Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 13, 2017

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Kaieteur News

How far back would SARA go? Parliament is where people need to show respect

DEAR SIR, During the heyday of WPA, former President, the late L.F.S Burnham’s initials were publicity touted as: “Look For Someone Better”. This was fashioned by the working People’s Alliance. But Burnham’s counter was the “Worst Possible Alternative”, for the WPA. Guyana’s first Executive President was right in his assessment from all indications, yes. This is definitely so with Professor, Clive Thomas as the head of the State Assets Recovery Agency. It was always a joy to stand, paying keen attention and listening to Clive Thomas, replicating the failed economic policies of the PNC, at WPA meetings in the 80’s. One such instance, which was by far Thomas’s masterpiece, was “The insurmountable accumulation of internal debt, with the defunct Ministry of National Mobilisation’. The Ministry, which was created to do party work, at the time of its closure was straddled with a debt of $52M, equivalent to US$13M at the time. In today’s exchange it would be worth US$682.5M. Would the goodly professor, with a Doctorate attached,

pursue this State Assets Recovery, or would he prove the late L.F.S Burnham right as the Worst Possible Alternative? Surely, before Dr. C. Y. Thomas “rides off into the sunset” since as an octogenarian, his time maybe limited, he should provide the nation with the relevant information of his intention. And least, before we forget, he should order an inventory into the PNC’s SubDistrict Offices and K.S.I properties. Were they legally acquired? He should not allow us to forget the palls around former Prime Minister, Hammie Green’s residence ; train engines that were donated to Zambia, when the railway was scrapped, and last but not the least the infamous purchase of the barge, supposedly to boost the then Guyana Electricity Corporation power supply. Professor, C.Y Thomas let the brother’s soul Rest In Peace. People’s Power, no Dictator; don’t fail this noble, dedicated and world renowned historian. Pursue the State Assets Recovery from the clutches of the PNC, in the same vein of the PPP/C. Yours truly, Samora N, Komo.

Minister Broomes should take some responsibility DEAR EDITOR, Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, in her contribution to the 2018 National Budget debate on December 6, 2017, among other things, spoke about the re-employment of Skeldon Estate worker, Daniel Stephens, who, it is recalled, was dismissed in September 2014 after an altercation with the then Estate Manager. In her presentation, Minister Broomes spoke about her involvement in ensuring that Mr Stephens was reinstated. That came about after our Union engaged her and related the circumstances which led to the aggrieved worker ’s dismissal, which we felt was unfair. Despite the fact that Minister Broomes did not mention the various actions and local battle by the Union on behalf of Mr Stephens. After hearing us the Minister intervened and Mr Stephens was

thereby re-instated without any loss in service and received half-pay for the period he was off the job. We do not begrudge Minister Broomes taking some credit for Mr Stephens’s reinstatement. However, in a similar fashion, shouldn’t the Minister also take some responsibility for the Government, of which she belongs, putting not only Mr Stephens out of work but thousands of his colleagues in Skeldon and other estates as reported by the media?

The Minister, in her presentation, spoke about the losses of Mr Stephens during the time he was unemployed. Today, those circumstances have now come full circle as Government’s dismissal of workers will leave not only Mr Stephens but very and many poor, ordinary sugar workers to face unaffordable losses. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary, GAWU

DEAR EDITOR, One of the basic principles of parliamentary procedure is that proceedings in Parliament are conducted in terms of a free and civil discourse. In order that debate on matters of public policy be held in a civil manner, the House has adopted rules of order and decorum for the conduct of Members towards each other and towards the institution as a whole. Members are to show respect for one another and for different viewpoints; offensive or rude behaviour or language is not tolerated. Emotions are to be expressed in words rather than acted out; opinions are to be expressed with civility and freely, without fear of punishment or reprisal. Freedom of speech is one of the most important privileges enjoyed by Members of Parliament. This freedom is circumscribed, however, by the necessity of maintaining order and decorum when debate is taking place. Thus, the right to speak is tempered by the

written rules of the House which are, in general, limitations on what may be said, and when, by whom and for how long. The Speaker is charged with maintaining order in the Chamber by ensuring that the House rules and practices are respected. He or she ensures that the rules are followed respecting proper attire, the quoting and tabling of documents in debate, the application of the sub judice convention to debates and questioning in the House, and the civility of remarks directed towards any members , representatives , judges and courts. In addition, the Speaker has the duty to maintain an orderly conduct of debate by repressing disorder when it arises either on the floor of the Chamber or in the galleries and by ruling on points of order raised by Members. The Speaker ’s disciplinary powers ensure that the debate is focused and permit the Chair to remove Members who persist in behaving inappropriately.

Nonetheless, while it is the Speaker who is charged with maintaining the dignity and decorum of the House, members themselves must take responsibility for their behaviour and conduct their business in an appropriate fashion. We wonder what example was set yesterday for future potential parliamentarian to emulate by yesterday ruckus and unbecoming behaviour in our parliament. If yesterday’s behaviour by some members of our parliament is to be judge with an unbiased mind, many voters may wonder why vote! Many may also wonder when next general election comes, whether it’s worth the bother and energy to go to the polling stations to cast our ballot, as it seems that there are no suitable and respectable person to serve as members of Parliament. “I haven’t committed a crime” one guilty member was heard shouting at the top of his voice. Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

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Wednesday December 13, 2017

The rape of the poor GOVERNMENT DESERTED SUGAR WORKERS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED DEAR EDITOR, Our Union refers to Mr Abel Seetaram’s letter – Sugar workers, their families and the PPP – which appeared in the December 6, 2017 Kaieteur News. Mr Seetaram in seeking to defend his Government’s callous, cold-hearted approach to the sugar industry has sought to find scapegoats as a means in order to justify the unconscionable actions taken by the APNU/AFC Administration. This is indeed saddening and speaks to the illogicality being employed to defend the indefensible. Mr Seetaram said our Union was aware that the industry was bankrupt prior to May, 2015. This, however, is far from reality. The GAWU’s first indication of GuySuCo’s financial difficulties was on May 25, 2015 when the then CEO invited us and NAACIE to advise that the industry was facing a cash crunch.

Immediately, our Union having been apprised, issued a public statement and informed workers of what was brewing. This is the approach any responsible, duty-bound organization would take. The letter writer, as he continues to mount an unconvincing defence, charges that if his Government was intent on closing sugar “…they would have used the recommendations in May 2015”. What recommendations is he speaking about? This is the first time we heard of such recommendations. Maybe Mr Seetaram would care to enlighten the public. But forgetting that the letter writer seems to be in an obvious state of confusion, isn’t he aware that the Government at this very time is closing substantial sections of the sugar industry, something the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, revealed had been hatched over two years ago.

No amount of window dressing can obscure that sad reality. Mr Seetaram then goes on saying:- “This government wants to make the industry profitable again, and that is why they have decided to close a few estates…”. But, President David Granger addressing a UN activity in Kenya, recently, is reported to have said that we must put people before profits. It seems that Mr Seetaram and the President are not at one on this matter. However, words apart it is disappointing that the State has chosen to impoverish Guyanese in the interest of profits. We are also told by the erstwhile gentleman that his Government “…will seek ways for those workers that will lose their work to regain employment. Yes, I see alternatives will be put in place for those workers”. On this score, could Mr Seetaram point to those alternatives he is seeing. We

are aware that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had announced that no alternatives were yet in place. Clearly, again it seems, the letter writer should have his eyes, if not other things, examined. But while the heavytouting of alternatives for the workers continues, today, hopelessness, misery, anxiety and worry have gripped the sugar belt. The thousands who will now swell the ranks of the unemployed which has grown significantly since the APNU/AFC took office remain clearly unaware of what next to do. Their “hard working and people’s Government” as Mr Seetaram puts it, has deserted them at a time when they require a caring and comforting hand and not the fake mouthings of the likes of someone, as Mr Seetaram is, obviously. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary, GAWU

ARROGANT, INSENSITIVE, UNPROFESSIONAL advocate that all applications PRACTICES OF SOME EMPLOYERS must be individually DEAR EDITOR, It is amazing to see the unnecessarily long and obviously expensive V A C A N C Y A D V E RT I S E M E N T S appearing in the local media, as if the length of the AD will result in better recruitment! This misguided practice is even more apparent within the ‘public service’ and therefore, more offensive to all Guyanese taxpayers! I am concerned as a taxpayer, as an experienced Human Resource Management practitioner and personally as an occasional

applicant. Such malpractices are even more jarring given the cost-free facilities available in this age of efficient and effective communication via Information Technology. First of all, it is not necessary to publicly advertise all vacancies if there is a sufficiency of known relevant competencies among the current employees within the organization to allow for competitive selection; in such cases an ‘open’ advertisement within the organization should be enough. This will also have positive ripple effects within

the organizations by creating internal ‘openings’ for current employees at the lower and even lateral levels within these organizations. Some people might argue about the benefits of bringing ‘new blood’ into the organizations, but this must be counterbalanced with the need for promotional opportunities and mobility within the organization. Once the decision is made to advertise publicly in the media then the cost, content and focus of the advertisement become relevant. In this regard the judgment and creativity of the HRM staff of the organization become relevant and decisions implicit in the following questions must be made: · Is it necessary to bureaucratically, slavishly, lazily or indiscriminately replicate in the Ad paragraphs from the formal Job Descriptions? Is it not better to smartly summarize the key or significant or unique parts of the JD and then give potential applicants the option, if they so require, to electronically contact the organization for a copy of the JD or any other required information. In this regard it must be realized that the JD is typically written for many other objectives in mind such as Job Classification & Evaluation, Orientation &Training etc. · Should applications be formally acknowledged? I strongly believe and

acknowledged. The Vacancy Ad is an ‘invitation’ to apply; common courtesy demands that responses to such ‘invitations’ be courteously acknowledged. The haughty, injudicious injunction appended in some Ads that “applications will not be acknowledged” is at best rude and at worst discouraging to potentially good applications. Worst still is the obvious discourteous practice by some major employers whose HRM staff should at least be mindful of the possible ‘turnoff ’ from their future advertisements if current ones advise applicants that their applications will not be acknowledged or that they were unsuccessful. I am personally aware of this grossly humiliating, rude, disrespectful malpractice and rather ruefully recall the ‘good old days’ before the advent of IT when common courtesy (unfortunately not so common anymore!) dictated that all applications to be acknowledged and those unsuccessful be told so….and that was when costly envelopes and postage stamps were necessary! I appeal to my HRM colleagues to take advantage of the easy, cost-free facilities now available in this age of IT to improve the PR profile of their organizations by being more circumspect about their actions or lack thereof. Nowrang Persaud

DEAR EDITOR, On Action Line Monday evening a resident of West Demerara called to complain about the uneven and unfair rate structure being applied by taxi drivers. His plea was for an intervention by the Government. The Moderator spent some time to explain the realities of a free open market economy, and that there was nothing that can be done in the circumstances. I understand the point the Moderator was making but don’t agree that citizens or consumers must accept meekly what appears to be unfair practices by others. Sections of our media have been exposing, attacking and criticising perceived missteps, mistakes and alleged misdemeanours by the governmental apparatus at several levels. This is their right and their duty which should neither be denied nor throttled. In passing I must state as a known supporter of His Excellency David Granger and the coalition that the Government need to do much more in the area of Public Relations, including keeping citizens informed on all aspects of the Administration’s activity that ought to be of public interest. This must be done in a timely manner and not wait to react when matters of interest are brought to the fore by others. Having said that there is an area, which requires urgent attention by the Media and Civil Society. It comes under the rubric of Consumer Protection. The need for both the Consumers Association and the Bureau of Standards to be more aggressive exist. I share with you three worrisome recent experiences. Recently, I purchased a mop bucket and mop stick to replace the ones used in the house for several years. Some I saw in three stores were made of slender plastic that clearly could not last more than a few weeks. There were mops with a few strands of cotton which was described by an aide as a joke. I asked the salesperson whether people bought what was clearly inferior and near useless plastic items. With a smirk on her face she said ‘yes,’ poor people buy them all the time. The old story ‘penny wise pound foolish.’ Next, I purchased an electric iron from a popular store in Regent Street, in late

September. Co-incidentally, while listening to Action Line Programme, I plugged in the iron and after attempts at several points, I discovered that the iron was dead. When I reported this to my wife today, she reminded me that whilst in Miami last week, she purchased an iron for use in Trinidad, but I refused saying that I recently purchased one in Guyana. Earlier, I was cautioned about buying certain items in Guyana but I am a patriot. Next, in August, I purchased a certain eye-drop and paid $8,000 for a 10ml vial. Yesterday the agents were out of stock since they do not bring in large supplies of that particular item but advised that a Pharmacy in the ‘middle’ of the City, should have supplies. I called to enquire and ‘yes’ they had but the price was $13,000 for the same 10ml vial. I called a second time and asked to speak with the Manager, confident that the price quoted was an error. The person answered the second time insisted that the price was right,(thirteen thousand dollars) and the tone of the sales person clearly insinuated take it or leave it. I am now making arrangements to have the drops sent to me from Trinidad where its available at a lesser cost. It is clear to me that there is in Guyana, a group of business people I have dealt with who are reasonable and offer quality goods at acceptable prices. However, clearly we have in our midst those who are exploiters and care little about jacking up prices knowing fully well that the item may be in short supply. But is this the price the Consumer and Citizens must pay for a free open economy? I must be forgiven, but as a youngster, I grew up in Guyana where the British had a Price Controlled Unit that disallowed the kind of rampant exploitation evident in the Pharmacy that has put on a five thousand dollars profit on a single item. I call on the Chamber of Commerce and other Business and Industrial Associations to come to the rescue of the so far silent majority, the victims of those whose only concern is maximising profit. Mr. Editor, speaking we must do something about this rape upon the poor. Hamilton Green

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Edghill suspended from Budget 2018 debates The National Assembly yesterday, passed a motion which led to the suspension of Opposition Member, Bishop Juan Edghill from the next four days of budget debates. The motion was moved by Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally. In addressing the House on the matter, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland noted that on Monday, Edghill behaved in an extraordinarily unacceptable manner. He noted that as a result of Edghill’s disobedience and insistence to follow his “own determinants” despite of instructions issued to him, the work of the Committee of Supply on Monday had to be suspended. Dr. Scotland stressed that Edghill’s behaviour was unprecedented, and paved the way for the Government Chief Whip to bring the suspension motion before the House. By this time, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo rose on a point of order. In spite of the Speaker’s calls for him to take his seat, Jagdeo ensured that his feelings of dissatis-

Opposition Member, Juan Edghill faction were recorded in the Hansard. The Opposition Leader said that while the Speaker found Edghill’s actions to be “unprecedented”, what should also be classified as same was the presence of police officers in the House who were insistent on arresting Edghill. The former President opined that the Speaker’s move was only an attempt to have Edghill muzzled. UNPRECEDENTED On Monday, the House was thrown into chaos when

Edghill attempted to ask a question regarding an allocation for the Ministry of the Presidency. The Speaker explained that the two hours set aside for the examination of that Ministry had come to an end. Edghill was insistent however that the Committee had a right to examine the allocation since it was in relation to four additional programmes for the Ministry of the Presidency which were not there last year. After much back and forth between the Speaker and the Opposition Member, Dr. Scotland asked Edghill to leave the House. The Parliamentarian refused to obey this order. The Speaker then instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Edghill from the Chamber. Help was sought as several ranks eventually entered the Chamber to forcefully remove Edghill. The PPP Parliamentarians formed a human shield around Edghill. While Edghill allowed to leave on Monday, he was arrested on Tuesday for a security breach at Parliament. He was later released.

GuySuCo must change the way it does business - spokesperson While acknowledging the possible hardships which will result from the laying off thousands of workers, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)’s decisions are guided by market realities and the need to operate in accordance with good business management practices. Public Relations Officer (PRO), Audreyanna Thomas, at a recent press conference said, with the end of the European Union’s reforms as at September 30, the market has become more competitive, hence the urgency. “GuySuCo is a business and we have to eventually progress the corporation to a point where it is run and managed as a business, hence the whole question of improving the integrity of the value chain is important. This includes, from the cultivation, in terms of planting the sugar cane, all the way to the production of the sugar; all the way to selling the sugar. So, as we talk about the new model for GuySuCo, we have to talk about the integrity of the value chain,” Thomas stated. Further, the PRO said there is a need for the unions representing the industry’s workers to also change the manner in which they conduct business with the corpo-

ration. The Opposition-aligned Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), has been accused of playing politics and being responsible for thousands of productive hours being lost through strike action. “We have to reorient the whole way we do GuySuCo. We do the business of sugar and even as GuySuCo changes its business model, all the other businesses associated with GuySuCo will also have to change their business model, and that includes unions,” Thomas added. Just recently, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, during Parliamentary debates explained that the decimation of the sugar estates began quite some time now and the Opposition is attempting to deny the major roles it has had in the failure of sugar. “You have to be a class actor to come into an august

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Kaieteur News

GuySuCo’s PRO, Audreyanna Thomas assembly such as this and pretend that you have no part in the decimation of the lives of the sugar workers. That you came here with your hands clean as Pontius Pilate and you will pretend you didn’t know where the descent of sugar began”, the Prime Minister told Opposition members.

Customs Officers try to steal seized items - truck, car impounded

The truck and the car in GRA's bond at Eccles. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reportedly launched an investigation into the seizure of millions of dollars in smuggled goods from Suriname. The truck driver and six others have been arrested. Heading the investigation is former Crime Chief Deputy Commissioner, Henry Chester. Several Customs officers from the Springlands GRA office, Corentyne, Berbice, are being questioned. Kaieteur News was told that the goods came from Suriname over a period of time. They included Heineken Beer, mosquito coils, firecrackers, poisons and other items. On Monday, the Enforcement arm of Customs at Springlands hired a truck, GPP 4226, to transport the seized

items to the Georgetown bond located in Eccles, East Bank Demerara. According to reports, there were no Customs escorts for the truck and its contents. Instead of heading to Eccles, the truck, escorted by a car PSS 5005 registered to an Essequibo businessman, crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The truck was intercepted at LaGrange, West Bank Demerara. The drivers when stopped were unable to produce the necessary documents showing that taxes and duties were paid. Senior Customs officials are believed to have been involved in the decision to spirit away the seized goods. GRA, over the years, has been battling internal corrup-

tion, with billions of dollars lost annually by the state because of collusion by staffers with businessmen. More recently, chicken and alcohol have been the major commodities smuggled. Alcohol, in particular, results in more than $1 billion in lost taxes annually, according to Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia. Over the last three months seized goods yielded some $400 million in recovered duties and taxes. Millions of dollars worth of chicken has been seized this year. However, rather than selling the chicken at auction, the articles are distributed to the Guyana Defence Force, the Georgetown Public Hospital, and the Georgetown Prisons.

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Wednesday December 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

Policeman, uncle held No monies set aside in Budget for new Demerara River Bridge for armed robbery Despite attempts to root out corruption in the Guyana Police Force, some ranks seem intent on bringing disgrace to the law enforcement agency. An ‘A’ Division police constable and his uncle are now in custody for allegedly robbing a truck driver and a passenger at gunpoint last week Wednesday. The victims were driving a Canter truck in the vicinity of Cuthbert Street, Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, around 04.30 hrs, on the said day, when a car blocked their path. Three men who were armed with cutlasses and a gun then exited, relieved the occupants of $200,000 and the keys for the Canter. The policeman and his uncle were arrested hours later. His car, which was allegedly used during the robbery, was also impounded. Last Thursday, two traffic ranks were placed under close arrest after being caught with money they allegedly took from a truck driver’s employee to drop a charge.

- rank allegedly used his own car as getaway vehicle The police constables were lured into a sting operation after the employee recorded the serial numbers and handed the information over to a police sergeant. It is alleged that a 44-yearold contractor’s supervisor was driving a Canter in the vicinity of Industrial Site, Ruimveldt on Thursday, when a police constable stopped the vehicle for an alleged traffic violation. The rank reportedly then solicited $15,000 to forgo the charge. The driver contacted his supervisor who wrote down the serial numbers of some bills. He then notified a police sergeant at the Ruimveldt Station of the incident and gave him the serial numbers. The contractor then went to the Ruimveldt Station where he handed over $10,000 to the traffic rank, who alleg-

edly gave another traffic rank the cash. The two ranks were later searched and police retrieved the cash, with the corresponding serial numbers, in the pockets of one of the culprits. They were both placed under close arrest. The incident occurred on the same day that three detectives from the Bartica Police Station were charged for allegedly stealing $500,000 from a gold miner. This reportedly happened after the three ranks had arrested an Operation Manager accused of stealing gold from his father’s mining business. The son purportedly had $1.2M in his possession, which he obtained from selling gold to his father. During his arrest, the man allegedly handed over the money to the detectives. However, $500,000 was said to be missing when the cash was checked at the station. Two of the ranks were released on $70,000 bail each, after appearing in court. An arrest warrant was issued for the third. Last month, Police Corporal Derwin Eastman and Constable Jemison Williams were remanded to prison for the murder of Godfrey Scipio known as “Saga”. Scipio, 58, was shot dead shortly after leaving a Kitty hotel. He was also robbed of a gold chain. Aubrey Bobb, 26, of Kitty, was subsequently charged for his murder and remanded to prison.

An artist’s impression of what the new bridge could look like. Government had signaled intentions to start construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River next year, but there are no monies allocated to move the process along. Yesterday, during considerations of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s current and capital estimates for 2018, Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson, disclosed that no provisions have been made. Under intense questioning from the Opposition, both Ferguson and Minister David Patterson offered little information about what happens to the project, a critical one for Guyana, in the new year. However, the process to construct a new bridge is moving along despite that. Last month, during the pre-qualification stage to choose a group or company that will design, finance and build the new bridge, 11 tenders came in - seven of them involving Chinese firms. Government is hoping to shortlist three of the tenders, from which one group or company will be awarded the contract. A feasibility study by

Dutch engineers, LievenseCSO, was released publicly in August. The 57-page final report recommended that the proposed location of HoustonVersailles was the most ideal with a three-lane structure and moveable part to allow for ships to pass through. It was the best model, at the least cost, the consultant recommended. A number of homes will have to be removed at Houston, East Bank Demerara, with talks already started with residents. Consecutive administrations have made the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River a priority. This was following an explosion of growth on both sides of the river. The current structure which links the city to Essequibo, is almost four decades old, and although in relatively good condition, has been racking up significant costs for Government. The cost of maintenance alone has outstripped revenues. Daily there have been congestions as the bridge is unable to efficiently take off the 10,000 vehicles daily that crisscross it on average. Engineers had been toy-

Minister Annette Ferguson ing with a number of locations including one at Hope, further along East Bank Demerara. The Houston/Meadow Bank/Ruimveldt areas have been seeing an explosion of growth in recent years. Several companies, including National Hardware, have been expanding. At Houston, Gafoors had brought its headquarters there, leading the charge forward in bringing shopping out of central Georgetown. Muneshwers, which had its main operations in Water Street, also took the plunge in recent months, commissioning a new port next door to Gafoors.

Wednesday December 13, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Only Guyanese were kept in the dark Guyanese are so divided politically that they will fall for any story which helps to reduce the shame they face because of the actions of the political parties they support. This is none the more glaring than the desperation of the supporters of the coalition government, who are trying to comfort themselves in the knowledge that the signing bonus was deposited into an account at the Bank of Guyana. For these blind-sided supporters of APNU+AFC, this means that the ‘signing bonus’ was not intended to be used for corrupt purposes. They should think again. The mere deposit of the ‘signing bonus’ into a government account does not mean that the proceeds in that account cannot be diverted for illicit purposes. It is a known fact that in one country, monies paid into a government account by an oil conglomerate found its way into the personal accounts of government officials. In other words, the mere use of a government account does not prevent the corrupt diversion of funds. Sadly, the process of transparency and accountability were missing in relation to the’ signing bonus’. The whole enterprise of agreeing to a ‘signing bonus’

and creating an account for it to be deposited were done secretively. The monies, we are told, were not accounted for as public revenues, prior to or after their deposit into the account. As such, they were and are not subject to parliamentary oversight. There is nothing to have prevented the signatories to that government account diverting the monies for some illicit purposes. The fact that this has not happened is a relief, but had this happened, the public would have been no wiser, because they were not aware of the ‘signing bonus’ and the account in which it was held. The supporters of APNU+AFC are not interested in ensuring transparency and accountability. They are interested in ensuring that the PPPC’s criticisms of the arrangement are deflected. The supporters of the coalition are practitioners of zerosum politics. An embarrassment for the government, no matter how justified, is a gain for the opposition. As such, these supporters will argue, as they have been doing, that there was nothing wrong with the secrecy over the ‘signing bonus’ and the manner in which it was kept out of the Consolidated Fund. It is the nature of the society in which we live, which

allows for politicians to make the most egregious of missteps and get away with it. No one so far from within the ranks of the APNU+AFC has come out and been critical of the way this matter was handled. They will next toe the line that the secrecy of the signing bonus was justified given national security considerations. But what exactly are these national security considerations? What is Guyana really hiding? There is nothing that Guyana is doing in relation to Exxon which is not known to the Americans and the Venezuelans. The Americans and the Venezuelans know everything that is taking place in Guyana. It is the Guyanese people who are being kept in the dark. The Venezuelans know that oil has been discovered in Guyana. They know that Exxon Mobil was given a sweetheart deal by the APNU+AFC government. They know about the 2% royalties and 50% profits. The Venezuelans must be laughing their heads off at this. They know that Exxon has said that it intends to start production by 2020. The Venezuelans know this deadline will not be met. So why was Guyana advised not to make the deal public? There is only one legitimate reason. It was a bad

DEM BOYS SEH

Guyana full of drama queen A man don’t want people trouble ee wife yet he gun go out and pick fight wid somebody. He jook up de man and land in Lot 12 Camp Street. He in jail and all de man dem troubling ee wife. Is de same thing play out in Parliament Monday. De Pee Pee Pee want to question every cent wha de Oh Pee get. Ten Edghill decide to pick fight wid de Speaker, thinking he coulda jook him up because he had a jookah in ee waist. Right away de police get call in and he refuse to lef de place. He want show he big, bad and he powerful. He hold up de parliament business fuh almost seven hours.

Wha he didn’t bargain for was wha gun happen de next day. Dem boys hear de police was waiting fuh him yesterday morning. As soon as he foot cross de road fuh go in parliament dem hold him and lock him up at Brickdam. He didn’t get to ask no more question and his colleagues was told by de Speaker, “De time y’all had to ask questions, yesterday, Ten Edghill waste it.” And he promptly pass de Budget estimate fuh six agencies, not one but six, without anybody allowed to ask a question. Exactly wha happen to de man who get jail and lef he wife outside fuh people do whatever dem want wid she,

is de same thing happen to Ten Edghill and he colleagues. De coalition can do whatever dem want. Just like how every man gun tek dem eyes and pass de man wife, is de same thing de coalition gun do wid de figures fuh dem six state agencies. Don’t be surprised if dem use lead pencil land eraser like Irfaat. Dem boys seh dem never know that parliament got so much drama queen and guess who is de leader— that crook Jagdeo. He set up de whole thing but he didn’t bargain fuh de surprise de speaker give dem. Talk half and hope dem learn from that drama.

deal which is an embarrassment to the government. A ‘signing bonus’ is means of forcing a commitment. The larger the ‘signing bonus’ the more certainty a country has that the company will not renege on what it says it will do. The oil find in Guyana’s waters is a massive find. Guyana wants Exxon to commit to production. A large ‘signing bonus’ is a means of ensuring that Exxon does not back away from oil production by 2020. If the signing bonus is large, it makes it difficult for

the company to delay production. Brazil signed a US$700M signing bonus with Exxon. The company is not going to walk away and leave this money in Brazil. The ‘signing bonus’ will force Exxon to ratchet up its plans for production. All Guyana got was US$18M. Perhaps that is all Guyana asked for. That is chicken feed for Exxon. It can walk away from that or take its own good time to decide when it will commence production.

But do not tell that to the supporters of the APNU+AFC. As far as they are concerned, the deal, though not necessarily a good one, must be defended at all costs. They will never question why Guyana’s negotiators went for the lowest common denominator. By the way, who were the negotiators?

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Seven companies bid to construct ‘roundabout’ in Kitty At the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board yesterday, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure received bids from seven contracting firms for the construction of a roundabout in Kitty, Georgetown. The engineer estimated this project to cost close to $96 million.

Bids were obtained by the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydrometeorological Service for two transportation projects. Firstly, tenders were read for transportation for the Ministry of Agriculture’s staff operating at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Region Four.

Receiving bids from two entities for the procurement of cubicle partitions was the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA).

The Guyana Revenue Authority obtained bids for the supply and delivery of an Outboard Engine.

For the provision of security services in 2018, the National Communications Network Incorporated received seven bids.

Further, the Ministry of Public Health received bids from four companies for the rehabilitation of the Georgetown Maternity Waiting Home.

Securing bids for the construction of internal walls to its Printery was Guyana National Printers Ltd.

For the rehabilitation of the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority Hydraulic Equipment in two lots the Ministry of Agriculture received bids.

Receiving bids also was the Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) in three lots. Lot 1 - the provision of security services to its Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown location, Lot 2- security services to the Agro-Packaging Facility and Lot 3 provision for security services to the Central Packaging Facility in Sophia.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Hydrometeorological Service also received bids for transportation for the Ministry’s staff operating at the National Weather Watch Centre, Hyde Park, Timehri.

Two bids were obtained by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation for the supply, delivery and installation of network equipment and accessories.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

President’s revocation of farmers’ leases illegal - Chief Justice rules, awards costs to farmers Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George SC on Monday ruled that the revocation of leases for lands used by farmers for rice cultivation in Seafield, West Coast Berbice, by President David Granger is illegal, since it violates Article 142 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana. The three farmers, Phillip Johnson, Rawle Miller and Rupert Blackman of Seafield, West Coast Berbice, had been embroiled in legal battles over lease lands, used for rice cultivation in the area. The farmlands amount to just over 25 acres and are situated at the North Main Canal in the rear of Plantation Seafield, West Coast Berbice. The farmers had initially taken court action against Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) after the board revoked their lease last year. In February 2016, Former Chief Justice Ian Chang granted orders quashing the decision made by the MMA/ ADA to cancel the leases. The court found that it was not up to the MMA/ADA to determine the legal validity or invalidity of the leases, and then to purport to cancel them on the basis of its own legal finding. The order was made absolute in February 2016, but the leases were still cancelled by the authority in March 2016 without any appeals being filed. The farmers then returned to the High Court to pronounce the President’s actions as unlawful, and to award damages for the breach of their constitutional rights. The group of independent rice cultivators through Attorneys at Law, Anil Nandlall, Rajendra Jaigobin and Manoj Narayan, contended that MMA/ADA’s revocation of their leases had been discriminatory, arbitrary and capricious. Attorney General Basil Williams SC and MMA/ADA were named as the respondents in the matter and were represented by Attorney-atLaw Judy Stuart-Adonis. The leases were issued under the hand of former President Donald Ramotar in 2014 and 2015. Justice George, in her ruling, outlined that the revocation of the leases were unconstitutional and null and void. The Chief Justice further outlined that from the outset the revocation of the leases were invalid. In the course of her ruling, the Chief Justice granted a permanent conservatory order restraining servants and agents of the Mahaica/ Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority

The farmers: Phillip Johnson, Rawle Miller and Rupert Blackman (MMA/ADA) or any other officer of the state from entering upon, remaining, occupying, or in any other manner whatsoever from interfering with the applicants quiet and peaceful possession of the land. The Chief Justice also awarded cost in the sum of $300,000 to each of the farmers. In addition, the Chief Justice refused to grant the farmers $5M each in damages for the infringement of their fundamental rights which they had contended. Although the Chief Justice acknowledged that the farmers’ fundamental rights were infringed upon, she ruled that no evidence was led to prove damages. Last year, in three separate constitutional motions, the farmers sought a declaration that the decision of the President to cancel Lease of State Land for Agriculture Purpose issued under Section 3(b) of the State Lands Act, Chapter 62:01, and in accordance with the Mahaica/Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority is contrary to and in violation of Article 142 of the Constitution of Guyana, is unlawful, null, void and of no effect. They sought to have a declaration by the court that the decision of the President cancelling Lease of State Land for Agriculture Purpose issued under Section 3(b) of the State Lands Act, Chapter 62:01, and in accordance with the MMA/ADA in respect to the plots of land amount to the compulsorily acquisition of their leasehold interest thereof without the prompt payment of any or adequate compensation, as is guaranteed by Article 142 of the Constitution of Guyana. They said they were asked to remove from the lands. They said that by this time they had cultivated rice crops,

President David Granger which were ready for reaping. They said that on April 11, 2016, a woman identified as Flavo Farina, without their permission, reaped the paddy, resulting in their suffering losses and damages. Additionally, the applicants each claimed damages to the tune of $5 million for breach of their fundamental rights and freedoms as guaranteed by Articles 142 and 153 of the Constitution of Guyana. Miller had estimated his losses and damages at $346,500, Johnson estimated his at $692,500, while Blackman estimates his at $619,000. They also asked for a Conservatory Order prohibiting servants and/or agents of the MMA/ADA, a public statutory authority, or any other Officer of the State, from entering upon, remaining, occupying or in any manner whatsoever interfering with the Applicant’s quiet and peaceful possession, occupation and enjoyment of Lease of State Lands for Agriculture Purpose issued under Section 3(b) of the State Lands Act, Chapter 62:01, and in accordance with the Mahaica/ Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority Act for the said plots of land.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

Parliament disorder causes Speaker to pass estimates without scrutiny As a result of the chaos that ensued on Monday during the Committee of Supply, the estimates of six agencies were not scrutinized. Some expected that the work which was not completed in this regard would have been brought forward to yesterday’s sitting, but this was not the case. Instead, Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland proposed that the estimates of the six agencies—Ministry of the Presidency, Guyana Defence Force, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Business, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Natural Resources—be passed without question. The political Opposition was furious about this decision. The members shouted that the act was a shameful one; a representation of dictatorship; a sad day for the home of democracy. In spite of their complaints, the Speaker still proceeded to call for a vote on the estimates of the various agencies. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) members did not stay for this part. They walked out. The Speaker seemed unmoved by the PPP’s actions and continued to fulfill the task ahead. Some members of the Opposition returned only when Dr. Scotland moved on to the examination of the work slated for yesterday’s sitting. The agencies examined yesterday included the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Ministry of Legal Affairs, and Ministry of Public

House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland

Infrastructure. CHAOS On Monday, the House descended to an all-time low when Opposition Member, Juan Edghill, attempted to ask a question regarding an allocation for the Ministry of the Presidency. The Speaker explained that the two hours set aside for the examination of that Ministry had come to an end. Edghill was insistent however that the Committee had a right to examine the allocation, since it was in relation to four additional programmes for the Ministry of the Presidency that were not there last year. After much back and forth between the Speaker and the Opposition Member, Dr. Scotland asked Edghill to leave the House. The Parliamentarian refused to obey this order. The Speaker then instructed the

Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Edghill from the Chamber, and if help was required, he (Sergeant-at-Arms) knew what to do. Help was sought, as several ranks eventually entered the Chamber to forcefully remove Edghill. The PPP Parliamentarians formed a human shield around Edghill. In the process, Member of Parliament, Priya Manickchand, said that the police pushed her into the edge of a table. She cried as her fellow MPs fanned her while she sat in a chair. Between sobs, she complained that the police action was illegal and uncalled for. She stated that the police had punched her, but there was no evidence that this had occurred. While Edghill was allowed to leave on Monday, he was arrested yesterday for a security breach at Parliament. He was later released.

Mabaruma solar farm to be completed in 2018 Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has told the National Assembly that by next year, Guyana’s first solar farm will come into operation. And, construction of two others may begin. These projects, he said, will translate tremendous benefits for the people of Guyana. As he took the floor of the National Assembly during the recently concluded National Budget debates, Patterson spoke of several infrastructural projects which he touted as projects to serve the transformational well-being of Guyana. Among the projects he mentioned was the solar farm, which will help to produce cheap electricity. Patterson boasted, “construction of Guyana‘s firstever solar farm in Mabaruma started in 2017, and this is expected to become operational in 2018.” He also noted that feasi-

- Patterson tells House bility studies for the establishment of solar farms in Port Kaituma and Bartica have commenced. Patterson said that government buildings, including ministries, schools, and health centres, are being outfitted with solar photovoltaic panels, to reduce Government’s dependence on the national grid. The Mabaruma solar farm is being constructed by a German company called Meeco. The 400-kilowatt solar farm will provide an additional 17 hours of electricity to the 3,000 residents of the Region One (Barima-Waini) community of Mabaruma. The establishment of a solar farm at Mabaruma, at an estimated cost of $264M, was announced last year during the reading of the 2017 National Budget by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Minister Jordan also said at the time that the proposed

project was part of the government’s plan to move Guyana towards becoming a ‘Green State’ as a measure of a larger plan to reduce the country’s fossil fuel bill and prevent carbon emissions. Jordan had also announced that investors and other persons involved in the direct importation of items for energy efficiency will benefit from tax exemptions. Those exemptions, he said, were expected to benefit not just investors but the residents also. The government will also be pursuing other solar farms at Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and at Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). These farms are projected to generate 800, 400, and 1.5 kilowatts of electricity respectively.

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Wednesday December 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

Pegasus taxi driver murder trial…

Detective grilled on evidence collected from car Police Sergeant Jomo Williams faced intense cross examination when the trial of Lorenzo Forde, who is accused of the 2013 murder of Pegasus taxi driver Rudrinauth Jeeboo, continued yesterday before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the High Court in Georgetown. Based on reports, on Friday, December 27, 2013, Jeeboo left his Lot 25 Delph Street, Campbellville, Georgetown home for work. His lifeless body was discovered the following day in a garbage pile at Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Investigators who checked the phone records of the deceased found that his cellular phone, which was stolen, was still in use, and it was traced to the accused who was subsequently detained. Jeeboo’s car was found abandoned on December 28, 2013, on a road in Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, with no number plates. Forde, who was 17 years old at the time of the killing, has pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that between December 27 and 28, 2013 at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he murdered Jeeboo. The accused is being represented by Attorneys-atLaw Hughley Griffith and Rachael Bakker, while the State is represented by Lisa Cave, Shawnette Austin and Tiffini Lyken. Sergeant Williams was grilled about evidence detectives collected from Jeeboo’s car. During cross examination, Sergeant Williams told the court that the fingerprints found on the car did not match those of Forde. In fact, the police witness told the court that the fingerprints matched those of Shawn Edinborough,

MURDER ACCUSED: Lorenzo Forde

MURDERED: Rudrinauth Jeeboo

who was previously charged with Jeeboo’s murder. However, the charge against Edinborough was discharged in 2015 due to insufficient evidence. When questioned by Hughley as to whether he knew if crime scene investigators extracted a strand of hair from the car, Sergeant Williams replied, “Yes, I later learnt that.” The police witness admitted to the court that he did not disclose this during his evidence in chief, and that he could not say if the strand of hair matched those of Forde. Hughley then asked the police witness, “The fingerprints that you claimed matched a particular individual, were you able to make contact with that individual?” In response, Sergeant Williams said, “Yes, I was able to make contact with that individual.” He also admitted that he did not disclose this during his evidence in chief. According to Sergeant Williams, he first met Forde on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the Sparendaam Police Station, East Coast Demerara, where he identified himself to him as a police officer in plain clothes. The police witness recalled that he put an allega-

tion to Forde and cautioned him in accordance with the judge’s rule. But Forde, Sergeant Williams recalled, remained silent. He recounted that the then-suspect was later escorted by him and about four or five other police ranks to the Golden Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara. He also recalled that detectives interviewed Forde in the presence of his aunt Marlene Welch - who testified earlier in the trial - and also Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) David. Sergeant Williams added that the interview was videotaped and also written. According to the police witness, Welch told him that she wanted to be present for the interview after he explained to her that her presence was needed, since her nephew was under age at the time. Questioned by Hughley as to if he inquired from his client about his age during the interview, Sergeant Williams said, “I cannot recall if I asked that question. But indeed it was asked during the course of the investigation.” He said that he found out that Forde attended St. Mary’s Secondary School.

City constables under investigation over missing firearms Ranks of the City Constabulary Department are currently under investigation by the Guyana Police Force over an alleged serious breach of protocol committed at the Bourda Outpost. Kaieteur News understands that the entire department was transferred, based on reports of missing firearms. City Mayor Patricia Chase–Green briefly commented on the matter at the statutory meeting held on Monday. She commended the Chief Constable (ag.) for her swift action in dealing with the matter. “All I will say at this point is that there was a serious breach at the Bourda Outpost and we need answers. The matter has been reported to the Alberttown Police and all the officers have been placed on bail.” Chase-Green said that while the investigation is ongoing, every officer has been transferred from the Bourda Outpost. Given the recent reports emanating from the city con-

stabulary, the Mayor announced that an emergency meeting will be held to address matters related to the department. In August, the city constabulary department made headlines following reports of a sexual assault committed by a member of the unit on a juvenile. The incident allegedly occurred on August 22, last, in the Enquiries Office of the City Constabulary, located at Regent Street. The report was filed by another rank of the Unit who reportedly witnessed the incident. He provided a statement the following day. The matter was under investigation by the legal affairs committee of the Georgetown Mayor and Councillors. The ranks were later dismissed and the matter was placed under investigation by the Guyana Police Force. They were later reinstated by City Hall, but were sent on administrative leave to allow for further action at the level of the City administration.

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

Addressing inequity in education high on Ministry’s agenda Moves are apace to address the structural determinants of inequity when it comes to the delivery of education. This is according to Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, who revealed that the sector is keenly looking to address factors such as poverty, deficient policies and inefficient delivery of systems that have been known to prevent children from realizing their full potential. To bring its vision, in this regard, to fruition, the Ministry will utilize a portion of its allocation from the 2018 national budget. In his presentation of the budget three Mondays ago, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said, “Improving the quality of education will not be fixed by building more schools and buying more furniture”. He pointed out then, too, that while non-academic standards continue to be critical to the quality of education delivery, it is the presence of a teacher who cares enough to ensure that each child masters literacy and numeracy at the lower grades that will influence their performance in future years. For this reason, Jordan assured, “we will continue to add to the pool of trained teachers, which currently stands at 77 percent, in order to ensure that each child is afforded the best possible education. This year, we expect that 450 graduates will join the trained teacher workforce, and 37 untrained teachers will complete the teacher upgrading programme, to prepare for the trained teachers’ certificate programme.” But according to the Finance Minister, in 2018, “we expect an additional 335 trained teachers to join the workforce”. He disclosed that the intent of government is to improve the quality of learn-

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry ing by providing a stimulating environment. In so doing, Minister Henry disclosed that in the coming year, deliberate efforts will be made, for the first time in over a decade, to reintroduce training of teachers in Region Eight. “I listened to a former Minister of Education on the other side [parliamentary opposition] who said that 77 percent trained teachers would not help us. The literature is replete with evidence of the benefits of having trained teachers in the classroom. This measure will not only help us, but will also ensure that all our regions, throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, now have teacher training hubs,” said Minister Henry. She disclosed that an increase, by 80 percent, of teachers’ remote area incentive, is only part of a package of a comprehensive plan to bridge the gap between the hinterland and coastland communities. “This is how you provide affordable access to education in far-flung communities. While we may not have gotten everything right, we have always put the people first. I realized that transforming the education system will not be easy, and that we are likely to

encounter a lot of challenges along the way, like fixing the school at Kato. “So let me say to the people of this country – whether you live in Lethem or Linden, Babu John or Cove and John, transforming the education system is not only exciting and challenging, but most importantly, a necessary journey that we have to take as one people, one nation with a common destiny,” Minister Henry amplified. Meanwhile, the Education Minister shared that for the first time in over a decade, “we have conducted conditions survey of all our schools and will use this data for maintenance and infrastructural works to be undertaken by the ministry.” Further, in the quest to improve the education system, Henry said that the Ministry, in keeping with international best practices for high performing education system, is prioritizing Special Education Needs in 2018. This is due to the fact that numerous children in this country needlessly endure the horror of academic underperformance due to a lack of appropriate cognitive, social and emotional support, care and treatment options, Minister Henry reflected. “The evidence is saying to us that these conditions are treatable and perhaps avoidable with early diagnosis and treatment. In 2018, the newly constructed Special Education diagnosis and Assimilation Centre at Turkeyen will be outfitted with appropriate equipment and furnishings,” she informed. According to her, for much too long, because of the absence of a specific diagnostic and assimilation facility, many children were left to develop into fullblown conditions, at a tremendous personal and societal cost in their later years.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 13, 2017

At least 10 new bills for House next year FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONER, WASHING MACHINES,FREEZER,SALE OF AC’S TEL:629-4946/ 225-4822. Budhram’s Landscaping service” Free advice, free design, free after care, followup. 656-1326. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 TOLET Room for working couple/ single person. Light,water,bed included, $30,000 monthly, $30,000 security@ South Ruimveldt. Tel: 623-0076

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 Masilla Expoxica Marina, part “A” and “B”, good price Contact : 677-6679, 662-7965 I- Leyland daf cement mixer truck $2.9M,1-caterpillar skid steer $ 3.4 M,1-Bmw 318 I, $2.7M 1-mitsubishi canter $ 3.6 M Contact 650-0402/6031402 1 Indurama 4 burner gas stove & oven, 1 electric juice extractor, 1 large glass case, 1 upright electric cooler Tel: 652-2231 One long boom Bobcat mini excavator 337-D 80 HP. Excellent working condition 1 large freezer, stools and plastic chairs used, at very reasonable prices Tel: 652-2231 1 model M Bush truck with winch & dump, 1 CAT 306 Excavator, Honda ATV 475cc (Carburetor, double shocks & power steering) Contact: 6630510. Rottweiler pure bred pups. Call afternoon or evenings. Tel: 615-0513 1 RZ Mini Bus $450,000. Tel#628-4436 Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @$1000, Crootons, Ashoka trees, potting soil @$800, Lawn grass, Exora, Ficus 4 for $1000 Tel: 626-1044 Fridge, freezer,washing machine Call: 671-3004 Townace Noah parts, transmission back def, seats, hub, calipers, window, motor, switches, bumper, CV etc. 6225986

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Apartments in Diamond 18 Avenue to rent. Call 656-4211/ 680-5944 Two and three bedroom luxury apartments to rent. Fully furnished. 57 John St Campbellville. 666-7028.

EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922 Jos-el Educational Institute needs a Science teacher; urgently please call telephone# 678-0652

SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Experienced Roti/Puri Cook, Curry Cook, Waiters, Handy Boys. Apply at Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St. 2 or 3 bedroom House/ Apartment E.C.D Price: 5060,000 #659-6494 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm One live in or live out house maid. Salary:$60,000 Call: 6695149 Two general workers to work shift system Tel: 225-6337,2665243 We buy lands in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Covent Garden & Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt $3M Call: 651-1969,656-0701 Wanted land anywhere on the West Coast. Tel#642-1252 1 porter and driver to sell water. Apply @ Nimbus Water. #2317002, 79 Albert & Laluni Street, Queenstown.

Study in USA/Canada 100% Acceptance,Micrographics. Vreed-en-hoop. 264-3057. Special Christmas Computer Programs. 9 course diploma in computers $35,000 Computerized Accounting $35,000. Micrographics Vreed-en-hoop. 264-3057

VEHICLE FOR SALE One Titan, excellent condition, 718 Diamond EBD Call : 624-2462 Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.5M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.1M. Call: 617-5536 One Fielder Wagon, PWW 5547 Call: 223-5615

VACANCY Outdoor antenna installer & network technician. Email CV to jobs@awngy.com Tel: 2272001 Porters contact: 223-5273/ 74 Bartenders Contact: 2235273/74 Nanny Contact: 223-5273/74

WANTED 1 Domestic maid must know to cook. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons. 108 Regent Street. One Driver.

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAPRATES, SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie 1.4M Parafaite Harmonie Ten year up 3M 3.5M Tuschen 1.6M Call: 666-2326 Parafaite Harmonie 1.6M 1.8, 3.5M Eccles 5.5M Tuchen 1.6M Herstelling. Call: 6046724/686-9608

- Copyright and Integrity Commission legislation included “The year 2017 has been a very progressive year for the Drafting Division of the Attorney General Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs,” said Minister Basil Williams. He told this to the National Assembly as he recently made his contributions to the National Budget debates. Williams said that the division has successfully drafted 22 Bills for the year. He said that eight of the Bills have been presented to the National Assembly, six of which are presently before Special Select Committees and two have been read for the first time. Williams revealed that legislation to be brought before the Assembly in 2018 include the Public Debt Management Bill, Integrity Commission (Amendment) Bill, Copyright Bill, Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill, Electronic Single Window System Bill, National Payment Systems Bill, Bertram Collins Public Service College Bill, Juvenile Justice Bill, Industrial Court Bill, Gaming Bill, Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill and the National Accreditation Council (Amendment) Bill. In addition, he said that existing legislation will be amended to meet the Government’s policy objectives with a view to the laws being more efficacious for the well-being of the people. Some of the Acts passed in the National Assembly for 2017 include the State Assets Recovery Act 2017 which establishes a State Assets Recovery Agency to recover State property unlawfully acquired by a public official or any other person through civil proceedings; the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2017, which increases the timeframe for investigations into complex money

LAND FOR SALE Eccles (cornerlot) $5.5M, Farm (East Bank) $3.5M, Uitvlugt $3.5M, Parfaite Harmonie $3M & $1.5M, Herstelling $2M Tel: 6560701, 651-1969 Parafaite Harmonie (Foundation and column) 2.5M Zeelugt (50x100) Tel# 642-1252.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams laundering offences and the Tobacco Control Act 2017, which aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating harms of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. There is also the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Act 2017, which is intended to provide for the issuance of third party insurance coverage for motor vehicles coming into Guyana from a foreign country and the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2017, which provides for types of broadcasting zones and classes of broadcasting services. Also passed was the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (Amendment) Act 2017, which provides for a much needed change of membership of the Governing Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. Williams noted that the six Bills in Special Select Committee are the Civil Aviation Bill 2017, the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill 2017, the Cybercrime Bill 2016, the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill 2017, the Animal Welfare Bill 2016, and the Food Safety Bill 2016. Two Bills have been presented to the National Assembly – the Protected Disclosures Bill 2017 and Witness Protection Bill 2017.

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

Businessman fingered in illegal plane discovery surrenders A businessman, who has been on the run for the past three months following the discovery of an illegal airplane and airstrip at Santa Fe, Lethem, in August last, has surrendered. Accompanied by a lawyer, Hutshan Ramsingh also known as Seon Singh turned himself in on Friday. He had reportedly been hiding out in neighbouring Brazil. Reports are that the businessman facilitated the construction of the airstrip and the landing of the plane which is suspected to be involved in trafficking of narcotics and firearms. The illegal aircraft landed on August 13, last. The suspect was arrested in the initial stage of the investigation and was placed on bail. He fled the country shortly after. Two persons

who reportedly conspired with him in the construction of the airstrip were charged. They are Nathan Hamilton and Wazim King. The illegal aircraft and airstrip were discovered by the police about 10 miles from Santa Fe. Reports are that three persons were seen running away from the plane, shortly after it landed. A senior police official has since been transferred from the division for allegedly facilitating the individuals’ escape. Ranks have confiscated two passports - belonging to a Colombian and a Brazilian that were found on the illegal Beechcraft twin-engine plane. A quantity of dry ration, medical supplies, clothing, footwear, two hand-held radios, flashlights, and cellular phones were found on the plane. This discovery was made

just a week after soldiers found another illegal airstrip, a chain saw, aviation fuel, 12 abandoned camps and several dug out trenches in the same area. Additionally, another illegal airstrip was found in Yurupukari, Region Nine, in September 2015. Investigations later revealed that the plane had originated in Colombia.

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The illegal plane that was discovered

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Kaieteur News

New York bombing suspect Akayed Ullah warned Trump on Facebook (BBC) The man who faces terror charges over Monday’s bus terminal bombing in New York posted a warning to President Donald trump just before the attack. “Trump you failed to protect your nation,” it read. The post by Akayed Ullah was revealed in charges filed by federal prosecutors on Tuesday. They say the 27-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant carried out the bombing inspired by the Islamic State group. He wounded himself and three others in Monday morning’s attack. Mr Ullah is accused of blowing up a crude device strapped to his body in an underpass at Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal during the rush hour. The New York Police

Akayed Ullah emigrated to the US with his family in 2011 Department (NYPD) tweeted that he was facing state charges including criminal possession of a weapon, supporting an act of terrorism and making a “terroristic threat”. The federal charges, announced later on Tuesday, include providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, using a weapon

of mass destruction and bombing a public place. According to the federal complaint filed by prosecutors, Mr Ullah said after his arrest: “I did it for the Islamic State.” He also told investigators he had been motivated by American air strikes on IS target, the document says. The complaint says Mr Ullah used materials that included Christmas lights to make the device. It was affixed to his body with Velcro straps. A search of the suspect’s home in the New York City borough of Brooklyn “revealed metal pipes, pieces of wire and metal screws, which were consistent with the bomb materials recovered at the scene,” prosecutor Joom Kim told reporters. He said the suspect

“admitted that he began researching how to build bombs about a year ago, and had been planning this particular attack for several weeks”. He selected the location and timing “to maximise casualties”, Mr Kim added. Mr Ullah emigrated to the US on a family visa in 2011 from the Chittagong area of Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government says he had no criminal record in the country, which he last visited in September. The visit lasted about six weeks, his uncle told the Associated Press news agency. Mr Ullah’s wife did not join him in the US. She and other family members are now being questioned to try to understand how he was radicalised.

Donald Trump likely to visit UK, US ambassador says London (CNN)US President Donald Trump is likely to visit the UK in 2018, the US ambassador to London has said. The ambassador, Woody Johnson, said he believed relations between the US and UK administrations were strong despite a disagreement between Trump and Prime Minister Theresa May when the President shared anti-Muslim videos posted by a British far-right group. Johnson said he was hopeful about the prospects of a visit. “Absolutely, I think he will come,” he told the BBC in an interview broadcast Tuesday. Relations between London and Washington have been strained since May admonished Trump for retweeting the videos posted by Britain First last month. Trump retaliated by

attacking her on Twitter. Several British lawmakers including London Mayor Sadiq Khan have urged May to withdraw an invitation for a state visit that she made soon after Trump was inaugurated last year. In his BBC interview, Johnson said the President’s social media spat with May was “probably misinterpreted.” He insisted the relationship between Trump and the UK was still “very very good,” and said he expected a visit to go ahead. “It hasn’t been officially announced, but I hope he does.” May’s overtures to woo the US have left her in a difficult position. With a view to strengthening Anglo-US relations after Brexit, May was the first world leader to meet Trump after his inauguration.

Wednesday December 13, 2017

French ex-minister Georges Tron faces trial for rape A French mayor and exgovernment minister has gone on trial accused of raping two former municipal employees. Both women allege that Georges Tron, mayor of Draveil, assaulted them between 2007 and 2010 alongside a female councillor, Brigitte Gruel. They say the pair invited them for foot massage sessions before attacking them. Mr Tron and Ms Gruel deny wrongdoing. Mr Tron resigned as junior minister for civil service when the allegations surfaced in 2011. A defence lawyer quoted by AFP news agency argues that political opponents used Mr Tron’s practice of reflexology to portray him as a fetishist and a criminal. Mr Tron and Mrs Gruel, who are both 60, went on trial on Tuesday in Bobigny, north of Paris, on charges of group rape. The nature of their alleged offences means they would be classified as assault by penetration in the UK. Their accusers, Virginie Ettel and Eva Loubrieu, say that when they were hired Mr Tron told them he was a keen practitioner of reflexology. They say they were pressured into taking part in

Mr. Tron was a junior minister in President Nicolas Sarkozy’s centre-right govt. reflexology sessions, some of them conducted with Ms Gruel. The sessions began with foot massages, but developed into sexual assault and rape, the former employees contend. In 2010 Ms Ettel quit her secretarial job after two years and tried to commit suicide, Le Monde reports. Ms Loubrieu, who was hired in 2007, was sacked for alleged theft in 2009, the newspaper adds. The defendants could face sentences of up to 20 years in jail if convicted.

GBTI launches 2018 calendar, donates to 10 NGOs

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) yesterday launched its 2018 calendar at its Kingston, Georgetown location, and gave a significant donation to ten Non-Governmental Organizations. The company rewarded seven of the winning participants of its 2018 Calendar Art Competition. In the photo are the winners of the competition flanked by bank management.

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Objections to shifting retirement age

Watson Duke

Trevor Johnson

Trinidad Guardian - A recommendation contained in the 9th Actuarial Review of the National Insurance Board to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 is not sitting well with the trade union movement with a suggestion that it be put to a national referendum. President of the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) Watson Duke said the umbrella organisation

represented thousands of employees and was of the view that “age movement is something for the collective agreement.” He made the comment before Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Finance and Legal Affairs last Friday. Duke said in the Public Service “people want to retire at 55 with full benefits.” He said the suggestion contained in the 9th Actuarial

Venezuelan leader says no to opposition in presidential race

Caracas (AFP) Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro announced Sunday that leading opposition parties will be barred from taking part in next year’s presidential vote after they boycotted mayoral polls, in a move set to further consolidate his grip on power. That includes the groups of key figures who have led street protests against his rule such as Henrique Capriles, Leopoldo Lopez and others, Maduro told reporters after casting his vote in the municipal polls. “That’s what the National Constituent Assembly set out,” he said, referring to a controversial Maduro-allied special powers legislature whose legitimacy has been questioned by many in the international community. “If they don’t want elections, what are they doing? What’s the alternative? (Civil) war?” the president asked, visibly angry. While municipal elections were under way across the country, Maduro clearly had his mind on the 2018 presidential race, in which he plans to seek re-election despite an approval rating of around 30 percent. Crisis-weary voters

Nicolas Maduro meanwhile appeared to be staying away in droves from mayoral elections that the opposition is already boycotting. Maduro said his party won more than 300 of Venezuela’s 355 mayoral races. And the president insisted that 9.3 million people voted, which he called a record for a municipal vote.

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Review will have to be put “before individual units in NATUC and because of the national effect of the issue we would want to suggest and place on record this may require a national referendum.” Trevor Johnson, of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union and assistant general secretary of the Joint Trade Union Movement, said the body “would have a serious problem with movement from 60 to 65.” He said he got the impression that “we have a financial issue with National Insurance so 65 will solve that. If you take it to the logical conclusion if the financial situation worsens what will you do put the retirement age to 71? It cannot be that you go to increase the retirement age because of financials,” he said. Johnson said the union had collective agreements where workers retire at 60. “We cannot see that changing without significant consultation and with all employers through the collective agreement.” While the report recommended that the change to 65 be done over a period of 36 years, ECA president Keston Nancoo felt it had to be “much faster.” He said Barbados had made the change in 12 years and St Lucia had changed its retirement age to 65 over 15 years.

Dominica PM makes plea for investments in climate change resilience

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (second from left) participating in panel discussion. PARIS - CMC – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Tuesday urged the international community to increase its investments in building climate change resilience in the Caribbean. Participating in the “One Planet Summit” here, Skerrit, whose island was devastated by Hurricane Maria when it passed through the Lesser Antilles in September, said there was also need for greater efforts in streamlining the processes to access these funds and to implement plans and programmes to assist small island developing states (SIDS). “In order to build resilience to climate change, island-states like Dominica require significant investments in residential and public buildings, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and utility services – water, electricity, telecommunications,” Skerrit told the panel discussion. Highlighting the impact of hydrometeorological events as well as slow onset events on SIDS, Skerrit said that the impact is becoming more severe and even more frequent. He said there is unprecedented political will to stem the emission of greenhouse gases, gradually decarbonize the electricity sector and reduce reliance on carbon-based fuels for transportation. Two years ago, the

international community demonstrated these commitments with the Paris Climate Agreement and the creation of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). “The challenge, however, is the in ability of countries, especially small states which are most adversely affected, to access the resources that have been committed to combating climate change. The complexities involved in procuring those funds compounded by the slow pace of disbursement, threaten to eliminate the gains made in Paris two years ago,” Skerrit said. He said the creation of the Climate Resilience Executing Agency of DOMINICA (CREAD) was one solution to address these challenges adding that partnership between countries and the international community to streamline processes and to create the capacities for implementation will benefit beneficiaries as well as benefactors. In his presentation, Skerrit thanked the international community for its support in responding to the impact of Hurricane Maria that killed at least 28 people and left millions of dollars in damage in Dominica. He urged countries to continue to partner with the government and people of Dominica to create the first climate resilient nation.

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Wednesday December 13, 2017

Republicans propose to delay, pause Obamacare taxes WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House Republicans proposed on Tuesday to delay or suspend several taxes under former President Barack Obama’s healthcare law, including a tax on medical devices and the so-called “Cadillac” tax on generous health insurance plans. The move represents a new Republican attempt to roll back provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act widely known as Obamacare, after repeated failures by Congress’ majority party this year to repeal the law. Republicans in the House and Senate are also in the final stages of reconciling tax overhaul legislation, including a proposal to scrap Obamacare’s individual mandate, which imposes a tax penalty on Americans who do not obtain health insurance. A spokeswoman for the House Ways and Means Committee said the additional proposed healthcare tax rollbacks would not be part of the broader tax overhaul bill. Republicans could try to merge the healthcare tax proposals with a must-pass government funding bill that is expected to be passed by Dec. 22, when current funding runs out. But to succeed, Republicans in the Senate, who hold a slim majority of seats, would need an assist from Democrats to get past procedural hurdles. In a statement, House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady announced five new Republican-sponsored bills to provide targeted relief from Obamacare taxes, saying he looked forward to “advancing legislation in the weeks ahead.” One proposed bill would retroactively eliminate Obamacare penalties for employers who did not offer health insurance to their employees over the last three years, as well as for next year. The bill would also delay for one year the Cadillac tax on high-cost employer-sponsored insurance, which is otherwise scheduled to go into effect in 2020. Labor unions oppose this tax because their members often receive more generous healthcare plans, and they fear it would increase their costs.

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Highlights of Monday’s NBA games (The Sports Xchange) Highlights of National Basketball Association games on Monday: Rockets 130, Pelicans 123 Chris Paul and James Harden came alive late, and the Houston Rockets erased a 13-point, third-quarter deficit and extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 130-123 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. Harden scored 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and matched his career high of 17 assists. Paul scored 16 points over the final 13-plus minutes while adding nine

rebounds and six assists. The Rockets remained undefeated with Paul in the lineup at 110. Houston also got a career-high 28 points from Clint Capela and 27 points from Eric Gordon. Jrue Holiday poured in a season-high 37 points for the Pelicans, and E‘Twaun Moore scored a career-high 36 points. DeMarcus Cousins posted 24 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, and Rajon Rondo had a tripledouble (13 points, 12 boards, 12 assists). Bulls 108, Celtics 85 Nikola Mirotic scored 24

points in his first start of the season, and Bobby Portis scored 23 as Chicago won its third consecutive game. David Nwaba finished with 13 points for the Bulls, who have not lost since snapping a 10-game losing streak on Friday with an overtime victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Kris Dunn added 12 points for Chicago. The Celtics played without Kyrie Irving, who sat out due to a left quadriceps contusion. Al Horford scored 15 points, and Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier each contributed 13 points for Boston.

Wednesday December 13, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your agenda may clash with someone elses today, yet you do not feel like compromise is in your vocabulary. Instead of searching for ways to establish common ground, you are fixating on the differences as the MoonMars alignment prompts you to take control.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You are part of a group that must make a practical decision today. Although people may stereotype you as an indecisive Libra, its essential to share your opinion now. You know exactly what you want to say and you hope everyone hears your message.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You wish that everyone would just speak the truth without beating around the bush, but complex interpersonal politics make real communication unlikely now. Youre particularly sensitive to the feelings of those around you today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) When you speak today, everyone else listens because of the authority your voice carries. The potent Scorpio Moon joins forceful Mars in your 1st House of Self, encouraging you take an issue under your wing and let the world know the truth.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You are so focused on finishing whatever you start today that you are likely to miss something important when it enters your field of awareness.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Attempts to put your best foot forward are admirable, but your actions might not create the impact you seek. Naturally, you want others to see you shine, but it may be more useful for them to encounter the true you rather than the polished version of you.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Although you already have a busy work schedule today, you cant ignore your muse when she stops by for a visit. You might not like the timing of your creative urges, but something tells you that you must respond immediately when the waves of inspiration wash over you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There are many conflicting emotions rattling around in your head today and the more you focus on them, the more irritated you become. You might feel as if youre nearing your boiling point, yet you dont want to lose your temper. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You dont want to miss a chance to clearly state your position on a personal matter. However, you cant seem to find the right words to make your point.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Participating in a group project isnt always easy. You have a very specific strategy in mind to reach your idealistic goals. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You can see things that arent really there, yet these invisible apparitions influence your actions. You may be so close to the success you are striving for now that you believe its possible to reach out and grab it. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have put a lot of research into your personal ideology and wont easily change your position today, even in the light of new data. Although your assumptions are well-informed, there are many ways to interpret the same set of facts.

Warriors 111, Trail Blazers 104 Despite missing Stephen Curry (sprained right ankle) and Draymond Green (sore right shoulder), Golden State earned its seventh consecutive win. Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Klay Thompson had 24 points, and four other Warriors, including replacement starters Omri Casspi and Jordan Bell, also scored in double figures. Oakland native Damian Lillard poured in 39 points for the Trail Blazers, who were short-handed as well without Jusuf Nurkic (sprained right ankle) and Mo Harkless (bruised left quad). Portland dropped its fifth game in a row. Clippers 96, Raptors 91 Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams each scored 17 points as Los Angeles held on for a victory over Toronto. Jonas Valanciunas scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Raptors saw their six-game winning streak end. In his first game back after missing 22 contests with a strained left foot, guard Milos Teodosic made a key 3pointer with 40.5 seconds remaining, giving the Clippers a late 91-87 lead. Teodosic was just 2 of 9 from 3-point range for the game but finished with 12 points. Hornets 116, Thunder 103 Dwight Howard scored 23 points and Kemba Walker added 19 as Charlotte used a big third quarter to beat Oklahoma City. Charlotte snapped a three-game losing streak by earning just its second win in nine games. The Thunder failed at yet another attempt to crawl back to .500. Oklahoma City has lost three games with a chance to even its record since Nov. 15, when it was 7-7. Russell Westbrook scored 30 points for the Thunder. Paul George added 20 in his first game back after missing two consecutive games with a calf injury. Steven Adams had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Heat 107, Grizzlies 82 Goran Dragic scored 19 points as Miami defeated Memphis. The Grizzlies have lost four straight and 15 of their past 16 games, and their home record fell to 5-11. The Heat shot 56.1 percent from the floor and went 14 of 27 from 3-point range, 51.9 percent. Miami got 17 points from guard Josh Richardson and 14 points each off the bench from center Bam Adebayo and guard Tyler Johnson. Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 19 points.

Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Nigeria forfeit Algeria match Cutler, Dolphins snap Patriots’ for fielding ineligible player eight-game win streak

Abdullahi Shehu ESPNFC - Nigeria have been sanctioned by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player in their final 2018 World Cup qualifying group match against Algeria, which has now been awarded as a 3-0 win to the Desert Warriors. “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in the match between Algeria and Nigeria on 10 November 2017,” the Committee said in a statement. “The match is declared to be forfeited and awarded 3-0 in favour of Algeria, with the NFF also receiving a fine of CHF 6,000. “The sanction relates to the player, Abdullahi Shehu, failing to serve the automatic one-match suspension imposed on him as a result of receiving a caution in two separate matches of the same competition.

This sanction bears no impact on the final result of the preliminary competition for the FIFA World Cup since Nigeria had already qualified [and Algeria eliminated] before the match took place.” Abdullahi was booked in the previous game against Zambia on November 2017 — adding to his earlier booking against Swaziland in the preliminary qualifier in November 2015 — and should have been suspended against Algeria, but the NFF failed to pick up on it and coach Gernot Rohr field the player for 90 minutes. Responding to the sanction, NFF president Amaju Pinnick issued an apology to Nigerians and immediately directed that an internal investigation be set up. “We accept the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to fine the NFF and award the match to Algeria. However, this is a grave error and somebody must be punished. “We apologise to Nigerians for this and assure that this will not in any way derail or even distract us in our well-laid plan to ensure that the Super Eagles have a great outing in Russia. “At the same time, I want to assure that persons responsible for this slip would not be given just a slap on the wrist. We are actually looking at a re-organization of the Technical Department. The Technical Committee will henceforth play serious superintending role on all details, no matter how minute, in technical matters. “It is important that all committees and departments at the NFF should move at the same pace as the Executive Committee.” The forfeiture does not change Nigeria’s qualification status, but reduces the points haul from 14 to 13. It also means that the Super Eagles lose their unbeaten record in World Cup qualifying.

Patriots Tom Brady attempts to make a pass while under pressure of a Dolphins tackle during the game the patriots lost. (Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports) (The Sports Xchange) Jay Cutler threw three touchdown passes as the double-digit underdog Miami Dolphins upset the New England Patriots 27-20 on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Jarvis Landry caught two of Cutler’s TD throws. After his second touchdown grab, he celebrated by pretending to inflate the football — perhaps mocking New England quarterback Tom Brady’s “Deflategate” issues. Cutler completed 25 of 38 passes for 263 yards. Kenyan Drake led Miami’s ground game with 114 yards on 25 carries. It was the second straight 100-yard game for Drake, who also had five receptions for 79 yards. The Patriots (10-3), who visit the 11-2 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in what was looking like a battle for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, may have been caught looking ahead. Their eight-

game win streak was snapped. Brady got off to a poor start, missing all four of his first-quarter passes. He completed 24 of 43 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown, but he was intercepted twice, both times by cornerback Xavien Howard. Before Monday, Brady had just four interceptions all season and never more than one in a game. Miami (6-7) compiled an impressive 123-2 yardage advantage after one quarter but led just 6-0. The Dolphins scored on field goals of 30 and 44 yards by Cody Parkey. The first field goal was the result of a 13-play, 69-yard dive. The second was set up by an interception by Howard. New England got untracked in the second quarter, taking a 7-6 lead on a 3-yard run by Rex Burkhead. On the next possession, Miami drove 80 yards in seven plays and took a 13-7

lead on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Cutler to Landry. New England closed its deficit to 13-10 on a 46-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski with two seconds left in the first half. Miami extended its advantage to 20-10 when Jakeem Grant made a spectacular, leaping, 25-yard touchdown catch, crashing to the turf in the end zone. The Dolphins closed the third-quarter scoring with Landry’s 4-yard reception for a 27-10 lead. New England crept closer as Brady’s 3-yard touchdown pass to James White cut the deficit to 27-17 with 13:05 to play. The Patriots, who had a first-and-goal at the Miami 1yard line late in the fourth quarter, had to settle for a 33yard Gostkowski field goal after getting hit with illegalshift and holding penalties. Trailing 27-20, New England failed to recover an onside kick, sealing the win for Miami.

IOC bans six Russian female ice hockey players for life over doping LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned six Russian female ice hockey players from the Olympics for life over doping allegations linked to the 2014 Sochi Games, the ruling body said yesterday. The decision came a week after the IOC banned Russia from next year’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics for what it called “unprecedented systematic manipulation” of the anti-doping system. The IOC, however, left the door open for Russian athletes with a clean history of nondoping to be invited to compete in Pyeongchang as neutrals. The banned ice hockey players are Inna Dyubanok, Ekaterina Lebedeva, Ekaterina Pashkevich, Anna Shibanova, Ekaterina Smolentseva and Galina Skiba.

“The Russian Team is disqualified from the Women’s Ice Hockey Event and the International Ice Hockey Federation is requested to modify the results of the event accordingly,” the IOC said in a statement on its website. The Russian women’s hockey team finished sixth at the 2014 Sochi Games. The IOC decision increased the number of Russian athletes banned for life from the Olympics over alleged doping violations at the Sochi Games to more than 30. The IOC did not disclose the nature of the hockey players’ alleged doping violations. It also said it had closed a case against a seventh unnamed athlete without sanction. Russia’s Olympic Committee agreed earlier yesterday to support the athletes who choose to compete in next year’s Winter Games in South Korea as neutrals.

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Fury free to fight again as UKAD resolves anti-doping case

Tyson Fury has not fought since beating Wladimir Klitschko. (Getty Images) (Reuters) - Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is free to resume his boxing career after reaching an agreement with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) over the charges against him, the agency said yesterday. Fury was charged with a doping offence by UKAD in June 2016 and the anti-doping body said in a statement that the fighter had accepted a backdated two-year ban, which expired at midnight yesterday. He is free to fight again once he regains his boxing license, with the British Boxing Board of Control also agreeing to the resolution, UKAD said. A second charge against Fury over his “alleged failure to provide a sample in September 2016” has been withdrawn. The 29-year-old, who has a 25-0 record, became WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO

world champion when he beat Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 but has not fought since. “In recognition of the retrospective counter-arguments and the risks inherent in the dispute resolution process, each side has accepted a compromise of its position,” UKAD said on its website (www.ukad.org.uk). “The proceedings have therefore been resolved on the following basis: the antidoping rule violations based on the reported presence of elevated levels of nandrolone metabolites are upheld.” Fury vacated his titles and his boxing license was suspended in October 2016 pending investigation after he admitted to consuming cocaine and dealing with mental health issues.

Double header on tonight as UDFA GT Beer football continues at MSC ground Champions Shattas face Topp XX, Blueberry Hill collide with Ward Panthers The defending champions Silver Shattas will tonight begin their campaign to retain their crown when they face Topp XX as the Upper Demerara Football Association’s GT Beer year end football competition continues with two matches at the Mackenzie sports Club ground tonight. Shattas face Topp XX who are coming off an impressive showing against Kwakwani whom they eased past 3-0 and behind that win an exciting match-up is anticipated in tonight’s encounter. A win by Topp Xx will give them a great

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chance of emerging tops out of their group. It means that Silver Shattas can ill afford a loss to start their trek towards making a successful defence of their crown. The first game from 19.00hrs will see Blueberry Hill, who have rebounded to score wins recently in the UDFA League, will be hoping to continue when they tackle Amelia’s Ward Panthers who defeated them 1-0 in the League. However, this is a different ball game now and both teams will leave no stone unturned to get a positive start to their campaign to reach the next stage of this tournament.

Top teams receive cash prizes from Turbo Knockout Football Tourney The top teams from the recently concluded Turbo Knockout football competition collected their cash incentives for their outstanding performances in the 16-team tournament which saw the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), East Bank Football Association (EBFA), East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) Football and the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) being represented. The surprising winners of the tournament that was organized by the Petra Sports Coordinating Company, Camptown FC, received their $500,000 first place cash prize and their Turbo championship trophy. Perennial tournament favourites, Police FC, who couldn’t get past the defensively sound Camptown in the final, received $250,000 for their second place finish and the corresponding accolade. Pouderoyen FC received $125,000 for third, while Grove Hi-Tech that

finished fourth pocketed $75,000. Camptown FC g o a l k e e p e r, Richie Richardson, was awarded the most valuable player of the tournament for his three clean sheets in the tournament that witnessed him conceding a solitary goal. Co-director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, during the simple presentation at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, in the boardroom of the sponsors Guyana Beverage Company (GBC) Inc. (the distributors of the Turbo Energy Drink), explained that, “When this tournament was conceptualized it was just a means of keeping the momentum of football in the Georgetown area going, after the recently concluded Corona tournament.” Mendonca further stated that he believes at the end of the tournament, although Camptown lifted the Championship trophy, he believes that, “That the sport of football is the overall winners”, because of the smooth running of the event

and the relations developed with the various football associations, “And I would like to thank all the clubs and players that participated”, Mendonca concluded. Turbo Commercial Manager, Samuel Arjune, whose company received many thanks from the Petra organization for their keenness in sponsoring the tournament with late notice, related his pleasure in the successful hosting of the two-month event. In addition, Arjune posited that, “We are looking forward to having hinterland teams in these tournaments in the future and we will be willing and ready to support any such initiative that will allow hinterland players such opportunities.” Arjune encouraged the support of GBC products including Turbo Energy Drink because since the company is a patron of sports and sport development in Guyana, it will alternately help the nation’s advancement in sports. (Calvin Chapman)

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Luckless Ambris out of ODIs with broken arm

Batsman Sunil Ambris … out of ODI series. HAMILTON, New Zealand, CMC – A broken arm has put the luckless Sunil Ambris out of the one-day series against New Zealand starting next week. The 24-year-old was struck on the forearm by aggressive left-arm seamer Neil Wagner while batting during the second innings of the final Test here Tuesday, and was forced to retire hurt on five. Subsequent x-rays revealed a broken ulna bone in his left arm. It meant Ambris could not resume his innings as West Indies plummeted to 203 all out and slid a 2-0 defeat in the

short series. The Vincentian has endured a torrid run of luck on his first Test tour, twice dismissed hit wicket in successive Tests in identical fashion, trodding on his stumps as he attempted to turn short balls into the onside. All told, he scraped together 25 runs from four innings. His replacement in the one-day side is expected to be announced shortly. West Indies clash with New Zealand in three oneday matches in Whangarei and Christchurch from December 20-26.

Wednesday December 13, 2017

Windies suffer clean sweep after batting buckles HAMILTON, New Zealand, CMC – West Indies suffered a 2-0 clean sweep here yesterday after New Zealand needed just two sessions to wreck the remainder of the Caribbean side’s innings and inflict a punishing 240-run defeat in the second Test at Seddon Park. Resuming the penultimate day on 30 for two in pursuit of a world record 444 for victory, the Windies lost their last eight wickets for 173 runs, to be dismissed for 203 at the scheduled tea break. The defeat followed on the heels of the innings and 67-run loss in the opening Test in Wellington, which also ended inside four days, and extended the Windies’ unenviable streak of having not won a series on New Zealand soil in 22 years. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite said afterwards the Windies batting plan for the second innings never took shape. “Individuals have different styles but the key

Batsman Roston Chase … top-scored with 64. was to take it over by over, session by session,” Brathwaite said. “Obviously it didn’t work out that way. “[The message was] don’t think much about the 444 but take it over by over – unfortunately we didn’t do it.” Roston Chase top-scored with 64 and tail-ender Kemar Roach entertained with 32, while Raymon Reifer resisted for 29, but none of the key batsmen stayed around long enough to turn the game into a real contest. Their misery was compounded by the loss of Sunil Ambris who was forced to retire hurt on five with a broken arm, after being struck by a short ball from the aggressive left-arm pacer Neil Wagner. Wagner claimed three for 42 while fellow seamers Trent Boult (2-52) and Tim Southee (2-71), along with left-arm spinner while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner (2-13), all ended with two wickets each. The signs were there from

the first session when West Indies lost opener Brathwaite for 20, Shai Hope for 23 and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich without scoring, to tumble to 106 for five at lunch. Brathwaite, resuming on 13, was first to fall in the sixth over of the morning when his firm cut was taken at gully by captain Kane Williamson, to give Boult his 200th Test wicket. Hope played a couple of beautiful drives but followed on the stroke of the first hour, caught at long leg hooking at Wagner, and Dowrich lasted just two balls before fending a short one from Wagner to short leg. In free fall at the interval, the Windies found renewed hope in Chase and Reifer as they added 78 for the sixth wicket, to keep the Black Caps without success for the next hour. Chase faced 80 balls and struck eight fours in just under three hours at the crease while Reifer stroked five boundaries in an innings

lasting a shade over 2-1/2 hours and 109 deliveries. The right-handed Chase appeared completely at ease until seemingly losing concentration in the second over following the drinks break, and falling to catch at deep backward square off an ill-advised hook at Wagner. Reifer departed four overs later, brilliantly caught at gully by Williamson sparring at a wide ball from Southee, as the Black Caps closed in for the kill. Roach then smashed a four and a six in a 44-ball cameo as he put on 37 for the eighth wicket with Miguel Cummins (9) but it was a partnership which only served to delay the inevitable. Scores: NEW ZEALAND 373 (Jeet Raval 84, Colin de Grandhomme 58, Kane Williamson 43, Trent Boult 37 not out, Tim Southee 31, Tom Blundell 28, Mitchell Santner 24; Shannon Gabriel 4-119, Kemar Roach 3-58, Miguel Cummins 2-57) and 291 for eight decl. (Ross Taylor 107 not out, Kane Williamson 54, Mitchell Santner 26; Miguel Cummins 3-69, Roston Chase 2-51, Shannon Gabriel 252). WEST INDIES 221 (Kraigg Brathwaite 66, Shane Dowrich 35, Shimron Hetmyer 28, Raymon Reifer 22 not out; Tim Southee 234, Colin de Grandhomme 240, Trent Boult 2-67, Neil Wagner 2-73) and 203 (Roston Chase 64, Kemar Roach 32, Raymon Reifer 29, Shai Hope 23, Kraigg Brathwaite 20; Neil Wagner 3-42, Mitchell Santner 2-13, Trent Boult 2-52, Tim Southee 2-71).

Neil Wagner is ecstatic as he sends back Shane Dowrich for a golden duck ©Getty Images

Wednesday December 13, 2017

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Upper Corentyne Cricket Association elects executive body The Clubs of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) held a special meeting on December 7th at the #73 Cricket Club’s Pavilion to elect members to serve the Executive of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. A release from the Association stated that the body has been without an election for the past four years, having held its last election in 2012. The Clubs, #48 Challengers, Yakasari Caribs, #43, #64, #68, # 69, #70 MYO, #70 CC, #72 All Star, #72 Cut & Load, #73, # 77, Bomb Squad, Guns and Roses, among others have requested, as provided for in the Association’s Constitution, a Special Meeting, to elect a body to fill the posts of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Asst Secretary/ Treasurer which have been vacant since 2014. The newly elected Executives are: Former UCCA and Berbice Cricketer Hamant Jagdeo President, Chaitram Persaud - Vice President, V. Sugrim- Secretary, Mahesh DharryTreasurer and Captain of the Upper

Corentyne’s Senior Team, Lakram Lathman Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. The Association’s representatives to the Berbice Cricket Board are Hamant Jagdeo, Chaitram Persaud, V. Sugrim and Lakram Lathman. Mr. Hamant Jagdeo, newly elected President of the Association urged all Clubs in the Upper Corentyne area to support the Association in its endeavours, since there is a lot of work to be done. He added that the state of cricket in the area has been dormant for a while now, and the only games that are given priority are shorter versions such as 5/ 5, and 10/10 which are played on a gambling basis. These games he said have not served in the best interest of the Association, since cricketers who are interested in a career should be involved in the longer versions. He is concerned at the fact that players from the UCCA have not reached the required standard to fit into the Guyana Cricket Board’s franchise games and he promises that he will work feverishly with clubs to ensure that players

come up to that level in the near future. Mr. Jagdeo spoke about constant migration of junior cricketers from the Upper Corentyne area to more developed clubs in Berbice since it is felt that the opportunities are available elsewhere than in the Upper Corentyne area. He said that his focus will also be on Junior Cricket to aid the young players and guide them to their career goals in the cricketing fraternity. The area he stated, is a vast one, producing many cricketers, and the newly elected executives will do their utmost to restore the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association’s team to the powerhouse it once was. The Executives have pledged their full support to the Berbice Cricket Board and Mr. Jagdeo stressed the need for inclusion of Upper Corentyne members in the Berbice County teams, and said that development programmes will soon commence. The newly elected executive is determined to move the

association forward and eventually make up for the years of dormancy it has endured. The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), through its President, Mr. Dhieranidranauth Somwaru, has expressed satisfaction, at the initiative taken by the members of the Association in addressing the issues that have plagued the Association. He is of the view that cricket in the Upper Corentyne has long been in a state of neglect, and he is optimistic that the newly elected body can return the association to its glory days. He pledges the support of the Berbice Cricket Board to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, and said that the BCB will work with the UCCA in order to develop the game of cricket in the area. Secretary of the Upper Corentyne Association Mr. V. Sugrim has informed that the Association will hold a meeting on Friday at the # 73 CC Ground to appoint the Committee Members who will serve the Association.

The indefatigable Hilbert Foster washes hands of Berbice cricket To focus on RHTY&SC, Youths and Rose Hall Town

Hilbert Foster Long serving Secretary/ CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS Hilbert Foster has announced that he has no interest in being part of Berbice cricket in the future and would not be accepting any nominations to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in the future. Foster has stated in no uncertain terms that all his efforts would now be on the development of his club, the less fortunate youths and his hometown of Rose Hall Town. Foster, who served as Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee from 2008 - 2014 was asked to contest the BCB Presidency at its recent ill-fated elections. While he agreed at the last moment to do so, he acknowledged that the decision was against the wishes of his family and close friends. Berbice cricket, he stated would have benefitted a great deal from his vast experience but that is now water under the bridge. The election which was held on October 8 was widely viewed as not

transparent or fair. Foster stated that Berbice cricket lost out on at least 19 major tournaments of which sponsorship was already secured, while numerous off the field programmes/ projects would have transformed the current dismal state of the sport in the Ancient County. Dozens of clubs would have also benefitted from assistance in the form of coaching, equipment, balls and educational materials. Foster said that it was a privilege to serve the sport at the Board level during his eldest brother, Keith Foster’s Presidency but his focus now would be spent on maintaining the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club status as Guyana’s best, assisting families who are less fortunate and securing projects that would assist in the development of his hometown. Currently, Rose Hall Town benefitted from a major project in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School, while a multi-million dollar project has started to upgrade the outfield of the Area ‘H’ ground, construction of a new cricket pitch and installation of electric lamps around the all weather court. Among the other major projects targeted are restoration work around the Township’s Monument, indoor cricket practice facility and a Green Park for residents of Guyana’s smallest township. Foster also intends to concentrate on programmes to assist youths to stay in school and complete

their education. Foster has acknowledged the support of all the cricket clubs in Berbice and numerous individuals the likes of Carl Moore, Anil Beharry, Robbie Saywack, Malcolm Peters, Mortimer George, Albert Smith, Winston Smith, Angela Haniff and others who have supported him over the years. He however, stated, that despite having no interest in any BCB position, he would be willing to offer advice if asked and to offer assistance when requested. Foster spearheaded the successful completion of over 1700 programmes/projects for the BCB and raised over 20M dollars during his tenure at the Board level. Among his major accomplishments were the Annual Awards Ceremony, Annual Cricket Magazine, Berbice Cricket Hall of Fame, All Time Berbice XI, Annual Cricket Academy, Elite Coaching Programme, Publication of Cricket Educational Programme, Say No/Say Yes Programme, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Retired Cricketers, 70th Anniversary Celebration, 75th Anniversary Celebration, Intercounty Cap System, Inter-zones Tournaments, 75th Anniversary Magazine and Assistance to Clubs. The respected Foster is appealing to all cricket administrators to put the interest of youths first and to use their positions to make a positive difference. Foster noted that BCB should be focused on the development of the sport on a holistic basis.

Members of the newly elected UCCA executive body.

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Wednesday December 13, 2017

Investment in young players and teams to take centre stage next year – RHTY&SC Major developmental programmes for its 10 cricket teams have been announced by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) as the entity strives to retain its status as one of Guyana’s best and most productive clubs. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster disclosed that its main strategists recently sat down and completed a comprehensive Plan for the period 2018 - 2019 with the main emphasis being the development of their junior players. Foster stated that the plan would be focused on an elite list of junior cricketers who are viewed as the club’s future to make sure that they are given all the opportunities to fulfill their God given talents. The club has identified a total of 50 players for this

Region 6 RDC applauded for cooperation programme including Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Sylus Tyndall, Keith Simpson, Chanderpaul Govindan, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Lucas Arthur, Matthew Pattaya, Uma Matadin, Sheneeta Grimmond, Mariam Samaroo, Shamar Scott, Jeremy Sandia, Angelino Ramdihal, Christopher Deroop, Matthew Prass, Rayad Rahaman, Shivnarine Ramnarain, Joshua Wilson, Vijay Gopilall, Vishal Naidu, Jonathan De Viera, Tyrese Sealey and Tyrese Park, among others. Among the initiatives revealed are a year-long coaching programme and three-days per week practice

sessions that would be sponsored by a major insurance company in Guyana; the players would also be involved in weekly practice matches among themselves and clubs drawn from all three counties; weekly net practice shall be compulsory on the club’s concrete pitch, while players would be mandated to be involved in physical exercise for a minimum of thirty minutes per afternoon to make sure that they are physically fit. The club would also be cutting back on its assistance to other cricket clubs and invest those funds to provide personal cricket gear for its members as much as possible. Several cricketing and personal developmental

lectures would also be arranged on a monthly basis, while the Annual Cricket Academy would be expanded to three weeks and would only cater for club members. Funds would also be allotted for a new set of practice gear while a monthly incentive scheme would be set up to reward outstanding junior players. The First and Second Division teams would also consist of mainly junior players as the club moves to adapt a Youth First Policy. This policy has resulted in the club leaving out some aged players who would have represented the RHT Gizmos & Gadgets First Division and Bakewell Second Division teams for over a decade. Foster further informed

Brusche’s Basketball Foundation makes second donation

Wismar Hill Primary gets a pair basketball backboards and equipment A Young female pupil of Wismar Hill Primary school shoots at the basket after the handing over ceremony yesterday.

David Armogan - RDC Chairman Region 6 that while this Policy has attracted some criticism especially from those affected, the club would continue to place emphasis on youths as they are the future and have the best chance of playing for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies. The junior players would also receive educational materials, while the club’s Annual Award Ceremony would be expanded to cater more for juniors. Meanwhile, the Club’s management has expressed gratitude to the Regional

Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 6 for its assistance towards the upliftment of the Area ‘H’ ground. The RDC has approved funds for major improvements to the outfield, while the cricket pitch would be re-laid with crusher-run being placed as the foundation. The club is hoping that when the pitch is completed it would provide both batsmen and bowlers with enough encouragement to perform. Flood lights would also be installed around the ground including an all weather-court while the RDC is also upgrading the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School with asphalt. This would allow the cricket teams to successfully host their 3rd Annual Christmas Village, while the Under-12 team which consists of students from the school would be able to practice more regularly. Special thanks are extended to Regional Chairman David Armogan, Vice Chairman Dennis Deroop and Regional Executive Officer Kim Williams Stephens.

Windies fined again for slow over-rate

Stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite

In keeping with the hope of placing basketball backboards and other equipment in all the primary schools in Linden, the Brusche’s basketball foundation once again donated a quantity of equipment yesterday at the Wismar Hill Primary School where Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, Head teacher Kemraj Daramwattuie and members if his teaching staff and pupils all were in attendance. Placed in the centre of the school were the portable backboards, and Dawn McCammon-Barker on behalf of the Brusche’s Basketball family explained the reasons behind the donation. She said James, Mike and Clifton all former national players, had decided that they can give back to the promotion of the game in Linden in a tangible way. This she said is the

second as the first was in October this year to the Amelia’s Ward Primary School and it is intended that the schools all across the Mining Town will also benefit. Mayor Carwyn Holland congratulated the Brusche brothers who are all living in the United States for the kind gesture and encouraged that the school make the best use of the equipment. Head teacher Daramwattuie was thankful for the gesture by the Brusche’s Basketball Foundation as he said the idea is to ensure that the school produces other national athletes in the sport of basketball as he recalled that Deshanna Skeete also attend Wismar Hill Primary School and he hopes that from this, they will see basketball players represent Guyana in the future.

HAMILTON, New Zealand, CMC – West Indies have been slapped with slow over-rate fine for the second straight Test. The International Cricket Council said Tuesday the Caribbean side had been two overs short of their target, during the second and final Test which they lost by 240 runs earier in the day at Seddon Park. As a result, Windies players were fined 20 per cent of their match fee – for each over the team was short – while stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite was fined double

the amount. If West Indies commit another over-rate offence within the next 12 months with Brathwaite at the helm, the opener will be hit with suspension. Regular captain Jason Holder missed the second Test through a similar suspension after the Windies were fined for a slow over-rate during the opening Test in Wellington, which they lost by an innings and 67 runs. The over-rate offence was Holder’s second for the year as captain, resulting in the onematch match suspension.