Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
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
GEARING UP FOR 2020 According to the Greek philosopher, Plato, “When the act of democracy becomes corrupted, an entire nation can be affected.” We are three years away from the constitution deadline for elections. Guyanese will go to the polls in 2020. But even before then they will go to the polls to elect their municipal and village leaders. The unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chairman and the current attacks on the budget by the opposition show that the PPP has set its sights on 2020. From all indication this general election will not be for the faint hearted. The political temperature has already heated up. It will be the mother of all elections because for the first time in 23 years, the PPP will be campaigning as the opposition. It will not have the kind of resources that allowed its Ministers to travel round the country to campaign under the guise of doing government business. The government will continue its programme that gained it the seat of government. A general election is no frivolous affair. We must support fair, free and peaceful elections. An election code of conduct is needed to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. We must end the rigging, mudslinging and race-bait politics that have somewhat handicapped our electoral process in the pass. An election code of conduct should be a priority for the political parties and all stakeholders who are serious about the future of the country. We have noticed that when the code of conduct was signed the elections were devoid of violence and the street protests. The press were constrained in their reports of events. They were forced to refrain from partisan reporting. The monitoring bodies had no power but the monitors were serious. This helped the young reporters to appreciate what was required of a reporter; they ran the risk of being barred from political events, something that would be a stain on the professional career. An election code of conduct which already exists in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also meant to prevent demagogic language and actions that have incited violence, racial tension and disrupt rivalry on the campaign trail. It is time to stop the propaganda, end the name-calling and rumor-mongering and gutter-type politics. A code of conduct is critical to prevent manipulation of the election machinery and malpractices during elections by the party in power. Through effective monitors we now must ensure clean campaigns. There have been attempts to limit campaign spending. In the past, the incumbent appeared to have unlimited finances. However, the political parties seem to have no will to go in this direction. Perhaps the time is now for the elections commission to move for legislation that would give teeth to the elections monitor. An election code of conduct without enforcement mechanisms is useless. Politicians should not agree to one and then carelessly disregard its rules. There should be some form of enforcement. At the very least, someone must have the authority to call attention to election breaches and impose appropriate action. Now is the time for the church, the private sector and civil society groups to team up to send a strong message to our politicians that their behavior will be scrutinized in the next election. Our democracy demands nothing less.
Friday December 08, 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.
As sugar workers lose their jobs, APNU+AFC touts its Christmas Grinch credentials DEAR EDITOR, In November 2016 and in January 2017, I wrote about the impending closure of several sugar estates, mentioning that GuySuCo had already stopped cultivation of canes and maintenance of cane ratoons, not only in Wales, but also at Rose Hall, including Providence, West Canje, Skeldon and Enmore/LBI. APNU+AFC and GuySuCo strenuously denied they had stopped cultivation. This week Minister Noel Holder admitted that cane cultivation, indeed, had stopped because Cabinet had decided on the large-scale closure since then. He elaborated that even if APNU+AFC now wants to delay the closure at Skeldon and Rose Hall, there is no cane to operate the sugar factories. APNU+AFC’s empty rhetoric of “continuing on the road to the good life” is exposed as a myth by their unabated assault on the sugar industry, sugar workers and their families. Under pressure, they promised last week to delay closure of Rose Hall (Canje), Enmore and Skeldon Sugar Estates until at least the end of 2018. Yet APNU+AFC permitted GuySuCo this week to implement the
termination of thousands of sugar workers employed at Rose Hall and Skeldon. The termination by GuySuCo is not a rogue action by a rogue entity. The GuySuCo Board and GuySuCo Management team have diligently implemented APNU+AFC’s plan for sugar. Far from being a rogue action, the termination of workers at this time is an ugly, meanspirited, scrooge-like, cruel thing, but coming just before Christmas, it is evil. Even as GuySuCo was carrying out a governmenthatchet-job of giving termination letters to thousands of workers as their Christmas gift, President Granger addressed a UN meeting in Kenya and hypocritically demanded that we must put “people ahead of profits”. He failed to inform his audience that his government was busy putting “profits before people”. He failed to explain to his audience, like his Ministers failed to explain to the Guyanese people, why Budget 2018 made no mention of the unemployed sugar workers and their families. While President Granger was away on another very expensive trip, in Guyana,
his right-hand man, Joe Harmon, the Minister of the Presidency, said he did not know and claimed to be disappointed regarding the sudden termination of more than 2,400 sugar workers, bringing the total to more than 4,000 since Wales was closed at the beginning of 2017. He claimed that Cabinet never sanctioned such a move. Will the Minister of Agriculture, therefore, face disciplinary action? Will GuySuCo’s Board face the wrath of the government? Will GuySuCo’s management be held accountable? After all, if they acted without Cabinet sanction, they are rogue elements in the government. In fact, the Grangerappointed Minister of Agriculture, an AFC m e m b e r, e x p o s e d t h e t r i c k e r y, a g a m e o f misdirection and o b f u s c a t i o n , misrepresentation and outright lies by announcing that the termination of sugar workers by GuySuCo is in accordance with a Cabinetsanctioned White Paper. Holder had submitted this White Paper to Parliament at the beginning of the year. The White Paper was approved by Cabinet and explicitly declared that
APNU+AFC was closing Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon by the end of 2017, joining the closure of Wales which ended operation at the end of 2016. The closure proposals were strongly defended by several government ministers in subsequent weeks. Minister Holder was telling the truth - GuySuCo’s action was governmentsanctioned. The empty promise of delaying the closure and the feigned disappointment that the delay was not honoured, are more than a case of sheer hypocrisy and unholy deceit. It is a reprehensible case of total betrayal by a group of callous people who like to play a game of “good cop, bad cop”. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, meanwhile, is silent again, hiding from sugar workers. Nagamootoo waltzed into the belly of the sugar industry to celebrate his birthday last week and ignored the sugar workers who peacefully presented to remind him that he had betrayed them. They wanted him to advise them what had happened to the Nagamootoo who once pompously declared himself the “champion of sugar
Continued on page 6
Friday December 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 05
It is unfortunate that this matter Govt. made the PSA as elusive as the Black Gold took a while to be resolved DEAR EDITOR, When it was announced by Exxon Mobil that oil was found days before the 2015 general election in the Stabroek Block in commercial quantities, the public was ecstatic and optimistic. Anticipation and expectations were high. Mirages of oil wealth were blooming on the horizon. Gradually, the “reality checks” began to set in like rigor mortis on the Guyanese psyche. The Media - particularly Kaieteur News - played its part by enlightening the public on instances where oil was found by the said Exxon Mobil in various countries and it did not change the life of their citizens. It also informed the public of the “tact and guile” of Exxon in its operation around the world. Highlighted, too, were ways in which corrupt governments - a phenomenon that had been our “Achilles heel” since independence - had seemingly conspired or innocently signed bad or unfruitful Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) with the oil giant (Exxon Mobil). As time went by, it was revealed that the former Government (PPP) had installed a “secrecy clause” in an exploration and production agreement signed by Exxon and the then Government of Guyana, before Exxon’s quest for oil. The Coalition Government used that secrecy clause as a pretext
for not releasing the contents of the oil deal (PSA) it signed with Exxon. It defies the logical mind when the President seemed to consider trampling on the constitution, the ultimate law of the Land, by impeding on the rights of independent constitutional commissions and making a unilateral appointment for Gecom chair as a trivial matter, while the asinine secrecy clause in the exploration and production agreement was revered and adhered to. Now that the Government agrees to release the contract before Christmas, the public awaits with patient expectation. The Environmental Impact Agreement, which Exxon had to sign to proceed to production, was released earlier this year. Judging from that document, it seemed that Exxon wrote the document and gave the Government to sign, while it should have been the other way. The document does not hold Exxon liable to stand the cost of damages to the environment in the event of an “oil spill” during the course of production. This is not the norm on the international oil production scene. Straight off the bat! A major oil spill in the waters of the Caribbean can cause us more than our share of the estimated 2.8 billion barrels in compensation, while Exxon walks free. The agreement certainly does not demand that Exxon adhere to the highest safety standard in its production.
The Government readily admits that they are inexperienced - not only in oil and gas but in general governance. I wonder who was present when they signed that piece of crap? I think we rely too much on experts. We should learn to trust our instincts. If they meant it, when they say the oil belongs to the people of Guyana - to them I say “nothing beats the eyes of the master”(owner). We should have been consulted every step of the way. So far, what is touted is a 2% royalty and a 50-50 after Exxon deducts its cost. This might be asking too much. This might induce Exxon to inflate its cost to garner more of the pie. It is believed that we are heading for a “Singapore syndrome” where we would not be able to verify Exxon costs. I must commend the Media for a great job educating the masses of the wiles of Exxon Mobil and what took place around the globe in the field of Gas and Oil. Had there been wide consultation, I am certain we would have had a realistic PSA. I would have liked to see 2% royalty, 58% Exxon 40% people of Guyana – with Exxon bearing its cost of production. In that scenario, we would only have to measure the oil that comes out of the ground. Greed should not allow us to be like the dog that dropped its bone for a mirrored reflection of a larger one. Rudolph Singh
DEAR EDITOR, In response to a letter published in the Wednesday 6, December, 2017 edition of the Stabroek Newspaper captioned “How long must citizens be in limbo because of the Central Housing and P l a n n i n g A u t h o r i t y ’s negligence?” the Central Housing and Planning Authority wishes to advise on the requirements for the deletion of names in cases of Joint owners (Husband/Wife, Married/Common Law) from a transport or Certificate of title to land: Written request to the Minister of Communities stating reasons for permission to delete name. Copy of Allocation Letter Letter/Agreement of Sale/ Receipts of payments Copy of Transport/ Title Copy of Order of Court – Decree Absolute Affidavit sworn by the spouse whose name is to be deleted stating reasons for deletion, and who will also be interviewed at the time. The claimant and her spouse were jointly allotted a portion of land at Farm on the East Bank of Demerara and transfer of same was effected in April 2014. In August 2015 a written request was submitted to the Authority for her spouse’s name to be deleted. A Decree absolute dated January 23rd, 2015 was presented to the authority by the complainant, however at that time the Certificate of Title to Land was already being processed and it is important to note, that both the applicant and her spouse were required to visit the Authority and consent to the process of
deletion. This was not done. Please be informed that the Authority initiated the process of deletion in the matter at hand in lieu of the requirement of a sworn affidavit by the complainant’s spouse based upon the information provided by her that the spouse’s whereabouts were unknown and further, that there was in fact no way for him to be contacted since no present address or phone numbers were known to her at the time, and her (the complainant) being the main applicant was also considered. A phone number was subsequently provided by the Complainant for the spouse in question, who was contacted by the Authority on 23rd March, 2017, and contrary to information p r o v i d e d b y h e r, h i s whereabouts were known to the complainant at the time, and additionally would have to consult with his Attorneyat-Law for advice on a way forward. As a result of the deficiencies presented, the Authority placed a cessation on the process of having the spouse’s name removed from the Certificate of Title to Land. It must be understood that whilst the Central Authority can facilitate the deletion of a spouse’s name from a Certificate of Title to Land, it cannot compel that spouse to consent to the deletion. The processing of a Certificate of Title to Land is expedited through the Central
Housing and Planning Authority and submitted to the Land Registry for processing and issuance. A change to a Certificate of Title to Land as requested can only be done through an Order of Court or with the consent of the party whose name is being deleted and not as a rectification or an omission, since both parties signed to process the Certificate of Title to Land. Therefore the parties must be in agreement on the way forward and how they will proceed to divide the property acquired during marriage. It is unfortunate that this matter took a while to be resolved, and the Central Authority ought to proceed with caution and was correct after the spouse was contacted by the authority to put a halt on same. The Central Authority has in the past been reliably informed by applicants that their spouse cannot be located and when a decision has been reached through Ministerial action that the other party who was missing suddenly reveals him or herself requesting a reversal of the decision made. Lelon Saul Chief Executive Officer Central Housing and Planning Authority
Kaieteur News
PAGE 06
Friday December 08, 2017
As sugar workers lose their jobs... Preventing Abusive Relationships From page 4 workers”. They wanted to know if he would join them to “light a candle for sugar workers”, as he once asked Guyanese in a speech in 2012 in Canje when he had claimed the PPP’s 5% wage increase was shameless. Today, Nagamootoo has gone blind, deaf and dumb as sugar workers are being s u ff o c a t e d a n d impoverished by closure of estates and are being given termination letters as Christmas gifts. Nagamootoo’s sidekick, Khemraj Ramjattan, also ignores the sugar workers. He, like Nagamootoo, cannot hear the agony and cannot see the sufferings of the sugar workers, the same
ones he promised to give 20% annual wage increases to. Ramjattan and his APNU+AFC colleagues did not just dishonour their promise of annual wage increases, they denied any wage increase in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and now terminate the workers from four estates. Government ministers will find time and money to celebrate at Christmas parties and New Year’s celebrations in the next several weeks while sugar workers and their families worry about feeding their children. Harmon’s expression of shock and dismay is merely a trick to try and position APNU and the Granger-led Cabinet as innocent
bystanders, victims of GuySuCo. Yet truth cannot be disguised and reality cannot be shielded. As Christmas 2017 approaches, just as in the case of the Wales sugar workers in Christmas 2016, sugar workers and their families in Skeldon and Rose Hall, Canje, and maybe Enmore, have been sent to the dump, no job, no future. Children of sugar workers will face empty kitchens, even as Ministers and their children and grand-children celebrate with no limits. Indeed, it is time to light a candle for sugar workers. If there is one thing that APNU+AFC is good at, it is being the Christmas Grinch. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
DEAR EDITOR, I am moved to pen this letter since I am very distressed at the daily loss of life, more than often is due to domestic violence something that we as a nation cannot allow to happen. I recall that as a conflict management Facilitator, I conducted a few workshops on “handling pain” and “domestic communication. The outcomes were amazing; to see participants share their pain with their spouses who for the first time realised what the other was going through. I must admit that there are couples, whether by marriage or living together as common law spouses, who are very happy together. It is also true that many of these unions produce very unhappy couples, who sometimes behave violently t o w a r d o n e a n o t h e r. Domestic violence has already become a major social problem. The term “domestic violence” generally refers to abusive or violent behaviour among people who are related by blood or marriage, but it can also include nonfamily members who live in the same home, such as boyfriends, girlfriends, and common law partners. All these scenarios are within the parameters of “domestic violence.” Violence threatens safety and lives, and is something that is detested by people. Nonetheless, women and children are in the main the victims of abuse within the home, regardless of their n a t i o n a l i t y, c u l t u r a l background, class, race, or
living environment. If there is physical violence or verbal abuse on the part of the male or on the part of the female in a home, the result is always an unhappy family. This is especially true since domestic violence almost always leads to a tragic end. What is even more frightening is the negative impact that domestic violence can have on the children’s personality and emotional development. Children who grow up in such abusive homes may repeat the abusive behaviour when they become adults. Thus, all women and children have the right to a non-violent home, and it is something that we should all aspire for in our society. How do we solve the problem of domestic violence? The solution to this problem is each member of the family must learn to love one another in a way that is consistent, generous, forgiving, respectful, and tolerant, for only by working harmoniously together can a family expect to maintain a peaceful and happy family life. The family is a basic unit of society, and it should be a haven that is safe and warm for its members. Many social problems arise from homes in which the husband and wife do not get along well. If there is violence in the family, such as the murder of a mother or father, physical violence between husband and wife, or abuse of the children, this becomes a problem for the rest of
society. This is the reason why we must emphasize the importance of a husband and wife showing mutual respect and love to each other. A husband must know how to love his wife if he is to be called a real husband, while a wife must know how to respect her husband if she is to be called a real wife. A married woman must be both a mother and a wife at the same time. She must in some respects play many other roles, such as minister, servant, and master. She must also pamper her husband sometimes as if he were her child. But husband and wife should also respect each other as such, and uplift each other as brother and sister. For his part, the husband must be tender with his wife. He must protect her bravely, and work for her as a father. He must bring humour and good cheer into the home and he must fulfil his duties to support his family. This way their marriages will have a greater chance of becoming happy ones. My wish is that all homes be fortunate and happy. Indeed, we desire that all people in love will end up forming a family. In most cases, if a marriage becomes unfeasible and incompatible like a mixture of fire and water, there may be a need for people to go their own separate ways. We must recognize that huge personality differences can make living together impossible. In such cases, it is better for people to go their own separate ways in good will than to stay together against someone’s wishes: “let the water go back to being water and the fire to being fire.” Nowadays, there is a large number of young people and intellectuals who divorce and remain good friends with each other. I believe that this is much better than forcing people to stay together in marriage till the bitter end. Since relations between men and women are so important to the well-being of society, they must show respect for one another and become partners only if they are willing, for these are the conditions that will make society a happier place and the world more beautiful. Pandit Chrishna Persaud JP, FILS
Friday December 08, 2017
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
CCJ upholds High Court AFC urges early offer of severance package for sugar workers ruling in mining dispute The Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ), yesterday, delivered a ruling in favour of a miner, who challenged the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)’s authority to close down his operations for breaching regulations of the Amerindian Act. Wayne Vieira, a gold miner, had challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal to reverse the decision of the High Court which had quashed a Cease Work Order (CWO) issued against him by the GGMC. According information released by the CCJ, Vieira had contended that the order was not validly issued nor was it retroactively validated by the Amerindian (Validation Commencement) Act 2010. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday determined that the GGMC had no authority to issue a CWO directing Mr. Vieira to cease all work under his mining permits because he had no agreement with the Chinese Landing/ Tassawini Village Council. According to the ruling, the CWO was issued on November 26, 2010 under the Mining Regulations because of the absence of an agreement with the Village Council, as was required under the Amerindian law. However unknown to the Commission, Vieira had made several attempts since 2009 to secure a new agreement with the Village Council. His efforts, which included engaging the Prime Minister, who was the Minister responsible for mines and
minerals, proved futile. The CWO was subsequently issued under the Mining Regulations because of the absence of an agreement with the Village Council, as was required under the Amerindian law. According to the CWO, the Mines Officer deemed the stoppage to be ‘absolutely necessary’ for the maintenance of the public peace or for the protection of the State’s, or private persons, rights. But, Vieira moved to the High Court where he successfully challenged the decision to issue the CWO. Justice Diana Insanally later determined that the order could only be issued in relation to breaches concerning the Mining Act and not the Amerindian law. The Commission took the matter to the Court of Appeal and won, following which the miner appealed to the CCJ. The Commission had argued that Vieira’s attempts to reach an agreement to mine the lands, and his argument that he was treated unfairly, were irrelevant as the organization was required by law to automatically issue the order. Vieira, on the other hand, contended that not only was his conduct and treatment relevant, but that the Mines Officer was not authorized to issue the CWO for a breach of any law other than the Mining Act. Upon review of the Act, the CCJ determined that the Minister responsible for the Mining Act could not make
regulations under that law with a view to aiding or enforcing the requirements of another law – the Amerindian Act. “As such, the Mines Officer was not authorized to issue the CWO under the Mining Regulations for a violation of the Amerindian Act. It was observed, however, that this does not prevent the Commission from dealing with disputes arising under the Amerindian law if the dispute could be regarded in an appropriate case as also being a dispute under the Mining Regulations.” However, the Court determined that this would not apply in this instance. The Court also decided that the law required the issuance of the CWO to be ‘absolutely necessary’, which had not been established or even contemplated by the Mines Officer or Commission. It was also concluded that Mr. Vieira was entitled to an opportunity to oppose the order and to challenge whether it was absolutely necessary. Accordingly, Justice Insanally’s decision was restored and Mr. Vieira was awarded costs in all three courts. The application was heard on December 1, 2017, and judgment issued less than a week later, by the Bench of the CCJ led by President of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron. Vieira was represented by Ms. Jamela A. Ali and Mr. Sanjeev J. Datadin, Attorneysat-Law., The Commission’s Attorney-at-Law was Mr. Nikhil Ramkarran.
Nine-fingered burglar prints new... From page 3 was charged for allegedly stealing a boat valued $200,000 and trying to sell it. He was remanded to prison by City Magistrate Faith McGusty on a simple larceny charge. He denied that between August 19 and September 2, 2015 at Riverview, he stole the boat from R&S Fishing Enterprise. During his address to the court, Singh begged the Magistrate to show leniency. He claimed that he was offering prayers at the riverside, when an unknown man asked him to help bring a boat ashore. He claimed he was helping the man when he was arrested. In March, 2016, Steve Singh and four others were charged with attempting to break into the MP Insurance and Brokerage Company in Brickdam. They were released on bail. Around 01:00 hrs two Thursdays ago, three men, who were all barefooted, broke into Sueria Manufac-
turing, located in Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and carted off an undisclosed sum of cash and a safe. The bandits spent about five minutes ransacking an office. In a video provided to Kaieteur News, the men, including the tattooed one identified as Steve Singh, are seen at a desk, which is located in one of the offices. While one of the bandits searched through drawers and took money out of several envelopes, an accomplice placed the cash into a black plastic bag while the third held a flashlight. One of the intruders had a distinct tattoo on his right shoulder. This is the fourth time that robbers have targeted the business in the past two years. On October 7, last, three armed men escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash and cheques after storming Sueria Manufacturing and holding the employees at gunpoint.
The gunmen entered at around 08:15 hrs, ordered workers to lie on the floor, then began searching for valuables. While the business has surveillance cameras, the bandits escaped with the DVR (digital video recorder). No one was ever detained. Proprietor of Sueria Manufacturing, Frank Sanichara, has offered a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects in both incidents. Anyone with information can contact Sanichara on telephone number 604-6108. They can also call 624-6456, or the Providence Police Station. All information will be kept confidential. (See photos and videos online)
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Skeldon workers at its pay office, in East Berbice.
The Alliance For Change (AFC), the smaller faction in the governing Government coalition, is urging that an offer for severance be presented to sugar workers now. This comes two days after one of its ministers- Mr Noel Holder- came under fire for the handling of sugar workers- several hundreds of them -who have been notified that there will be no work for them in the New Year at Rose Hall, Skeldon and Enmore estates. Holder, as the Minister of Agriculture, on Tuesday made it clear that the decision to send home workers was in keeping with the plan of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and recommendations from White Paper on the industry’s future. The position had clashed
with that of AFC other partner in Government, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) which said it was not notified of the decision to send home the workers. AFC did not immediately refer to the differences between the coalition factions on the issue. With 16,000-plus workers in the industry, the issue has become a hot political one. Yesterday, AFC said it is reiterating its deep concern for the welfare of sugar workers who are likely to be affected by the changes contemplated by GuySuCo. The party insists that severance must be in place. AFC, which holds the Prime Ministerial, the Public Security, and Public Infrastructure portfolios as well, recommended that in addition
to severance, consideration must be given to an offer of land leases for alternative economic engagement; access to small concession loans and access to extension services and markets for agro-processing. “The party recognizes that the state paper on GuySuCo which was laid in the National Assembly in May outlines certain actions which are necessary and unavoidable if the sugar industry is to be regularized and become sustainable,” AFC said. The party also said it is “cognizant” that GuySuCo has been engaging with the workers and their unions for some time now regarding actions which are necessary. It called on GuySuCo to intensify this initiative to (Continued on page 11)
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
Operators scramble to get in order as drones’ regulations announced Stakeholders at the event yesterday.
A number of the drones on display at Duke Lodge yesterday.
As regulators move to clamp down on the use of drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), a number of stakeholders have started meeting on the issue. Yesterday, representatives of the regulator- the Guyana
Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)- and several representatives of the various ministries and agencies as well as retailers were present at Duke Lodge, Kingston, as the discussions got under way. According to Lancelot
Khan, President of the Guyana Drones Operators Association (GDOA), the popularity of drones in Guyana and the uses have been catching on fast in the last two years. In fact, the association is
in direct talks with about 30 operators, but it is believed that there may be about 100 of the UAVs flying around. With Christmas around the corner and with drones becoming cheaper, the association believes that more of the highly popular drones will be shipped in by dealers or ordered online. In recent months, the use of drones by photographers to capture fires and other scenes has become a common thing. However, GCAA as the regulator is not too happy with the drones being flown around the city without some control. The authority has issued a number of directives which regulate how drones are to fly- including the height and distance away from the pilot. GDOA noted yesterday that some of the risks included, drug distribution over the prison walls, interruption of flight paths and hindering of emergency services from performing their duties. Already, miners are using drones and they are reportedly being utilized in the forestry sector. The administration has
been talking about introducing the technology to not only improve security in the city but also to monitor borders and state lands. According to Khan, yesterday’s event was geared to gather all the stakeholders in one room to hear from them as the use of drones is relatively new to Guyana, and with new regulations, there have been questions. Among those gathered were representatives from GCAA, pilots, officials from the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and even the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute. “Generally, the GCAA directives speak to how high, how far away from buildings and so on, and restrictions in the night…and away from aerodromes and flight paths that the operators will have to take into consideration.” Strictly forbidden would be using the drones to tow any objects during flight. Operators are also mandated to keep un-aided visual contact with the drones at all times.
According to Khan, the directives of GCAA are enforceable. “Generally you should seek permission to fly… the entire air space is governed by GCAA and you must be registered,” he explained. There are some exceptions for not registering…when the UAVs are not over seven kilogrammes and when they are not being used for commercial activities. Of course, with planes flying over parts of the city, like Sophia and Ruimveldt, heading to the Ogle airport, there may be the necessity of creating a virtual no-fly zone. Operators must seek permission, giving details, the association’s head explained. For commercial use, GCAA is moving to develop an operations manual which will help operators use their equipment. As of now, the association will be working closely with GCAA to sensitise the public. One thing is cle a r, though, Khan said…it is hardly likely that anyone would be given blanket permission to fly all over the country without regulations.
Friday December 08, 2017
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Trial by social media The media is being patently unfair to that school teacher of Bishop’s High School who is being accused of being a sexual predator. The teacher is being tried and convicted in the court of public opinion and the media is contributing its fair share to this sordid state of affairs. In any developed country, the teacher would have already brought an action in the court claiming that, given the nature of the public coverage of the allegations against him, he cannot be reasonably be expected to have a fair hearing. Every person has a right to a fair hearing. It is the basis of our system of justice. A person cannot be prejudged in a court of law. He or she has a right to a fair and impartial trial. Unfair public coverage of a matter involving an accused can prejudice this right. This is why the media has to act responsibly. The media in no part of the world has a licence to do as it pleases. It is bound by certain codes and practices. Its duty is to report on matters of the public interest, not to be the state prosecution. The latest injustice against the teacher is the claim
in another section of the media that someone has come out and made allegations against the teacher. It turned out allegations are not contained in any written statement or interview with someone from the mass media. The information was obtained on social media. It was irresponsible of the media house concerned to run with a story like that without confirming the information directly with the person who is alleged to be making the allegation against the teacher. Social media is not moderated. There is no editor. It does not hold itself to traditional journalistic standards. Before a post can be taken down, a complaint has to be filed to the platform on which the post was made. In the meantime, the damage has been done. Lies can be spread also using social media. A few weeks ago, the IAC found itself in hot water after it condemned a post on social media which turned out, according to the IAC’s own admission to be a fake. The IAC had to undertake its own investigation to verify that the information was fake. It has apologized to the person con-
cerned. The print media should not be using social media evidence unless it has otherwise confirmed the authenticity of the information. The role of the media is not to try anyone in the court of public opinion. It is easy to create a fake profile on social media. A great many of the bloggers on social media are using fake profiles. The media has been wary of lifting information wholesale off social media. The media has a duty to be fair. Suppose it turns out that all these allegations against the teacher are not valid. What happens then? The damage would have already been done. The media has a responsibility, if it is going to use information obtained on social media, to ascertain the authenticity of the information being used. Anyone can today create a fake profile and make accusations. It is the duty of the media to check on those facts. Social media posts whether authentic or not cannot be used as evidence. The person has to come forward and give a statement. There then has to be a confrontation between the accused and his accuser. This is
how the law works, not by any one feeling free to post anything online and then having a gullible media run with it. The media cannot continue along this trend of assassinating the characters and reputation of persons without a shred of verifiable evidence. The media has to get its information right. It
should be wary when that information comes from the social media. There are things which can be done on social media which the mass media is not permitted to do. The mass media would face lawsuits if it were to carry some of the sensational stories and comments which appear on social media.
Similarly when it comes to allegations against others, then the mass media cannot simply ‘share’ information that it has received from the social media. That is reckless and irresponsible unless that information is verified.
Friday December 08, 2017
PPP Parliamentarian protests early budget While early budgets may have its advantages, it brings as well, a fair share of worrying legal and financial complications. Expounding on this conundrum on Wednesday in the National Assembly was Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira. The seasoned politician noted that she raised this very issue during the debate on budget 2017. Teixeira explained that when the Opposition sought to examine the 2017 budget and its estimates, it was faced with a fundamental issue; it couldn’t figure out when was the cutoff date for the figures that were presented by the Minister of Finance. Teixeira pointed out that the 2017 budget, which was presented in December 2016, contained figures about spending that could easily be considered “guess-timates” since the year was not finished. She said that in the discussion of the 2018 budget, the Opposition is faced with the same issue and is therefore at a tremendous disadvantage. The Opposition Chief Whip said, “The figures (in the budget/estimates) are projections and not based on fact because the year is not finished. The figures have not been accumulated and analyzed and we have great discomfort in dealing with figures which may be wrong by the time you get to the end of the year.” She contended, too, that the situation also births a legal issue since the law states that the books for agencies and ministries close on December 31. In this regard, Teixeira said that if the government wishes to close the books on an earlier date it has to amend the law. The Opposition Chief Whip said, “When you have a budget in January after the
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira cutoff date, you then have a more accurate representation of the performance of the economy, and the government. But this is not the case. The budget is being brought to the House before the start of the fiscal year and before the date to close the books as stated in the law…” She added, “So you are asking us to debate figures which are flawed and which may not be correct by the time we head into January of the following year. If they want early budgets, amend the law so the cut off dates are known and the budget presents a true reflection of what was expended and not “guesstimates.” PSIP Additionally, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said to the House last year that the reason for early budgets was so they can have a full 12 months to implement it. Teixeira noted however, that when one examines the poor implementation rate of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), Jordan’s argument falls flat on its face. The rate of implementation of projects was also highlighted in the half year report of the Ministry of Finance. According to the Ministry, the Public Sector Investment Programme, which is fi-
AFC urges early offer... (From page 7) ensure that all workers are adequately briefed, counseled and are presented with all the necessary information regarding the future status of GuySuCo and the sugar sector. “The party recognizes that the future of GuySuCo is of paramount importance and the government must continue to pursue those options for the sugar industry which is not a burden on the national treasury.” The AFC said it looks forward to an amicable resolution to the issue, but insists that as the Yuletide season is upon Guyana, workers must not be adversely affected and the offer of severance must be thoroughly detailed and presented to the workers now. GuySuCo has been a major drain on the country’s finances with $32B plugged into the industry over the past three year with little to show. The imminent divestment and privatization of four estates have heavily divided the Government and the Opposition- the People’s Progressive Party-- which supports base has been sugar workers.
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
nanced by both local and foreign funded sources, expended $15.8 billion during the first half of 2017, reflecting a 19.8 percent increase over the first half of 2016. Finance Ministry officials said however, that this represents only 27.9 percent of the PSIP’s budgeted allocation of $56.8 billion. It was noted that the locally-funded projects were primarily constrained by delays in the project implementation as a result of a dearth of procurement planning, apparent lack of capacity, and delays in the tender process. The Ministry noted that this resulted in only 26.8 percent of the budgetary allocation of $34.6 billion expended at half year. The implementation of the foreign-funded projects was also plagued by delays emanating from the late finalization of a number of financing agreements with both multilateral and bilateral development partners, and the subsequent setting up of the project implementation unit. As such, the Finance Ministry noted that a mere 29.6 percent of the budgeted sum of $22.1 billion of the foreign-funded portfolio was expended. In the first half of 2017, the amounts expended for major projects including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project, the Power Utility Upgrading Programme, and the West Coast Demerara Highway Project, were $2.8 billion, $1.2 billion, $0.6 billion, respectively. In spite of these constraints, Government said that it remains committed to delivering the budgeted PSIP and has taken steps towards the improvement of the pace of implementation. These include increased monitoring, the introduction of a Cabinet level reporting mechanism in June 2017, and training Ministry officials from key sectors in procurement planning. Further, in an effort to attract more persons to the national pool of evaluators a stipend of $3,000 per session was approved by Cabinet, for each evaluator. In addition, monthly stipends were introduced for members of the Ministerial, Regional, Departmental, and Agency Tender Boards. At the end of June 30, 2017, there were a number of ministries which were below the 30 percent margin regarding their rate of implementation. The Ministry of Social Protection, for example, had a budgetary allocation of $477M but up to last June, it had only used up $81M. This represents an execution rate of 17 percent.
Budget 2018 has brought smiles to the bulk of Guyanese - Harmon Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has assured that Government has budgeted monies to help the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) meet financial commitments to thousands of workers laid off as part of a restructuring plan for the industry. According to a November 29 letter from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), GuySuCo was given until December 31 to transfer three estates – Skeldon and Rose Hall in East Berbice, and Enmore in the East Demerara area. This has led to widespread retrenchment of thousands of workers at the end of the month. Accusations have been levied against Government for allowing GuySuCo to continue with the plans, given the upcoming Christmas season. “In this budget, while some of my friends speak about their love for the sugar workers; we have taken that into consideration, and of the amounts of money that’s allocated for GuySuCo there is a huge chunk of money in there for severance. So the workers must know that, too, while you keep complaining,” Harmon disclosed during his contribution to the budget 2018 debates. He stated that the budget inspires confidence and clarifies the vision of the coalition
…Assures monies set aside to pay sugar workers severance
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon government for the country. “It is not our fault that the opposition can’t see the vision…This budget, I will posit, has brought smiles to the faces of the bulk of the Guyanese people,” Harmon stated. The budget debate is taking place at a time when there are deep-seated concerns about the future of the sugar industry and the bitter fallout from Government’s decision to limit subsides resulting in the closures of the estates. The letters to the workers have split the Coalition Government, with A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) registering its unhappiness about the “surprise” of letters
being issued at this time. Two weeks ago, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, of APNU, said that the closure of Rose Hall and Enmore would not happen this year but be rolled over to next year. He expressed surprise at the letters to workers. The matter had not reached Cabinet where it could very well be reversed when the matter is raised. However, on Wednesday, Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, of the Alliance For Change, the smaller faction, was not surprised and insisted that it was the plan of GuySuCo all along to close the two estates. Minister, Noel Holder has projected that capital investment of $12 billion will be required for GuySuCo to meet production targets over the next three years. Holder has stated that since taking office in 2015, Government has supported GuySuCo with an injection of $32 billion, with a further investment of $6.3 billion allocated for 2018 and $2.3 billion in 2019. “Despite the magnitude of subsidies there has been no positive impact on the financial state of GuySuCo. The economy simply cannot afford this,” Holder stated.
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
Businessman offers to demolish St. Rose’s for half of engineer’s estimate Questions have surfaced about whether the Ministry of Education should spend $30 million on the demolition of the St. Rose’s High School, in keeping with the Engineer’s estimate. While some companies, who tendered for the project submitted bids as low as $16M and $IIM, some found it strange that the Education Ministry would spend that much for a demolition. One contractor, Rizwan Khan, said that he is willing to do the job for half of the engineer ’s estimate, although he did not bid for the project. An officer from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, said that a project is usually awarded to a company within about two weeks. It is unclear which company was awarded the contract, given that bids were open last Tuesday. Additionally, the Ministry said that classes for the students at St. Rose’s High will not be disrupted due to the demolition. Creaking floors, broken windows, leaking ceilings and crooked stairways are to be a thing of the past for the School. The Ministry has set the demolition date for December 10, to facilitate the construction works. The Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Murtland Haley, informed that ‘arrangements’ are being made to have the students properly accommodated during the new school term in
January. The school has, for quite some time, been in a state not conducive for learning. This newspaper understands that all public schools are expected to be closed by December 15 of this year however; the St. Rose’s High School will close one week before to accommodate the demolition. This newspaper understands that the section of the school that is adjacent to Church Street will be demolished. The nine classrooms that will be affected by the demolition will be provided for in the other buildings of the school. Most of the classes have already evacuated the section of the building. Students are also forced to enter and exit the school through the St. Joseph’s Ursuline Convent gate, which is located on Camp Street, Georgetown. It was explained that most of the classrooms are already crammed and so whatever space is available, will be made use of. A visit to the building set for demolition displayed a rather frightening image, since the floors of the building were creaking and cracking. Some of the windows were falling out and the stairways were deploring. Sections of the ceiling were leaking and walls of the building were rotten. To ensure the safety of the students, the specific section is prohibited. The source told Kaieteur News that the St. Rose’s High School has been in existence
A section of the stairway that is in a deplorable state
for over 150 years and currently schools over 500 students. It was with much concern that the source said no renovation works was done over a period of years to maintain the building. Along with the reconstruction of this school, the Wismar, Christianburg Secondary School will also undergo construction works, according to Haley. The two schools have both been suffering from structural issues for quite some time and several complaints were received with regards to the safety of the students and teachers at these institutions. The cost of the renovation works has not yet been made known.
One segment of the rotted ceiling
Friday December 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
Finance Minister criticised for skipping majority of debate on 2018 budget Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, drew heavy criticisms yesterday from the main opposition, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), for his absence from the ongoing debate in the National Assembly on the 2018 budget. Jordan who presented the budget on November 27, last, has missed the first three days of the debate due to official duties in Barbados. He returned yesterday morning to the National Assembly and is expected to close the debate today. Former Minister of Education and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Priya Manickchand, said the absence of the Finance Minister and senior officers of the Finance Ministry, is proof that the coalition Government is just being ‘robotic’ about the budget process. “It tells us that there is no interest in what happens here,” Manickchand stated. According to Manickchand, the budget is bare in addressing the issues affecting Guyanese. Over the past four days of the budget debate the Finance Minister was absent and could not benefit from the presentations, which included criticisms of some of the Government’s fiscal programmes and suggestions to improve the economy. “(He is) not even here to hear the suggestions and perhaps answer some of the criticisms. That is the arrogance we are seeing too. I don’t know if the Hansard reports would recall anywhere under the PPP that the Minister presented a budget and then escaped to a different country. In this case we have two ministers in the Ministry,” Manickchand stated. And during her presentation, the Finance Minister walked in, as if on cue. The former Education Minister also took aim at the
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (center) missed the first three days of the five-day budget debate. coalition administration for the way in which MPs conducted the debate, noted that there should have been an important high level discussion in the Assembly by all MPs on how to move Guyanese past current challenges. Manickchand was specially critical of Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, who waved a bag of grass in Parliament to rebuff opposition criticisms. “Instead of seeing that level of debate, what we saw was a calibre with senior minister of the Government taking time on taxpayers’ dollars to go and cut grass and put it in a Ziploc bag and makes that a part of their presentation. “Such was the caliber from the government benches and that to me is disappointing and dangerous. More importantly, the check box budget really manifested itself in presentation after presentation being just as robotic and laying out a programme and a plan,” Manickchand stated.
She said that the coalition administration has failed to tell the National Assembly what is its ideology and philosophy for Guyana. She noted that a ‘green state’ is not defined by painting state property green and yellow. Manickchand noted that the budget did not present a plan and the Government has a problem properly projecting the income of the country as evident by the exaggerated numbers presented earlier in the year. These were adjusted downwards by midyear. She questioned whether the under-performing economy is related to homes of businessmen being raided by policemen or unstable business and political environment. Manickchand accused the coalition administration of not being business friendly, lazy to implement several projects although approvals were granted a year ago, and there is evidently an absence by the administration to plan for a better Guyana.
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
Countries with oil are twice as likely to experience civil war
On Wednesday, the University of Guyana held its Second Professorial Lecture at the Turkeyen Campus. The main lecturer was Professor Paloma Mohamed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Philanthropy, Alumni, and Civic Engagement (PACE) of the University of Guyana. The lecture titled, The Fear Factor: Race, Oil and Reforming Guyana explained the influence that race can have on Guyana’s new oil discoveries. Professor Mohamed compressed thirty years of her work into less than an hour. She examined three questions; what is fear? What is race? What do fear and race have to do with oil and gas in Guyana? Fear, she defined as an effect or feeling induced by a perceived danger or threat. Fear in humans is perceived through changes in the body which indicate extreme stress. One can learn to fear from past experiences. People learned to fear themselves, things they observed, or an experience they have learnt somehow. Theorists have indicated that in order for a person to have fear present three conditions must be fulfilled: the person must not know what is going on, the person must feel that there is a threat some-
how, and the person must believe that he will be harmed by the threat. Examining Guyana’s new oil discoveries through fear she asked, how many persons in the audience and Guyanese by extension, know about the oil companies and the oil business? She also asked the audience to consider the differences between Guyana’s culture and the culture of foreign investors eyeing Guyana’s oil. Professor MohamedMartin also queried the differences in resources between Guyana and foreign investors. She further pressed the audience to consider the amount of time that the investors have been in the business as compared to Guyana, and also whether their models are structured to ensure that Guyanese are treated fairly. Professor MohamedMartin brought to light a story she recently learned. She asked an individual about the type of food Guyanese would eat on the ships. She was told that it was a Scandinavian ship so they would have no choice other than to eat Scandinavian food. She used this as an example to show the cultural impositions that can result when foreigners invest in our land and waters.
Professor Paloma Mohamed Racism is the discrimination of one race against another because one feels as though a race is superior to another. When she was about eleven years old, just after writing the Common Entrance Examinations, Professor Mohamed-Martin encountered her first incident of racial discrimination. She recalled the day that she was at Stabroek Market when she approached a fruit vendor, “Mango Lady”. She approached “Mango Lady” to buy a mango but refused a spotted mango that “Mango Lady” attempted to give her. Her refusal led “Mango Lady” to replying
A section of the gathering “Who I look like to you, eh? Yuh Grandmother? You think that because you red you must get the best of everything?” This led to a realization in little Paloma that she was different. She realized at that moment that she was different; different because of the color of her skin and the texture of her hair. She said that race barriers still exist in Guyana today but the people can jump these hurdles if we strive to. The question that an Oil and Gas Consultant left with her has been ringing in her mind for some time. The consultant in relation to Guyana’s motto- One People, One Nation, One Destiny- turned to her and asked “Paloma, what is your nation’s destiny?” “Much has been written about the oil curse, a complex
of political and economic dysfunctions, afflicting all oil producing countries to some degree. The presence of oil in a country can have major benefits and it does not automatically lead to the oil curse. “But if not managed properly or efficiently by the host government, the massive influx of oil revenues can distort a country’s economic fundamentals, fuel corruption and create conditions that trigger conflict. Countries with oil are twice as likely to experience civil war as those without oil. “There is a direct relationship between acute corruption and violence that in many places is so severe that it constitutes an international security challenge. Anger and acute corruption helped spark the 2014 revolution in
Ukraine; it helps to explain the Iraqi Army collapse in 2014 in the face of Islamic State as well as the growing strength of that jihadist group, the Taliban in Afghanistan, the spread of Boko Haram in Nigeria, and the fall of governments in Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen. In the past decade, historic manifestations of corruption have driven indignant populations to a variety of extreme actions. Corruption can also fuel violent competition among evenly matched kleptomaniac or kleptocratic elites or symbiotic alliances between governments and dangerous transnational criminal organizations…” Guyana’s destiny is unsure at the moment, and with oil discoveries the government needs to take the right steps to avoid situations like the ones above. With fear of the unknown, a history of racism and foreign investors eyeing Guyana’s oil; Guyana could be moving towards a sour destiny. “But if our people take the chance to eradicate hate and racism, we can all move forward as One People and One Nation towards One Destiny of prosperity and enjoyment of the benefits of our country’s resources.” Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin became a Professor in 2016. She was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement (2015), the Medal of Service (2011), A Cacique Award (Trinidad and Tobago, 2005), a Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence in Arts and Letters (2014) and she won the Guyana Prize for Literature thrice. Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin was named one of the top 5 most influential women in Guyana by the United States of America Embassy in 2014. [Akeasha Boodie]
Friday December 08, 2017
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Minister suggests ignorance of Hindu holidays is acceptable because she is not a Kshatriya “I am not a Kshatriya (Guyanese say Chatree) so I may not know when there is Diwali or Phagwah, but I do know what it takes to improve the education sector.” That is how Minister of Education responded to a heckle from the opposition benches about a blunder she made earlier this year. The Minister was making her contributions to the Budget Debates when People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament (MPs) taunted her about her apparent ignorance of the nation’s national holidays. Earlier in the year, Henry repeatedly confused Diwali with Phagwah – two Hindu holidays. Her public acceptance of her ignorance about the two holidays did not offend anyone. What was offensive was the Minister’s suggestion that despite her being responsible for education polices, she need not know about the Hindu holidays because she
education of the young people in Guyana would arrogantly condone her lack of knowledge about our national Hindu festivals, when, the youngest Guyanese child learns about this in school; and worse, in a secular Guyana where cohesion is being touted, she blatantly dismisses a major section of
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry is “not a Kshatriya.” The Education Minister’s comments were met with strong condemnation from PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP) and Head of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), Dr. Vindhya Persaud. Dr. Persaud wants the Minister to apologize for her “offensive and disrespectful” remarks. In a social media post, Persaud stated, “That a senior functionary in charge of the
Terminated Skeldon Sugar... From page 16 years remaining on the job. "Wha we gon do? Life goes like that; l still get ma life". Vendors and businesses on the Upper Corentyne were unhappy with the current status quo of the Skeldon Sugar Factory closure. Many are certain that this will have an adverse impact on businesses of every nature in the township of Corriverton and its environs. Business owners are worried that they will no longer be able to sustain their operations due to an impending decline in disposable income. They are also worried that due to the high rate of unemployment there is now an avenue for increased criminal activity. Over 1,700 workers have
received their letters of dismissal. The Government had delayed the recommended closures of two estates, amid an ongoing privatisation and divestment process underway by a special unit of the stateowned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The decision by GuySuCo to issue the workers letters that indicated there will be no place for them in the coming weeks, has placed the Coalition Government in an extremely awkward situation, a senior official had told this publication. A number of ministers have expressed disappointment with the letters and have signaled intentions to have Cabinet take a stance on the matter.
Niece of murdered Pegasus... From page 23 taxi and left for the Lyken Funeral Home. We waited for a while there, then the undertakers took us to a body." At this stage Persaud began crying; her tone of voice softened as she told the court she identified her uncle's lifeless body. "He was dead," she said, adding that his clothes were torn and that there was blood on his shirt jac. She said that she was taken to the Brickdam Police Station where she gave a statement and identified her uncle's car which she said had black dust on it with the taxi service logo torn off. Her uncle, she recalled, was cremated on January 3, 2014 at the Good Hope Crematorium. During cross examination, Persaud said she witnessed when police escorted the car into the station compound since she was seated oblique to the gate to the entrance of the police station. According to her, the police ranks who were "dusting" the vehicle informed her that they were looking for fingerprints and anything of evidential value. The witness said that she observed ranks removing what appeared to be a strand of hair from the back of the vehicle.
the population is disgusting and unacceptable.” Dr. Persaud said that Henry “disregarded the concept of respect for each other’s faith and culture and continues to show she has no remorse.” The Member of Parliament said that she will be penning a letter to the Speaker of the
National Assembly since she just cannot look past the disrespect for Hindus that Henry continues to perpetrate. Persaud said that the Minister is “overdoing it now; she made similar comments before.” During an address she delivered at an event to commemorate Phagwah, the Min-
ister referred to the holiday as “Diwali” and the “Festival of Lights” multiple times in her speech. “I would begin by saying Happy Phagwah, Happy Holi. On Sunday, March 12th, here in Guyana and around the world, Hindus will be celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights,” she had stated.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
CARICOM-Cuba summit to be held in Antigua and Barbuda
GEORGETOWN, Guyana - CMC – Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Republic of Cuba will hold the Sixth CARICOM-Cuba Summit in Antigua and Barbuda today. The Meeting will be cochaired by the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada, and the President of Cuba, Raúl Castro.
This meeting marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between CARICOM and Cuba, and will examine issues of regional and global importance including climate change adaptation and disaster risk management. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and Cuba’s Agency for Civil De-
fence which will provide opportunities for closer collaboration, especially following the devastating impact of the September 2017 hurricanes across the region, and the increased focus on climate change resilience. Today’s discussions will also review the status of the decades-old CARICOMCuba cooperation in commercial and economic areas. Trade relations between the two parties were strengthened in November 2017 with the signing of the Second Protocol to the CARICOMCuba Trade Agreement. The Protocol expands reciprocal duty-free market access to more than 320 items including meat, fish, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, beer, rum, cement, soap and apparel. Cuba, a significant development partner, has supported the Community in building its human resource capacity through scholarship programmes offered in several areas of study, including health and medicine, sports, agriculture and trade. The Summit will conclude with the adoption of a CARICOM-Cuba Joint Declaration.
WASHINGTON - CMC – Barbados is hosting the 20th Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour Organization of American States (IACML) that went underway in Bridgetown yesterday. The Organisation of American States (OAS) says the central theme of the twoday event will be “Building on our Achievements and Advancing Toward Social Justice, Decent Work and Sustainable Development in the Americas.” The labour authorities of
the Americas, including the Caribbean, will “collectively reflect and seek to build consensus on three issues,” the OAS said. The comprise achieving better coordination between education, training and labour, as an essential element to unleash youth potential and address the future of work; implementing Goal 8 of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and gender equality and ensuring labour rights and opportunities for
vulnerable populations. The OAS said, among officials attending the conference, are OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro; Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development of Barbados, Esther Byer Suckoo; Minister of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico and chair of IACML, Alfonso Navarrete Prida; and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean José Manuel SalazarXirinachs.
Dr. Keith Mitchell
Barbados hosts OAS labour conference
China’s Sinopec sues Venezuela in sign of fraying relations (Reuters) - Sinopec USA, a subsidiary of Chinese oil and gas conglomerate Sinopec, has sued Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA in a U.S. court, claiming it never received full payment for an order of steel rebar. The lawsuit asks for $23.7 million for breach of contract and conspiracy to defraud. The legal action signals a
split with another of Venezuela’s biggest backers as the cash-strapped country seeks to restructure some $60 billion in debt in a landscape of low oil prices and production. The complaint suggests “patience is getting really thin at this point,” said Mark Weidemaier, law professor at the University of North Caro-
lina at Chapel Hill and an expert on international debt disputes. “This is a further sign of frostiness in the ChineseVenezuelan relations.” PDVSA declined to comment. China, which has loaned Venezuela more than $50 billion over the past decade, recently has been reluctant to involve itself more deeply in the South American country’s debt crisis. It has curtailed its credit to Venezuela in the last 22 months because of chronic payment delays, troubles with joint venture projects, and crime faced by Chinese firms operating in the country.
Friday December 08, 2017
Jamaica, Argentina sign agreement on cooperation in art, culture
Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and Ariel Fernandez, Argentinian Ambassador to Jamaica yesterday sign an Agreement. The signing was witnessed by Dr Janice, Lindsay, Permanent Secretary (Acting) in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (left) and Fernando Cané, Chargé d’ Affaires (acting), Embassy of Argentina (right). KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has told Argentinian Ambassador to Jamaica, Ariel Fernandez, that Jamaica is looking forward to building cooperation with Argentina in areas such as the exchange of professionals, specialists, researchers, students and creators in the different fields of culture and art, as well as in tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Ambassador Fernandez met Grange at her ministry yesterday for the signing of an agreement between the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the Argentine Republic on cooperation in the fields of art and culture. “We are especially keen on developing collaborations and sharing expertise and knowledge in how we
strengthen the role of cultural institutions such as museums and libraries,” the minister explained. She said that the signing was long overdue and expressed her appreciation to the ambassador whom she lauded “for the unrelenting stance you have taken in ensuring that this agreement is now a reality”. “We are heartened by your commitment and belief in our country and your fervent focus on strengthening diplomatic relations between our nations,” expressed Grange. Grange said Jamaica was humbled that the people of Argentina took such tremendous pride in the culture of Jamaica, particularly Reggae music. “…This agreement we are signing today transcends music and festivals. The
agreement comes at a critical time in the life of my ministry — when we are taking a datacentric approach in culture and creative industries because we must be able to quantify the contribution of the sub-sectors to GDP,” Grange noted. On a lighter note, Grange observed that Fernandez recently celebrated his birthday and asked that he sees the signing as a gift from Jamaica to him. “I hope that this occasion will also be seen as a moment for celebration for the government and people of Argentina, as it is for us in Jamaica,” Grange added. For his part, Ambassador Fernandez said it was most important to Argentina that relations with Jamaica be strengthened, especially in areas that will directly benefit the people of the country.
IDB provides funds to help Belize reduce climate vulnerability WASHINGTON - CMC – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it is helping Belize reduce its vulnerability to climate change and risk with the implementation of climate resilience measures in the tourism sector and the improvement of disaster risk management governance through a US$10 million loan. The Washington-based financial institution said on Wednesday that the project is expected to directly or indirectly benefit 103,503 people living in Belize City and Caye Caulker. Based on losses as a share of gross domestic product (GDP), the IDB said Belize is one of the countries most affected by extreme meteoro-
logical events – mostly hurricanes and tropical storms – in Latin America and the Caribbean. Between 1930 and 2016, the OAS said the country was hit by 16 major tropical storms or one every five years on average, which affected 287,670 people and caused US$635 million in losses. The OAS said Belize’s tourism sector is particularly vulnerable to climate risk, adding that the situation could worsen in the future due to climate change. The programme consists of two components. The first will seek to reduce climate change risk in the tourism sector. It will include studies and investments to reduce floods in the Orange
Street area of Belize City, an area with a comparatively high climate risk, the OAS said. Planned works include a pumping station, the installation of floodgates in canals to control water flow, and actions to control coastal erosion in Palapa Gardens beach on Caye Caulker. The OAS said the second component deals with disaster risk management governance and climate change adaptation. It will focus on sharing information among key players, funding research efforts, and acquiring software to develop and publicize a web platform expected to become the cornerstone for a National Climate Risk Information System.
Friday December 08, 2017
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
PricewaterhouseCoopers selected US$80M from Norway remains in limbo- Harmon updates nation to value GuySuCo’s assets
PriceWaterhouseCoopers reps meeting with SPU recently. The Special Purpose Unit (SPU) under the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), yesterday announced that that PricewterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been selected as the firm to value the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in the ongoing privatization and divestment process. In the announcement yesterday, SPU which has its offices at the LBI estate, East Coast Demerara, selected tenders that were invited from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Delliote, and KPMG. “However, KPMG did not submit a tender. The three firms,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and Delliote, all made presentations to the NICIL/SPU evaluation team,” the statement said. After the presentations were concluded, the evaluation team selected PwC. “All negotiations with PwC have been completed and a contract is expected to be signed by December 18, 2017,” SPU disclosed. PwC, ranked as the most prestigious accounting firm in the world for the last seven consecutive years, will be conducting the valuation of all assets under the control of GuySuCo, in addition to providing other advisory and financial services. “After the valuation exer-
cise PWC will develop an investment prospectus and will, through the SPU, distribute to all interested investors. PWC will be tasked with ensuring a level playing field for all interested parties and stakeholders.” GuySuCo, the country’s company which manages its sugar estates, is facing major financial problems for years now with falling production and aging factories that are underperforming. A decision has been taken to divest and privatise four estates- Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales- with thousands of staffers already notified and some sent home because there is no work in the new year.
By Abena-RockcliffeCampbell Minister of State, Joseph Harmon used the opportunity presented in the delivery of his contribution to the ongoing Budget debate to inform the nation of the status of a huge chunk of money that Guyana was supposed to receive from Norway. The Minister said that the Government of Guyana is still toiling to justify the release of US$80M from Norway. That money was originally intended for hydropower development. Norway has not committed to the release of US$80 million which the previous PPP/C government had intended to use for the Amaila Falls Hydro project. Upon the assuming Office in 2015, the coalition government announced that it was going to reassess the feasibility of proceeding with the Amaila project. Guyana and Norway then agreed to a reassessment study to be done by Norconsult AS of Norway. Based on the findings, government then decided to shelve building the dam at Amaila. In an effort not to lose the US$80 million, the government has been negotiating with Norway. Harmon said that the government has been trying its best to meet the demands of Norway. He revealed that Norway had requested copies of the Green State Development Strategy and
Berbice rank in hot water for damage to new vehicle A police officer in ‘B’ Division, Berbice, is in hot water for being the first rank to cause damage to one of the newly donated vehicles that was officially ‘rolled out’ only a day before. This newspaper understands that the police vehicle bears registration number PWW 5452. The rank was reportedly in the company of another officer when the accident occurred. A car, registered PJJ 5270 on Cane Field Public Road, East Canje, Berbice, was involved in the accident. The circumstances under which the accident occurred were not made known to this newspaper, however the Traffic Chief, Dion Moore, said the accident was not fatal and investigations are ongoing. It was also related to this newspaper by the Police Public Relations Officer, that the case will be treated like any other and will undergo investigations by the Guyana Police Force. He added that if it becomes necessary, the case will be taken before the court. In keeping with the Min-
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon Guyana’s Energy Transition Roadmap. Both were provided. Harmon noted, “These are additional to what governs the Guyana-Norway partnership. Further, Government has advanced the work on all aspects of the joint concept notes, “some examples being the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (EU-FLEGT) and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI). Harmon said that Guyana even committed to move completely to renewable energy by 2025. However, Norway apparently had an issue with natural gas being under the classification of renewable energy. Harmon said that Guyana sent a letter to Norway’s
Minister of Environment on Wednesday, requesting consideration of a meeting of the Environment Ministers at the earliest time convenient. The US$80M that Government is trying to secure is a part of a US$250M that was agreed to be given to Guyana through a bilateral partnership on climate and forest. Guyana and Norway’s partnership on climate and forest was initiated in 2009. Guyana had at that time already defined a national low carbon development strategy that outlined how the country could meet its ambitious targets for economic and social development, while keeping deforestation at a minimum, and transforming its entire energy sector to clean and renewable energy. Guyana is a High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) rate country. The Norway-Guyana partnership demonstrates how HFLD countries like Guyana can be incentivized to keep their deforestation low, and using the proceeds to establish a completely clean and renewable energy sector as well as a broader green economy. Norway had committed to contribute up to US$250M to Guyana if the country keeps its deforestation rate low and reaches key forest governance targets. So far, Norway has disbursed about US$150M, rewarding Guyana’s achieved results. US$80M has been set aside in an account with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to cover Guyana’s equity share in the Amaila Falls Hydropower project.
Mash Route 2018 The Parade will begin from Thomas Road and Camp Street, will move along Thomas Lands, pass first judging point at National Park...go all the way to Vlissengen Road then take a right on Vlissengen Road and head to Durban Park.
The fate of the furious ister of Public Security’s statement on Wednesday last, as the new vehicles rolled out of Eve Leary, Tactical Services Unit, the policeman will be expected to foot the bill for repairs to the vehicle. The Minister had noted that, “…you damage it, and bruise it up; we are going to surcharge you. When you come and say that it’s difficult and constraining I will say ‘I warned you,’ so you are forewarned”. The Minister was hoping
that with new initiative, the drivers of these police vehicles would be more careful. The vehicle that was damaged by the officer is one of the 56 donated by the government of China in November to the Guyana Police Force. The donation consisted of 56 pickups, 35 All-TerrainVehicles (ATVs), three 21seater buses, 44 motor cycles, 100 bullet proof vests, helmets and riot shields, 10 tactical ladders, 200 police flak jackets, 20 bulletproof
shields, 20 anti-riot suits, 30 laptops, 40 desktop computers, 10 copy machines, 30 sound lever meters, 5 diesel generators, several spare parts and battery backups. The donation valued US $2.6 million. Before the vehicles were rolled out, this newspaper understands that the officers during a two-day training session were trained to properly maintain and manage the vehicles by a Chinese Technical Training Officer, HouJian.
PAGE 30
Friday December 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
WANTED FOR RENT
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 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
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 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 400 lb 5" Nylon sein, 60 lb lead, 20 lb Catguts sein. Price $280,000 Contact 672-1775. Khan Fridge, freezer, stove, beds, washing machine, microwave, furniture. Call 6713004. 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 (1) Riverside land with house ,(1) 3ton Dump Canter, (1) TL500 Bedford flatbed truck, (1) Model ‘M” truck with winch Tel: 629-2912
1 Indurama 4 burner gas stove & oven, 1 electric juice extractor, 1 large glass case, 1 upright electric cooler Tel: 652-2231 One long boom Bobcat mini excavator 337-D 80 HP. Excellent working condition
PROPERTY FOR SALE
- 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 Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 3 bedroom top flat at 592 Macaw Road, Tucville. Tel 665-3622/610-5437 Apartments in Diamond 18 Avenue to rent. Call 656-4211/ 680-5944 Rooms in Alberttown- Call: 225-9223
EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922 Study in USA/Canada 100% acceptance. Micrographics, Vreed-en-hoop 264-3057 Special Christmas Computer programs 9 course diploma in computers $35000, computerized accounting $35000 Micrographics Vreeden-hoop 264-3057
Corner Property at Festival City Empire. Tel 665-3622/6105437
1 large freezer, stools and plastic chairs used, at very reasonable prices Tel: 652-2231
SALON
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
Property @ 76 Providence E.B.D with Grocery store & half liquor license for home/ business. Price Negotiable. Call: 667-6877 TOLET 1 and 3 bedroom apartments. Free Wi-Fi, recently renovated. 641-3318 Room for working couple/ single person. Light,water,bed included, $32,000 monthly, $32,000 security@ South Ruimveldt. Tel: 623-0076
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 One(1) Mitsubishi Canter 14 feet 7.5 ton 50% down payment and no interest. Contact 650-0402 or 603-1402. Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.5M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.1M. Call: 617-5536 19 Seater pitbull bus, never worked passenger, original seats. Excellent Condition. 664-0802 LAND FOR SALE Eccles(Corner Lot) $5.5M Farm (East Bank) $3.5M Uivlugt $3.5M Parfaite Harmonie $3M & $1.5M Herstelling $2M Tel# 6560701/ 651-1969
Need a cosmetologist. Must be rounded Call; 693-1817 1-Shop assistant & a female cook to work in interior, 1male/female to look after layer bird in the interior Call: 6994718. Legal Secretary/Clerk. Must have CXC English and be Computer Literate. Tel#6009030 We buy lands in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Covent Garden & Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt $3M Call: 651-1969,656-0701 Investors for Tilapia Farm. Double your investment within 2 years. Tel# 665-3622/ 610-5437. Maid and Hire Car Driver. Call: 225-9223
Psychiatric evaluation ordered on watchman charged with waitress’ murder
The accused, Odit Thom
A 38-year-old watchman of No.4 Village, West Coast Berbice, yesterday appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court to answer One housekeeper to live in 7 to the charge of murdering days a week in Georgetown. Marissa Rehana Fraser, a waitFlexible with days off if ress of the same village. Odit Thom stood before needed. Call: Savvy 688-8118, Magistrate Rhondel Weaver 622-5554. as the charge was read to him. VACANCY He was unrepresented and Outdoor antenna installer & not required to plead to the network technician. Email CV indictable charge. The Magto jobs@awngy.com Tel: 227- istrate also ordered that Thom be given a psychiatric evalu2001 Confidential Cabs. Vacancy ation. He was remanded to exist for one experienced prison and is set to return to dispatcher. Tel#231-5784 695- court on January 24, 2018. According to the facts of 1961. the case, between December Experience cleaners and 3 and December 4, Odit Thom, bartender. Call: 225-8572 murdered 22-year-old Marissa Between 7 am and 9 am Fraser. Her body was found Minibus Driver living in G/ submerged in a trench by a Town with company. 664-0802 passerby with multiple stab wounds. She was also semi(1) Security Guard. Tel #227nude at the time of the dis1717 covery. A pair of scissors with One Female Accounts Clerk. blood stains was also found Apply in person at Alabama near the body. Trading. 65-66 Robb Street, Thom was arrested the Bourda. same day along with three One waitress to work others, and under intense afternoons from 17:00hrs questioning, he confessed to (5:00pm) and weekends. investigators that he commitPleasant personality ted the brazen act. He told investigators that welcomed. Contact : 602-4733 Porters contact: 223-5273/ 74 Bartenders Contact: 2235273/74 Nanny Contact: 223-5273/74
CAR RENTAL
CAR RENTAL 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 DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES, SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE. Call: 6987807 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
Killed: Marissa Fraser he was in the company of Fraser and two other males at a wedding reception at No.4 Village West Coast Berbice when she left with a male around midnight. Fraser's relatives said that she returned home around midnight but it appeared as though someone was waiting on her so she left again. Thom further told ranks that he saw the waitress walking alone along the No.5 Public Road when he approached her and made sexual advances. It was her rejecting his advances that 'ticked him off' he told ranks. A scuffle between him and Fraser ensued and he pulled out the scissors he had on his person and stabbed her 11 times about her body. He then dumped her body in the trench located in a street, near to a burial ground. A Post Mortem examination conducted on Fraser’s body revealed that she died as a result of asphyxia and drowning compounded by multiple incise wounds. Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh carried out the autopsy at Anthony's Funeral Home, Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice.
Friday December 08, 2017
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Budget 2018 lacks programmes for women empowerment According to Opposition Parliamentarian, Vindya Persaud, Budget 2018 can be termed singularly uninspiring. It fails to meaningfully or significantly engender growth and economic prosperity of the Guyanese population, she said. In her eyes, women have once again been sidelined in the 26,000-word budget presentation as not a single paragraph advocates any programme which addresses women’s issues. Throughout the world, Persaud contended that there are multiple examples which illustrate that sidelining women is not conducive to sustained economic development. Persaud said that no doubt, over the years, women have made great strides which can be seen by the presence of many of her successful female colleagues on both sides of the House. But equally so, the Parliamentarian said that there are many social and economic challenges which still confront women and hinder their broader advancement. In this regard, Persaud highlighted that 50.9% of women comprise the working age population.
- PPP Parliamentarian
Opposition Parliamentarian, Vindya Persaud However, less than 35% of the women in Guyana are involved in economic activity. Persaud said that the concentration of women involved in non-economic activities should galvanize action aimed at increasing their participation in the working world as their continued non-involvement lends to vulnerability, since their male counterparts may exercise control over their financial resources in their households, possibly fostering more domestic violence. She said, “This budget is devoid of programmes or initiatives that will empower
women. Single mothers or otherwise, to increase their employability or foster entrepreneurism or develop cottage industries which could capture niche markets locally or overseas.” Persaud continued, “The Guyana Women's Leadership Institute (GWLI) which is poised to have an impact in these areas has failed to function, since this Government’s assumption of office. The shuffling of Ministers in the Ministry of Social Protection has not seen the revival of this institute which over the years has produced local and national leaders, aided women on the coast and in the hinterland in developing confidence and self- esteem.” The Parliamentarian added, “Many social issues, programmes, also benefited women. Hon. Minister Volda Lawrence admitted the collapse of the Institute in her last budget speech saying that, she regrets to inform this Honorable House that the Ministry was unable to achieve its objectives with the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute.”
Detectives charged with stealing $500k from gold miner Two Detective Constables attached to the Bartica Police Station were yesterday charged and taken before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for allegedly stealing $500,000 from a gold miner. Delon Sobers, 24, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, and Tevon Headley, 23, of Lot 39 Republic Avenue, Mackenzie Linden, were not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on October 11, last, at Bartica, in the Essequibo Magisterial District, stole $500,000 from Rayad Atkinson. Neil Yaris, the third detective who is accused of stealing the money did not show up in court for the charge to be read to him. The Magistrate after inquiring from the arresting rank why the number one accused was not present in court, he replied that all three of the accused men were on an open arrest and Yaris failed to show up at the Tactical Service Units (TSU). The accused men were represented by Attorney-atLaw Mark Conway. The lawyer told the court that his clients have been in the Guyana Police Force for several years. He added that the money was not found in any of his client’s possession, and since
Charged Delon Sobers
Charged Tevon Headley
the incident occurred his clients were still conducting duty. Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers made no objection to bail being granted to the accused men but asked that condition be attached. The Chief Magistrate, in return, ordered the men to post $70,000 bail each. Condition of the bail is that they are required to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary every Friday until the completion of the trial. They were instructed to make their next court appearance on December 15, next, at the Bartica Magistrate’s Courts. According to reports, the victim who is the Operation Manager of his father’s gold
mining business which is located in Karrau, Region Seven, was arrested by the three accused after his father made a report to the station stating that he stole his money. The victim at the time of his arrest was in a shop purchasing a phone when the three accused approached him and arrested him. The accused at the time of his arrest had a total of $1.2 M in his possession, money which he obtained from selling gold to his father. It was while he was being escorted to the Bartica Police Station that the trio conducted a search on him and found the money. He handed it over to them. While at the station it was observed that $500,000 was missing from the $1.2 M.
The politician stated that this is an existing resource that only requires vision and leadership to prepare women for
the advances of the modern age to catapult them into more beneficial activities, economic and otherwise and motivate a new diverse generation of women leaders. She contended that bud-
get 2018 continues to promise a good life, journey or approach but nothing has changed for the better. She insists that the people of Guyana have been let down by the budget.
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
Friday December 08, 2017
Petrobras gets $200 million in recovered corruption funds Curitiba (Brazil) (AFP) Brazil’s state oil company Petrobras yesterday received some $200 million in recovered funds from the giant “Car Wash” anti-corruption crackdown. The restitution of 654 million reais was announced by the troubled oil major in Curitiba, where the anti-graft investigation is headquartered. The latest payment means that Petrobras has now recovered 1.48 billion reais ($470 million) as a result of the probe. Petrobras is at the centre of “Car Wash,” which starting in 2014 uncovered systemic embezzlement and bribery involving a network of
politicians and company executives. Some of Brazil’s biggest business figures and politicians have since been arrested or investigated. “Petrobras has been cooperating with prosecutors, the federal police, the federal tax authorities, and with the other competent authorities since the start of the investigation, while improving its mechanisms for control and decision making,” Petrobras said. Petrobras said it had been “recognized as a victim” and that “judicial measures will continue to be taken against companies and persons, including former employees and politicians, who damaged its finances and image.”
Kaieteur News
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
U.S. gymnastics team doctor sentenced to 60 years for child pornography Reuters - A federal judge on yesterday sentenced Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor accused of sexually assaulting gymnasts, to 60 years in prison on federal child pornography charges that grew out of a sex abuse investigation. U.S. District Judge Janet Neff in Grand Rapids, Michigan handed down the sentence sought by prosecutors, who said there was a link between Nassar’s child pornography and his “prolific molestation of children,” according to court documents. ”He has demonstrated that he should never again have access to children,” Neff said according to the Lansing State Journal. Nassar’s attorney, Matt Newburg, said he was “devastated” and remorseful, according to a State Journal video.
Larry Nassar Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty in July to possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography depicting children as young as in-
fants between 2003 and 2016. Nassar is also set to be sentenced in January in two Michigan courts after pleading guilty to additional
counts of criminal sexual conduct related to allegations he assaulted girls under the guise of medical treatment. At that hearing, all of the more than 120 victims or their parents will be allowed to give impact statements. Nassar is likely to spend the remainder of his life in prison. Nassar was the team physician for the Michigan State University gymnastics and women’s crew teams, as well as an associate professor at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served as the USA Gymnastics physician through four Olympic Games. ”He abused my trust, he abused my body and he left scars on my psyche that may never go away,” Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney said in a victim statement submitted to Neff.
Permaul’s 5-40 undermines Volcanoes... Friday December 08, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 This will be an excellent day to start some of the projects you've held back for some time. You'll likely feel more physical and mental energy than you've experienced lately. Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 You might be more energetic than you've felt in a long time. It's the perfect day to get busy with tasks, projects, and housework. You'll breeze through most things in no time and enjoy them. Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 The energy from the aspects is revitalizing, allowing you to get a lot accomplished. If there's something you've hesitated to do, seize some of the day's added confidence and go for it. Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 Today will start off with an energy boost for you. Seize the opportunity to make the most of this by getting those major projects and chores handled.
Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 The energy today means you'll feel on top of the world. Given your usual hardworking nature, you may need to keep an eye out for exhaustion. Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 You're off to an excellent start. If you've felt a little weary lately, this will change. Added mental and physical strength is available to you. Things that seemed difficult yesterday will come easily today. Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 You might feel like you have more energy today than you usually do. Whether the tasks ahead require physical strength or mental acuity, approach them with confidence. Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 Almost everything on your todo list will fall into place. You can approach your projects with confidence and vigor because you can do what needs to be done.
Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 You'll be able to take on almost anything. With an added increase to your confidence level, now is the time to take steps toward your biggest goals.
Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 This will be one of those days when you're glad to get up. The energy is exceptionally positive. You'll probably feel energetic, confident, and ready to get down to work on your projects.
Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 Expect to enjoy today. You're in great shape and operating at peak performance. These are excellent conditions for working or creating. Given the chance, your mind will teem with innovative ideas.
Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 It's going to be a great day to get things done. Cosmic conditions will have you feeling energetic and raring to go. If there's a list of things to do waiting for you, grab it and get going.
From page 34 joined forces with Shane Shillingford and together added 33 for eighth wicket before Shillingford (12) seemed a bit unfortunate to be LBW to Motie at 108-8. At 117-9, Smith (20) departed when Bramble held his third catch and 26th for the season, to give Motie his second scalp. Delorn Johnson (6) was then taken at slip to give Permaul his 31st victim of the tournament and end the Volcanoes’ resistance. Today is the second day and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs. Meanwhile, in Basseterre, St. Kitts, Barbados Pride were 174 for two in their first innings at the close, after they were sent in to bat on the first day of their sixth-round match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes yesterday at Warner Park. Scores: PRIDE 174 for two (Shamarh Brooks 79, Shayne Moseley 70, Anthony Alleyne 21; Rahkeem Cornwall 2-58) vs HURRICANES.
Nassar’s attorneys had asked the federal judge for leniency, arguing Nassar had helped fellow inmates and taken Bible classes since his arrest nearly a year ago, the State Journal said. At a news conference Thursday, Rachael Denhollander, one of Nassar’s victims and among those suing USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, said the organizations failed to protect them from the abuse. Between 1997 and 2015, at least seven women or girls say
they raised concerns about Nassar’s actions to coaches, trainers, police or MSU officials, the State Journal reported. “Today the justice feels very incomplete,” Denhollander said during a news conference broadcast by WZZM. USA Gymnastics and Michigan State could not be immediately reached for comment. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette this week urged Michigan State to release an internal investigation into the university’s handling of the allegations.
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
PAGE 35
Ronaldo pips Messi to win Ballon Estwick says Brathwaite an d’Or for joint-record fifth time ideal replacement as captain
Opener Kraigg Brathwaite bats in the nets yesterday as he prepares to take over as captain for the second Test against New Zealand. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
Ronaldo also showed his lighthearted side, joking about wanting seven children when asked for his Christmas wish list. Paris (Reuters) - Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d‘Or for world player of the year yesterday for a jointrecord fifth time, going level with eternal rival and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the player to have won the prize the most times. The Real Madrid forward won the award, handed out by Magazine France Football, for the second consecutive year having led his side to the La Liga title with 25 goals and a successive Champions League crown, netting 12 goals including two in the 4-1 win over Juventus in the final. Ronaldo collected the trophy in a glitzy ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital, presented by former France player David Ginola. ”I feel very happy, it’s a fantastic moment in my career,” Ronaldo said upon collecting the award, standing with his mother Maria Dolores and his oldest son Cristiano Jr. ”I’ve waited a long time for this. This has been a stupendous year for me, we won the Champions League and La Liga and on a personal level I was top scorer in the Champions League. ”Trophies help me win prizes like this and I have to thank my team mates at Madrid and Portugal. They’ve been very important to me.” Messi came second while Paris St Germain forward Neymar Jr, the most
expensive player in the world, came third; veteran Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon finished fourth and Real midfielder Luka Modric came fifth. Chelsea and France midfielder N‘Golo Kante was the highest ranked Premier League player, coming eighth, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, ranked 10th, was the only English player to make it into the top 10. Ronaldo, who this year also helped the national side qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year, won his first Ballon d‘Or in 2008 while with Manchester United and collected it again in 2013, 2014 and 2016. The 32-year-old was last month named the Best FIFA Men’s Player in the global soccer body’s own awards ceremony. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez joined Ronaldo on stage and paid tribute to the Portuguese, who he said was the best player of all time alongside late Real great Alfredo di Stefano. ”This fifth Ballon d‘Or is a great honor and a great achievement for the club and Real Madrid fans around the world. Cristiano is the best player in the world, he represents the values of Real Madrid. Cristiano is the best player in history along with Di Stefano, he is his heir,” Perez said. The Ballon d‘Or was first awarded in 1956 and was partnered with FIFA from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity once again.
Hamilton, New Zealand, CMC – Assistant coach Roddy Estwick believes Kraigg Brathwaite will acquit himself well, when he takes over as West Indies captain for the second Test against the Black Caps starting here Saturday (this evening Caribbean time). The 25-year-old, the side’s vice-captain for over a year, was forced into the breach after regular skipper Jason Holder was suspended by the International Cricket Council for the upcoming match following an over-rate offence in the just-concluded Wellington Test. Estwick, who has overseen Brathwaite’s development from a young age, said his fellow Barbadian possessed all the qualities necessary for leadership. ”Leadership is not anything new to Kraigg. Obviously I’ve known him from a little boy at Combermere (secondary school) and he’s captained right through school at Combermere,” Estwick said. ”He was Barbados Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 [captain] and West Indies Under-19 captain to the World Cup so it’s nothing new to him. It’s something I would say he’s been groomed for. ”It’s unfortunate the way he’s got the captaincy for this match but we’ve got to put that behind us, we’ve go to support him, we’ve got to help him, we’ve got to rally around him and we’ve got to go out and play good positive cricket.” Brathwaite was one of the few bright spots from the opening Test at the Basin Reserve last weekend which the Windies lost by an innings and 67 runs inside four days. The right-hander scored 24 and 91 in a match that featured a massive West Indies batting collapse,
emerging as one of just two batsmen who managed half-centuries. Estwick pointed out that the high value Brathwaite placed on his wicket and the high standards he demanded from those around him, would be an asset for the side. ”He will lead by example. He’s someone who will put a price on his wicket, he’s a person who will give 100 per cent at all times and he will expect his players to do that as well,” Estwick explained. ”He will expect his players not to give an inch, not to let their heads drop and continue to work hard and stay disciplined, and those are the things he’s going to bring to the table.” West Indies have not won a Test series on New Zealand soil on 22 years and the defeat in Wellington ensured that trend would remain unchanged. But Estwick said he backed the Windies to hit back from the heavy loss, noting the key was to remain focused throughout the Test. ”It (first Test result) was very disappointing. We didn’t play well in that Test match at all. We didn’t bowl as well as we would’ve liked, we certainly didn’t bat as well as expected,” said Estwick. ”Obviously if you’re going to be bowled out on the first day of a Test match just before tea for 134, it’s always going to be an uphill struggle. ”What we’ve got to do now is put that behind us and over the next couple of days really work hard and bounce back. We’ve done it before and if we can remain focussed and disciplined, and keep our belief as strong as possible, we can bounce back in his coming Test match.”
Hamilton dominates top driver Nigeria’s women’s bobsleigh team target medal women’s bobsleigh team are on Federation. The Nigerian team are all former poll for fourth year in a row the Nigeria’s verge of securing a historic appearance at professional athletes. Formula One team bosses have voted Lewis Hamilton as the sport’s top driver for the fourth year in a row but Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas slipped to 10th place in the rankings. The poll, published by motorsport.com yesterday, put four times world champion Hamilton far ahead of closest rival Max Verstappen. Bottas, winner of three races this year after joining as now-retired 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg’s replacement, was listed in 10th place after bosses awarded points according to the regular F1 scoring system. That represented a drop of one place on where Bottas had been with Williams in
2016. Hamilton scored 233 out of a maximum 250, with Red Bull’s Verstappen on 143. Ferrari’s 2017 championship runnerup Sebastian Vettel, also a four times champion, was third and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo fourth. Force India’s Mexican Sergio Perez dropped out of the top 10 entirely but his French team mate Esteban Ocon made his entry in fifth place, one ahead of McLaren’s double world champion Fernando Alonso. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Renault’s Carlos Sainz tied in seventh place with Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg a new entry at ninth. Team bosses such as Toto Wolff, Christian Horner and Eric Boullier all voted in the poll.
the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and are confident they can win a medal if they qualify. Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere, and Akuoma Omeoga achieved the required qualifying standard last month. If they maintain their position in the world rankings until 14 January they will become the first team from Nigeria to qualify for a Winter Olympics. “It’s surreal,” said Adigun. “Nigeria have never had anyone in the Winter Olympics and they’re excited to see that happen.” In order to qualify for the Games, teams need to be ranked within the top 40 in the world. Nigeria are 40th, according to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton
Pilot Adigun competed in the 100m hurdles at the 2012 Olympics, while brakewoman Onwumere represented her country at the 2015 IAAF World Relays. Fellow brakewoman Omeoga was a track and field athlete for the University of Minnesota. And Adigun believes their background will give them a good chance of being competitive in Pyeongchang. “No-one signs up to go to Games to not be one of the top three,” Adigun said. ”One of the things that you aspire to is to have a podium spot with respect for the process and respect for the learning curve of what it is that we’re actually doing.” The 2018 Winter Olympics run from 9-25 February.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 36
GABF - Road to Mecca IV
Pacesetters and Half Mile Bulls are latest winners; matches on tonight at CASH
Friday December 08, 2017
CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships
Permaul’s 5-40 undermines Volcanoes batting
Pacesetters’ Nathan Saul (left) attempts to snuff out a Guardian’s attack while his team-mate Gillis waits inside the paint to assist the defence. Pacesetters Basketball Club (PBC) are now two wins from an equal amount of matches after defeating fellow Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) club Plaisance Guardians by 14 points, 7864 in feature play when the Road to Mecca IV continued on Wednesday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. This competition which serves as Guyana’s National Club Championship and has over One Million dollars in prizes have seen three nights of intense rivalry thus far. Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Half Mile Bulls blew out Rose Hall Jammers of Berbice Amateur Association (BABA) 83-51, to register their first victory. Pacesetters were led by Stephan Gillis with 19 points inclusive of four threepointers. Nathan Saul supported with a valuable 18 points while Sherlon Legal’s double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) was pivotal in balancing Pacesetters with defence. Plaisance Guardians had a torrid performance during
the first quarter of the game and they couldn’t bounce back after Pacesetters raced to a 12-point lead (20-8). In addition to the poor first quarter play, star player Nikolai Smith wasn’t part of the East Coast team’s lineup. As Gillis sunk four threepointers, Saul demonstrated great dribbling while doing his defensive work with a game high four steals, as Legal and Jermaine Hamilton both grabbed a game high, 11-rebounds apiece. Pacesetters Coach, Clement Brusch, exclaimed that although his team has a perfect record there is still room for improvement in some areas. “We’re happy with the win, I see it as one step closer to the National championship title, and we will continue to work and improve as we move forward”, explained Brusch who won Mecca II in 2015, his first year as Pacesetters Coach. In the night’s opener, Half Mile Bulls bounced back from their 39-point loss against defending champions Bounty Colts, to
inflict similar pain on Rose hall Jammers with a 32-point blowout, their first win in two games. Meanwhile, Jammers the lone Berbice club in the competition didn’t only lose 83-51 on Wednesday, they lost momentum as well after defeating Dyna’s Ravens of GABA 64-60 in their opening match which was the first game of the tournament. Bulls’ Michael Turner netted a game high 31 points in his double-double that consisted of 10 rebounds while teammate Terron Welch scored 20-points to help them down Jammers. The action continues tonight at the same venue with two more matches featuring defending champions Bounty Colts (GABA) against Amelia Ward Jets (LABA) in the first match from 19:00hrs. Tonight’s main attraction that tips off at 21:00hrs will see fans who will enter the venue free of cost witnessing an LABA showdown between Retrieve Raiders and Victory Valley Royals. (Calvin Chapman)
Tyrone Theophile cuts during his top score of 33 yesterday. By Sean Devers Led by left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul’s 24th five-wicket haul, leaders and defending Champions Guyana Jaguars ended the opening day of their sixth round CWI Digicel Regional four-day Championship game against Windwards Volcanoes, in firm control yesterday at Providence. The 28-year-old Permaul grabbed 5-40 from 21.3 overs; his third five-wicket haul of the tournament to undermine the Volcanoes batting and with support from fellow left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (2-11) and pacer Sherfane Rutherford (2-27) condemned the visitors to 117 all out, two minutes before Tea. Only opener Tyrone Theophile, who top scored with 33 from 88 balls (3x4 1x6), Wicket-Keeper Dennis Smith (20) and Devon Smith
(16) reached 15 in another deplorable batting display by the last placed team. The Jaguars in reply reached 78-2 by stumps with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (27) and Vishaul Singh (7) at the c r e a s e . Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul and Chanderpaul Hemraj followed up their 115-run stand in the last round by batting well together with Hemraj again dominating the partnership. But after hitting Sherman Lewis for a couple of boundaries, the pacer knocked out his middle with the score on 48-1 to end his 41-ball cameo. His 29 was decorated with six boundaries. Skipper Leon Johnson joined the 21-year-old Chanderpaul but did not last long; edging Lewis to the keeper for four at 63-2 to bring Singh, one of seven left-handers in the side, to the crease. Watched by a gathering of about 40 fans with artificial lights starting to take effect, Chanderpaul backed away and cut Kyle Mayers for four and Singh who passed 400 runs remained to the end as Lewis finished with 2-32. Earlier, regional runs machine Devon Smith, who has three of his record 26 centuries this season and Theophile give the Volcanoes an encouraging start on one of the four relayed pitches in sunny conditions before Rutherford made the breakthrough at 28-1.
The left-handed Smith, the only batsman with 500 runs for the season survived a couple of raucous shouts off the lively Keon Joseph; the first for caught behind and the second for LBW before the 3 6 - y e a r- o l d G r e n a d i a n responded by stroking Joseph through cover for four. However, his failures in Guyana continued after he had increased his aggregate for the season to 517, he provided Anthony Bramble with an easy catch when he edged one that left him from the 19-year-old Rutherford to depart for 16. Taryck Gabriel (4) soon played a poor shot to a short ball that bounced from Permaul and spooned a catch to mid-on at 50-2 while Miles Bascome (0) never suggested permanence and was bowled by Permaul on the stroke of Lunch at 55-3. Theophile, who hit Kemo Paul down the ground for four and deposited Permaul back over his head for six, was not out on 26. After the interval Theophile missed a sweep at Permaul and was LBW while Donwell Hector (1) was trapped in front by Paul a run later to leave the Volcanoes on 72-5. Without Kurt Edwards (injured) and Kaveem Hodge (writing exams at UWI) Roland Cato (10) was taken by Bramble at 75-6 while Permaul bowled Mayers (1) without addition to the score. Dennis Smith, the 26year-old nephew of Devon, Continued on page 32
Friday December 08, 2017
BCB 50-Over First Division Keon Sinclair bowls RHT Gizmos & Gadgets to crushing win over Upper Corentyne
Kaieteur News
PAGE 37
RHTY&SC Cricket Teams and Over-35 Group launch Christmas Programme
Pensioners receiving medical assistance, compliments of the Ministry of Health.
Keon Sinclair A hostile spell of fast bowling from Keon Sinclair spearheaded Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets to a crushing 8-wicket win over Upper Corentyne which booked their semifinal place in the Berbice Cricket Board 50-Overs First Division tournament. Playing at the Port Mourant ground, Sinclair bagged 6 for 29 from eight overs in leading Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets to their third successive victory after taking care of Albion and Skeldon, earlier. Upper Corentyne won the toss and opted to take first strike despite some early preparation moisture in the pitch. They were immediately set back when a fiery Sinclair sent back Davendra Budhoo 01 and Munesh Lalu 02 to leave them tottering at 5 for 2 in the 4th over. Skipper Lakeram Latchman 17 and Balram Persaud 20 then resisted with a 36 run partnership. National offspinner Eon Hooper dismissed Latchman in the 11th over. Sinclair was then switched to the northern end when he continued his wicket taking form with four more scalps. Only A. Hemchand 12 reached double figures for the remaining batsmen as Sinclair ended with outstanding figures of 10-2-29-6; he got support from former National Under-19 captain Shawn Pereira with 2 for 2 from 3 while Hooper had 2 for 13 from 8. In response, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets was given a solid 52 run opening partnership by Jason Sinclair and National Under-19 opener Kelvin Sinclair before the latter was caught off Davendra Budhoo for 14. Lakeram Latchman who bowls with a highly suspected action then had National player Clinton Pestano caught behind for 01 to leave Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets at 54 for 2 in the 10th over. Jason Sinclair and Chanderpaul Govindan then saw their team to an easy win in the 14th over. Sinclair was unbeaten on 50 (6x4) while 16 year-old Govindan was on 08; Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets ending on 74 for 2. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets who currently heads Group ‘B’ of the competition would play their next match against Port Mourant next Saturday at the Port Mourant ground from 09.00hrs. The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets Team comes from: Shawn Pereira (captain), Clinton Pestano (vice captain), Jason Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Royston Crandon, Keith Simpson, Eon Hooper, Keon Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Chanderpaul Govindan, Mahendra Gopilall, Jonathan Rampersaud and Vickash Subramanie. Meanwhile, the Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets Team would like to offer congratulations to Junior Sinclair on his recent achievements at the National Schools Track and Field Championships where he gained a silver medal in the Under-18 High Jump and bronze in the Triple Jump.
The ten Cricket Teams and Over-35 Group of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS on Tuesday last launched their Christmas Programme for the less fortunate, youths and elderly. A special Pensioners Project was held outside the Rose Hall Town Post Office as the pensioners waited to collect their monthly Old Age Pensions. The Club has started a multi-million Charity Programme that will run until December 24 with the main aim of making positive differences in the lives of those who need assistance and putting smiles on the faces of children. A Club delegation led by Vice President Mark Papannah, Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and Assistant Organising Secretary Ravin Kissoonlall provided a box lunch to each pensioner along with liquid refreshments. The cricket teams also entertained the pensioners with a collection of Christmas Carols while a Medical Team from the Ministry of Health provided medical assistance to those who were feeling unwell. Fifteen lucky pensioners were also chosen via a lottery system to receive food hampers for the Christmas Season. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster informed that since 1991, the Club has hosted the Christmas Outreach Programme as part of its Annual Charity Campaign. Members are encouraged by Management to get involved in touching the lives of those in need especially children, the elderly and single parents who are struggling to
support their children. This year’s programme would include the hosting of a children Christmas party, donations to Children Orphanages, distribution of 300 food hampers to families, donation of educational materials to students, feeding of the poor, distribution of clothing and footwear, sponsorship of Christmas Television Programmes, oldies Christmas party, distribution of 1000 toys to less fortunate children and the hosting of the 3rd Annual Christmas Village. Foster stated that the Club was quite passionate about making sure that no one goes hungry, thirsty or lonely during the festive season whilst noting that they would continue to invest in the welfare of senior citizens as it was important to honour those who laid the foundation for the present generation to build on. It was also revealed that the Club would be working towards providing snacks for the pensioners on the first three working days of 2018. Special thanks have been extended to the Management and Staff of Sueria Manufacturing, the Ministry of Health, Terry Pike Grocery and DTV-8 for making the Pensioners Project a success. The ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS are King Solomon Logistics Under-12, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, BakewellUnder-17 & Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.
Trophy Stall is title sponsor of 8th Tennis Open Doubles Tr o p h y S t a l l D o u b l e s h a s established itself as the foremost doubles tournament sponsor of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) after committing to the continue their support for the eight year running. It is the only exclusive doubles tournament on the GTA calendar and is an opportunity for seasoned doubles players to take part in one of the most intense forms of the game, which entails a battle of skills, power and excellent hand work at the net. Trophy Stall has been a valued partner in keeping this form of the game alive and this will be the last tournament for the year on the association’s calendar. The categories to be contested are Men’s Doubles, Ladies Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s Over 45 Doubles. Proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, reflected on the support received from the tennis community for many years. Last year, Sunich recognised the state of play tennis is currently facing with the association continuing to work with degrading facilities but players
GTA’s Grace McCalman (left) receives one of the trophies from Trophy Stall’s Devi Sunich in the presence of Jamal Goodluck. brave the circumstances to have fun and engage in battle for the titles. This year will showcase high drama and battles as players contend in the last tournament of the year to finish the
season strong in hopes of securing their spot at the top of the ranking table. The tournament Coordinator is Shelly Daly. All games will be played at the National Racquet Centre and Le Resouvinir.
PAGE 38
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
PAGE 39
Stag/Derrick Josiah Memorial KO
U.S. expects to participate in Den Amstel down Pouderoyen to Winter Olympics: White House
take top prize; Uitvlugt end third
The victorious Den Amstel Captain receives the winning trophy from D-Division Commander, Leslie James. Den Amstel’s heroes, Joel Singh (left) and Gavin Graham. (Inset) Den Amstel defeated old rivals Pouderoyen on penalty kicks (4-2) to lift the Stag sponsored Derrick Josiah Memorial knock-out football competition and the top prize of $200,000. Enjoying home advantage, the Den Amstel boys, now one of the GFF elite League teams, battled back from a goal down early on to level the scores late in the piece before going on to win via kicks from the penalty mark. Pouderoyen took the lead on account of Esan Nelson’s 8th minute strike and defended that lead up until the 70th minute when Den Amstel’s Gavin Graham tied the score much to the delight of the fans. The remaining minutes failed to produce any other goals, thus kicks from the penalty mark were required. The hero for Den Amstel was their goal keeper Joel Singh who saves two penalties which sealed the win for his side and the top prize.
Pouderoyen did not walk away empty handed as they pocketed $100,000. In the third place match, Uitvlugt Warriors made light work of Young Achievers, another Pouderoyen based side trouncing them 5-0. The top scorer was Trayon Bobb with a double (38, 52) while there was one each for Shemar Hartman (13), Casper Wilson (57) and Scion Prince in the 66th minute. For their effort Uitvlugt earned $50,000 while Young Achievers received $25,000. D-Division Commander Leslie James who was on hand to witness the matches commended the champions whilst encouraging the other teams to up their game for the next tournament. He recognised the sterling efforts for the late Derrick Josiah in whose memory the tournament has been playing noting that he was a stern football administrator and former Assistant Commander of A-Division.
Brathwaite, Roach up in rankings ahead of Hamilton Test
Kemar Roach London, CMC – Opener Kraigg Brathwaite and seamer Kemar Roach have continued to flourish in the latest International Cricket Council player rankings, despite West Indies troubles in the recent opening Test against New Zealand. In the rankings released on Wednesday, Brathwaite jumped two places to 17th in the batting rankings to be the highest ranked Windies player while Roach rose three spots to break into the top 20 at 20th position. West Indies were crushed by an innings and 67 runs inside
four days in the opening Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington last Monday. However, vice-captain Brathwaite emerged from the contest with his reputation intact, following an accomplished top score of 91 in the second innings of 319. Roach, meanwhile, was the best Windies bowler with three wickets in the Black Caps massive first innings total of 520 for nine declared. He is now the highest ranked West Indies bowler. There was also movement for medium pacer Miguel Cummins who jumped four places to 77th in the bowling rankings, after picking up a brace of wickets in the recent Test. All three can make even bigger strides in the rankings when they come up against New Zealand again in the second and final Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton starting Saturday. Shai Hope (28th), Darren Bravo (39th) and Roston Chase (45th) are the other Windies batsmen in the top 50, though Bravo has not represented West Indies in over a year. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, left out of the first Test, is ranked 21st while Shannon Gabriel (24th) along with seamer rd and captain Jason Holder (33 ) who will miss the second Test through suspension, are the other West Indies players in the top 50 of the bowling charts. Australian Steve Smith and England seamer Jimmy Anderson remain on top of the batting and bowling rankings respectively.
Washington (Reuters) - White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders yesterday said the United States looks forward to participating in the Olympic Winter Games in South Korea in February, after questions arose about security in the neighbor to North Korea, which has recently ramped up weapons testing. ”The U.S. looks forward to participating in the Winter Olympics in South Korea,” Sanders wrote in a tweet. “The protection of Americans is our top priority and we are engaged with the South Koreans and other partner nations to secure the venues.” United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley had cast doubt over whether athletes representing the country would participate in the Olympics, telling Fox News on Wednesday that the United States is concerned about its citizens, When asked Thursday at the regular White House press briefing, Sanders said “no official decision has been made” about participation and the decision would come closer to the games’ start date, Feb. 9. She also said the decision would be reached through a process involving multiple agencies, where President Donald Trump would “certainly weigh in.”
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
Friday December 08, 2017
Prem Persaud softball tourney-Wakenaam
Melville, Sans Souci, Belle Plaine, Good Success and Noitgedacht register wins
Cleon Venture
Zameer Zaman
Imran Khan
Melville, Sans Souci, Belle Plaine, Good Success and Noitgedacht recorded first round wins when the Prem Persaud 20-Over softball tournament commenced on Sunday last at Seeram’s tarmac in Belle Plaine Wakenaam. Melville beat Wakenaam Masters by 112 runs. Melville batted first and posted 198-9 off their reduced quota of 10 overs. Cleon Venture struck 71 while Zameer Zaman made 61 and R. Adams 23. Nazeer Mohamed picked up three wickets. Wakenaam Masters
were limited for 76-7 in reply. Mohamed made 30; Venture, Zaman and David Chalitar took two wickets each. Sans Souci defeated Rest of the Island by four wickets. Rest of the Island were bowled out for 73 in 15 overs, batting first. Bumeshwar Ramkissoon made 17 as Tulsieram Ramadeen captured 3-10, Jaggernauth Manbodh 3-16 and Vickram Jairam 2-14. Sans Souci responded with 74-6 in eight overs. Gurnauth Khemraj got 30 while Sanjay Jairam
contributed 21. Belle Plaine overcame Maria’s Pleasure by 93 runs. Belle Plaine took first strike and got to 184-6 off their reduced 15 overs. Satrohan Shiwnandan scored 39, Omal Bacon 35 and Chandrika Ragnauth 29 retired hurt. Ryan Gordon, Looknauth Persaud and Kennard Lewis claimed two wickets each. Maria’s Pleasure were sent packing for 91 in 13 overs in reply. Leorayan Ramlakhan made 22 and Lewis 15; Rahul Dinban captured 3-21 and Satnarine Sahadeo 3-22. Good Success got the
Mackenson ‘King of the Domino’ Tournament
Transport SC venue for Domino showdown this weekend Tr a n s p o r t S p o r t s Club will be buzzing with excitement as play in the Mackenson ‘King of the Domino’ Competition continues tomorrow and Sunday for teams from all across the country. The tournament which has attracted teams from Bartica, Linden, Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara is certainly heating up and the early feedback from the Organisers indicates that entries could easily surpass any tournament held locally. With prize monies totaling in excess of $1.5million along with trophies and medals for the top finishers, entries have been pouring in from all sections of the society. The Organisers have invited teams from the Private and Public Sectors, clubs, individual teams and other entities interested in participating in the event. According to Organising Secretary Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, teams desirous of entering the tournament can contact him on tele# 665-5855 or Deon Carter on 696-1981
for more information. Wiltshire added that winning teams from other zones that were played have already advanced, while losers could still reenter and have an opportunity to vie for the top prizes. The winner will receive $1million, while the second and third placed finishers collect $250,000 and $100,000 along with trophies respectively. Additionally, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) will be awarded $10,000; while there will be Mackeson Promotions and giveaways each night. Teams are being asked to pay a registration fee of $10 000, while those interested in re-entering will have to pay a similar amount. Upon registration, each team will receive one case of Mackeson. Registration will be conducted between 11:00-13:00hrs and all out of town teams can come and register. Teams are being advised that the venue has moved from Jubilee Park which was originally slated to host the event.
Matthew Cheong
Navishaul Pooran
better of Sarah by six wickets. Batting first, Sarah managed 97 all out in 15 overs. Melvorn Daniels and Beesham Bhagpattie made 31 and 30 respectively while Andy Dindyal assisted with 15. Wazir Khan snared 3-15, Imran Khan 3-21 and Derwin Daniels 2-17. Good
Success responded with 984 in nine overs. Imran Khan slammed 49 and Wazir Khan 34; Shalinder Chulai captured three wickets. Noitgedacht beat Zeelandia by 73 runs. Noitgedacht batted first and posted 214-8. Matthew Cheong struck 52 while Ahmad Zayed Khan got 49.
Ajay Ghansam had 3-34 and Navishaul Pooran 3-48. Zeelandia made 141 all out in 14.4 overs in reply. Pooran hit 46, Ghansam 35 and Ajay Gangaram 32. Cheong grabbed 4-36. The competition will resume on December 17. Meanwhile, Diaram Dhanraj, an overseas based Guyanese will be hosting a five-over tournament on Sunday at the said venue. The competition has attracted 10 teams and will be played on a knock-out basis with trophies up for the taking. No entrance fee will be required and action gets underway at 09:30hrs. In the first round fixtures, Rest of The Island will take on Sarah, Good Success will face Noitgedacht, Wakenaam Masters play Melville, Belle Plaine entertain Zeelandia and Sans Souci battle Maria’s Pleasure.
Kaieteur News
Friday December 08, 2017
White Tiger Martial Arts Academy in house tourney
Aiden Kirton (Tiny Tigers) and Tyrese Hall (Young Tigers) emerge overall champs The White Tiger Martial Arts Academy (WTMAA) held its inaugural in house tournament on December 3rd at the New Amsterdam Town Hall where members competed in six categories Kicking Challenge Single and Double Target, Noodle Sparring, Individual and Team Forms (Poomsae) and Georgu (Fighting). In the Tiny Tigers Division Andrew Layne took the gold medal for the Kicking Challenge Single while Amaru Mosley dominated the Kicking Challenge Double Target to take the gold medal to add to the silver he won in the Single Target. Layne also took silver in the Double Target Kicking Challenge with Aiden Kirton taking the bronze in both divisions. Young Tigers Adrian Larose was golden in the Kicking Challenge Single Target while Nathan Sankar got silver and Tyrese Hall, bronze. In the Double Target match, Anthony Larose defeated his elder brother Adrian to take gold with Tyrese Hall settling for bronze. In the Individual Forms (Poomsea) - Tiny Tigers Division, Andrew Layne was again golden while Amaru Moseley got silver and Aiden Kirton, bronze. Young Tigers Tyrese Hall dominated again with gold while Nathan Sankar got silver and Ryan Burgess the bronze. In the Team Pomsae, three teams competed - Ryan Burgess and Nathan Sankar; Joshua Hamilton and Tyrese Hall and the La Rose brothers, Adrian and Anthony. The pair of Ryan Burgess and Nathan Sankar took the gold medal.
Some of the winners display their trophies and medals; standing left is overall winner Tyrese Hall while Aiden Kirton is front left. In Noodles Sparring Tiny Tiger Aiden Kirton fought his way to the top podium spot winning the gold ahead of new comer J’von Crandon, Andrew Layne settled for the bronze. The Young Tigers were divided into two groups based on their height - the La Rose brothers dominating yet again. Adrian captured the lone medal available for this category in the bigger group while Anthony was equally dominant in the smaller group to take gold.
And in the much talked about category, Sparring (Fighting), Tiny tiger Aiden Kirton dominated with his powerful round house kick to take home the gold medal while J’von Crandon surprisingly took the silver ahead of Andrew Layne who had to settle for the bronze. At the end of the championship, Andrew Layne and Aiden Kirton medaled in all the categories winning five each since there was no Team Form for Tiny Tigers; J’von Crandon and
Amaru Moseley settled for a pair of medals each. Young Tigers Tyrese Hall ended with four medals while Adrian La Rose, Ryan Burgess and Nathan Sankar had three apiece and Anthony La Rose, two. The respective champions, Aiden Kirton and Tyrese Hall were each presented with Grand Master Monasingh trophies, this award being in honor the late Michael Stephen Monasingh and were presented by his daughter Ms. Stephanie Monasingh.
PAGE 41
rt o p S
GABF - Road to Mecca IV
Pacesetters and Half Mile Bulls are latest winners; matches on tonight at CASH
Pacesetters top scorer Stephan Gillis gathers the ball following a physical clash during the match against Plaisance Guardians.
CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships
Permaul’s 5-40
undermines Volcanoes batting
Veerasammy Permaul who had 5-40 bowls to Shillingford yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.