted and just in time, too. Life was getting serious there for a while. Smile and try to go outside your normal routine. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 Without going so far as to play hopscotch in the street or instigate a food fight in your favorite restaurant, go see some friends for some laughs.
Friday December 01, 2017
Kesney and Gibson among night two... From page 37 create a wonderful atmosphere. But Moore was not going down without a fight and counter-attacked with combinations of his own despite being hit with a sneaky right hook. The intensity picked up as the fighters went toe to toe and when Gibson rocked back Moore’s head with a brutal left cross the fans were getting their $500 worth. In the last round the soldier rained bombs on Moore and the noise level in the Gymnasium reached a crescendo before the fight was stopped 2:28 seconds into the round; Moore losing by technical knock-out. Another entertaining match-up was the fight between PRBG’s Omar Pollard and Christopher Moore from VBG in a youth lightweight contest. Moore was given a standing eight count after Pollard produced a wicked combination to his head in the first round but retaliated by catching Pollard with a left cross to his head in the second round and he was administered a standing eight count. Pollard enjoyed his best round in the last when a flurry of shots to the head and some vicious body blows turned the fight in his favour after Moore’s first round success
and after two standing eight counts the contest was halted by Referee Paulette Nurse in 1.2 seconds to give Pollard the victory. Caribbean Youth Flyweight Champion Julius Kesney dominated his bout with 2017 National intermediate Lightweight Champion Kelvin Moore and after a barrage of body shots 14 seconds into round, the fight was stopped to give Kesney a TKO win. GDF’s Delon Garraway gained a unanimous decision against stable mate Clinton Clarke, National Lightweight Champion Joel Williamson of
RHJ won by TKO against 2016 National Lightweight Champion Jemal Brisport of GDF and Colin Lewis of GDF got a TKO verdict against Aquincy Harvey of FYF. In the other fights, Dwayne July got a walk over from fellow Solider Romano Clarke, FYF’s Marlon Derell defeated Tony Gillis of GDF, Caribbean Middleweight Champion Desmond Amsterdam of GDF beat Akeem Crandon of PRBG and Policeman Dennis Thomas knocked out GDF’s Aluko Bess in 1:39s of the second round. The final night was fixed for last night.
Kaieteur News
Friday December 01, 2017
World Cup draw provides welcome distraction for Russia Moscow (Reuters) - Russia will host the 2018 World Cup draw today, the glittering ceremony providing a welcome distraction to the unrelenting diet of doping and corruption news that has sullied the nation’s sporting reputation in recent years. The draw ceremony gives Russia the chance to showcase the cities and stadiums that will host the 32 teams next June and July. Former England striker Gary Lineker, the 1986 World Cup’s Golden Boot winner as leading goalscorer, and Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya are the main presenters. In a new simplified format, the teams will be placed in pots one to four from highest to lowest FIFA ranking with the exception of Russia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, who are automatically in pot one alongside the top seeds. Each pot will be emptied one by one into eight groups which will contain four teams each. Two non-European teams from the same confederation cannot be in the same group to avoid geographic clashes. With 14 qualified European teams there cannot be more than two European teams in the same group. “Really to be honest, if you are going to win the World Cup, it doesn’t matter who comes out of that draw,” draw assistant Gordon Banks, who won the 1966 World Cup with England, told reporters on Thursday at the Kremlin. ”Because you’ve got to get out there and you’ve got to play the best you can. Play as a team and keep going, and that’s what we did when we won it.” POTENTIAL PROBLEMS While the draw ceremony, which the
Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin could attend, will focus on the positive aspects of the tournament, it will also serve as a reminder of the potential problems, notably concerns over racist and discriminatory behavior and hooliganism. FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned this week that referees will have the power to stop or even abandon World Cup matches if such incidents take place. The authorities have said that World Cup preparations are generally on track but there have been construction delays, including on the new stadium in Samara. Work on the 45,000-seat venue, which will host four group matches, a game in the round-of-16 and a quarter-final, has been plagued by delays over recent months. Authorities have promised that the venue will be completed on time. FIFA said around 750,000 tickets have been allocated in the first phase of sales, with the second phase beginning next week. Russian fans have acquired the most tickets followed by American supporters even though their team did not qualify for the tournament. Brazil, Germany, China and Mexico are also among the leading nations for purchases, FIFA said. ”We’re happy with the number of tickets we’ve allocated,” Falk Eller, the head of FIFA ticketing, told Reuters. “Of course, we are also glad that the operation went quite well, no technical glitches, no problems.” All World Cup ticket holders are required to obtain a personalized fan-ID, allowing authorities to screen them and keep hooligans away from matches.
Panama welcomes World Cup challenge
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Sky Plus, Sprint Classic Horserace Meet
Stag Beer, Trophy Stall, 4R Bearings and Dalip Trading among major sponsors As preparations continue for the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, Sky Plus Incorporated one day Sprint Classic horserace Meet a number of entities are on board. The event, which has so far attracted over 40 entries, is slated for Sunday 10th December at the Company’s racing facilities, No 36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne, Berbice. The seven-race card which is dubbed the “Nand Persaud Karibee Sprint Classic” has over $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for the takings with Trophy Stall, Stag Beer, 4R Bearings and Dalip the major sponsors on board so far. The event will once again see the horses running in a straight line from start to finish with the distances being 880 and 660 yards. With its unique racing facilities where the horses run in a straight line, it is the only one of its kind in Guyana. The events listed for the day will see horses competing in the feature D and lower event over 880 yards for a winning purse of $400,000 and trophy. The event for animals classified H and lower is for a top prize of $260,000 and trophy also over 880yards. There is an event for J class animals over 660 yards for a $200,000 winner’s purse and trophy. The K class and lower animals will be competing for a winning take of $ 140,000 and trophy over 660 yards.
There are three events for animals classified L and lower. All three events will see the winner taking home $100,000 and trophy over 660yards. The first will be open for all L class animals. Another will be for L class non-winners (that have not won a race). The final L class event will be for animals that would not have placed or earned during their career as yet. Horses such as Golden Blue Echo, Firing Line, Honey Flow, Sweet Return, Wild Excitement, T and T, Flow Jo, Irish Boy, Handsome Boy, Royal Progression and Royal Paymaster are already on board as they look for a big pay day. The Champion jockey, trainer and stable will all be rewarded with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall and the organisers. Horserace fans can once again expect a day of outstanding racing that is synonymous with events organised by the Nand Persaud Group of Companies through its Sky Plus Promotion Group. According to Coordinator Mohendra Persaud, Technology in the form of a photo finish camera and big screen Television will once again be used during the course of the meet. There will also be added attractions, family entertainment and games for the kids. Entries close on the 5th December and persons interested can make contact with Mohini Baker on 600-4728 or Amanda on 6462390. (Samuel Whyte)
Tiger makes long-awaited return from injury
Tiger Woods talks to the media after a pro-am for the Hero World Challenge golf tournament at Albany. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Panama players prepare in the tunnel ahead of a CONCACAF Gold Cup game against Costa Rica on July 19, 2017. (AFP Services) Moscow – Panama Head Coach Hernan Dario Gomez believes his squad will have a lot to offer at next summer’s FIFA World Cup, but he’s taking a big picture approach. The 61-year-old Colombian is in Russia for Friday’s World Cup draw, where the Canaleros’ opposition will be determined for their first-ever appearance in the competition. ”Panama has a style of play and it is important for us to grow,” he said. “We come to have a dignified performance and to go as far as we can.” Gomez is well-versed in managing teams debuting in a World Cup,
guiding Ecuador to the Round of 16 at Korea/Japan 2002. ”The most difficult thing is to make a family and give it order,” remarked the former Guatemala manager. “It is an important generation that earned qualification to the World Cup, but there is still a lot to improve.” Gomez also declared that he would like to see Panama take on the football world’s heaviest hitters, finishing: “I feel like all the teams want to have Panama in their group. Each time I think about a group, I like the idea that it’s the best one.” (CONCACAF)
Reuters - Tiger Woods did not take long to display his vintage fist pump on his muchanticipated return to competition yesterday at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas where the former world number one seemed unbothered by his troublesome back. Woods, competing for the first time after a near 10-month layoff during which he had spinal fusion surgery, appeared pain free through nine holes at the Albany course on the island of New Providence as he moved to one under par. The left him in a tie for 10th place and three shots behind Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood, who was four under through 10 holes at the elite 18-man event featuring eight of the world’s top 10 golfers. After narrowly missing birdie putts on his opening two holes a comfortable-looking Woods hit his approach shot at the par-five third to about 40 feet and went on to tap in for birdie. On the next hole Woods caught his chip heavy and was left with a 15-footer from just off the green from where he coolly rolled his ball into the middle of the cup before pumping his right fist to the delight of the cheering
gallery. Woods, who turns 41 this month, delivered a more subdued fist pump at the parthree eighth where he rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt after his tee shot settled just on the right edge of the green. Playing alongside friend and FedExCup champion Justin Thomas, Woods showed his first bit of frustration at the par-five ninth hole when, after failing to reach the green in two, he made a mess of a chip. Despite being about 30 feet from the cup after two shots Woods settled for his first bogey of the day to reach the turn in one-under 35. A 79-times winner on the PGA Tour who was world number one for a record 683 weeks, Woods lost form in recent years due to injuries and his ranking has plummeted to 1,199th. This marks the second consecutive season that Woods is making his return to action at this tournament after a lengthy absence. He finished 15th in the 17-man field 12 months ago after a 15-month layoff. Woods then missed the cut at Torrey Pines in January and withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic the following week because of a back spasm.
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 01, 2017
‘Pandit’ Tewari edges Bissessar Conquerors, Ann’s Grove, Western Tigers, Milerock in Farm Supplies Golf thriller GFF Elite League
compete at MSC from 18:00hrs tonight As the Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League continues this weekend, the organisation has had an unavoidable change to today’s venue, match times and order of matches due to the inclement weather. This has resulted in the order of the day’s double-header being changed to the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC), Linden at 18:00hrs and 20:00hrs respectively with the match up being Fruta Conquerors FC vs Ann’s Grove FC and Western Tigers FC vs Milerock FC. Ian Alves, GFF’s Competitions Director, said the “The Tucville ground is currently undergoing maintenance work and therefore not useable for the scheduled matches. There was an inadvertent delay to complete the identified works at the venue in question due to the inclement weather thus causing the ground to be unusable.” Meanwhile, the four teams are ready for a win even as Elite Club debutantes – Western Tigers, Milerock and Ann’s Grove are still hunting maximum points. Western Tigers is sticking to their attacking philosophy and building on their weaknesses. Head Coach Calvin Alleyne explained that even though their game play improved after conceding, their fitness was still an issue: “Our game was not where it should be, that’s not an excuse but a fact. Even though we’re a passing team, we couldn’t always get into position effectively. However, we’ve corrected our fitness and finishing. We also have an understanding of Milerock’s game play from past games.” Milerock FC’s introduction to the league has not been strong but they have worked on their initial weakness, according to Head Coach, Keron Munroe. “The butterflies are out, we know where we went wrong and our approach will be different. We have reviewed our last performance and we have a remedy for this upcoming match.” With respect to Ann’s Grove FC, fitness is the focus for Friday’s match. Head Coach Lloyd win Semple, in an invited comment, said: “I have no doubt our players have skill, but reviews of our first game have revealed our fitness and our finishing to be weaknesses. Efforts have been made to correct this.” Experience at the Elite League level rests with veterans Fruta Conquerors FC which is looking forward to the competition. In an invited comment, Head Coach Sampson Gilbert said, “Every team in my view has an aspiration to win the league so we take every team seriously. When we encounter any team on the field of play we bring our “A” game to come out on top.” Admission to the games is five hundred dollars.
Haresh Tiwari (third from right) receives the winning trophy from Farm Supplies CEO Renger van Dijk, while Deano Bissessar (third from left), Balgobin Ragnauth and Jaipaul Suknanan and Club VP Brain Hackett (extreme right) look on. In a thrilling display of fighting to the finish, with identical net scores after 18 holes, then the same scores for their back nine holes, Pandit Haresh Tewari and Lusignan Golf Club Grounds Superintendent Deano Bissessar caused some forensic examinations of the cards to determine the champion at the culmination of the well attended Farm Supplies Inc Golf Tournament held on Saturday November 26th at the Lusignan Golf Club. In the end,(Pdt) Haresh Tewari produced a better score (on the last six holes) with a gross score of 82 for a net of 64, thus snatching the top spot from the rapidly improving
Deanand ‘Deano’ Bissessar 92/64 who up to the last hole was leading the whole tournament. Third place went to ‘Pastor’ Balgobin Ragnauth 93/68 and Best Gross to Canadian visitor Jaipaul Suknanan with 80. Farm Supplies CEO, Renger van Dijk, who was on hand to present the trophies, expressed their delight to be able to contribute to golfing in Guyana, and indicated their willingness to continue. In turn, acting President Brian Hackett, on behalf of the Club, warmly received Farm Supplies participation and gratefully noted their contributions not only in sponsoring tournaments but also in donating valuable equipment.
Unstoppable Venus sets sights on 2020 Olympics Reuters - Evergreen American Venus Williams has dismissed any notion of announcing her retirement anytime soon, saying she is eager to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 37-year-old had a successful year in the absence of her sister Serena through pregnancy, climbing to number five in the singles rankings after finishing runner-up at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the WTA Finals. The seven-time grand slam winner has competed in five previous Olympics tournaments, starting in 2000, and has won three golds in the women’s doubles event with Serena and one gold in the singles competition. ”I have no plans of stopping soon,” Williams told American magazine Entrepreneur. “It seems somehow that
2020 Tokyo is on the horizon. Isn’t that wild? I‘m trying to stick around for that.” The Williams sisters along with ATP Tour veterans Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal have re-established their dominance at the top of the sport with Serena winning her 23rd grand slam title aged 35 at the 2017 Australian Open. Spaniard Nadal, 31, reclaimed the men’s number one spot with six trophies this year, while 36-year-old Federer finished second after winning seven titles. The pair split the season’s four grand slams between them. The sisters will resume their rivalry next season as Serena is expected to make a long-awaited return following the birth of her daughter in September.
Friday December 01, 2017
CWI Digicel Regional 4-Day C/Ship
Greaves, Williams, Stout and Moseley spearheads Barbados’ recovery By Sean Devers An early burst from West Indies ‘A’ team pacer Keon Joseph, an unbeaten 72 from Justin Greaves and good knocks of 68 from Kenroy Williams, 47 from Kevin Stoute and 43 from Shane Moseley highlighted the opening day of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel Regional 4-day Championship fifth round encounter at Providence yesterday between three-time defending Champions Guyana Jaguars and Barbados Pride. By the close the Bajan, which won the toss, were 282-7 on the back of two useful partnerships as Moseley, in only his fifth match at this level was joined by Stoute at 32-3 and added 78 for the fourth wicket before the visitors slipped 123-5. But the 23-year-old Greaves, who hit 10 fours from 152 balls in an undefeated 72 and Kenroy Williams whose 68 took 104 balls and included 10 boundaries put together 121 for the sixth wicket. Twenty-four-year old Joseph ripped apart the Barbados top order when he broke the 28-run opening stand when Anthony Alleyne (11) edge to slip. He then trapped Shamarh Brooks LBW for a duck in the same over without addition to the score before having Jonathon Carter (4) stumped by Anthony Bramble to leave the score on 32-3. Carter survived a caught behind appeal and lingered out of his crease only for Bramble, showing excellent presence of mind to throw the stumps down with Carter, who was not attempting a run, out of his ground. But Moseley and Stoute resurrected the innings with Stoute, who danced into left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and lofted over mid-on for consecutive boundaries in the same over being the dominant partner. By lunch the score was 90-3 with Moseley on 34 and Stoute on 31. After the interval the pair saw the 100 posted but Moseley was run out when seven short of his third fifty for the season at 110-4 while the 32-year-old Stoute edged left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie to Bramble who continues to enjoy a good season to leave the score on 1235. Stoute, who hit eight boundaries from 104 balls, departed three short of his 15th fifty. Williams dumped Motie over long-on for a one bounce four to reach his fourth half-century, he and Greaves grew in confidence and by Tea with the Bajans staging another recovery and were 178-5 with Greaves and Williams both well set. After Tea, Greaves, who played several spanking cover drives and looked good when the bowlers strayed on his legs, batted sensibly on a slow track which was good for batting if you were patient and the worst looking outfield at Providence in recent times. Williams was also growing in confidence as his innings progressed and looked untroubled in sultry conditions as a small gathering watched the partnership grow. Williams eventually nicked one off Paul to the efficient Bramble after the teenaged pacer had beaten his outside edge a few times in the over; the score was 244-6, the Jaguars finally making the break-through in the final session. Ashley Nurse came out and missed a mighty swipe at Paul off the first ball he faced before Tagenarine Chanderpaul, at cover dropped a regulation catch to the dismay of Paul, who saw another big drive peel off the edge to rush past the slip cordon for four. But Paul, the only Essequibian in the team, had the last laugh when Nurse, who made 13 was well taken at slip by Leon Johnson at 274-7. Mario Rampersaud, whose father is Guyanese, joined Greaves and the pair took their team to the close with the Bajans enjoying a slim advantage going into today’s second day which commences at 09:30hrs.
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Friday December 01, 2017
National Schools Track and Field Championships
District 10 on path to retain overall title while East Coast leave mark
Titus Webster (left) of West Coast Berbice pips Brian Roman of South Georgetown in a very tight boy’s U-20 200m final yesterday District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) are well on their way to retaining the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships after closing day 5 on 521 points with their star athletes Daniel Williams, Deshanna Skeete and others setting records, but District 4 (East Coast), also left a lasting impression after yesterday’s action. Despite being way behind the reckoning for the overall title, District 4 would be proud after their athletes Troni Semple who leaped 6.14m to set a new boys’ Under-16 record while Toyan Raymond ran her heart out to
break the girls’ Under-20 200m record after finishing in 25.29 seconds It was expected that Mackenzie High School star athletes would’ve achieved new records but the performances of the East Coast duo was surprising. Daniel Williams broke the Under-18 boys 200m record; setting a new best of 21.7 seconds. Meanwhile, Skeete lowered her previous record of 25.3 second to 24.97 in the girls’ Under-18 half lap event. District 10 were not short of records in the middle distance races as Ronell Newton ran 4m 23s to set a new boys Under-18 record
Toyan Raymond seen giving that extra push as she sets a new nationals’ record in the girls under-20 200m final while in the Under-16 boys’ event, Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani’s Murphy Nash run an explosive 4m 21s etching his name into the record books. In the Under-20 boy’s 1500m, District 13’s (South Georgetown) Anfernee Headecker completed the middle distance double when he followed up his triumph in the 800m on Wednesday to not only shatter the competition’s record but set a standard of 4m 8s. He shaved 3 seconds off the previous record of 4m 11s that was set 23 years ago by Corentyne’s, Andrew Smith. Jonathan
Fagundes was also impressive in the 1500m winning the Teachers’ Under-30 race. Trailing the leaders, District 10, after 93 events were completed yesterday are District 3 (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands) on 359 points while District 13 have 335 points in third. Today is the fin a l d a y o f t h e championships which will climax with the 400m and 4x100m finals, while the cycle road race will pedal off this morning from the Vreed-en-Hoop junction to Ruby and back to the stadium for the finish. (Calvin Chapman)
Hicks and Basdeo impress as Rose Hall Town King Solomon Logistics U-12 trials The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its Cricket Development Committee last weekend organised a series of trial matches for the Rose Hall Town King Solomon Logistics Under-12 cricket team. A total of 60 students from the Rose Hall Town Primary School were involved in the activity which was overlooked by Vice President Mark Papannah, Organising Secretary Keith Hicks and Assistant Organising Secretary Ravin Kissoonlall who have responsibility for the club’s junior cricket teams. In the first trial match, Daniella Hicks struck a masterful unbeaten 37 (8x4) in the King Solomon Logistics Female ‘A’ score of 85-2 off their 10-overs. Hicks received support from Naomi Andrews who made 18, Keirra Bachoo 12 and Devika Permaul 8 not out. Bowling for Rose Hall Town King Solomon Logistics ‘B’, Stephanie Reddi took 2 for 17. In response, King Solomon Logistic ‘B’ only managed 55 for 5 to lose by 30 runs. Kalana Stuart led with 16 (3x4) while Kenisha Leitch supported with 12. Daniella Hicks returned with the ball and take 3 for 8 runs from two overs. In the male category, King Solomon Logistic ‘A’ batted first versus King Solomon Logistics ‘C’ and reached 65 for 4 off 10 overs. Kevin Basdeo made 30* (5x4). Frederick Prince claimed 2 for 6 for the ‘C’ team which could only muster 54 for 4 in reply. Josiah Arthur made 16 and Eric Batson 12. D. Jesus
The winning King Solomon Logistics ‘A’ team after the match. and S. Crawford both claimed two wickets for 11 and 13 respectively. In the make final, the ‘A’ team rattled up 69 for 4 off 12 overs with Ramesh Sukhra 17, M. Brush 13 and Jason Durant 12 while J. Collins took 2 for 12. In response, King Solomon Logistics ‘B’ were restricted to 53 for 4 despite a composed 29 from the attacking Junior Tyrese (4x4, 2x6). Bowling for the champions, D. Sukhra, D. Durant and A. Jageswar took a wicket apiece. At the end of the trials, Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster disclosed that more trial matches would be organised with the main
objective of selecting two strong squads to represent the King Solomon Logistics Under12 team at both the girls and boys levels. The two teams which would serve as the nursery for the Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy Under-13 and the Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes Under-15 teams would play matches against Primary Schools from across Region Six. Several Inter-Primary School tournaments would be organised in 2018 while the players would be involved in numerous coaching sessions with the aim of developing their cricketing skills.
Each of the players involved in the trials received educational materials while outstanding players received trophies and special prizes. Foster is urging interesting Under-12 players born after September 1st, 2006 to contact the club on telephone number 337 4562 or email: foster_hilbert@yahoo.com. Membership to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is free but all youth players must have 90% attendance rate at school. Members also benefit from the Club’s Outreach Programme and multi-million awards ceremony.
Kaieteur News
Friday December 01, 2017
GCB Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket
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Terrence Ali National Open C/ships
Dazzel ton hands MMZ Kesney and Gibson among night two winners Primary 113-run win
Alex Dazzel and Christino Sabitri Opener Alex Dazzel slammed a fine century to hand Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) Primary a 113-run victory over Hague Primary when the Guyana Cricket Board Scotiabank Kiddy cricket competition continued recently. Playing at Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara, Dazzel struck five fours and 10 sixes in a scoring 108 as Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary posted 205-3 off their allotted 14 overs, taking first strike. Aktar Azeez and Udish Sitaram contributed 30 and 23 respectively. Hague Primary responded with 92 all out in 13.5 overs. Daniel Singh made 19 and Sattie Hamilton 13; Christino Sabitri claimed 3-2. Uitvlugt Primary beat Stewartville Primary by eight wickets. Stewartville Primary managed 78 -9 batting first. Keshawn Jermain made 28; Azid Khadir took two wickets. Uitvlugt Primary responded with 81-5 in eight overs. Atiba Harding made 14 and Shaid Breshaspat 13. Leonora Primary rattled up 125-12, taking first knock against Windsor Forest. Anthony Narine slammed 42; Niomi Rodrigues took two wickets. Windsor Forest were limited to 104-8 in reply. Julius
Williams got 19. Leonora Primary batted first and scored 165-9 versus Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary. Anthony Narine struck 61 and Sachin Singh 29; Kelvin Raymond had two wickets. Met-en-Meer Zorg Primary responded with 148-8. Aktar Ameer stroked 45 and Alex Dazzel 36. Aditya Jetto captured 2-7. At GNIC SC, Smith’s Memorial got to 94-10 with Jeremiah John scoring 51. St. Sidwell’s Primary replied with 23 all out in 10 overs. Brian Browne, Fiona Gibbs and Ron Fung had two scalps apiece. St. Ambrose Primary made 60 all out in 12 overs, taking first knock. P. Abai, R. Mustahpa and S. Rampersaud claimed two wickets each. School of The Nations replied with 61-3 in 10 overs. T. Bratwaite made 25. At Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, Enmore Hope batted first and scored 94 all out in 11.4 overs against Cloonbrook. Jelani Adams struck 55 and Maverick Hangover 16; Alicia Harris claimed two wickets. Cloonbrook responded with 90-9. Aaron Bhagwandin made 22 while Vikash Wilkinson, Matthew Balkissoon and Marlon Williams got 16 each and Matthias Wilkinson Continued on page 32
Anthony Narine (right) and Aditya Jetto
C’bean youth flyweight Champ Julius Kesney is all over Aluko Venture before Maynard Wilson halted the fight 14 seconds into second round. (Sean Devers photo) By Sean Devers Another late start of over an hour failed to put a damper on a night of pulsating fistic fury as the action on night two of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Terrence Ali National Open Championships continued at the National Gymnasium on Wednesday. Watched by another raucous crowd National Bantamwe i g h t C h a m p i o n Clairmont Gibson of GDF and VBG’s 2017 Novices and intermediate Champion Kelvin Moore provided the fans with plenty to shout about in an action-packed encounter before the Referee called a halt to the proceeding with 32 second left in the final round to end Moore’s journey in championships. The three-night tournament which
climaxes tonight and which is being used to select the National team for this month’s Caribbean Boxing Championships in St Lucia, also saw wins for Delon Garraway, Omar Pollard, Julius Kesney, Joel Williamson, Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam, Marlon Darell, Dennis Thomas and Dwayne July who won by a walk-over after GDF’s Romano Clarke failed to show up for the fight. In an action packed contest the pugilists traded punches from close range with Gibson getting the better of the exchanges. Gibson landed some vicious body shots and when he followed up an effect left jab with a thunderous straight right the raucous crowd was on its feet and the GDF Drums sounded to Continued on page 32
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Mohamed’s Enterprise/New Era Futsal
Bakewell joins list of sponsors, TV and Fridge to be won by fans
Friday December 01, 2017
Powerlifters belting up for 2017 Finale, Senior Nationals on Sunday Fitness Express stays the corporate course
GAPLF’s Colin Austin (right) receives the contribution from Jamie Mc Donald.
Bakewell GM Mr. Rajin Ganga (2nd left) hands over the cheque to New Era’s Shareef Major in the presence of from right, Aubrey Major Jnr., and Kenrick Noel. Bread giants, Bakewell is the latest corporate entity to show support for the ongoing Mohamed’s Enterprise/New Era Entertainment Futsal football competing being played in Linden. General Manager of Bakewell, Mr. Rajindranauth Ganga handed over his entity’s contribution to New Era Director Mr. Shareef Major in the presence of fellow Directors Kenrick Noel and Aubrey Major Jnr at the company’s Triumph Headquarters. Bakewell has also disclosed that fans will be rewarded for their support of the competition as they would have the chance to win a fridge and TV on the final night. To entry the draw, fans are asked to bring
three (3) Bakewell Tennis roll bags to the playing venue where the organizers would collect and enter them. Meanwhile, matches are set to continue this weekend (tonight & tomorrow). Tonight’s fixtures: Plantain & Cheese vs Silver Bullets, Broad Money Hard Knocks vs Dream Chaser, Young Kings vs Russians, Sparta Boss vs Trend Setters and West Side Ballers vs Good Fellas. Kick off time is 21:00hrs. Winner of the championship will pocket $500,000, second $150,000, third $50,000 while fourth place will receive a trophy. The finals will be played on Boxing night, December 26, next.
Some 22 of the best powerlifetrrs in Guyana, both male and female are getting ready for the final event on the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation calendar for 2017, the Senior national Championships which will be contested on Sunday at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Poolside. Among those expected to contest are Romario Gonsalves, Arif Immamdeen, Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby, Masters 3 athlete Frank Tucker as well as the ‘Power Puff Girls’ sisters, Grace and Blossom Babb. Events of this nature cannot succeed without the help of corporate entities and Fitness Express has once again shown its commitment in staying the course of support ever since it opened its doors for business in Guyana a few years ago. Manager Jamie Mc Donald cemented the entity’s 2017 commitment recently when GAPLF Treasurer Colin Austin collected the
cheque at Fitness Express’ John and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville store. Mc Donald once again expressed gratification at being able to contribute towards the marquee event of the federation and noted that the sport though the athletes have been doing Guyana proud over the years. Austin conveyed his federation’s appreciation to Mc Donald and his company for their unflinching support which continues to motivate the athletes into doing their best at an event which will no doubt be one of the bench marks by which athletes can make it to Caribbean, regional and international competitions for 2018. Among the other major sponsors for Sunday’s event are Ramada Princess Hotel. Buddy’s Gym, Trophy Stall, Dynas Embroidery, Banks DIH, Sann Sports, NCN Sports Magazine, Maximum Sports Combat and Strength TV Programme.
MYO/Baksh Inter-Jamaat Memorial 10/10 tourney concludes on Sunday The Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) of Guyana Inter-Jamaat 10/10 softball cricket competition in Memory of the late Br. Amanat Baksh of Queenstown Jama Masjid will conclude on Sunday at the MYO Ground, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands. The semi finals will see MYO which includes Chien Gittens, Richard Latiff and
Safraz Esau playing Grove, while Farm with the likes of Lennox Marks and Rawle Reid will face Adventure. The loosing semi finalists will play in the third place play off which will be followed by the final. MYO will also be hosting its annual bar-b-cue and sweet meat sale with tickets costing $1000.
Kaieteur News
Friday December 01, 2017
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GABF/Coca-Cola Road to Mecca B’ball C/ship bounces off tonight The 4th edition of the Road to Mecca Basketball championship organised by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will bounce tonight with three matches at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). The tournament is being sponsored by Banks DIH Limited under the Coca-Cola Brand. The sponsorship cheque and trophies were presented during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park yesterday where GABF President Nigel Hinds received the cheque from Shenisa Fredericks, Brand Trainee of Banks DIH Limited. Hinds thanked Banks DIH Limited and Coca-Cola for partnering with the federation for the year end tournament which will climax on December 24th (Christmas Eve) with the grand finals. Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager Troy Peters said his company was delighted to be working closely with GABF to promote the development of basketball in Guyana which will see the participation of clubs representing Upper Demerara, Berbice, East Coast Demerara, East Banks
Demerara and Georgetown. Ten of Guyana’s top basketball clubs Bounty Colts, Dyna’s Ravens, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Half Mile Bulls, Rose Hall Jammers, Victory Valley Royals, Retrieve Raiders, Pacesetters, Plaisance Guardians and Kobras will be vying for top honours. Dyna’s Ravens will square off with Rose Hall Jammers in the opening encounter starting at 17:00hrs to be followed by Bounty Colts coming up against Half Mile Bulls while the final game will bring together Victory Valley Royals and Plaisance Guardians. Prior to the tip off at 15:00hrs, there will the official march past of the 10 competing teams as well as entertainment provided by singer Tiffani Bonner and cheerleaders who will be cheering the teams on, Hinds informed. The tournament coordinators are Junior Hercules and Shevon Henry who were also present at the handing over ceremony. Preliminary round matches would be played on December 1st, 2nd, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th and 22nd; semi finals on December 23rd and the finals the following day, all at the CASH.
Athletes optimistic about $520M allocated to sports DPI - Local sportsmen and women are anticipating the implementation of muchneeded development in the sports sector with the allocation of $520 million. The budget provision caters for the continued development of sporting facilities and programmes; the provision of youth access to amenities and structured approaches to nurturing their athletic abilities. The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to a few sportsmen and women to garner their opinions of the government’s provision. Tennis player, Jos hua Kalekyezi said, “I think that it is very good that the government took some time to allocate that amount to money to sports and if they actually go through with their plans, I think it will be very beneficial to the whole sports fraternity.” According to Junior Hercules, a basketball coach
“sports and culture are two things in my opinion, that are responsible for youngsters’ interest. We talk about unemployment, once you get youngsters engaged, that is the first step and facility is important. We need to not treat sports like a pastime. Look at what the developed countries are doing, look at what our fellow Caribbean countries are doing, sport is a vehicle.” Basketballer, Ronaldo Teixeira wants to see the money invested in “more facilities in schools and communities in poor areas around Guyana. I would like my sport, basketball, to be taken to the interior, so, they could use the money for that.” The government, throughout this year, has worked to improve sports infrastructure across the country, including the enhancement of community grounds as well as outfitting Continued on page 32
Shenisa Fredericks (Banks DIH Official) presents the sponsorship cheque to Nigel Hinds (GABF President) while Mortimer Stewart (Outdoor Events Manager), Troy Peters (Communications Manager), Junior Hercules and Shevon Henry (GABF coordinators) and two cheerleaders share the moment.
rt o p S National Schools Track and Field Championships
District 10 on path to retain overall title while East Coast leave mark
Troni Semple of District 4 (East Coast) leaped 6.14m to break the boys’ U-16 Long Jump record.
CWI Digicel Regional 4-Day C/Ship
Greaves, Williams, Stout and Moseley spearheads Barbados’ recovery Shane Moseley misses a sweep before falling seven short of his third fifty for the season. (Sean Devers photo)
Kevin Stoute works one for leg-side runs during 76-run stand with Moseley at Providence yesterday.
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