Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR

US$150M renovation and counting... Thursday Edition

Opposition questions further US$6.7M spent on CJIA

NEWS

December 12, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 50 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 102,899

BoG explores penalties for Republic Bank ...wants customers compensated - Governor

Country's response capacity tested after GNIC chemical spill -EPA notified more than 12 hours later

Minister Jordan G/T Mayor, Central Bank signs MoU confident of safeguards N/A, Rose Hall, with Finance Ministry to ensure transparent to protect oil revenues Corriverton and management of Natural despite no oversight body others re-elected Resource Fund Natural Resources Fund…

US Federal Reserve still to approve Guyana account after two years

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Thursday December 12, 2019

Guyanese, Yuh ever ask yuhself Why so many politicians on the Oil & Gas industry?

silent

Do you know what happens when private companies strike oil in developing countries like Guyana?

The first thing them oil company does do, is fatten the pockets of politicians.

The next thing them does do is create confusion, chaos and instability in the country.

And while the people fight against each other, them busy shipping away all yuh oil wealth from right under your nose.

Think about it!

How many countries were left dirt poor and billions in debt after the oil companies left their shores?

Ask the people of the Central African Republic, Burundi or the Democratic Republic of Congo - three of the poorest countries in the world, with massive oil resources and billions in debt.

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Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

BoG explores penalties for Republic Bank

By Gary Eleazar

G

uyana's Central B a n k i s currently exploring ways of sanctioning Republic Bank over the plethora of problems experienced by customers when the institution recently upgraded its digital software but the regulator is without legal standing and will firstly opt for moral persuasion.

Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Gobin Ganga, made the disclosure yesterday on the sidelines of a media engagement at the Ministry of Finance and that Bank of Guyana (BoG) would be meeting with the Guyana Association of Bankers (GAB) on Friday over the matter.

He was quick to concede, however, that the entity was without any actual legal footing to impose any penalties in this instance.

Dr. Ganga said while the bank will be looking to have the affected customers compensated by the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T)-based Republic Bank, the regulator will be looking to have legislation in place to avoid such a reoccurrence in future.

Speaking in the presence of the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, the BoG

Governor, said that Central Bank has indicated to Republic Bank its disappointment with respect to the upgrade and that the Trinidadian bank has been slow to react.

He said the regulator has been working continuously with the bank in “addressing the issue to make it more acceptable to public”.

According to Dr. Ganga, it is “hoped that when the new platform is in place that they will be able to compensate customers in some way or the other.”

Asked about penalties that can be levelled against Republic Bank over the disruptions to its service, the BoG Governor said, “Republic Bank is forcing us in that direction.”

When asked to elucidate, h o w e v e r, D r. G a n g a conceded that there isn't in fact any legislation that can be used to directly apply a penalty.

He was asked directly if the laws provide for the current situation to which he responded in the negative.

He did point out that the bank is working with the Ministry with a view towards bringing update legislation and changes in regulation among other options.

Elaborating on the move to have the regulator

…wants customers compensated - Governor

Hundreds of customers were left stranded across the country unable to access ATMs or other banking services persuade Republic Bank to pay some form of compensation, Jordan said, “That is what bankers do; bankers tend to be very conservative”. Should this not work then the authorities would further seek to impose the law, he added.

Dr. Ganga did indicate

15 families to claim relatives abandoned at GPHC

A

total of 15 persons who were abandoned at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will be celebrating Christmas at their respective homes after their families came forward and offered to collect them.

The persons were said to be abandoned at the city hospital for a number of years. The disabilities of the abandoned persons range from blindness, speech impediment to abnormal limbs.

According to sources at the medical facility, most of the abandoned persons at the city hospital were already discharged. Unfortunately, they had no one to take them home.

The hospital Board of Directors is thankful that persons will be collecting their relatives. This will see more beds being available.

“I am glad that relatives are now coming forward to collect their loved ones at Christmas time. Staff at the

hospital would try to give them a nice Christmas by evidently there is no place like home to spend the Christmas season.”

The hospital recently threatened to expose the relatives of those abandoned at the hospital. The hospital had described their action as “shameful”.

After the persons are taken to their respective homes, officials from the hospital will be conducting visits to ensure that there are adjusting in their new environment.

According to the source, most of the patients who are abandoned at the hospital were brought there by someone they knew, for medical attention. The source added that after the patients are treated and discharged, there is no one to collect them. And calls to these people's phone would go unanswered.

The hospital is mandated to provide free and fair services to everyone. In that regard, it cannot refuse to

keep someone after they are discharged. Most of these persons take up abode in the female and male ward.

According to reports, there are cases where persons have been abandoned at the city hospital for over five years.

Investigations conducted into the state of affairs of these abandoned patients show that they are usually depressed and lonely.

“No matter the kind of disability someone has that person does not deserve to be abandoned at any facility.

Families think that they receive better treatment but from working at the hospital, I would say that it is not so because when someone is sick, they need their immediate family around them.

“They are not looking for someone to feed and clean them; they want relatives to sit and talk to them.

Although the nurses at the hospital are doing their best, families need to play their part too,” source added.

that the authorities were perusing existing legislation to see whether penalties can be applied.

Republic Bank (Guyana) began the implementation of

a new banking platform to take effect on November 4, 2019 but experienced countrywide problems and shutdowns that led to thousands of lost man-hours

and business transactions.

Dr. Ganga told Kaieteur News that the authorities were still assessing the total losses and economic impact of the software glitch.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 12, 2019

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

The question of bail The Minister of Public Security is usually good for a spirited media moment, and especially when he is in a tempered frame of mind. Recently, the Minister offered the sobering thought when he shared with Kaieteur News (December 9): “I would like to leave this to the discretion of the magistrates…At this stage, I would want the magistrates and the judiciary to be a bit more stringent…They should not be bailed, or be placed on substantial bail.”

In this instance, the “they” to whom the Minister was speaking are those “repeat offenders accused of serious crimes” who, for some inexplicable reason, are granted bail.

This paper uses the word ‘inexplicable,’ because whatever the underlying rationales and without second guessing for one moment the discretionary and judgment capabilities of the magistracy, granting bail to some allegedly repeat felons defies commonsense.

In a society plagued with spiraling crimes, serious and violent and mostly gun crimes, the mere contemplation of bail for those who stand accused of such violence--and particularly those involving firearm--is a betrayal of sober judgment.

The Minister did signal very tactfully that he prefers that decisions about bail-whether higher or however-continue to reside where it rightfully belongs, which is with the people chosen to watch over the interests of justice.

It is the members of the judiciary, who must balance these interests and pursuits within the contexts of the overall objectives of protecting society and making it safe, both in feeling and in fact. It can be the most rigorous of tests, while being an intricately balanced one at the same time.

The questions at hand before the judiciary distil to these: when to grant bail? When not to? And, here is the key: when do circumstances permit (with related tests and standards that make sense) and when they do not?

The latter is worth repeating, if only for the emphasis placed on the table: when does it make no sense to grant bail, given the circumstances of the alleged crime and the confirmed official record of the accused?

To bring some texture and sinew to the fabric of the bail issue, a set of circumstances is presented, and is purposely intended to not be dissimilar to the Minister’s thinking, and which forms part of the position of this publication.

An accused is before the courts, with the following fact pattern tendered: 1) a violent crime is alleged; 2) serious bodily harm was inflicted on a person or several persons; 3) a firearm was used during the commission of the alleged crime; 4) there were others-also armed-in the alleged crime, who have eluded the arm of the law; 5) the accused before the court is a repeat offender for prior violent crimes; and 6) the same repeat offender was out on bail.

Clearly, such an accused should not be granted any bail, not even a very higher one, since that may not prove to be of any deterrent value.

The Fates should not be tempted so daringly while, at the same time, society ought not to be subject to such endangering exposure.

Though it is a different time in which we live, and a different world that is inhabited, the greatest of care has to be taken to ensure that the safety requirements of society come first, if not always.

In some instances, too many for the comfort of ordinary Guyanese existing in a state of siege, the book has to be thrown, and the law laid down to the maximum extent possible.

Along these lines, even the combination of no bail and way harsher sentences may not suffice to fit the bill. This is posited because violent crime is at a high (very) watermark and, correspondingly, the confidence and associated quality of life of law-abiding Guyanese are at the lowest of low ebbs.

The right messages are not being sent on a consistent basis, but they must be, and a start had better be made sooner rather than later.

No agency, with the independence of the judiciary duly respected, should arrogate onto itself the authority to dictate to the judiciary how it must go about its obligations to law and citizen. But, obviously, better judgment is needed.

The disparity in regional health care access DEAR EDITOR, A close friend of mine, who is a Guyanese national living legally in Trinidad and Tobago, contacted me a few days ago informing me that she was denied medical treatment at the Mount Hope Hospital in Trinidad. She was told by an attendant that the influx of Venezuelans into Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) had placed a strain on the T&T health care system, and only holders of T&T ID cards are being allowed free healthcare access.

I subsequently contacted another friend who is a practicing Attorney for over a decade in T&T, and was advised that the denial of medical attention to a legal resident

was indeed a violation.

It must be noted that the person who was denied medical treatment at Mount Hope Hospital is the holder of a valid CSME Skills Certificate, a legal, tax-paying resident in T&T since 2006, T&T NI contributing member and presented her bona fide T&T driver’s Licence.

This matter is currently being addressed and investigated in Trinidad.

Some months ago, in a previous article, I cited some disturbing trends here at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Out-Patients facility, where at least two foreign doctors were encouraging certain Latin American patients to

b r e a c h t h e h o s p i t a l ’s protocols, by granting them preferential access and attention ahead of locals.

Since then, one of those foreign doctors has departed, but the practice continues even with the assistance of security personnel, allegedly taking inducements from nonnationals.

G u y a n a ’s public healthcare service offers unrestricted, free healthcare to all citizens and non-Guyanese alike without discrimination.

A l t h o u g h it often goes unnoticed, this is a c o m m e n d a b l e accomplishment by a country that scored 123, compared to

T&T at 63, on the recently released UN Global Human Development report for 2019.

I am not xenophobic, but if T&T, with an annual GDP of US$22.4 Billion, can take austere measures to protect its healthcare system, maybe Guyana with an annual GDP of US$3.9 Billion needs to revisit its local healthcare policy for Non-nationals, some of whom are unreserved abusers of our system.

They do not bear the brunt of taxation like many of us, born, bred Guyanese, o f t e n m a l i g n e d w hen visiting other countries.

Yours faithfully, Orette Cutting

Every citizen is entitled to free medical attention DEAR EDITOR, The Constitution of Guyana is clear. Article 24 states that ‘Every citizen is entitled to free medical attention’. All persons who swear to uphold the Constitution are bound by duty to ensure that no citizen should be forced to seek donations to get medical attention.

Article 24 is also clear, it mandates all health care workers paid by taxpayers to advocate for their patients, and to be duty bearers.

Guyanese have a right to free medical attention.

The KN interview on 10 December, 2019 “Dr. Dukhi optimistic about advancing neurosurgery in public health sector” reveals the importance of the Government and the Country planning and budgeting for the provision of the free health care for citizens. There are going to be tensions between for-profit private ventures and the public ventures which have to ensure that Article 24 of Guyana’s constitution is followed.

A few years ago, citizens

Well done, GPHC Male Surgical Dept. staff DEAR EDITOR, We read every so often about “horror stories’’ at Georgetown Public Hospital.

I do not frequent the GPHC, so I cannot dispute any such accounts. However, I have had recent reason to seek medical attention at that Institution over the past two weeks and my experience has been positive and rewarding.

Dr Hydar Khan, Dr Harris and another young female Doctor (whose name I did not retain) and every member of the support staff in the Male Surgical Department were very respectful, attentive in their disposition and willing to respond to concerns.

I felt very comfortable. Dr Khan kept monitoring my passage throughout the process, for which I am ever grateful. It was very evident to me that, staff being willing and co-operative, the GPHC can boast a positive reputation.

I was impressed with Dr Samaroo who took pains to explain, in very simple language to a complaining

patient, the options that patient had in a particular issue. Commendable!

I witnessed an AfroGuyanese Technician going “out of his way” to get items to attend to an Amerindian brother. I asked him his name.

He retorted: ‘Not important; I am just doing my job’. In fact, 90% of those staff who took care of me, were AfroGuyanese. It made me proud to see “Guyanese-ness” over the past two weeks in that Department.

And I pray that I see that every day; for only that way can this country be truly Guyana.

Additionally, I found the place to be tidy, notwithstanding a need for on-going maintenance/repair of broken items in the washrooms and, I suppose, elsewhere in the Hospital.

Folks all at the GPHC: God bless you all (even the rough ones) and may you have a peaceful Holiday Season and a great 2020.

Pleasantly Taajnauth Jadunauth

were told that GPHC had the best equipment and facilities in Guyana, but not the skills.

So citizens used to hear about specialist skills coming to the same GPHC to perform complex surgeries.

It seems that specialist skills like those of Dr Dukhi and others are available in Guyana for citizens to enjoy Article 24.

Health professionals must be commended for interacting with the media.

The next question KN and other journalists should be asking is the hard one, what does the GPHC need to do to ensure that the skills that are

available in Guyana could provide the quality health care in the public health system. Skills are available.

GPHC has access to the same human resources that the private sector has, to build up their facilities to ensure that citizens are not left without care because of lack of funds.

The State and the duty bearers violate Article 24 of the Constitution every time any citizen is forced to seek donations, to have to run around for money, to pay for their medical attention.

Yours sincerely Vidyaratha Kissoon

Guyana has lost five years, with a lawless, clueless government DEAR EDITOR, Everybody agrees APNU+AFC betrayed the Guyanese people, not keeping their manifesto promises.

In fact, APNU+AFC totally failed to honour the vast majority of their manifesto promises and 100% of their promises for the first 100 days in office. Even David Granger admits as much when he defended APNU+AFC’s failure, by accusing the Leader of the Opposition of waging a “civil war”.

Granger used the most abused excuse for his own failures. Granger’s admission of failure was followed by an official admission from the People’s National Congress (PNC), a party he leads. Last week, in a PNC press conference, it was conceded APNU+AFC failed to implement their manifesto

promises, with the clumsy excuse that no political party anywhere is able to keep all their promises. What was ignored is that it was not merely some promises, but virtually all their promises.

The Executive of the PNC, we learnt, is completely proud, satisfied and happy with the APNU+AFC’s record in government since May 2015, regardless of their failures to implement most of their manifesto promises. The PNC is the largest party in the APNU+AFC coalition, but while APNU+AFC still exists on paper, the truth is that it is another alias for the PNC. What are APNU+AFC/ PNC exactly satisfied with?

They broke their promises to families to continue and increase the popular $10,000 per child grant that parents received for every child in (Continued on page 5)

Thursday December 12, 2019

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Inmate stabbed in alleged Mazaruni Prison murder plot

Guyana has lost five years, with a lawless...

From page 4 school and completely eliminated this safety-net, cash-transfer program.

They broke their promise to retain the water and electricity subsidies to senior citizens, a program designed to keep cash in people’s pockets. They broke their promise to make the old-age pension equal the public sector minimum wage, barely increasing the old age pension from $15,000 per month to just about $20,000 per month.

They broke their promise to increase the income tax threshold to $100,000 per month. They promised free university education, but increased the fees instead.

They promised public servants dramatic pay increases, but then told them they must wait their turn. Are these the things they are proud about?

They broke their promise to create more jobs. The PNC should be ashamed, therefore, that they are satisfied that more than 35,000 people lost jobs.

The PNC must be ashamed they are satisfied 7,000 sugar workers lost their jobs, 40,000 people in the sugar belt have been impoverished by the APNU+AFC. Is the PNC bragging that APNU+AFC closed four sugar estates when they had promised not to close any sugar estate, a promise made in their manifesto, vigorously defended in public meetings in 2015 by Granger, Nagamootoo and all senior members of the APNU+AFC? Are they really proud breaking their promise to give sugar workers an annual wage increase of 20%? Are they proud they froze the sugar workers’ wages at the

2014 level, with zero wage increase for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019? Production routinely now is the worst since before the 1950s.

Then they borrowed $30B that nobody can account for.

Are they proud APNU+AFC has been the most antiworking class government since Independence?

The PNC’s satisfaction with APNU+AFC’s broken promise to rice farmers to increase price per bag of paddy to $9,000 is disgraceful. Are they satisfied they failed to achieve the 700,000 tons rice production that was the target for 2015, even after 60% of that target was already achieved in the first crop?

Are they proud rice production has stagnated at the 2014 level? Are they proud Guyana’s export has seen a reduction in rice export and an increase in paddy export?

Are they proud that Guyana now has to import rice bran for stock feed? Are they proud that Guyana’s paddy losses to floods and dry weather and to paddy bugs and other pests have increased? Are they proud rice farmers’ cost of production has increased considerably?

Guyana’s debt burden, our albatross in the 1980s and early 1990s, is once again threatening our development.

The debt stock of US$1.1B, 44% of the GDP, at the end of 2014, has escalated to US$1.7B, 60% of GDP, as the end of 2019 approaches.

This does not include the more than G$85B in over draft at the Bank of Guyana, which is really a debt, bringing the total debt stock to more than US$2B, right back to 1992.

In 1992, Guyana was essentially bankrupt, with a debt of US$2.1B representing 953% of GDP at the time, with debt payment more than 100% of total earned revenue at the time. The PPP successfully turned this around and by the end of 2014, after the PPP paid off more than US$2B, with debt servicing dropping from more than 100% of total revenues to just about 4% of total revenues.

The PPP also reduced the debt stock to 44% of the GDP, which represented a debt stock of US$1.1B at the end of 2014. In less than five years, the Granger-led APNU+AFC has expanded debt by almost 50% compared with the debt that existed at the end of 2014. Is this what they are satisfied with?

At the end of 2014, there was almost G$25B worth of gold in the Bank of Guyana.

It is now almost zero. What have they done with the money? Is this what they are proud of?

At the end of 2014, the total international reserve at the Bank of Guyana was more than US$700M. It is now less than US$400M. Is this what they are satisfied with?

At the end of 2014, the Government’s local currency account at the Bank of Guyana was $21B; today it is negative $85B, meaning APNU+AFC used up the $21B and has borrowed $85B. This is really a loan from the Bank of Guyana. Surely, they cannot be satisfied!

They promised lower taxes in their manifesto. They betrayed people, increasing more than 200 different taxes.

They promised to lower the 16% VAT, and although VAT was lowered to 14%, they broadened the items that became VAT-able, including VAT on water and electricity,

VAT on internet and computers etc. All license fees increased and agriculture land rental and leases have been increased by several hundred percent. In fact, they now collect more than $100B annually than the PPP collected at the end of 2014.

They promised corruption would be eliminated, but Guyana is again among the most corrupt countries in the world. Where is the US$18M Exxon bonus; the one they tried to hide in 2016 until they were exposed? One official said it was used to pay lawyers representing Guyana against Venezuela, while another said it was invested, making money for Guyana.

Sole sourcing now dominates and questionable contracts for medicines, construction, feasibility studies now reek of corruption. The oil contracts show Guyana was sold out.

In the meantime, State Lands are being recklessly distributed.

They promised constitutional reform, budgeted and spent more than $200M. But the Parliamentary Standing Constitutional Committee met only once in five years.

Nagamootoo, the front-man for reforms, appointed a committee under Nigel Hughes who gave him a report, but nothing has been done.

To itemize all APNU+AFC broken promises is far too many to cover in one article.

Yet the PNC is satisfied their creature, APNU+AFC, did a good job.

In fact, Guyana lost five years, with a government that is lawless, clueless, and failed in a manner unimaginable to all those who wished them well.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Wounded : Rickford Jones After allegedly overhearing three inmates planning to kill him, murder accused, Wayne Gilbert, stabbed one of the plotters, who is now in hospital.

Sources identified the victim as Rickford Jones, 28, who is also incarcerated on a murder charge.

The attack occurred around 07.10 hrs in the ‘B Watch’ section of the Mazaruni Prison.

According to reports, Gilbert was in Cell Three on Wednesday, when he allegedly heard Jones and two other men in Cell Four saying that they would kill him in the morning.

Around 07.00 hrs yesterday, when the B watch section was opened for prisoners to have breakfast, Jones, the plotter, allegedly stabbed Gilbert on the right hand.

A scuffle ensued during

which Gilbert, the victim, managed to gain the upper hand. He allegedly stabbed Jones to the elbow, shoulder and left side.

Jones was admitted to the Bartica Hospital. Prison officials said that while his condition was not deemed to be serious, he was kept for observation.

His intended victim, Wayne Gilbert, was escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where he handed over a knife to the police.

In December 2017, Gilbert, of Lot 30 West La Penitence, was charged with murdering Rawle Rodrigues, during the course of a robbery.

In November 2015, Rickford Jones, then 24, of Lot 3093 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was charged with murdering Christopher Wharton, who was gunned down in North Ruimveldt.

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 12, 2019

Man pays $20,000 for slapping female cop U.S. House Democrats prepare for impeachment vote as Trump said to embrace short trial

Charged: Daniel Boutrin Weeks after 21-year-old Daniel Boutrin, of 157 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody, he was yesterday hauled before the court to answer four charges, one of which accused him of assaulting a female peace officer.

Boutrin appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, pleaded guilty to one of the charges and was fined. He pleaded not guilty to the remaining three and was granted bail.

It is alleged that on December 9, 2019, at East La Penitence Police Station, he unlawfully assaulted Melissa Ageday so as to cause her actual bodily harm. After pleading guilty to that charge, Boutrin told the court, “Moms, I sorry for duh, I push she because I was in pain.” The other charge stated that on December 9, 2019, at East La Penitence Police Station, he used threatening language towards Melissa Ageday.

The latter charges alleged that on December 9, 2019, at Stevedore Housing Scheme, he assaulted Sharmaine Lamazon, unlawfully and maliciously damaged her windows valued at $12,000.

Boutrin pleaded not guilty

to the three latter charges.

According to information received, on the day in question, Ageday received reports that an individual was trying to kill a woman. Ranks from the East La Penitence Police Station then went on the report and Boutrin was arrested and taken into custody.

After learning that Boutrin was previously charged for escaping from custody, Ageday tried to put him on the prisoners’ bench and that’s when he dealt her slap to her face and pushed her. After Boutrin slapped the police officer, the right side of her face was swollen.

She then collected his report about him being assaulted and then took him to do a medical examination.

The report was then sent to Brickdam Police Station for investigations about the beating on Leopold Street.

After listening to the information that came out during the court proceeding, Principal Magistrate McGusty ordered the defendant to pay $20,000, fine for assaulting a peace officer and $20,000 bail on the threatening language and assaulting Lamazon. He was put on self-bail on the damage to property charge.

The matter was then adjourned to December 18, 2019.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives moved closer yesterday to impeaching Donald Trump, as the president and senior Republicans appeared to converge on the idea of a shorter trial once the charges come to the Senate in the new year.

The House Judiciary Committee was due to meet last evening to consider formal articles of impeachment accusing Trump of abusing his power by trying to force Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden and of obstructing Congress when lawmakers tried to look into the matter.

The committee is expected to approve the charges on Thursday. The full Democratic-led House was likely to follow suit next week, making Trump the third president in U.S. history to be impeached.

After initially saying he wanted a full-blown, potentially lengthy trial in the Republican-led Senate, Trump appeared to be leaning toward the idea of having a shorter proceeding there that would allow him to move quickly past the threat to his presidency, two sources familiar with the situation said yesterday.

Trump’s new thinking could remove a potential source of friction with Senate Republicans, who appeared to balk at the idea of a long trial with witnesses.

But it was not yet clear

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a campaign rally at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S., December 10, 2019. REUTERS/Tom Brenner whether Trump was ready to abandon his demand for witnesses, such as Biden, which would trigger demands from Democrats for highprofile Trump administration witnesses. “I think as an American the best thing we can do is deep-six this thing,” a staunch Trump ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, told reporters on Wednesday.

Republicans say Democrats are just trying to undo Trump’s 2016 victory via the impeachment process.

Asked why he thought Republican senators were now talking about a short trial, possibly with no witnesses, Dick Durbin, the

No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said: “I think the answer is obvious. They want to move on because obviously they think more attention paid to this is not in their best interest in re-election.”

CONSTITUTION AT STAKE Democrats say Trump endangered the U.S. Constitution, jeopardized national security and undermined the integrity of the 2020 election by pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 telephone call to investigate Biden, a former vice president and a leading contender or the Democratic nomination to

face Trump in next year’s election.

The articles of impeachment unveiled on Tuesday do not draw on other, more contentious aspects of Trump’s tenure, such as his efforts to impede former Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’s Russia probe. Democratic lawmakers from more conservative districts had argued the focus should stay on Ukraine.

Many Democrats in those swing districts remain unsure how they will vote on impeachment, although with a 36-seat lead over Republicans in the House, passage is expected.

Trump will be on friendlier terrain in the Senate, where Democrats are not expected to pick up the 20 Republican votes they need at a minimum to drive the president from office.

If the House approves the charges, a trial would be the Senate’s “first order of business in January,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

McConnell, a close Trump ally, says no decision has been made over how to conduct the trial. Approving the rules will require agreement by the majority of the Senate’s 100 members.

McConnell has said he wants lawmakers to return to their regular business at a time when Republicans will be campaigning for the 2020 election on a message of a strong U.S. economy.

IDB ‘InvestmentMap’ initiative continues to expand in the Caribbean WASHINGTON (CMC) – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says that its “InvestmentMap” initiative continues to make progress to promote good governance in the management of public investment through greater transparency and citizen participation.

Since its inception in 2 0 1 7 , t h e Wa s h i n g t o n based financial institution said 10 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have joined the initiative, and six of them already have platforms available to the public.

During 2019, the IDB said Dominican Republic and Jamaica joined the list of countries that have already opened to the public fundamental information on public investments, which include Peru, Costa Rica,

Paraguay and Colombia.

Other countries are currently in the design and production phase of “InvestmentMap”, including Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, the Bahamas and Guatemala.

The IDB said the ”InvestmentMap” platform allows citizens to track public investments in all economic and social sectors, using advanced technology to monitor the physical and financial progress of projects.

An impact assessment paper published in 2019 confirms that, after the launch of “MapaRegalias” in Colombia, public investment projects financed my royalties showed an average increase in the efficiency of physical execution of about 8 percentage points, the IDB said.

During 2019, the IDB

said the “InvestmentMap” initiative “forged a strategic alliance” with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, from which an exercise of dissemination of the platforms with civil society actors began in the different regions of Colombia and Peru.

Also in 2019, the IDB and Microsoft entered a new phase of collaboration regarding “InvestmentMap,” which seeks to strengthen the capacities of countries in the analysis of data and artificial intelligence, to gather information and improve decision-making among decision makers of public politics. “’MapaInversiones’ is a management tool that builds a bridge between the State and citizens.

Progressively it is establishing itself as a standard in regard to

accountability, dissemination and visualization of information of public investment for all audiences.

The key: to present relevant information in an accurate, up-to-date, and easy to understand way,” said Lea Gimenez, IDB Division Chief of the Innovation for Citizen Services.

The IDB said the expansion of “InvestmentMap” is a “fundamental component of the digital transformation” that it is driving in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Thursday December 12, 2019

3,752 child abuse reports filed at end of October

The Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) has said that it received 3,752 reported cases of child abuse up to the end of October.

Director Ann Greene said family members were the principal perpetrators with others amounting to 14.9 percent.

According to Greene, this was ironic since the home was where a child should be safe.

An examination of the cases shows there were 1,729 acts of neglect and 890 of sexual abuse.

“Generally, there is a steady increase in the reporting of cases over the years, and this has been attributed to the systems put in place for reporting and our ongoing awareness programmes encouraging persons to report abuse,” the Director stated.

Greene said the CC&PAs Communicating 4 Development initiative would continue to raise awareness while new methods will be used to boost the publics involvement in child protection.

“The last half of the year, we worked with two new programmes, one is a

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Kaieteur News

Ann Greene, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) partnering skills awareness video with seven episodes and the other is an interactive storybook for teachers to use with children to highlight safe and unsafe touching and to encourage children to always tell about any situation that makes them feel uncomfortable. These are to be launched in the new year,” she said.

Greene said they were able to meet with various

service groups for children including sport and religious group this year.

Referees and coaches were exposed to special seminars, while 271 parents benefitted from the Positive Parenting Programme, and 223 youths completed the Pregnancy Prevention and Empowerment Programme.

The Director added that a paediatric mental facility to (Continued on page 22)

Central Bank signs MoU with Finance Ministry to ensure transparent management of Natural Resource Fund A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday between Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, and Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga as it relates to the Banks obligations as Operational Manager of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF).

The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Finances Board Room before the press.

There, it was noted that the Fund would be held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York where it would earn interest.

Kaieteur News understands that this is not unusual. In fact, Dr. Ganga noted that Guyana has used the Federal Reserve Bank for more than 50 years and is now awaiting the completion of a due diligence process.

The Ministry noted that the NRF is now one step closer to being operationalised following the signing of the MoU. The document sets forth the responsibilities of the Bank of Guyana as the Operational Manager of the NRF. These include receiving and

accounting for all deposits into the NRF; investing the NRF in eligible asset classes; appointing private managers and custodians; and reporting on the performance of the NRF on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

It also outlines that Central Bank will have to implement management systems, procedures and risk management arrangements in accordance with international standards; and provide the public with information on the NRF as required by law; among others.

The MoU which will be published on the Ministrys website in accordance with Section 42 of the NRF Act, also includes the obligations of the Minister of Finance as the overall manager of the NRF. Additionally, the MoU identifies certain principles

for the operational management of the NRF to ensure transparency and accountability. Other important aspects of the Agreement include the fees to be charged by the Bank of Guyana, procedures for the appointment of private managers and custodians, and the liability for losses that may occur.

In preparation for its role as operational manager of the NRF, the Bank of Guyana has begun building additional capacity, supported by the World Banks Reserves Advisory and Management Programme (RAMP), with whom an agreement was signed on October 1, 2019.

Picture saved in Thursday as signing Caption: Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga watches on as Finance Minister, Winston Jordan does his part in signing the MoU

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 12, 2019

Business Chamber launches draft Local Content legislation - proposes 10% penalty for oil companies in breach of it The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Monday released its model Local Content legislation, intended to promote the development of Guyanese companies and Citizens of Guyana involved in what would be the budding petroleum sector.

Within the draft legisla-

tion, the Chamber unfolded the document in three parts, which would seek to address key areas such as preliminary scope interpretation, Guyanese local content development and monitoring and accountability of the contractors/ operators.

For private sector development, which falls under the

Local Content development, the GCCI was keen to explain that an operator or contractor must ensure that first consideration be given to Guyanese companies in the provision of goods and/or services directly related to the Petroleum Industry.

They must demonstrate why the Guyanese company

has not been selected in the event that they are not; and the local company should be informed in detail by the operator or contractor within a reasonable time period, on the reason(s) for their non-selection in the provision of a good and/or service, GCCI added.

Under the scope of human capital development, the GCCI stipulated that Citizens of Guyana shall be given preference for employment in all phases of operations in the petroleum sector, as long as they possess the necessary qualifications and expertise.

An operator or contractor shall not import unskilled labour for conducting its operations undertaken under a right, license, permit, contract or concession.

The draft legislation goes on to say that the Minister of Natural Resources, for the purpose of the development of the human capital, must ensure that there is adequate training to improve the capacity of Guyanese in the Petroleum Industry through education and other training activities.

The third area, which speaks to monitoring and accountability, an operator or contactor must submit to the Natural Resources Minister a report on the use of Local Content in its operations; and effectively communicate its Local Content policies and procedures to its Contractors and to monitor and enforce their compliance.

The Chamber of Commerce emphatically stated that contractor or operator, who carries out any contract, contrary to the provisions of the Act, if legislated, would

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicholas Deygoo Boyer be committing an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine of ten percent of the contract sum for each contract in which the offence is committed.

President of the Chamber, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, stated that the policy would mitigate the risk for investors.

The oil sector is as expensive as it is lucrative. Hence, large investment sums are often plugged into projects.

He explained that for someone to make a smart investment, that person has to ensure that there is minimal risk to them. Recent media reports on the matter of local content and other issues closely related to the budding oil sector, he explained, may leave investors with some level of uncertainty.

This is due to the fact that though support for local content is almost unanimous, differing views on what consti-

tutes a sufficient commitment to local content by a foreign company causes the goalpost to shift so much that investors may not be certain about where they should stand. “Looking at the headlines, Id say You know it makes me nervous to think that Id want to risk capital in here,� Deygoo-Boyer said.

On the other hand, he said that the opportunity before Guyana is greater than most, if not all, of the prospects they may be considering in other parts of the world.

To quell uncertainty, the bridge over uncertainty, between investors and the local market, Deygoo-Boyer explained, is a local content policy. “Because then you have as investors, operators, contractors an understanding of what the rules of the game will (Continued on page 22)

Thursday December 12, 2019

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Kaieteur News

The world is standing on its head A man goes to hell and is met at the gates by the Devil.

The man is escorted to a hallway which has three different doors and the Devil tells the man he has choose one room to spend the rest of eternity in.

The man opens the first door and sees everyone standing on their heads on wooden floors. The man thought that would be pretty terrible to spend the rest of eternity on his head on such a hard floor and so he proceeded to the second door.

Everyone in the second room was standing on their heads on concrete. The man thought that was even worse to spend the rest of eternity

on his head on an even harder floor.

Finally, he entered the third door and in that room everyone is up to their knees in dog poop and drinking coffee. The man thought that was pretty bad, but at least they could drink coffee so he told the Devil he chose the third room to spend the rest of eternity in.

So the man, up to his knees in dog poop, drank coffee for a few minutes.

Then the Devil came back into the room and said “Coffee break is over. Back on your heads!”

The moral of that story is that you never know how

good you are until you stand upside down on your head.

The world is upside down. How else does one explain how someone can move from being the country’s chief diplomat to an ordinary ambassador and that is called a promotion and not a demotion?

How can someone who for years was the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs be shunted to an overseas mission and that move is called a promotion? How can it be a promotion when the person being transferred is senior to the person to whom she will soon to have

Dem boys seh ...

Spill expose nuff man problems Is only when something happen dat people does know wha dem can do. Dem have people who hear something happen to somebody and dem is de first ones to holler, “If was somebody fuh me…”

Dem hear nuff people seh wha dem wouldn’t do if somebody touch somebody fuh dem.

Even de government when dem was de opposition, dem used fuh talk wha it gon do and wha it wouldn’t do. Dat is why people holding Soulja Bai to all dem promise he mek before he tun president.

He promise to feed all dem children in school. He go so far as to give dem free bicycle and fuh dem who live in de riverine areas, he give dem boat. But Jagdeo was quick to point out dat he never give a school child

money to buy school uniform.

Soulja Bai set up an Environmental Protection Unit. Of course, he always talking bout green suh till people start to talk bout a green economy. De EPA responsible fuh protecting Guyana from any disaster. Dat is why dem oil company got to get approval from de EPA before dem can drill fuh oil.

Dem boys use to go and see all dem training and dem drills fuh mek people act when dem have a disaster. Dem had training at de airport dat look suh real dat people go pon Facebook and holler how a plane crash.

Yesterday when de real thing happen at de old Sprostons wharf was a different story.

People forget all de drill. A farrin company bring in some chemi-

cal. De company didn’t realize dat Guyana is not an ordinary country. If you put a bomb in a Guyanese hand, he gon play football wid it.

De forklift operator pon de wharf go to pick up de drum wid de chemical and puncture it. He jump off de forklift and run. De chemical flow in dem drain. De EPA didn’t know till night dat de drum puncture just before bird wife wake.

People coulda dead and de rescue drill never get started.

Dem boys hear de chemical got something to do wid erectile dysfunction. Now all dem men who live in de area and who had dem problems even before de drum puncture gon sue Sprostons.

Talk half and watch how many men got ED problems.

report?

The world is upside down when the government can claim – and the media can stand up there and stomach that nonsense – that it has been the policy of the government to phase out political appointees and have career diplomats man the foreign service.

How does one reconcile this position with the large number of political appointees, which the APNU+AFC appointed?

Did the government not have this policy when it made its first diplomatic appointments, ten months into government? At that time, the APNU+AFC announced the names of six political appointees to head Missions around the world.

These were David Hales as Ambassador to Belgium; Hamley Case, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Classisa Riehl, High Commissioner to Canada; Halim Majeed, Ambassador to Cuba and Bayney Karran, who had been appointed under the PPP government, as Ambassador to China.

Other political appointments followed. David Pol-

lard was posted as High Commissioner to India; John Ford to Switzerland; Kenrick Hunte to South Africa; Shamir Ally, Ambassador to Kuwait; Cammie Ramsaroop was named as High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago; and Michael TenPow as Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Among those who were appointed Consul Generals were Barbara Atherly (New York) and Cita Pilgrim (Barbados).

It is hard to locate any public statement from the government that these Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consulate Generals and the Permanent Representative were only expected to serve for three years and then to pave the way for younger diplomats.

If such a statement were made, it should be no problem for one of the media arms of the government to produce it.

The explanation that the recent shakeup at the Foreign Ministry is part of efforts at professionalising the diplomatic service is laughable. Further, it does not concur with the origi-

nal explanation that the decision to not renew the contract of the Director General was because of problems with synergy.

It is hard to imagine that given the sweeping appointments made the APNU+AFC government to the diplomatic service, that the government is now going to implement a policy of only their political-appointees serve only three years.

The phased recall of almost all of the main diplomatic appointments will leave a vacuum in the diplomatic service which will result in chaos in diplomacy.

The Foreign Service will end up becoming further demoralised. Staff there will not know the difference between a promotion and a demotion or between a shakeup and a seamless transition, that is, unless they stand on their heads.

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Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Houston Estates, Carl Greeenidge’s book and the African Guyanese tragedy Carl Greenidge has turned out to be a Guyanese academic who has written one of the best historical texts on Guyana. Prior to Greenidge’s book, I have always argued that Alan Adamson’s “Sugar Without Slaves” was the most definitive output on the horrible disadvantage the freed slaves faced in their pursuit of ownership of land (my Master’s thesis in Caribbean history is on the political economy of the freed slaves).

Now comes, “Empowering a Peasantry in a Caribbean Context: The Case of Land Settlement Schemes in Guyana, 1865-1985 by Carl

Greenidge”. In many ways, this book will engender a furious emotion in you. It will get you angry and it will make you sad. It argues a case whereby freed slaves who worked the lands of Guyana and made Guyana viable were terribly and deliberately discriminated against in their quest to build a landed economy for themselves.

When I read about the tax accusations against Houston Estates by the Mayor, immediately I thought of writing this column and highlighting Greenidge’s book in looking at the dispute.

Most Guyanese know that the Vieira family had owned

almost all of Houston and parts of surrounding areas like Rome and huge chunks of Versailles. Guyanese have grown up to know that the large Vieira family labyrinth is one of the richest in Guyana.

Looking back at the ownership of land by many rich families and situating land ownership in the historical context of what Adamson and Greenidge wrote, you see the glaring historical wrongs done to African Guyanese.

The world moves on.

Some Guyanese families own lands larger than some Caribbean islands. No modern government will want to nationalise those holdings (except Jeremy Corbin in the UK who promised nationalisation if Labour wins the UK elections today. I hope Corbin wins; I like him immensely).

Taxes, however, are a totally different matter. Two of the three persons likely to win the nomination of the Democratic Party for the US presidential race next year are Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Both are inflexible

about confronting the wealthy classes, which they accuse of cheating on their taxes. But it is Corbyn who has promised if he wins, a confrontation with big tax evaders four of which he publicly named.

The City Council’s tax allegations against Houston Estates are frightening. The Mayor said when he pulled the Vieira file, it showed an outstanding debt of $144 million. When interests are added, the sum is $400 million.

The Houston Estates owners are disputing the amount though not the fact that taxes are owed. This begs the question why would such a super-rich family owe taxes in the first place.

It is left to the Guyanese people to believe either the Vieira oligarchy or the City Council. No one can prevent a human from expressing a belief or opinion. Once devoid of scurrilous and libel contents, humans have the right to their opinions and beliefs. I have read the emanations of both parties. I believe the City Council.

But here are some numbers that when I read them, Greenidge’s book stirred fiercely in my mind. Just one sale from the Vieira oligarchy is 52 acres. And the family over the past forty years has sold thousands of acres to different buyers. Can one imagine how much land this oligarchic entity owns?

Well, so be it, they own incredibly vast tracks of land and why should one be annoyed at that?

The question is; what do others own, especially those who came as slaves and toiled as unfree people? Then there are those who came as indentured servants and made sugar a post-emancipation success for British capitalist and the British economy.

Some 7000 sugar workers were put out of employment since 2017. Juxtapose the claim by City Council against a family that owns thousands and thousands of acres of prime real estate with the economic desperation of 7000 exsugar workers.

Here is an interesting figure from Town Clerk, Sherry

Frederick Kissoon Jerrick. I quote her; “It is not only $1 billion. The total sale is over $5 billion. We are just asking for our two cents…”

Isn’t this country one of the tragic lands on Planet Earth? I drive around Georgetown at least (I emphasise, “at least”) three times within the 24 hours that comprise a day and I see how atrocious are the clogged gutters and the parapets on Georgetown that look like forests.

Yet a family is about to collect $5 billion for the sale of just one piece of land and the Mayor is saying that it is refusing to pay its taxes. Let me stay clear of any mention of the GRA in this affair.

Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

Jordan confident in safeguards to protect oil revenues despite no oversight body

By Gary Eleazar The 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee to be established under Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, is not in place as yet but Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, is confident there are enough mechanisms in place to safeguard the country’s oil revenues and its management, despite the absence of that body.

Minister Jordan comments came yesterday during a press engagement in the conference room of the Ministry of Finance.

He was asked to pronounce on the absence of the oversight committee and its impact on public trust with regards the management and general use of the fund.

Minister Jordan addressed some of the difficulties being experienced with setting up the 22-member committee.

He used as an example, the political opposition’s position to not recognise the validity of the Act or the administration in the first place.

He said the legislation does cater for three different committees, two of which do not pose a problem in their establishment.

He conceded, “It is clear that establishing the oversight committee is more difficult than the others.”

The Minister explained that while the Investment and Macro Economic Committees are relatively straightforward in their establishment, the oversight committee has 22 members, with each representative having a different mechanism to even arrive at a nominee. “So that will take some time.”

Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobin Ganga, who was on hand for the briefing, used the opportunity to spell out that the regulator will be responsible for the management of the fund, including its investment, receiving deposits, making payments and generally accounting for the resources.

These, he said, includes the maintenance of the books with regards all of the financial assets and liabilities,

appointing and dismissing managers and custodians, banking correspondents, dealers, brokers and other institutions necessary for the proper implementation of the fund.

According to Dr. Ganga, the Bank would be responsible for preparing monthly, quarterly and annual reports with regards the operations of the fund.

He said, too, that it is the Bank of Guyana, which will be responsible for meeting the expenditure as it relates to the operationlising of the fund in addition to implementing the managements systems and procedures.

The Governor said, too, that it is the bank that will be responsible for developing risk management systems and developing the human resources “so as to ensure effective operational management of the fund.”

BoG Governor, Dr. Gobin Ganga (left) and Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during yesterday’s press engagement He said that it will be the responsibility of the Bank of Guyana to advise the Minister of Finance with regards activity that affects the management and value of

the fund in addition to providing the public with information with regards the fund as is required by law.

He said that the legislation also provides for

penalties with regards the use of the fund.

According to Dr. Ganga, action will be brought against officials for misuse of the fund and losses.

State’s unreadiness to prosecute Bisram is ‘embarrassing’ - Minister Ramjattan After fighting two long years to extradite murder accused ‘Marcus Bisram’ from the US to Guyana, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan sees it as ‘embarrassing’ that the state is not fully ready to prosecute him.

Minister Ramjattan made these comments on the sidelines of an event yesterday at the Guyana Police Force’s Police Training Centre.

While he was not made aware of the hiccups being met in the murder case after it was explained by reporters, Minister Ramjattan pointed out that ‘it is rather embarrassing if that is what the behaviour is.’

Marcus Bisram is being accused of ordering a hit on a Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, a guest at a party, which he hosted back in late 2016.

Narinedatt was alleged to have been beaten by several men at the behest of Bisram.

He was pushed into the trunk of a car, taken to the Berbice public road, dumped and run over to make it appear as if it were a hit-and-run.

The long-awaited court battle commenced on November 21 when Marcus Bisram finally appeared to answer to the indictable charge.

But since then, several bumps in the court have led many to believe that the state prosecution is dillydallying with the charges.

The state’s request for the case to be handled by way of Preliminary Inquiry was denied by the presiding Magistrate Alex Moore. He ruled in favour of a paper committal.

Further, the request by

the state to postpone the matter until January 7, 2020 was also denied.

When the matter was recalled on December 9 for the state to present a full disclosure of the evidence against Bisram, Magistrate Alex Moore reported sick.

However, the matter was called before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. But the case was further delayed as state prosecutor Stacy Gooding was a no-show in court.

It was reported that attempts were made to contact Gooding who is based at the office of the Director of Public Prosecution in Georgetown. But this proved futile forcing the Magistrate to adjourn the matter until December 16.

Minister Ramjattan said, “I have been publicly

requesting the work of the Magistrates and Prosecutors to be enhanced so that we can get convictions…what you are telling me there is rather disheartening.”

Further, the Public Security Minister relayed that he will talk with the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chancellor and Chief Justice in relation to what is happening with the case.

He explained that there should be no issues with the case since the state had enough time to build a strong case against the accused.

“It would be terribly embarrassing, entirely embarrassing for the state to have demanded his coming over and now that he is extradited, these officers are not up to the task of ensuring that they get the documents they need.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 12, 2019

PAGE 13

US$150M renovation and counting...

ExxonMobil funds PhD Opposition questions further for Iwokrama

US$6.7M spent on CJIA

S

ince 2015, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) made it clear that it will not spend a cent more on the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). In fact, it said it placed monetary sanctions on the contractor, China Harbour Engineeri n g C o m p a n y (CHEC).

However, the Opposition doubts the story. According to at least one piece of document in the hands of the Opposition, more than US$6.7M was paid and it appears to be an addition to the US$150M tag price for the project.

The People's Progressive Party government, whose brainchild the project is, is demanding the MPI and Minister David Patterson to explain. According to the 'Contemplative Change Notice/Change Order Form, in late 2015, months after the Coalition Government took office, the value of the change order was US$6,784,453.61.

“Contemplated Change Notice/Change Order to the abovementioned contract between China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, “Contractor” and

Ministry of Public Works and Communications, “Employer”.

This Change Order covers all costs associated with the proposed change in the work described. No further costs will be submitted for this scope or any perceived accumulative effect of changes on productivity, costs and times.”

The reason for the change, according to the document, is “additional project costs due to extending the project to the negotiated date of December 1, 2017.”

The change order was signed by representatives of the Ministry, its Works Services Group, CJIA, CHEC, and the consultants, CEMCO and MMM Group.

According to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, earlier this year, the contract signed by his administration in late 2011, is very clear…It is a fixed price contract that does not involved any legroom for further negotiations. “It is a fix price contract. What we are getting is not what we envisioned.

We signed for a brand new terminal building and longer runway…not a renovated airport.”

The issue is threatening to

become a major one in the elections campaign.

General elections are due on March 2nd. In 2011, a contract for US$138M was signed with CHEC by the outgoing Bharrat Jagdeo administration.

However, after delays, in 2015, the new Coalition Government halted the project. After an assessment, works restarted. It was disclosed that almost US$90M was paid in 2015 under the PPP/C government for less than 25 percent of the work done.

It became clear that there would not be a brand-new airport terminal as envisioned by the contract. Rather, the old terminal building was gutted and renovated.

The project has been plagued by delays and problems…from leaks to toilets to the closing off of the passenger bridges due to an unstable foundation.

Over the weekend, when contacted, Minister Patterson made it clear that the Opposition is clutching at straws as there are no extra costs. He said that the documents being placed in the public domain are ones that his Ministry had submitted to the opposition.

The change order that the Opposition is questioning

E

xxonMobil, a significant supporter of the Iwokrama Science Programme for the biodiversity project, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the University of Guyana to support a PhD scholarship at that institution under the said programme.

The centre is also implementing a hydrology programme at the Iwokrama and the Rupununi Savannahs.

One of the students will work with the centre under its Science Programme biodiversity project while completing work in fulfillments of the requirements for the PhD degree in the biodiversity.

This student's research area, The Study of Animals and Forestry Practices, will benefit the Committee as she will continue to build on the pioneer work, which they began in the very area.

This science programme includes other outreach activities; capacity building and awareness programmes for the local community and the production of a “Legal field guide for natural resource practitioners”, Guyana's first and the development of Guyana's first 3D map of community lands.

The Centre, guided by an international Board of Trustees, is unique, providing a dedicated, well managed and researched forest environment.

The forest is zoned into a Sustainable Utilisation Area (SUA) and a Wilderness Preserve (WP) in which to

From left; Dane Gobin - CEO of Iwokrama, Dr Guyanpriya Maharaj – Director of the Centre for Biological Diversity, UG and Calvin Bernard – Former Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences and member of the Iwokrama Science Committee. test the concept of a truly sustainable forest where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing.

The IIC collaborates with the Government of Guyana, the Commonwealth and other international partners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices.

ExxonMobil had previously funded the organisation with some US$600,000 in 2017.

Tw e n t y l o c a l communities with approximately 7000 people who are stakeholders and

participants in the IIC's sustainable timber, tourism, research operations and forest management activities through complex comanagement and benefit sharing arrangements.

A portfolio of sustainable managed and certified business models using innovative governance systems which includes participation of private and public sectors and local communities, earning an income from the forest and its natural asset while employing international social, environmental and economic practice keeping abreast with the ever changing thinking on funding for environmental projects in the face of climate change and the perennial scarcity of international finance.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday December 12, 2019

G/T Mayor, N/A, Rose Hall, Corriverton and others re-elected

T

here was no shakeup at City Hall yesterday as Pandit Ubraj Narine and Councillor Alfred Mentore were re-elected to serve in the capacity of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the city of Georgetown respectively for a second term.

Narine, 28, a candidate of the People's National Congress Reform and his deputy, a member of the AFC, were unanimously reelected.

During the proceedings, Councillor Oscar Clarke was also elected to serve as Chairman of the council's

seven-member Finance Committee.

The three were re-elected to the positions with the full support of the progovernment councillors. The PPP councillors abstained from the votes.

Mayor Narine was a first past the post winner for Constituency #1 in the Georgetown Local Government area at the last Local Government Elections.

He was considered as a replacement for Patricia Chase-Green as City Mayor, last year, after Green's management of the Council

From left: Deonauth Harrinarine, Deputy Mayor and Chattergoon Ramnauth Mayor of Rose Hall (both re-elected)

attracted sharp criticisms from citizens.

Georgetown was not the only town to see re-election of the Mayor and Deputy.

Winston Roberts and Imran Amin were re-elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Corriverton.

And at Rose Hall, Chattergoon Ramnauth and Deonauth Harrinarine were also re-elected to their post.

Last week, Mayor of New Amsterdam, Winifred Haywood, and Deputy M a y o r Wa i n w r i g h t McIntosh, were re-elected to serve in their respective positions when Guyana's

oldest town in Berbice held elections for the various positions.

Haywood, a longserving PNCR member and Councillor, was first elected Mayor in 2017. She was the only Councillor returning to

Imran Amin re-elected as Deputy Mayor of Corriverton

Mayor Ubraj Narine

the council since the 1994 elections.

She served as Deputy Mayor on two occasions, once in the previous Council and again as Deputy Mayor before she was elected as Mayor in 2017.

Winston Roberts re-elected as Mayor of Corriverton

Mayor Winifred Haywood, a retired head teacher and former President of the Guyana Teachers' Union, is a practising preacher at the Mission Chapel Congregational Church in New Amsterdam.

Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore

Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday December 12, 2019

Home care linked to enhanced D E D N A L T S JU - health

recovery rate of patients officials

T

he Christmas season is often described as a time of perpetual hope; love and kindness usually abound. It is also the time of year that family members are the busiest making preparations for various festive activities.

But there is also a daunting side to this season that few even bother to talk about. Sadly this aspect of the season is perpetrated by some who even claim to embrace the Christmas spirit.

In some families, there are persons who may be incapable of caring for themselves and therefore require support to make it through a given day.

However, with the 'hustle and bustle' of the season, some families find it especially difficult to continue to render their support. It is during this time of year that a number of incapacitated persons, seniors and young persons, too, are clandestinely shuttled off to medical institutions. Some are even

Nurse Nurelie Mohamed [extreme left] and Dr. Rhonda Joseph [third from left] in the company of some of the health care professionals who have been recruited by Caring Hands Inc. abandoned there.

But this may not be the best option since the hospital environment could prove to be more harmful than good.

This is in light of the fact that such environments could leave persons exposed to hospital-acquired infections also known as nosocomial infection.

A number of officials, including several at the

country's premier public health institution – the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation – have spoken out against the abandoning of patients for this reason, among others.

But abandoning a loved one should never be an option especially with the introduction of Caring Hands Healthcare Inc., an o rg a n i s a t i o n t h a t w a s

launched in October of this year with a view of delivering unprecedented home care services.

Health officials have linked home care to an enhanced recovery rate of patients.

The gamut of services offered by this organisation is not free but, according to one of its Managers, Dental Surgeon Dr. Rhonda Joseph, there are packages offered that are fashioned according to the hours of service required.

Speaking of her decision to venture into home care on Kaieteur Radio's [99.1FM and 99.5FM] health programme 'Your Health Matters' this week, Dr. Joseph disclosed that even before becoming proficient in the field of dental surgery, she had gained training in nursing.

It was her nursing training that caused her to caress the idea of delving into the home care venture.

“I did a degree in nursing, so nursing has always been my passion. Before I completed dentistry, I wanted to put my [nursing] degree to work so I decided to register a small business at the time...” Dr. Joseph revealed.

However, her attempt back then was not successful. With some tactical support from Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, who had long had a passion to delve into such a venture, Dr. Joseph was once again able to try her hands at home care.

According to Caring Hands Nursing Director, Nurse Nurelie Mohamed, who also appeared as a guest on the radio programme, the organisation provides care to a wide cross section of (continued on page 19)

Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday December 12, 2019

Country's response capacity tested after GNIC chemical spill - EPA notified more than 12 hours later

The chemical spill (in yellow) at the GNIC wharf area yesterday.

T

he country's response capacity was yesterday tested in a major way after a chemical spill since Tuesday evening at the Lombard Street wharf of the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC). Almost 10 hours passed before authorities were notified.

The matter is under investigation now with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicating

that it will liaise with its legal department to determine if any sanctions are likely.

The incident would come as Guyana prepares to start producing oil, with the pressure on to build capacity to deal with the likelihood of a major spill.

Yesterday, in addition to the EPA, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Water Inc., the Fire Service and the GNIC were working to contain the spill.

According to Tashana Redmond, EPA's Senior Environmental Officer, her agency was only alerted after 9am yesterday- almost 12 hours after the incident.

Officials descended on the Lombard Street location where they observed discharges on the tarmac and in the drains.

The greenish-yellow matter even made its way into drains on Lombard Street. According to

Redmond, GNIC's representatives disclosed that the chemical is a thinner known as 'Rheduce'.

While initial indications are that the chemical is not dangerous, EPA is analysis and investigating with works ongoing to clean up the site.

Redmond disclosed that a container was puncture by a forklift while it was being moved, around 19:00 hours on Wednesday.

An official examining the extent of the spill at the scene

EPA will be combing GNIC's oil spill procedures and seeking legal advice to determine if any sanctions are likely.

According to Redmond, the containers of 'Rheduce' were heading for a local storage for further use in the oil fields.

EPA, of course, is concerned that GNIC did not immediately report the matter as is required.

Yesterday, GNIC, which shares facilities with nearby Laparkan Shipping, which was affected, said in a statement that it is working with EPA on the matter. “On Tuesday, December 10, 2019 during the handling (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 12, 2019

PAGE 19

Management Course Trains 45 Guyanese NGO managers

Workshop participants with (seated) Colette Hytmiah-Singh, Development Coordination Officer, United Nations, Dr. William Brown, Violeta Talandis, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy.

A

strong sector of NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) is a key element of a healthy and robust democracy. To that end, the

U.S. Embassy and United Nations collaborated on an NGO Management Workshop held over two days from last Monday for 45 managers of NGOs in Guyana

representing six different regions.

The trainer, Dr. William Brown, is a professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

“I've met some really talented people doing difficult work, despite all the challenges they face,” said Dr. Brown. Areas covered in the workshop included mission and

value propositions, stakeholder definition, understanding capacity, theory of change, resource relationships, crafting proposals and monitoring and evaluation.

Charles Ceres wins libel suit against Guyana Times

B

usinessman and prominent engineer, Charles Ceres, was yesterday granted judgment against the Guyana Times newspapers.

In a libel suit claiming in excess of $200M in damages, Ceres and his wife, Ndibi Schweirs, said that the media outfit published misinformation about land acquired by them based on claims made by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo during his press conference.

Apart from Guyana

Times, Ceres had named the Kaieteur News and Jagdeo as respondents in the court action. When the case continued yesterday before Justice Fidela CorbinLincoln at the High Court in Demerara, judgment was granted in Ceres's favour.

This was after Guyana Times Inc., and its Editor, Tusika Martin, failed to file an affidavit in answer to the businessman's claim.

Having been satisfied that the requirements of Civil Procedure Rule 12:02 were

Six arrested for overseas-based Guyanese robbery

P

o l i c e a r e investigating an alleged robbery that occurred just after m i d n i g h t o n M o n d a y.

According to the Commander of 'B' division, Calvin Brutus, six persons have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Reports reaching this publication stated that three armed bandits attacked an overseas-based Guyanese and his wife who had just arrived at their John's East Berbice home. The incident reportedly occurred just after midnight on Monday.

Police sources have since

stated that the alleged robbery took place when the couple exited their vehicle in front of their John's Port Mourant home when they were unexpectedly attacked.

The men were reportedly hiding in the next-door neighbours yard.

The overseas-based Guyanese was reportedly beaten by the men as his wife looked on in horror.

They were both relieved of their valuables, car keys and approximately US$7,000, their hand luggage. A number of security cameras were also taken.

Police are investigating.

satisfied, Justice CorbinLincoln awarded judgment in default of defence against Guyana Times Inc., and its Editor. As it is, Ceres has to file witness statements in the form of affidavits upon which he intends to rely for assessment of damages which is fixed for April 15, 2020.

As it is, the case against Jagdeo and Kaieteur News is continuing. Jagdeo during a press conference had accused Ceres of obtaining several hundred acres of lands in Regions Six. The Leader of the Opposition had also spoke of another plot of land at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, for which no further details were provided.

In the statement of claim filed by their lawyer, Darren Wade, Ceres and his wife are seeking damages in excess of $200 M from Jagdeo for

statements he made for claiming that Schweirs, through her husband, obtained public lands at Canje Creek, Bohemia and Liliendaal by corrupt, illegal and criminal means.

The parties are also seeking damages in excess of $200M for the publishing of the unsubstantiated and defamatory statements via the People's Progressive Party's FaceBook page and Youtube channels.

The applicants are also seeking in excess of $200M each from News publications, Kaieteur News and Guyana Times for publishing articles based on Jagdeo's claims that the couple might have obtained the said lands via immoral, improper, illegal and criminal means. In addition to the sum worth in damages, Ceres and his wife are also seeking retractions

and apologies from the news outlets. In response to Ceres's lawsuit, Jagdeo in court documents said he is politically, legally and constitutionally enjoined and duty bound to speak out and condemn acts of corruption, nepotism and cronyism involving government and public officers.

In fact, Jagdeo, in an Affidavit in Defence, said that he has the legal right to hold these officials to public scrutiny and to reveal and inform the public of executive excesses, abuse of power, mismanagement, incompetence in public offices, as well as the misuse of state resources.

Added to that, Jagdeo said that he further has the legal right to speak out against, “squander mania, violations of the law and the Constitution by the

Prominent Engineer, Charles Ceres government and public officers and indeed, all forms of public wrongs.” Jagdeo has submitted to the court that he will prove that most, if not all the lands, were allocated subsequent to the passage of the No-Confidence Motion.

Against this backdrop, Jagdeo contends that the allocation of the lands is “legally dubious, if not wholly unlawful.”

Home care linked to enhanced recovery...

From page 16 persons including young c h i l d r e n , t h e e l d e r l y, convalescents, among others, right from the comfort of their homes.

The introduction of Caring Hands has already been proving to be instrumental since, according to Nurse Mohamed, “Many doctors discharge patients from hospital with instructions that must be followed but most of these instructions are not

followed by those in whose care the patients are discharged.

“Some of them do not execute the discharge plan from the doctor either because they may not be equipped or experienced to execute the plan, although they might have the teaching from the hospital, they might forget.”

“Our nurses who are trained professionals, our physiotherapists and others

they help to execute those duties to aid in the recovery of the clients...” said Nurse Mohamed who advised that persons are encouraged to call 624-2273 or visit the Caring Hands Camp Street, Georgetown office in the SRS building if they would like to learn more about the services offered.

Among the services delivered are monitoring of blood pressure, dressing changes, assessing and

correcting safety risks of the client's home, physical therapy, speech therapy, assisting with household chores, companionship and much more.

“Persons should take advantage of home care services because psychologically both the family and the client would feel more comfortable in their own home and it will help with the client's recovery,” said Nurse Mohamed.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday December 12, 2019

Trafficking in Persons…

New procedures to take victim-centered approach

W

ith the aim of strengthening Guyana's technical capacity to combat Trafficking in Persons and assisting victims of trafficking, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (MTTIP) yesterday launched the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Investigating of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Cases at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre.

Presenting the feature address, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, indicated that the launch of the SOP is part of a greater effort to

“Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, MP” build capacity among key stakeholders to ensure that the rights of the victims are emphasised in the combat of the crime.

He stated that procedure will ensure all persons involved in the investigation and prosecution of Trafficking in Persons will be guided by procedures that represent the best practices and guidelines.

Ramjattan highlighted “that it is important that we prepare ourselves not to be influenced, not to have a society that is going to be damaged by the Traffickers.”

He asserted that with the coming of oil and gas, Guyana will be a magnet for persons involved in Trafficking in Persons. Hence, the SOP will allow Guyana to align to a regime that is more advanced than what is presently used.

He further thanked the United states Department for

Intensified police patrol at GPHC in light of recent robbery attack

A

s of today, more police officers will be patrolling in the vicinity of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with the aim of heightening the safety of persons going to the Accident and Emergency Unit late at night.

Kaieteur News understands that recently, several persons have lodged complaints at the hospital about being attacked and robbed while at the hospital at night.

Most of the attacks are committed between midnight and 03:30 hrs.

In an interview with this publication, an official at the hospital said that although the police outpost is trying its best; much more help is needed to curb the issue.

Recently, officials at the hospital have started to install upgraded doors with buzzers, at the medical facility with the aim of keeping out thieves who would at times disguise as patients and rob persons at the facility.

The source stated that the hospital is willing to do anything that will make visitors feel safe. Patrolling police ranks outside the medical facility is a great start.

“The reason persons are coming to the hospital in the first place is because there are sick and they don't want to know that while on their way to get help, they get robbed…That is not nice. After being robbed most persons are left terrified and that only adds extra pain to what there are already going through.”

Country's response capacity...

From page 18 of cargo at the GNIC Terminal, a container with a chemical, “Rheduce”, was ruptured. “The chemical which is non-hazardous, nontoxic and harmless to human and marine life was stored in a designated area,” GNIC said. GNIC said that the chemical leaked and accumulated in a small area around the container.

“The response action to mop up the substance was awaited. However, the rain came and caused a spread of the substance.

“There was a panic reaction by Customs resulting in the closure of the terminal.

The relevant authorities visited the site and ensured a proper cleanup of the area since the substance was washed into the public drainage.”

GNIC disclosed that a number of actions as advised by the relevant authorities to mitigate against such re-

occurrence have been initiated. “ We r e g r e t t h e inconvenience to the public.

In the meantime, we are imploring all media personnel to ensure that information circulated meets the standard to accurately reflect the true situation. We are currently in talks with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding mitigating measures to be employed moving forward.”

Earlier in the day, the head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lt. Colonel, Kester Craig, reported that a suspected chemical spill occurred in the vicinity of Laparkan wharf located on Lombard Street, Georgetown.

“A team including the CDC, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Water Incorporated was deployed to conduct a risk assessment and execute

appropriate response.

“The Guyana Police Force was also contacted to provide cordon and traffic control. In the meantime, the CDC is advising the public to stay clear of the area to avoid any contamination.”

He later issued another statement.

“Based on the assessment which was conducted in and around the vicinity of the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC), it was confirmed that a chemical spill occurred between last night and (yesterday) morning.” He said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting their assessment, analysis and impact of the spill and would provide updates.

“In the meantime, the c l e a n - u p a n d decontamination of the area has commenced. CDC will continue to provide the necessary coordinating support.”

successfully funding the procedures and employing a regional expert.

During the launch, Project Manager, Counter-Trafficking IOM, Mr. Oliver Profit, highlighted that he believes that the procedures will be a key addition to the local framework for responding to cases of human trafficking in Guyana. According to Ms. Diana Shaw, Attorney-at-law and Legal Consultant, the procedures are taking a victimcentered approach as it relates to investigation and prosecution.

She stated that the procedures expressed promote “putting the person who has been disempowered, who has been disenfranchised by Trafficking in Persons at the center of our intervention to

ensure that we build strong cases.”

Shaw further highlighted that the procedures are supported by a “Protection SOP” and therefore builds a framework of collaboration while emphasising the role of the law enforcement agencies responsible for investigation. She also emphasised the role of NGOs, Civil Societies in the implementation of the SOP in ensuring it is victim centered.

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, stated that the launch can be seen as further evidence of Guyana's ongoing commitment in ensuring that Trafficking in Persons is dealt with in a comprehensive manner.

Calling it a “modern form

of slavery”, the Chief Justice asserted that as a key stakeholder, the Judicial Education Institute of Guyana held its first conference on Trafficking in Persons on September 20, 2019, acknowledging the crucial role that the Judicial System plays in combating a matter of serious concern for the country.

January to November 2019, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in P e r s o n s ( M T- T I P ) investigated 18 suspected cases of TIP which included 138 alleged victims and 50 suspects.

This resulted in eight convictions. Additionally, all the victims were females and Region four accounted for 87% of these cases.

Grandfather freed of wife-killing charge

R

andolph Tahal, the 62-year-old grandfather of Smythfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice, who was on trial for killing his wife back in 2017 walked out of the Berbice High Court on Wednesday a free man. He was granted his freedom following a not guilty verdict of the Jury.

Tahal was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed Jury in the Berbice High Court for the murder of his wife, Janet Tahal. The killingoccurred between September 17 and September 19, 2017, at their Lot 95 Smythfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice home.

Attorney-at-law Seeta Bishundial presented the state's case.

The accused, a former driver, was represented by state appointed attorney Siand Dhurjon. When the matter continued Justice Reynolds took approximately three hours to sum up the evidence to the jury.

The jury after deliberating for some time returned for further directions including direction on the meaning of unanimous.

They then returned with their not guilty verdict. State Prosecutor Seeta Bishundial told the court that the accused had reported that on September 17, 2017, he returned home and upon opening the front door to his house, he found his wife lying naked in their home in a pool of blood with a wound to her

Randolph Tahal head. She was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, before she was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she subsequently died.

The accused in a caution statement stated that that on the day in question, he and his wife were drinking “white rum”. During drinking, they argued over the condition of the house because they were preparing for his mother's funeral.

They started to fight and he lashed her with a piece of greenheart wood and she fell.

He subsequently showed the piece of wood to the police.

“Ah left she lying down and collect Colin and he wife Meena. Ah buy another bottle white rum and we began drinking.” He checked on his wife and saw her lying down and thought she was sleeping.

Upon checking again, he saw blood.”

The court heard that he then called his two friends and they took her to the New

Amsterdam Hospital. Her head was burst; he did not tell them that he had lashed his wife.

He expressed his sorrow about what happened.

Attorney-at-law Dhurjon, in his submission, argued that there was not enough evidence to convict his client.

He stated that most of the injuries suffered by the woman were on her left side and were due to medical negligence.

He said that during the woman's time at the Georgetown Public Hospital, she fell from a stretcher and broke some ribs, which punctured her lungs. The woman also suffered a stroke.

During the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses. Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan gave the cause of death as a result of perforation of the lungs, compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

Police Crime Scene Detective Inspector Curtis Cort, who visited the premises found two cars in the yard, a blood-stained pillow case, blood-stained pillow and a piece of wood with what appears to be blood. What appeared to be blood was also found inside the house.

Police Detective Corporals Roland Beharry and Lance Corporal Emanuel Davidson, Police Constable Lorna Grant, the daughter of the accused and the deceased, Jennifer Khan, neighbours Colin Wilson and Bibi Khan also testified.

Thursday December 12, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Natural Resources Fund…

US Federal Reserve still to approve Guyana account after two years

By Gary Eleazar Guyana has passed legislation for the establishment of a Natural Resource Fund (NRF) that will act as a repository for Guyana’s oil and other natural resource revenues but the United States Federal Reserve Bank is yet to approve the country’s foreign account, even after two years of talks.

This, according to Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobin Ganga, is to g o v e r n t h e management of the account.

D r. G a n g a

yesterday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minister of Finance, Dr Winston Jordan, The Central Bank governor told reporters that the US Bank had been approached as far back as 2017 and that the process is an ongoing one with due diligence expected to be completed shortly.

“We have been having discussion with the federal reserve not only with respect to this Fund but

with respect to other things that we are doing,” said Dr. Ganga.

He explained that the Bank of Guyana has shared a 50-year history with the US Federal Reserve but said with regards the NRF, advanced notice had to be given with regards Guyana’s expectations.

He said that the correspondence has been continuous over the years and that the due diligence is expected to be completed “very shortly.”

The officials expressed confidence that the process including the Bank’s due diligence on Guyana and the source of the revenues will be completed by the time the country is ready to receive its first tranche of revenues.

According to Jordan, despite the announcement that first oil from the Stabroek Bloc is due in a matter of days, there is still some time before the country actually begins to

receive its first set of revenues.

He used the occasion to also emphasise to reporters that the fund will be operationalised before the first set of revenue from the country’s petroleum reserves.

“The important thing is that we said the fund would be operationalised before first oil…We’re not expecting to get any money next week, not even next month.”

He sought to explain too that when opening an

account at a bank, following any due diligence and approval is had, then there needs to be money to put into the account,” reminding that oil revenue is not due for some time still.

The US Federal Reserve Bank was described as perhaps the safest place for Guyana’s oil revenues to be deposited with Dr. Ganga pointing out that there would be no interest earned had the deposits been made locally.

PAGE 22

Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

Call for stronger immigration ties

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Daily Nation - A Bridgetown magistrate has called for greater cooperation among regional immigration departments as a Jamaican national said he was a pawn in a criminal credit card ring.

“There should be some sort of sharing, there should be something,” Magistrate Douglas Frederick said after he was told that

Business Chamber launches draft...

From page 8 be. You know this section is going to be carved up for locals or the tendering process is going to be this way…

“So when I look at contracts, I know that contract execution and contract management must go along with these roles and methodologies.”

He said that the oil sector is not just going to be useful to Guyana through the revenues, it will earn the coun-

From page 7 meet the mental health needs of children was urgently needed. She also called for processing centres for juveniles as stated in the Juvenile Justice Act and a restricted care facility to deal with “out of control” children.

Projecting plans for 2020, Director Greene said the Transitional Coaching Programme for the families temporarily accommodated at the New Children and

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try, but through the stimulation of an upward surge in the standards of services and products that indigenous companies provide.

Boyer believes that, with just the right ingredients, Guyana has the opportunity to make strong, fruitful partnerships with foreign investors.

The Energy Department is currently working on the final Local Content Policy. The Georgetown Chamber and

various other commentators have submitted contributions for the policy to be improved upon from the shortcomings that were pointed out in its previous iterations, to one that gives locals quality participation in the Petroleum sector.

The Energy Department hopes to complete the policy before the year is out. First Oil is expected to come about in just a few days.

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“Immigration will have to work on that. I didn’t know that this thing was so widespread that they would send somebody with credit cards.

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Family Care Centre would be rolled out.

“This initiative is to provide social work intervention and other assistance to the families for them to transition to independent and sustainable living accommodation and to adequately care their children. It is designed for clients to achieve success in their transitional experience,” Greene noted.

The information was provided at the agencys year-end staff conference, hosted on Wednesday.

Thursday December 12, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

D’Urban Park Lions celebrates its 26th anniversary Saturday will mark the 26th anniversary of the Lions Club of Georgetown D’urban Park. Formed on December 14, 1993 with 25 members and the late Lion Deborah Backer as its charter President, the Club now boasts a total membership of 81 with the inclusion of 19 members from its Club Branch in Linden.

At the helm for the current fiscal year is Lion Simone Beckles who is ably supported by a Board comprising 15 members and the general membership among which prevails a strong sense of camaraderie and a passion for doing service.

At the District level, Georgetown D’Urban Park has been represented by Past District Governor and Council Chair Lion Maxine Cummings and the current First Vice District Governor Lion Denise Bentinck.

Ms. Bentinck will be the next District Governor for the Region.

The Lions Club of Georgetown D’Urban Park has over the years had the deepest satisfaction in providing service to the community – both within and outside of its assigned boundaries bordered by Hadfield Street, Cane View Avenue, High Palm Road/ Meadowbrook Drive and Cemetery Road.

The Club provides service under its three umbrella programmes - Education and Youth, Health and Service and Sight Conservation and Work with the Blind.

Through its Education and Youth programme, the Club continues to support the mental and physical well-being of Guyana’s youth through a number of activities. These include a weekly school feeding programme at the Thomas More Primary School, weekly library and remedial reading classes for children within the Festival City and wider community and an annual literacy competition among the schools within the Club boundaries.

From this competition, a student is selected for a four-year Bursary provided by Ram and McRae Associates.

Through the Lions Quest programme and the Club’s life skills programme, life skills counselling is provided to second and third form students in guiding them towards adopting healthy attitudes and values as they develop into adults.

The culmination of this annual programme is marked by a life skills camp hosted by the Club at which students and Lions interact at an informal level.

Members of the Club’s children’s library are also treated to an annual Christmas party, which is

enjoyed by all.

In preparing adolescents for the world of work, the Club hosts an annual career fair, which is attended by the students of a number of secondary schools within Georgetown.

The Club’s annual Peace Poster competition which is executed in three secondary schools each year provides an avenue for artistic creativity among students in developing posters depicting the theme of world peace.

The Club also promotes environmental consciousness among youth and the wider community through environmental projects within schools and clean-up campaigns/gardening competitions within the community.

Through its Health and Service Programme, D’Urban Park has hosted numerous health clinics for members of the La Penitence, Lodge, Sophia, Ruimveldt and other communities.

During these clinics, both general and specialist services are provided along with medications and counselling on nutrition and general wellness. The Club also collaborates with the Ministry of Public Health and other partners in supporting the annual Strides Walk for Diabetes. This year, a social support group for persons living with diabetes has been launched.

D’urban Park continues to serve the senior members of the community through its annual senior citizens’ party for approximately 150 members of the community

at which there is much fun, frolic and goodies.

The Club also has an ongoing relationship with Uncle Eddie’s Home and has over the years, supported the refurbishing of the Home, in addition to providing Christmas cheer to the residents through its annual decorating of the building and the provision of refreshments.

Through the Sight Conservation and Work with the Blind programme, the Club conducts eye-screening and provides spectacles for the students of a number primary schools within the Club’s boundaries.

Through the kind services and subsidised costs provided

by Drs. Michelle Ming, Kamrul Bacchus and Karen Persram, the Club has over the years been able

to provide assistance to thousands of needy children within the community.

With the introduction of White Cane Day in 2012, the Club also distributes white canes to deserving persons within the community and also to the Guyana Association for the Blind.

Raising funds to finance the Club’s service activities is an ongoing challenge and the Club continues to explore innovative fund raising ways.

Annual fund raising activities include a Journey for Sight Walk, Sunny September brunch, hot dog sales, take-away lunch sales, games evenings, and backin-time parties among other activities.

“We are deeply appreciative

of the generous donations and other support received from the business community for both our fund raising and service activities.

“We are well aware of the many other organisations that seek support from the same small pool of business entities and are especially grateful for the ongoing support received from Ram and McRae, Food for the Poor, Republic Bank, Scotia Bank, Banks DIH, Sterling Products, Courts Ltd, Bhena’s Shoe Store, Pele Football Club Alumni and the many other entities that have supported our activities.

“We continue to plod along and look forward to another successful year of providing service to humanity,” Lion Simone Beckles said.

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Thursday December 12, 2019

Suu Kyi tells U.N.’s top court charge of Rohingya genocide is ‘misleading’ THE HAGUE (Reuters) Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday rejected accusations of genocide committed against her country’s Muslim Rohingya minority as “incomplete and misleading”, and said the case should not be heard by the U.N.’s highest court.

The Nobel Peace laureate, speaking during three days of hearings at the International Court of Justice, challenged allegations in a lawsuit brought by Gambia last month accusing Myanmar of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention.

40

Suu Kyi, once feted in the West as a heroine of democracy, spoke for about 30 minutes at the courtroom in The Hague in defense of the actions of the Myanmar military that for years had kept her under house arrest.

She said a military-led “clearance operation” in western Rakhine State launched in August 2017 was a counterterrorism response to coordinated Rohingya militant attacks against dozens of police stations.

“Gambia has placed an incomplete and misleading picture of the factual situation in

Rakhine state in Myanmar,” she said.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar to Bangladesh after the military launched its crackdown.

United Nations investigators have said 10,000 people may have been killed.

Rights groups said Suu Kyi’s statement contradicted evidence on the ground and witness accounts. Her remarks “fly in the face of all the evidence gathered by the UN, and the testimony our own teams have heard from countless survivors,” said George Graham, director of humanitarian advocacy at Save the Children Gambia has argued it is every country’s duty under the convention to prevent a genocide from taking place, or to punish those responsible.

GENOCIDAL INTENT? While Suu Kyi conceded that disproportionate military force may have been used and civilians killed, she said the acts did not constitute genocide. And she argued Myanmar was taking steps to punish soldiers responsible for what it has previously said were isolated cases of wrongdoing.

“Surely, under the circumstances, genocidal intent cannot be the only hypothesis,” she told the panel of 17 judges. “Can there be genocidal intent on the part of a state that actively investigates, prosecutes and punishes soldiers and officers that are accused of wrongdoing?”

Last year, Myanmar’s military announced seven soldiers involved in a massacre of 10 Rohingya men and boys in the village of Inn Din in September 2017 had been sentenced to “10 years in prison with hard labor in a remote area”. They were granted early release after less than a year in the prison.

Late last month, the military said it had begun a court martial of an unspecified number of soldiers over events in another village, Gu Dar Pyin, the site of a second alleged massacre of 10 Rohingya.

Judges this week are hearing the first phase of the case: Gambia’s request for “provisional measures” - the equivalent of a restraining order against Myanmar to protect the Rohingya population until the case is heard in full.

The tribunal has no enforcement powers, but its rulings are final and carry significant international weight.

The legal threshold for a finding of genocide is high.

Just three cases have been recognized under international law since World War Two: In Cambodia in the late 1970s; In Rwanda in 1994; and at Srebrenica, Bosnia, in 1995.

Although a U.N. fact-finding mission found that “the gravest crimes under international law” had been committed in Myanmar and called for genocide trials, no court has previously weighed evidence.

Myanmar lawyer William Schabas appealed to the court to reject the demand for an injunction and said the court did not have jurisdiction.

He argued the reported number of 10,000 deaths in Rakhine did not meet a threshold for genocide, which requires that a specific ethnic group is destroyed in whole or in part.

“A GREAT LIAR” The case is being followed closely across Rakhine state’s border in Bangladesh, where more than 1 million Rohingya

are now crowded into the world’s biggest refugee camp.

Yesterday, some refugees shouted “liar, liar, shame!”, as they watched Suu Kyi defend Myanmar’s case on television.

“She is a liar. A great liar, shame on her,” said Abdur Rahim, 52, while watching a live telecast of her testimony at a community center in the Kutupalong camp.

Meanwhile in Myanmar’s commercial capital Yangon, where there have been demonstrations in support of Suu Kyi in recent days, several hundred people, including monks and government staff, watched a live broadcast of the hearings in a park. Some recorded her comments on their phones.

“The lawyers on Myanmar’s side are brilliant.

Since it’s about the truth, the lawyers seem so confident.

They are telling the truth,” said Khin Nu, 62.

Suu Kyi came to power in 2016 following a landslide election win, but a militarydrafted constitution means she must share power with the army that ruled the Southeast Asian nation for decades.

Thursday December 12, 2019

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Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is Time’s Person of the Year NEW YORK/MADRID (Reuters) - Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swede who inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change, has been named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2019.

Thunberg launched a

grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside Swedish parliament, pushing for her government to meet its ambitious goals to curb carbon emissions.

Her actions quickly captured people’s imagination,

and in September this year millions of people took to the streets in cities across the world to support her cause.

“In the 16 months since (her protests began), she has addressed heads of state at the U.N., met with the Pope, sparred with the President of

the United States and inspired 4 million people to join the global climate strike,” the magazine said.

She is the youngest individual to have won the accolade.

“Margaret Atwood compared her to Joan of Arc. Af-

ter noticing a hundredfold increase in its usage, lexicographers at Collins Dictionary named Thunberg’s pioneering idea, climate strike, the word of the year,” Time added. Thunberg, who turns 17 in January, is currently in Madrid at a United Nations

climate summit where world leaders are wrangling over how to implement a 2015 Paris agreement designed to avert potentially catastrophic global warming.

She was typically blunt in her assessment of politicians’ efforts.

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Thursday December 12, 2019

Thursday December 12, 2019

US Ambassador calls for united approach in fighting cybercrime KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Donald Tapia, is calling for a united approach among nations in combatting the growing problem of cybercrime.

Addressing a cybersecurity workshop for Latin American and Caribbean countries in the western city of Montego Bay recently, he noted that while the Internet has changed lives, ushered in new industries and provided for greater connectivity at lower costs, it has also brought cyber-related threats.

He said that billions of devices are connected to the Internet, some with relatively little attention to security, while bad actors have become bigger and better equipped to launch cyberattacks and nations have been hard-pressed to keep up. He noted that banks have been spending billions of dollars on security devices to protect their operations and customers.

“The global reach of the Internet allows individuals, criminal organisations and even nations to impact not just the region but the whole world. Because of the transnational nature of the issue, we must all work together to tackle these shared threats,” Tapia said Internet growth has obviously brought numerous op-

Ambassador Donald Tapia portunities for the region [but] we have to be vigilant in our approach going forward,” he added.

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Fayval Williams, agreed, citing a 2018 report on cybercrime, which showed that there has been an increase in credit and debit card fraud locally as well as identity theft and ransom-related emails.

“These are only a few of the cases that emphasise the need for vigilance on the part of everyone and also the need for countries to have a robust cyber infrastructure,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tapia said that the regional workshop represents a significant step in addressing cybercrime as a national security and economic priority.

He noted that the countries of the Americas have planned several events throughout 2020 that will “strengthen our mutual national security to advance the security of our citizens”.

“A key element of these programmes is to help dismantle transnational criminals and terrorist organisations while curbing the trafficking of illicit goods and people,” he said.

Cuban nurses to temporarily fill vacancies -50 locals to be trained as nursing assistants ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada CMC – The government of Grenada will early in 2020, be contracting between 30 to 40 nurses from Cuba as a temporary measure to help fill vacancies within the healthcare systems.

This is part of a short term measure adopted by health administrators aimed at reducing the impact of nurses who are taking up jobs in overseas.

Health Minister Nikolas Steele said the Government is currently finalizing arrangements for the nurses following the visit of a delegation to Cuba a few weeks ago.

“This is a stop-gap measure,” he said while admitting that over the years, nurses with experience are leaving the system.

“Unfortunately, we are

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losing our nurses to first world countries,” he said.

However, he did not say how many nurses have left the system in most recent times.

Besides Cuba, Steele said that Grenada is also looking to import nurses from Ghana and India.

The final agreement will include housing for the nursing professionals.

While the Government will be importing the qualified registered nurses and those who are highly qualified, Steele said that 50 persons who are desirous of becoming nursing assistants will commence a one-year training through one of the certified national train centres of the National Training Agency.

“We are still on schedule for a January start of our nurs-

ing assistants programme, we are in finalise negotiations with La Boucan and the national training authority of Grenada as well as our Ministry of Youth and Education to finalise the training of 50 nursing assistants, in two batches of 25,” the Minster said.

The curriculum is expected to meet the criteria of the nursing council, the national training agency and the Ministry of Health. The training will involve both theory and practical.

La Boucan Creative Centre which is owned and operated by former Health Minister under the Tillman Thomas administration Ann Peters and her husband Urias – is recognised as a national training centre, with a programme that is accredited by the National Accreditation Board.

Regional governments reach ‘consensus’ on LIAT deal Daily Observer - A new agreement has apparently been struck as the government of Barbados has apparently come off its initial stance of requesting US$40 million from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) to acquire most of its 49 percent shareholding in regional air carrier, LIAT (1974) Ltd. “We have a general consensus on the way forward,” declared Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

He attended a LIAT shareholder government’s meeting held over a week ago. He confirmed that in that meeting with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph

Gonsalves.

“That consensus,” continued Browne, “will result in the recapitalization of LIAT as well as the restructuring of LIAT to place it on a path of sustainability.”

Talks broke down between the GOAB and Barbados back in June when the two sides could not come to an agreement on the purchase price for most of Barbados’s 49 percent shares in the regional air carrier.

The Barbados government, then, was seeking approximately US$21 million more than the GOAB was willing to offer.

Concerning the new deal, however, Prime Minister Browne said, “I’m not in a position to give the details at

this point, but to say that the issues that we’ve had, there has been some convergence and there’s now a consensus and a way forward.”

In November, the GOAB secured a loan from Venezuelan Bank, BANCO ALBA, for US $15.8 million as it expected to use most of the acquired financing to become the largest shareholder of the regional carrier.

The Antigua and Barbuda shareholding currently sits at 34 percent.

After talks to acquire Barbados shares had broken down, Antigua and Barbuda sought a way-around the stalled negotiations by seeking a capital call through other existing and potential regional shareholding governments.

AG: Almost 5,000 on remand for weed, billions spent - ‘Male’ plants specification removed NEWSDAY - Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said in the past five years, almost 5,000 people have been incarcerated and billions spent on them while on remand.

He was piloting debate on the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and the Cannabis Control Bill (which were debated simultaneously) in the House yesterday.

He reported that from 2008-2018 there were 85,000 cannabis cases (about 7,5008,500 per year), which was a significant number. He said of these cases, almost 85 per cent were for simple possession while trafficking was about 12-14 per cent and cultivation and gathering were 0.6 per cent and 0.2 per cent respectively.

He described as “alarming” the fact that from 20142019, 4,694 people were arrested for possession, could not access bail and were put on remand.

“It is a staggering number.”

Al-Rawi recalled that he had reported the average cost of keeping someone on remand was between $15,000 and $25,000 a month, and therefore from 2014-2019 billions had been spent on people on remand for simple possession. He said the vast majority of those remanded were aged18-35 or 35-50, and stressed that they were kept

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi with hardened, serious criminals.

He said the ethnic distribution for 2014 showed 352 African, 185 mixed, 124 East Indian, three Hispanic and zero Asian. He added the distribution was equal between people from urban and rural areas.

He reported of the 146,000 cases annually in the magistracy, approximately 8,500 were for cannabis, whether possession, trafficking, cultivation or gathering.

He explained that 104,000 cases would be removed for

motor vehicle and road traffic cases, 26,000 more for preliminary enquiry, and about 8,000 for possession of marijuana.

That would leave only about 8,000 cases a year for the country’s 43 magistrates and 12 courts, which was a huge reduction from 146,000.

Al-Rawi also announced that following public critique, the “male” specification of the allocation of four cannabis plants per household had been removed. He added that both male and female cannabis plants were necessary for cultivation.

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Thursday December 12, 2019

Thursday December 12, 2019

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Andreescu named Canada’s athlete of the year Big guns prepare... after breakout season Toronto (Reuters) Bianca Andreescu was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year on Monday, capping a remarkable year in which the teenager became the country’s first tennis Grand Slam singles champion with her U.S. Open triumph.

Andreescu, an unknown quantity to most in Canada a year ago, was a unanimous pick after a breakout season in which she upset Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final and reached a career-high fo u r t h i n t h e w o r l d rankings.

“Wow, I’m so thankful for this award. I was not expecting it and to be the first tennis player to win is

even more surreal,” the 19year-old Andreescu said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada.

“None of my success this year would have been possible without the support from all of Canada.” Andreescu, who at the end of 2018 was ranked 178th but who finished this season at number five, began to gain attention in January when she beat former world number ones Caroline Wo z n i a c k i a n d Ve n u s Williams on her way to the Auckland final.

In March, as a wildcard, she won the Indian Wells title but a shoulder injury forced her to retire from a last-16

Bianca Andreescu match at the following event in Miami and caused her to miss most of the clay and grasscourt seasons.

Andreescu, the daughter of Romanian immigrants to Canada, then won her hometown t o u r n a m e n t i n To r o n t o before going on to make

Thursday December 12, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You have a pleasant day ahead. Optimism and creativity prevail. You can avail yourself of all the freedom necessary to encounter happiness.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) The day ahead looks promising. Your energy is gradually returning, and you're beginning to feel more enterprising about your domestic life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) No one's more forward thinking than you now. You're in tune with new inventions and trends, and you may have an irresistible desire to join an avant-garde group.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You couldn't be in a better position in your personal life. The time is ripe to thumb your nose at your demons for the last time.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Try to imagine that you're in your creative workshop and you've given up using all your usual tools in order to find new ways to give form to your inspiration. Another completely different creative style will emerge.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today's forecast is excellent for you. The celestial bodies can't help but smile on the tempestuous energy of your character. You would be advised to act on your strong intuition.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your private life is probably in the throes of great change. This change is likely related to profound transformations that are taking place in your behavior, in particular your nervousness.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Devote your energies to human psychology today. It's a good day to try to sell your ideas. Concentrate your efforts on those whose help you need. If you have faith in your originality, your sales efforts are likely to pay off.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It wouldn't be surprising if you enrolled in a class that's very different from your normal activities. For example, a surfer may get a sudden urge to learn about computers, or a technology guru might take up flower arranging.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There is some likelihood that you'll have an electrifying emotional encounter today.

Some of life's more mundane details may trigger arguments that, although violent, are cathartic and short.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some of the planetary movements are currently helping you understand that the best place to discover treasure isn't always where other people tell you to look.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The current astral configuration could be described as a crisis phase, although today's events won't be unhappy. Communication proves difficult for you.

history in New York where she denied Williams from earning a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title.

The Canadian lost just four completed matches during the season, which she finished with a 48-7 record including injury retirements.

The other finalists for the award, which is named after a former Toronto Star sports editor, were sprinter Andre De Grasse, golfer Brooke Henderson, NHL goalie Jordan Binnington and MLB pitcher Mike Soroka.

“Canadian sports crushed it this year so there are definitely many other athletes who deserve a piece of this award as well — we all motivate each other to be better,” said Andreescu. “I can’t wait for what 2020 will bring and am always proud to represent Canada at the highest level.”

Milerock and Pele to set the...

From page 31 match against Pele on Sunday. “We intend to finalise a lot of the work that we’ve been doing just to fine tune a couple of things. I think the philosophy of how we want to play is established, it’s just a case now for us to reinforce in every session the importance of us sticking to plan and playing together as a unit.”

Commenting on the guest players they have approached given the fact that the rules of the competition allows for every team to have three, Joseph informed that they have a number of players from their hometown training with the team and they haven’t as yet finalised which of those players would be added to the team.

“But what I know is that we pretty much know where our weaker areas are and we’ve tried to ensure that we bring in players can strengthen those areas.”

Sponsors on board to date are MACORP, Pegasus Hotel Guyana, HJ 94.1, THAG, Extra Beer & Extra Energy, Impressions, MP Sports, BASIF, NAMILCO, ECV Investments Ltd.

From page 30 successful team in the shorter format and their recent form must be a frightening scenario for their opponents.

The likes of Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, the skillful Deon Alfred, the indomitable Sheldon Shepherd, the upstart Ryan Hackett and the return to form of Eusi Phillips is clearing an imposing proposition for any team.

On the other hand, Gold is Money despite losing to Sparta in their most recent engagement has been the team that presents the most headaches for them. Their style of play is perfectly suited to provide difficulty …for Sparta, but the loss of talisman Hubert Pedro through a hamstring injury and the exodus of Jermin Junor have made them a bit vulnerable.

However, the experience

of Phillip Rowley, Randolph Wagner, Solomon Austin and the dreadlocked, cool and calm Jamal Pedro have averted any major slip in success.

Rio All Stars have looked in sharp form with players the caliber of Junor, Andrew Murray Jnr, Job Caesarhave played with clinical efficiency and is a serious threat to any team before them.

On the other hand, Bent Street is loaded with talent and well led by Daniel Wilson. He has as support the likes of Pernell Schultz, Clive Nobrega and national goalkeeper Akel Clarke between the uprights.

All systems are in place to bring a fitting and exciting end to what has been a good tournament that the organisers hope to pull off annually. It promises to be a night of football fury for the ultimate prize.

Naseem Shah impresses...

From page 27 with plenty of pace and was rewarded when opener Oshada Fernando edged to first slip, before returning late in the day to remove Angelo Mathews.

Former Sri Lanka captain Mathews had put on 62 for the fifth wicket alongside Dhananjaya de Silva before he too edged

to slip off Shah. Sri Lanka, who won the toss, put on 96 for the first wicket, with Captain Dimuth Karunaratne the only player to pass 50.

The match, which is the first in a two-Test series, is part of the World Test Championship, with Pakistan yet to register any points in the competition.

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FIFA Club World Cup

Al Sadd progress as Hienghene impress Al Sadd secured a meeting with Monterrey by seeing off Hienghene Sport 3-1 after extra-time in a nail-biting opener to the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019.

Abdelkarim Hassan’s powerful free-kick in the first extra-time period clinched the victory and Pedro Miguel added an insurance goal in the 114th minute. Baghdad Bounedjah and Amy Roine struck in either half to keep the match level after 90 minutes.

The debutants started off

in impressive fashion, undaunted by the first steps on the global stage. Jefferson Dahite hammered into the side netting before Roine’s spectacular overhead attempt illustrated their intent.

However, the predatory finishing of Bounedjah saw him steal in between the Hienghene centre-backs and flick home the first goal of the tournament. Akram Afif thought he’d made it two, but his tally was ruled out for offside.

The game turned on its head inside a minute of the restart, as Roine muscled his way behind the defence and

curled home superbly. It was initially ruled out for a foul, but a VAR review brought about jubilant scenes from the Pacific Islanders.

Al Sadd regained the lead late in the first period of extra time by forcing a mistake from goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine, who handled a team-mate’s back-pass while under duress. Hassan took full advantage, blasting his freekick past a wall of defenders from close range.

Pedro Miguel capped off a smooth counter attack six minutes from the final whistle to ensure advancement for his side.

Leon Spinks’ wife asks for prayers for husband Reuters - The wife of former world heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks has asked for prayers for her husband amid a media report that he is in a Las Vegas hospital in a serious condition.

“It’s been a tough year for us,” Brenda Spinks wrote in a Facebook post. “Leon has endured a lot of medical problems. I’m reaching out to ask you to kindly pray for my Beautiful Husband Leon. So that he may overcome the obstacles that have crossed his path.”

Celebrity website TMZ says Spinks is “fighting for his life” with an undisclosed condition.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the accuracy of the report. The 66-year-old will forever be known for beating Muhammad Ali in one of

Leon Spinks and Muhammad Ali during bout. Bettmann/Getty Images boxing’s greatest upsets in their 1978 world heavyweight title fight.

Missouri-born Spinks had previously won gold at the

1976 Montreal Olympics. He has endured several health problems in recent years, and in 2014 underwent abdominal surgery.

Australian Barty named WTA Player of the Year London (Reuters) - Australia’s Ash Barty has been named WTA Player of the Year after capturing her maiden Grand Slam singles title and reaching the top of the world rankings.

The 23-year-old, who quit tennis to play cricket in 2014 before returning to the game in 2016, became the first Australian to win the French Open since Margaret Court in 1973 when she beat Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova in June.

She also won the prestigious Miami title and became the first Australian woman to reach the WTA World number one ranking since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976.

Barty’s 57 match wins this year was the most by any player.

Bianca Andreescu took the newcomer award after winning the U.S. Open to become the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title, while Swiss Belinda Bencic was named “comeback player of the year” after regaining her place in the top 10.

Ashleigh Barty (AUS).

Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Thursday December 12, 2019

Jesus hat-trick inspires Man City win in Zagreb BBCsport - Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus says he has to “keep scoring” after his hat-trick inspired the Blues to come from behind to win their final Champions League Group C game at Dinamo Zagreb.

The Brazil forward, 22, who is spearheading City’s attack with Sergio Aguero out injured, has now scored five goals in his last five starts for the club.

And his form is likely to be key for City, who are third in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.

“Now the goals are coming so I’m so happy but I cannot stop - I have to keep scoring,” Jesus said. “I have to do my job.

My job is to score goals and help the team, without the ball and with the ball.

Last month, I was not scoring and I felt so bad because I have to score and help my team-mates.”

City, who qualified prior to their trip to Croatia, finished top of Group C, with Atalanta qualifying in second after their 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk. Dani Olmo had opened the scoring for the hosts, with a sparkling volley from Damian Kadzior’s rightwing cross which found the top corner.

But Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession throughout and levelled

Gabriel Jesus’ last 14 goals for Manchester City have all come away from the Etihad.(GettyImages) before the break, with Jesus heading a Riyad Mahrez cross into the top left corner.

Jesus then put City ahead early in the second half, placing an effort into the bottom right corner after a one-two with Phil Foden and some neat footwork.

The Brazil forward tapped Benjamin Mendy’s cross into an unguarded Dinamo goal four minutes later but he was then substituted. Foden rounded off a fine display from the visitors, prodding in Bernardo Silva’s cross, to give the score an emphatic feel.

City advance to the

knockout stages unbeaten in the competition this term and will be one of the seeds in Monday’s last-16 draw.

Dinamo’s defeat, coupled with Atalanta’s victory, sees the Croatian champions finish bottom of the group to miss out on a place in the Europa League.

Results from elsewhere: Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Atalanta 3, Club Bruges 1 Real Madrid 3, PSG 5 Galatasaray 0, Bayern Munich 3 Tottenham 1, Olympiakos 1 Red Star Belgrade 0, Atl Madrid 2 Lokomotiv Moscow 0, B Leverkusen 0 Juventus 2.

Draw Delivers Matchups for 2021 Gold Cup Qualifying Matches

Guyana to play Barbados, winner to face T&T Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) last evening conducted the official draw for the qualifying matches of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. The gala event in Miami, FL was attended by Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio and the presidents of all 41 Concacaf Member Associations.

The draw was conducted

by Concacaf Development Director Jason Roberts and Concacaf Director of Competitions Carlos Fernandez.

As announced in March of 2018, the 2019-2020 Concacaf Nations League kicked off the road to 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. After group stage play, the top two

finishers in each of the League A groups and the top finisher in each of the League B groups secured their participation in the 16th edition of the Confederation’s premier tournament for men’s national teams.

The road to the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup will continue next year with a tworound qualifier, to be played in a direct elimination format.

Beginning in March of 2020, the second-place finishers of League B will face the firstplace finishers of League C. The four matchups were drawn as follows: Matchup 1: Guadeloupe vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Matchup 2: Barbados vs Guyana; Matchup 3: Bahamas vs French Guiana; Matchup 4: Guatemala vs Monserrat.

After home-and-away play, the four round one matchup winners will advance to the second round,

where they will face the thirdplace finishers of League A. The second round will take place during the FIFA window of June 2020. The four round-two matchups were drawn as follows: Matchup 5: Winner Matchup 1 vs Haiti; Matchup 6: Winner Matchup 2 vs Trinidad & Tobago; Matchup 7: Winner Matchup 3 vs Bermuda; Matchup 8: Winner Matchup 4 vs Cuba.

After home-and-away play, the four matchup winners will qualify for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, joining (in alphabetical order); Canada, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, Grenada, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Suriname and the United States.

The complete schedule, including dates, kickoff times and host venues for the qualifying matches will be announced at a later date.

Thursday December 12, 2019

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Foster to seek re-election as BCB president on ‘592 Beer Inter-Village Football Festival’ Quarterfinals to Dec. 22 after successful first term The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday December 22 next would be hosting its Annual General Meeting and Election. Current President Hilbert Foster, MS would be seeking re-election for another two year term along with a carefully selected slate of candidates.

Foster stated that he was fully prepared to walk away after his highly successful first term but agreed to the request of countless clubs, young players, officials and parents as they are concerned about Berbice cricket returning to a state of dormancy.

Another reason, Foster stated is that numerous sponsors have indicated that they would only stay on board, if he remains as the President. Foster, who is also the Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS took over the leadership of the struggling BCB on the 18th February, 2018, at a Special Election ordered by Guyana’s High Court.

He took over the reins with no developmental programmes in place, no proper tournament in over two years, $42,000 in a dormant bank account, no sponsors, a system where clubs were closing down and players were walking away from the game out of frustration.

Twenty months later, Berbice cricket is at one of its highest levels ever and is on

the move to even greater success.

Foster recalled that the past Executive of the BCB has to date failed to account for over $2M withdrawn during a six months period in 2017 and has not handed over a single piece of document to ensure a smooth transition of the leadership.

Foster, in a January 2018 interview had stated that it would take a miracle from God to save Berbice cricket and a lot of hard work, dedication and sponsorship. The first thing, he did was to heal the great divide among the two warring factions and get former opponents to work along with him.

A massive marketing drive was launched and over $20M in cash and kind has been raised over the last twenty months for the development of the sport in Berbice.

On the field of play, over sixty tournaments have been organised at the Under-13, 15, 17, 19, 21, Double Wicket, Primary and Secondary Schools, Female, Intermediate, Internal Zone, Inter Village, Second Division and First Division levels.

Countless programmes and projects were hosted and have been well publicized; Berbice players are also being recognised at the West Indies level in record numbers with the following players been called up over the last two years at different levels, Devendra

Bishoo, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Shemaine Campbelle, S heneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Isiah Thorne, Kevlon Anderson, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Jonathan Rampersaud and Kevin Umroa who was also included in training camps.

The BCB President stated that their 80th Anniversary celebration, Restoration of the BCB Office, reviving of cricket in the Riverain areas, formation of over 15 new clubs, the healing of divisions and the renewed passion for cricket at the village level are some of his most proud moments as President.

Another was the return of Inter County Cricket to Berbice after an absence of over a decade as well as the return of the Banks Beer twoday first division tournament after an absence of fifteen years.

The Board’s boss stated he has no intention of campaigning for the position as his unmatched achievements speaks for itself.

The 13 clubs and three sub-associations have to decide it they want to return to the sad state of the recant past or to see more progress over the next two years.

Foster’s plans for the period 2020 - 2021includes the hosting of at least 25 tournaments per year at the different levels, continuation of the two day tournament,

start on Sunday

Hilbert Foster continued upgrading of the BCB Office, expansion of the countywide Coaching programme, more tournaments and assistance for clubs in the riverain areas, construction of an all weather practice centre, assistance to clubs with proper youth structures, cricket gear for promising youth players and mentoring of young leaders at the Board level.

He identified young leaders including Ameer Rahaman, Dr. Cecil Beharry, Simon Naidu, Gregory Crandon, Kellon Henry, Balram Samaroo, Ryan Kissoonlall and Rovin Bahadur as leaders of the future to carry on when he leaves the stage.

Foster expressed gratitude to his executive, Office Administrator Angela Haniff, sponsors, clubs and members of the media for their cooperation during his term in office.

NBA roundup: Robinson’s career night carries Heat in OT Duncan Robinson bombed in his ninth 3pointer of the game 17 seconds into overtime, then added a 10th later in the extra session as the host Miami Heat outlasted the Atlanta Hawks 135-121 on Tuesday night.

Five players had career nights in the shootout, led by Robinson, who recorded career highs in points (34) and 3-pointers (10 on just 14 attempts). Miami rookie Kendrick Nunn led all scorers with a career-high 36 points, Bam Adebayo recorded a career-first triple-double with a career-high 30 points, 11 rebounds and a careerhigh 11 assists, and Jimmy Butler also notched a triple-double with 20 points, a career-high 18 rebounds and 10 assists.

M i a m i ’s starters

combined for 124 of the team’s 135 points.

Rookie De’Andre Hunter helped keep Atlanta in the game with a careerhigh 28 points.

Tr a e Yo u n g b a c k e d Hunter with 21 points and nine assists for the Hawks, who lost to the Heat for the third straight time this season.

76ers 97, Nuggets 92 Joel Embiid had 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Philadelphia remained unbeaten at home with a win over Denver.

Tobias Harris added 20 points, Matisse Thybulle had 13 and Al Horford 11 as the Sixers improved to 13-0 at Wells Fargo Center, their best home start since winning 22 in a row in 196667.

Wi l l B a r t o n l e d t h e Nuggets with 26 points, and Nikola Jokic added 15

points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Gary Harris also scored 14 points while Paul Millsap had 10 for Denver, which lost Jamal Murray to a hip injury in the first quarter.

Hornets 114, Wizards 107 - Devonte’ Graham had another big second half on his way to scoring 29 points, and Charlotte made key conversions on offense down the stretch to pull out a victory against visiting Washington.

Terry Rozier had 17 points for the Hornets, and Miles Bridges finished with 1 6 . P. J . Wa s h i n g t o n , despite coming off an ankle injury sustained Sunday, had 15 points, Cody Zeller had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Bismack Biyombo provided 13 points and 15 rebounds.

Rui Hachimura had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Washington, which lost its fourth straight road game.

Bradley Beal added 16, and Ish Smith chipped in 13.

Tr a i l B l a z e r s 11 5 , Knicks 87 - Damian Lillard scored 31 points and matched his season best with eight 3-pointers to lead Portland to an easy victory over visiting New York. Hassan Whiteside recorded 17 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots for Portland, which won for just the second time in its past five games.

Carmelo Anthony and Anfernee Simons added 16 points apiece, and C J McCollum had 13.

Julius Randle scored 15 points and Mitchell Robinson added 14 for the Knicks, who lost their 10th consecutive game.

New York fell to 0-2 under Mike Miller, the former college and G League coach who took over on an interim basis after the firing of David Fizdale.

Following the conclusion of a highly competitive group round, the quarterfinals in the inaugural ‘592 Beer InterVillage Football Festival’ is set to commence on Sunday.

This was revealed following an official press release from the tournament coordinators.

In the opening round which commences at the Buxton Community ground, Mahaica will be up against Friendship from 20:00hrs with the second match featuring Paradise against Buxton at 22:00hrs. The action will resume on December 22nd at the Golden Grove ground with another doubleheader.

The first fixture will pit Brush Dam against Golden Grove at 20:00hrs. In the second match, Beterverwagting [BV] will oppose Ann’s Grove at 22:00hrs. The respective winners will progress to the semi-finals.

According to the correspondence, “The tournament which has attracted large crowds now enters the business section.

It promises to be an exciting affair as the teams aim to secure the coveted title. The group stage has produced thrilling action and many unlikely results which bodes well for the fans that are expected to continue their unwavering support.

Presently all systems and

protocols are in place for the staging of the matches, the only thing that remains is for the teams to prepare and execute in their effort to secure a berth for the January 1st finale.”

Initially, the 12 team event featured four groups of four.

Group-A comprised Buxton, Plaisance and Mahaica, while group-B consisted of Friendship, Paradise and Victoria and group-C featured Brush Dam, Melanie and Ann’s Grove.

Group-D was made up of Annandale, Golden Grove and Beterverwagting [BV].

The winner of each group alongside the second place finisher advanced to the quarterfinal round. The grand finale is pegged for January 1st.

The eventual champion of the event will pocket $300,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the second, third and fourth place finisher will receive $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Similarly, individual prizes will also be awarded for the Most Valuable Player [MVP] and the Best Goalkeeper.

Some of the major sponsors of the tournament include Bakewell Guyana Incorporated, ExxonMobil, and the Colin Talbot Construction Services.

Pakistan v Sri Lanka

Naseem Shah impresses on opening day

Shaheen Afridi took the first Test wicket to fall in Pakistan since 2009 - the last man to take a wicket was Mohammad Talha.

BBCsport - Pakistan enjoyed a good day with the ball as Test cricket returned to the country for the first time since 2009. Sri Lanka, who were the visitors when a terror attack led to the suspension of all international cricket in Pakistan, closed the opening day of the first Test in Rawalpindi on 202-5.

That was a recovery for the tourists, who had lost four wickets for 31 runs in slipping to 127-4. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by 16-year-old Naseem Shah, who took 2-51. Shah, who is playing in only his second Test and was just six years old when Test cricket was last held in Pakistan, bowled (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Windies series hopes evaporate amidst India onslaught Mumbai, India, CMC – West Indies’ bid for a rare series win fizzled under the weight of an enormous run chase as India pulled off a convincing 67-run victory in yesterday’s third Twenty20 International to clinch a 2-1 verdict in the three-match series.

Faced with a record run chase of 241 for victory at the Wankhede Stadium, West Indies ended on 173 for eight off their 20 overs, to suffer their eighth defeat in nine T20s to India and also notch their third successive series defeat to the sub-continental powerhouses.

Captain Kieron Pollard belted his second half-century in six innings when he topscored with 68 from 39 balls but his demise at the end of the 15th over saw the Caribbean side’s slim hopes also disappear with him.

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer gave support with a 24-ball 41 but no other top order batsman reached double figures. Opener Evin Lewis was ruled out of the game after sustaining soft tissue damage to his right knee while fielding, leaving West Indies short of a key batsman.

Asked to bat earlier, India stormed to their third highest total in T20 Internationals behind Man-of-the-Match KL Rahul’s scintillating 91 and additional half-centuries from fellow opener Rohit Sharma (71) and captain Virat Kohli (70 not out).

Entering the contest with the series in the balance, India unleashed a punishing onslaught up front with Rahul and Rohit plundering 72 from the first power-play, as they put on a rollicking 135 off just 70 deliveries for the first wicket.

Rahul struck nine fours and four sixes in a 56-ball knock, reaching his halfcentury off 29 balls with a single at the start of the 10th over, before perishing in the final over to a catch at the wicket, trying to pull a short one from left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell.

Rohit, meanwhile, belted half-dozen fours and five

sixes in a 34-ball cameo, raising his 19th T20 fifty with the second of two consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Khary Pierre in the eighth over which leaked 21 runs.

When he finally scooped seamer Kesrick Williams to Hayden Walsh at deep midwicket in the 12th over, India stumbled when Rishabh Pant fell without scoring five balls later with three runs added, holing out to long off off Pollard’s slow medium.

However, Man-of-theSeries Kohli arrived to produce another magical innings, pummeling four fours and seven sixes in a 29ball knock as he inspired a 95run, third wicket stand with Rahul. He nearly singlehandedly took 22 runs from the 15th over bowled by pacer Jason Holder and then smashed another 27 runs from the penultimate over from Pollard, belting three sixes and a four to race to his fifty off just 21 balls.

Needing to score at just over 12 runs per over, West Indies had a less than stellar start, losing Brandon King (5), Lendl Simmons (7) and Nicholas Pooran (0) to swiftly tumble to 17 for three in the fourth over.

Pollard and Hetmyer then stitched up the innings in a 74-run fourth wicket stand which kept West Indies’ hopes of victory alive. After managing a single run from his first seven balls, Pollard exploded to lash five fours and half-dozen sixes, bringing up his fifty off 33 balls in the 14th over with a boundary to wide long on off left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav (245).

Hetmyer, meanwhile, punched a four and five sixes, and had cleared the ropes twice in succession with Kuldeep in the 10th over when he smashed a full toss to long on, going for a third six.

Holder (8) was caught in the deep in Kuldeep’s next over and even though Pollard kept the chase alive by adding 38 for the sixth with Walsh (11), the asking rate of 17 proved burdensome.

Thursday December 12, 2019

Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers School League

Evans’ first half strike hands Lodge Secondary Title

Derwin George accepts his MVP accolade from Jackie Boodie KL Rahul ©BCCI

A first half strike from Rasheed Evans was enough to give Lodge Secondary the championship trophy when the Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers U18 Schools’ Football League organised by the Petra Organisation culminated last evening.

Evans put his team ahead in the 15th minute from inside the area as they defeated defending champions Annandale Secondary 1-0 in the final match of the tournament which was contested at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre, Providence.

The game blossomed into an exciting contest and despite several efforts by Annandale Secondary the score line remained the same at the interval. Following the interval, Lodge Secondary continued to push forward and created several opportunities, but shots were sent wide of goal.

Annandale Secondary had a few chances as well, however Lodge’ defence stood firm to ensure that they lifted title in the second edition of the competition.

Earlier, Bishop’s High and President’s College produced a

goalless draw.

Petra Director Troy Mendonca congratulated the teams and expressed gratitude to the sponsors. “Every team has demonstrated the trust that we put in them which is to play consistent football. I must say that Guyoil as well as Lucozade have contributed immensely towards the development of sports,” he added. Mondonca wished the youths well in their upcoming exams.

Jackie Boodie of Petra Organistion lauded the teams for their efforts despite the indifferent weather conditions adding that the games were fiercely contested throughout the tournament.

Ten (10) Schools from Region four took part in the tournament which saw nine rounds of matches inside two months.

Rashad Roberts of Lodge Secondary was awarded the Best Goalkeeper prize, Derwin George of Lodge was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player with 13 goals and Omari Glasgow of Annandale Secondary was the Highest Goal Scorer with 19 goals.

Marian Academy finished third and Bishop’s High, fourth. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Rashad Roberts accepts the Best Goalkeeper prize from Troy Mendonca

Thursday December 12, 2019

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

GSSF/Woodpecker Products Practical Shooting Match

Ryan McKinnon and David Dharry close off 2019 season with top positions Last Saturday December 7, local practical shooters braved the rainy weather and headed to the Timehri Rifle Range to participate in the final Practical Shooting Match for 2019 which was sponsored by Woodpecker Products located at Lot 40 Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Shooters battled through the 5 (five) exciting stages that sought to measure their ability in all three elements (speed, accuracy and power) coordinated under strict safety guidelines.

The competition included one Classifier Stage which consisted of 6 paper targets and 3 no-shoots.

Competitors were required to stand relaxed in a demarcated box facing downrange with the handgun loaded and holstered.

After the audible timer beeped, competitors engaged the targets with one round each from within the shooting box then had to make a mandatory reload before engaging all again with another round each from within the shooting box.

Usually all scoring on practical shooting stages is by comstock scoring.

However, the second stage named ‘Raw Deal” was

deemed the most interesting stage of the afternoon as the first stage to be hosted in a competition using the Virginia Count scoring method.Virginia Count scoring dictates the specific number of rounds that may be fired during the stage.

It differs significantly from Comstock scoring in that each additional round fired in excess of the specified number will result in a Procedural Penalty. This stage even saw seasoned shooters registering so many misses it was commented that it was not only raining cats and dogs but mikes.

Competitors were required to start seated in a chair at a table holding two standard playing cards, one in each hand, being held by the thumb and index finger with the handgun loaded and holstered. Upon the start signal, competitors had to engage either the first 3 targets on the left or the right with only two rounds per target.

Then he/she had to perform a mandatory reload and engage the 3 remaining targets with only 2 rounds per target. Competitors had to remain the designated box for sll shots fired but did not have to remain seated.

Ryan McKinnon (left) collecting the #1 trophy from David Dharry The Third stage designed

by Ryan McKinnon was a long stage that was adjudged the favourite stage of the day which tested competitor’s fitness as they navigated through a course engaing 13 classic targets and 2 poppers.

This stage ‘RM-28" required participants to stand relaxed in Area A which was not within the fault lines.

Upon the start signal being given targets had to be engaged from within fault lines. The Fourth Stage called “Down Low” designed by David Dharry, required shooters to stand with their palms touching identified XX marks on a screen with firearm loaded and holstered. On start signal competitors had to engage targets as they became visible with the

mandatory requirement that 3 paper targets and 2 poppers must be engaged from below the screen/simulated wall.

Needless to say, there were several variations as to how shooters chose to go down low to complete this stage.

The Fifth Stage “Horsing Around” comprised of 2 Classic targets and 4 poppers.

Start position was hands touching barricade, handgun loaded and holstered. On start signal, shooters had to engage all targets. However, the steel poppers could only be shot while holding onto a rope on the ground. The way the rope was positioned, shooters had to go to the ground and hold with one hand.

Scores were computed on

David Dharry (left) receives his Production winner’s trophy. the go thanks to the use of electronic scoring methods by way of a special application called Practiscore.

Match results were announced as follows: Limited Division: 1st Place – Ryan McKinnon (342.7725 Points), 2nd Place – John Phang (292.2822 Points), 3rd Place – Pravesh Harry (272.1620 Points).

Production Division: 1st Place – David Dharry (345.9295 Points), 2nd Place – Andrew Phang (313.4308 Points), 3rd Place – Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (279.5950 Points).

The GSSF is extending its sincerest gratitude to Mrs. Luana Fernandes and the Management and Staff of Woodpecker Products for the kind Match sponsorship and

support of the Foundation’s activities and events.

The Foundation also wishes to thank the Guyana Defence Force, Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West, Commissioner of Police Mr. Leslie James, OC TSU Mr. Guy Nurse, the ranks of TSU and the GPF Armoury and the Guyana Police Force, the Media and GSSF members for their support in promoting practical shooting locally.

Thanks were also extended to Ms. Marva Johnson of Ultimate Catering and Mr. Harold Hopkinson for the use of his personal props, steel plates, poppers and targets stands for some of the stages. More information on the G.S.S.F. is available on its w e b s i t e www.GuyanaSportShooting.com

Some of the participants of the 2019 Woodpecker Products sponsored GSSF Practical Shooting Match show off their prizes.

GFF-Always Championship Cup 2019

Second round action to commence they turned back the challenge of their main this weekend threat, Lady Panthers on Sunday last, 5-0. Foxy With the battle for second round places virtually confirmed since the Guyana Police Force FC is the only of the five teams not to have recorded any points having played all their matches, attention will now be on how the teams are positioned after the first round of the GFF-Always Championship Cup 2019 is completed.

Fruta Conquerors is the only undefeated team and looks set to end in pole position,

Ladies will be next on their radar in the feature game on Saturday at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara from 14:30hrs.

Opening play will bring together Lady Panthers and Santos from 13:00hrs. On Sunday, Foxy Ladies will take on Santos from 10:00hrs after which second round action will get underway with Conquerors taking on Lady Panthers from 11:30hrs.

CGI never received any report on Beaton’s action In yesterday’s issue of the Kaieteur News, I wrote a story headlined ‘Beaton’s action reported during Franchise League, but was selected for Super50. In the article, I stated that a Berbice Umpire, who officiated in the Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) 50over Franchise match, had reported Ronsford Beaton’s

action to the Match Referee of that match.

In the story I explained why the CGI’s selectors picked him after talking to someone from GCB who disclosed that a report was never sent to the Board.

If the headline of the story suggested that the CGI was to be blamed for Beaton’s

selection that was not my intention. By explaining what the GCB official told me I was trying to show that because CGI did not receive any report on Beaton’s action (Official or unofficial) he was selected because of his good performance in the tournament.

I extend my apologies to Beaton and CGI if the story had an adverse effect on the Cricket Board or the player in any way. (Sean Devers)

PAGE 34

Wins for MYO and NA as MYO/Trophy Stall Inter-Jamaat Softball continues

New Amsterdam Masjid The Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana/ Trophy Stall Inter- Jamaat 10 overs Softball Cricket competition continued last Sunday at the MYO Ground with several matches, following are the results.

MYO vs LBI B - In the first game LBI B won the toss and decided to field first. MYO made 102 for the loss of four wickets when their overs expired.

Openers Timore Mohamed and Safraz Esau made 19 (2x6) and 22 (2x4) respectively while Richard Latiff, batting at three, made 38 (3x6, 2x4).

Bowling for LBI B Puran Deokaran, Carl Spencer and Asif Mohamed took one wicket each.

LBI B in their turn at the crease found it very difficult

to get the ball off the square and eventually made 79 for 7.

Richard Latiff was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

New Amsterdam Masjid vs LBI B - LBI B again won the toss and elected to field.

This proved to be a good decision as they pegged back the scoring, reducing them to 12 for the loss of three wickets in two overs.

However the captain Zahir Moakan and Raymond Mohamed put on 60 from the next five overs; New Amsterdam eventually made 95 for the loss of eight wickets.

Raymond Mohamed made 27 and Zahir Moakan made 23 runs; Gary Singh with two wickets.

In reply, LBI B were bowled out for 87; Safraz Kassim picked up 3 wickets

for 18 runs and supported by Bashir Kellawan and Ricky Edoo with 2 wickets each for 17 and 21 runs respectively for New Amsterdam Masjid.

New Amsterdam Masjid VS LBI A - LBI A won the toss and batted and were bowled out for just 59 in 9.1 overs.

Mohamed Ali was the only batsman to reach double figures making 16 runs.

Bowling for New Amsterdam, Bashir Kellawan, Safraz Kassim and Martin Singh picked up two wickets each.

New Amsterdam responded with knocked off the runs in six overs with Martin Singh scoring 15 (2x6).

Mohamed Ali picked up two wickets for LBI A team.

Diamond New Scheme Masjid failed to turn up as New Amsterdam Masjid was awarded a walkover.

Lucrative Pool tournament to be hosted by Team Mohamed’s & Grand Central Sports Bar Fans of the slate table are in for a treat at the Grand Central Sports Bar this Saturday when one of the biggest payday is guaranteed at the famous Jerry’s Bar in Grove, East Bank of Demerara.

From 18:00hrs, the best players will collide with the aim of outdoing each other as they go after the huge prizes in a tournament that is sponsored exclusively by Team Mohamed’s

Team Mohamed’s representative Travis Aidain (right) hands over trophies and sponsorship cheque to Stephen Persaud of Guyana Pool & Snooker Club.

Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

Racing to the tune of $220,000.

Entrance fee for males is $3000 while the beautiful putters will enter free with the chance of winning a top prize of $120,000; the runnerup will pocket $60,000 while third place will receive $40,000.

Players, both male and female are being urged to enter early for this final tournament of 2019.

BCB/Ivan Madray Memorial T20 Final

Albion and Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour to battle on Sunday

Kevin Sinclair

Devindra Bishoo

Ivan Madray

In what promises to be one of the most exciting finals in over a decade in the Ancient County, arch rivals Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour would clash for the 2019 Berbice Cricket Board/ Ivan Madray Memorial T20 championship.

The match would be played at the No. 69 Vikings Cricket Ground in the Upper Corentyne area and would be used as a fundraiser for Guyana’s most dynamic and vibrant cricket board.

The tournament is sponsored by Upper Corentyne born business executive, Mr. Chandradat Chintamani in memory of his uncle, former West Indies leg spinner Ivan Madray.

Madray, was the third Berbician to play Test cricket for the West Indies after the legendary John Trim and Berbice greatest ever cricketer, Rohan ‘Babulall’ Kanhai. Madray, a product of the historic Port Mourant Cricket Club played two test matches in 1958 before migrating to the United Kingdom.

He later died on the 23rd

of April, 2009 at the age of 74.

Over the last decade, arch rivals Albion and Rose Hall Town have dominated cricket at all levels and have played each other in numerous finals.

On Saturday, they would face off in the final of the BCB/ RHTYSC, Busta Champion of Champions 40 overs tournament at the Area ’H’Ground before clashing again on Sunday at the No. 69 Ground for the Madray’s T20 Title.

The match would involve most of Berbice finest players despite RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour missing the services of the injured Clinton Pestano and Kevlon Anderson, who is with the West Indies Under-19 team.

Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour would be led by national all-rounder Eon Hooper and he would be supported in the batting order

by Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Jason Sinclair, Delbert Hicks, Jonathan Rampersaud and Keith Simpson.

Pacers Keon Sinclair and Sylus Tyndall would share the new ball with off-spinners Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair,

Jonathan Rampersaud and Eon Hooper offering spin support.

Leg Spinner Shawn Pereira and left handed Keith Simpson also offer variety on a track expected to be two paced.

Albion would be at full strength and would seeking to stop the dominance of their arch-rivals.

The batting on paper is very strong with Kandasammy Surujnarine, Adrian Sukhwa, Sharaz Ramcharran, Rajiv Ivan, Anthony Bramble, David Latchaya and Jonathan Foo. The national trio of Veersammy Permaul, Devindra Bishoo and Gudakesh Motie adds more depth to the powerful batting while they would also spearhead by the bowling unit. Ivan, Foo, Ramcharran, Latchaya and Kevin Umroa would offer back up support.

President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster and Sponsor Chandradat Chintamani would hand over prizes after the match. Foster is urging all cricket fans in the Upper Corentyne area to support the final.

Big guns prepare for final showdown this Saturday - Lucrative Christmas bonanza for winners After weeks of enthralling action, the biggest indoor tournament involving local teams will climax this Saturday with semi-finals and final, at the National Gymnasium.

Three of the four combatants are regarded as the best in the country, while the new kid on the block Rio All Stars have quickly aligned themselves in that category as well.

It therefore means that fans could expect two breathtaking semi-finals and an ultimate scorcher of a final for the largest purse in the

Indoor action

history of the indoor format.

Word is that the teams have all been hard at training for the final showdown which carries a first prize of $1million, while second, third and fourth place finishers will take home $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively

along with trophies.

In the matchups, Spata Boss will play old foe Gold is Money, while new kids Rio All Stars go up against a start-studded Bent Street line.

Sparta Boss without fear of contradiction is the most (Continued on page 25)

Thursday December 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

Milerock and Pele to set the tone in opener on Sunday at Eve Leary With close to Four Million in cash prizes up for grabs come January 1st 2020, the 2019/2020 edition of the Guyana Football Federation super 16 Cup is set to kick off on Sunday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary with the first double header.

This format of the sport leaves to room for teams to rebound so they have to hit top form the first whistle in play faultless football in order to survive and make the next round. It’s virtually four matches or at least 368 minutes to the top prize of Two Million Dollars and all sixteen teams are starting on even keel with the chance to win.

The second placed team will walk away with one million Dollars while third and fourth place attracts $500,000 and $250,000, respectively.

Pressure is never easy going into one’s opening match and given the chance to ease the tension first is Elite League side Milerock Football Club based in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden and City side, Pele Football Club.

The current rainy weather has been a challenge in terms of preparations for all the teams but this would mean that the technical staff has to come up with

innovative ways to keeping their teams in shape ahead of game day.

Commenting on team preparations, Coach of Pele FC, once one of the top exponents in the knockout format, Dennis ‘Chow’ Hunte stated that they are ready for the challenge that Milerock will present to them on Sunday from 18:30hrs in the curtain raise.

Set to feature a young side as Pele, are in the rebuilding process, Hunte conformed that his team is not as solid as they used to be having been faced with many challenges in the past three years but his young charges who would be led by Lodge Secondary School’s Captain, Derwin George, will be up to the task.

“When we go out on the field of play, every team will have a chance to win the tournament but it would be down to who executes best on the day. We are in the rebuilding phase as a club and we have a very young team that would be giving a very good account of itself come Sunday evening.

We have been forced to do lots of physical work as the weather has been posing a challenge for us with grounds being unplayable.

We usually practice at the Carifesta Sports Complex Ground but we have had to

find innovative ways of keeping in shape.”

Technical Director of Milerock, Brian ‘Joe Boy’ Joseph commenting on his teams’ training indicated that it has intensified.

“We are a bit behind where we should have been at this time and that’s because of all the challenges we face in trying to get the

entire group together and start proper preparations.

But we are not complaining, we understand that most of the other teams in the tournament are facing or would have faced the same challenges.”

TD Joseph exuded positivity that they are just about ready for their opening (Continued on page 25)

Brian Joseph – TD Milerock FC

Derwin George - Pele FC

Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers School League

The victorious Lodge Secondary School team

Evans’ first half strike hands Lodge Secondary Title Windies series hopes evaporate amidst India Second round action to onslaught commence this weekend

rt

Spo

Kieron Pollard shapes to go big ŠBCCI

Fruta Conquerors and Lady Panthers during their clash on Sunday last, they will be facing off again this Sunday to start the second round.

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