Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

CRUDE AND OBNOXIOUS BEHAVIOUR It was crude. It was ugly. It was obnoxious, dreadful and disruptive. It occurred at the formal opening of the 71st session of Parliament on Thursday November 2 as President David Granger addressed Parliament. Reading from a prepared speech which at times was drowned out by the raucous heckling by the opposition inside Parliament, President Granger appeared unfazed throughout the ordeal. The protest was sparked by the unilateral appointment of 84-year old retired Justice James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM. This was criticised by a number of organisations including the Guyana Bar Association, the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Human Rights Association and members of the Diaspora. The behaviour in Parliament was a vulgar display by opposition MPs. The protest, according to experts, violated the Standing Orders of Parliament. It was a gross disrespect for a sitting President addressing Parliament. Thursday, November 2, 2017 will be remembered as a day of infamy in the annals of the parliamentary record of Guyana and will go down as one of the most ghastly and appalling episodes of parliamentary misconduct in Guyana and in the Caribbean. Every concerned Guyanese, irrespective of race or political affiliation who have the nation’s interests at heart should be disgusted with such infantile behaviour by the opposition. Of concern also was the disrespect shown to the members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of regional and international organisations, members of the judiciary and other invited guests. It was an ignominious image that was portrayed to the world. But that was not the end of disgraceful behaviour in the Parliament. One month later, the Opposition once more grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons. This time one of their own launched into a tirade against the Speaker of the House. He was not the first member of his party to attack the Speaker of the House. Nearly thirty years earlier, the founder of the party, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, in a fit of fury, hurled the Speaker’s mace from its dais, after he was asked to leave the chambers. He had earlier tossed law books to the floor. This time the member refused to take his seat on the order of the Speaker, bragged that he intended to be out of order and when asked to leave, bluntly refused. Again his party was at its disruptive best. Its members refused to allow their colleague to leave the House, assaulted the ranks who tried to evict the errant member, and in the end halted any further sitting. It must be clear to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora that such uncultured and uncouth behaviour by the opposition should not be tolerated. Parliament is the primary law-making institution in the country and should be respected by all. By shamelessly ripping to shreds every protocol and parliamentary decorum shows the disdain for democracy and contempt for the people and Parliament. On November 2, the opposition leader brought the House to a new low. He became the first to hold a placard in the National Assembly albeit the placard contained mis-spelt words. It was beyond gutter politics; it was trench-bottom politics so far as parliamentary conduct is concerned. While the members of the opposition have the right to free speech and to protest, their shouting in Parliament cannot be qualified as free speech because it impeded the right of the President to speak and be heard. The world is now wondering at the next episode of disgraceful behaviour by the political opposition.

Thursday December 14, 2017

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

What an image to emerge from our Parliament Chambers DEAR EDITOR, As I write this letter I am looking at photos of opposition members of parliament being removed from the chambers by police. I was hoping for a while that these were photoshopped but that was not to be. These are not fake photos. These are real and true photographic images of what took place on Monday in the hallowed Chambers of the Guyana Parliament. Shameful! What an image to emerge from our Parliament Chambers. Member of Parliament Juan Edghill was out of order. Parliamentarians the world over are often out of order. But to summon the Police into the Chambers of Parliament was an unnecessary step and an overreaction. I have the greatest respect for the Speaker. He is my dear friend and one from whom I learnt a lot during my sojourn in the Foreign Ministry and at the United Nations. My impression of Dr. Scotland was heightened many years ago when Gus Lee, then chairman of the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) handed a button with Burnham’s

photo requesting that Scotland wear it during the opening ceremony of a heads-of-mission meeting. He refused the button and we, the younger and junior members of the Foreign Service, were impressed with his lack of cowardice. On this occasion, however, I am ineluctably constrained to express my disappointment with the decision of the Speaker. I know it started with the opposition’s disruption of the President’s address to Parliament, continued with a carefully orchestrated breach of security with the entrance of Santa Claus, and n o w B i s h o p E d g h i l l ’s wanton disrespect for the ruling of the Speaker that he take his seat, as well as the procedures governing the conduct of members of the honorable House. The Speaker’s patience must be wearing thin. But this could hardly be the justification for calling in the police. He could have simply adjourned the sitting. There must have been other mechanisms at his disposal for sanctioning Bishop Edghill, including, as has since been done, suspension from future sittings.

The House is under the Speaker’s control. It seems that the Honourable Speaker followed the advice given in a recent newspaper interview by former Speaker Sase Narain who told one of the dailies that he would have called in the police if he were presiding when President Granger was interrupted during his address to Parliament recently. I doubt whether President Granger would have sanctioned that. I don’t recall the Police ever being summoned into the Chambers of Parliament, even though it is alleged that Desmond Hoyte once threw an ash-tray in the direction of Mackie Hamid and Dr. Jagan once upturned a table. Sase Narain was circumspect as a Speaker and no way would he have called in the police w i t h o u t B u r n h a m ’s approval. And believe it or leave it, but I am sure neither Burnham, nor Dr. Jagan, would never have sanctioned the police being summoned to remove members of Parliament from the chambers. The argument about this being different times, in support of the Speaker’s decision, does not hold

water. If the argument about these being different times is to hold water, it would be in support of the need to avoid the negative portrayal of Guyana’s international image in this age of social media.....Face Book, Twitter, Instagram etc. We look here like a “wild banana republic.” Even in some of the “wild banana republics” the police aren’t called in. Instead there are parliamentary “bouncers” dressed neatly in civilian attire that remove members. And in more civilized societies there is parliamentary privilege which provides against law enforcement removing and arresting members in the chamber, but mechanisms for sanctioning them when they abuse these privileges. Any suggestion that Speaker Scotland resign or be removed, as has been advanced on some Face Book posts, is nothing but sheer nonsense. But he has got to meet with the leadership of the two sides, in camera, and work out a blueprint as to what will be tolerated, and what will not. It’s time to get it right Guyana! Wesley Kirton

Juan Edghill was out of order. So too were others! DEAR EDITOR, Regardless of the fact that the $68M is ghosted and that the allotted time for questions was not extended, Juan Edghill was out of order. He was not afforded that courtesy by the Speaker of the House. By all indications, the Speaker was most polite in requesting that Mr Edghill take his seat. While Mr Edghill’s concerns are legitimate and speak to another sinister multi-million dollar ghosting, his refusal to heed the request of the Speaker was unparliamentary. Parliamentary rules allowed for the Speaker, Mr Barton Scotland to call upon the Sergeant at Arms to have Mr Edghill removed from the house. That being said, recent past incidents, Monday’s uncalled for ruckus and the ensuing unprofessional police response, are a reflection of the sad reality of the partisanship and nasty politics in the hallowed chambers. The Speaker having thus

far handled the matter graciously, erred by not taking the appropriate steps to immediately adjourn the hearings, suspend Mr Edghill, and call the party whips in his chambers to lay down the rules. The Speaker may also have erred in his instructions to the Sergeant at Arms. Reports in the local and social media suggest that the Sergeant at Arms, acting on the Speaker’s instruction,

called in the police unit. This was a procedural issue that should have seen Mr Edghill censured. It’s no criminal matter. It did not compromise security or safety and well-being. And that is where the double standard is so odious and obvious. Given that the Speaker is in control of the house and its proceedings, the recent ‘Santa Claus-capade’ in the House was a security breach

that was dismissed as a goodnatured prank. The desecration of the house by Simona Broomes was fluffed off by the Speaker and the President with a chorus of silent partisan support. The Speaker is yet to take action on last week’s disparaging, “I am Not a Chatree” remarks by Nicolette Henry. It is even more appalling that the Continued on page 6

The President erred DEAR EDITOR, In the news article “President says he took decision on placing US$18m at BoG” (SN Online, 13th December 2017) President David Granger has taken full responsibility for the US$18M ExxonMobil signing bonus not being placed in the Consolidated Fund, claiming that the money was escrow for National Security Emergency reasons. This is admirable of President David Granger,

but the money was not escrow at all. It was to be invested, which means the account was basically an SWF (Sovereign Wealth Fund).An escrow account tends to involve an impartial third party where the money is held in trust. The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Guyana are two Government Agencies. So, there is no impartial third party to the transaction. What President David Granger is effectively saying would be the same as me saying that I have savings for

a holiday trip to Guyana, so the money is escrow. No it is not. It would only be escrow if the APNU+AFC Government of President David Granger could not access the money for any other reasons than legal fees in an account held by an impartial third party. Nowhere in the letter to the Bank of Guyana did it mention escrow or legal fees. It does mention investing in secured interest bearing securities. The account was an SWF. Sean Ori

Thursday December 14, 2017

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Political Platitudes of Peace and The roles of Government and the Goodwill at Christmas Time Opposition must be taken seriously DEAR EDITOR, The extension of greetings to the Guyanese religious communities on the occasions of religious events of deep significance can be expected from politicians and political parties as routine, public relations, patronizing interventions, with the aim of scoring political points, however cheap. Many believers of the faith-based religions of our people of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and others, are not impressed with such empty statements. The politicians use some generalized message associated with a religious event to project a selfcentered image of ‘tolerance and respect.’ Many question the sincerity and motives of these political operatives, unmindful perhaps of the deep religious and theological interpretations of these events. This Christmas 2017, we can expect the usual public

relations platitudes from our elected, and appointed high public servants of the Guyanese people - servants not lords of the people. Public officials are expected to function with a deep sense of servanthood to the people, and with high integrity in obeying the Constitution and the laws of Guyana. Those in public offices are required to discharge their public duties as servants of the people in a fair, openly transparent, inclusively participative manner, and must be subject to personal and public accountability all times, without lies and deception in the discharge of public duties, all in the best national interest. Members of the governing authorities of the Executive and the National Assembly, and other public servants, instead of extending Christmas greetings to the nation, in our politically divisive and

polarized national context which is laced with political venom, should extend the message of Christmas to each other in the Executive, and National Assembly. The Christmas message of hope, peace, joy, and love can be extended to each other in the governing authorities, who are called in the national interest, to genuinely practice these in the daily conduct of the people’s business. It can serve to imitate genuine national reconciliation and healing in our badly wounded political culture. What a great and wonderful Christmas gift that would be to all the people of this fair land of ours! Let the Speaker and the Members of the National Assembly, Ministers of Government in the Political Executives, and all in public offices lead by example and be worthy role models in Guyana. Samuel J. Goolsarran

GAWU’s contentions on sugar never based on race DEAR EDITOR, Head of the Sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU), Mr Colvin Heath-London in an article entitled “GuySuCo operating in rogue manner” which appeared in the Guyana Chronicle of December 07, 2017 is reported to have said “…unlike what GAWU and the PPP want others to believe, the sugar industry is not wholly an IndoGuyanese sector”. We find M r H e a t h - L o n d o n ’s reported statement untrue and misleading. As a responsible organization, we wish to advise Mr Heath-London and the Guyanese public that our Union has never argued that the industry’s workforce

is largely Indo-Guyanese. Our contentions have always been centered around the effects of the plans to minimize the industry on the workers, irrespective of race, geography, sex, religion and any other factor. Some persons have argued along the lines Mr Heath-London espoused, but such sentiments have never been expressed by GAWU and the PPP/C as far as we are aware. We hasten to point out that in the White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry in Guyana dated March 16, 2017 which was not released publicly, but which our Union obtained a copy, sentiments similar to

those referred to by Mr Heath-London were contained. We recall a known supporter of the Administration also making similar statements as well. We hope that this would clear up any misconception in Mr Heath-London’s mind, as we see many of the sentiments we expressed were also shared by him in the December 07 article. Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

DEAR EDITOR, This letter is an appeal to both my Government and the Opposition to take their roles seriously. I do not have a problem with the Opposition performing their role in which they are trying to hold onto their supporters. Let me add some clarity here. The role of the Opposition is to question the Government and hold them accountable to the public. They have to challenge the policies of the Government and will substitute different policies which they feel can work beneficially for the country. The Opposition should put the spotlight on serious issues and force the Government to resolve them, but they are not doing that, they have their own agenda. However, at times the Opposition must agree with the Government, and this is one area which needs improvement. Therefore, it is clear that for the past two and a half years the Opposition has been busy fulfilling their role by getting the Government to dance to their tune. My Government needs to focus on their agenda and not be derailed by the Opposition who gains political mileage all the time. They must focus on their mission. The recent battle for political mileage in Parliament worked in favour

of the Opposition. The Government has everything to lose, not the Opposition. The Government could have come out unscathed and looking good if the Speaker would not have allowed these types of behaviors by the MPs since 2015. In fact the Leader of the Opposition is now bolstering his claims of a dictatorship government in the making. The Government loses and the people lose. This is counterproductive to the role of our Government. The Government must prove to the people that they have their interests at heart and are doing everything to achieve that objective. On the other hand, the Government must manage the affairs of the country to ensure economic stability and growth. They must ensure that the citizens are protected, their health and education are taken care of and they live a ‘good life’. Therefore, the Government must ensure that they implement monetary and fiscal policies which can result in economic growth, full employment and stability. Therefore, I want to remind our Government

Ministers, other Government officials and government agencies that they have serious challenges to face in 2018, and they have to stop being unnecessarily bogged down by the Opposition. The Opposition is fulfilling their functions and is going up in the public’s ratings while the Government is busy engaging them to their detriment. The Government must ensure that each sector is growing and contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, and this is where the subject Minister needs to be more vigilant to ensure that there is proper monitoring and evaluation. Monies are just being spent without due regard for the three Es-economy, efficiency and effectiveness. There are many examples where departmental heads have failed even at the budgetary planning stage. Inflated bills of quantities are common and this has always been the feature of all the governments, including the previous Government. Corruption is ingrained in the engineers’ estimates through the tendering right into the execution of the Continued on page 6

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Thursday December 14, 2017

America can, and must do, better! DEAR EDITOR, In my formative years, I was taught at the prestigious Queens College that we must change the world for the better, and lift humanity up. I can still remember my form master, now Ambassador to Belgium, Dr. David Hales, exhorting us, “You have been selected from the entire country and, indeed the Caribbean, to attend this prestigious school to become leaders of men, ambassadors of human kind, and trail blazers to make the world a better place. Take your roles seriously.” Quoting Luke 12:48 and JFK, another beloved teacher, C.A. Yansen, (Yango) told us, “To whom much is given, from him much is expected.” I have endured various experiences, some great, and some not so great, to carry out that mandate. The most eye-opening was not as a prosecutor ridding society of violent criminals, a Magistrate dispensing justice, a Justice of the Peace, a 3 time Congressional, State Senate, Assembly or City Council honoree, Ambassador for Peace, a District Leader, Judicial Delegate, County Committeeman, Head Prefect, Lion or Rotarian, in

which capacities I served, but as an incarcerated citizen. It is from that perspective that I unashamedly advocate for the many who have suffered injustice, bigotry and downright evil. “God has sent you here to expose the injustice and evil we have been burdened with,” they tasked me. Evil, indeed, because America’s criminal justice system is a disgrace. The United States makes up about 5% of the world’s population, but has 25% of the world’s prisoners. People of color, particularly African Americans and Latinos, are unfairly targeted by the police and face harsher prison sentences than their white counterparts. Indeed, people of color are disproportionately affected, targeted and destroyed by the criminal justice system, to the extent that they are s i g n i f i c a n t l y overrepresented in the U.S. prison population, making up more than 60 percent of the people behind barsdespite being only 13 percent of the overall U.S. population. A whopping 40 percent of those who are incarcerated are black. Latinos represent 16 percent of the overall

population but 19 percent of those who are incarcerated. On the other hand, whites make up 64 percent of the overall population but account for only 39 percent of those who are incarcerated. It is a burgeoning industry for the real criminals. These vested interests pillage $80 m i l l i o n w h i l e institutionalizing mass incarceration of minorities. The consequences for the people who become their targets and stock in trade suffer destruction of lives, families and reputations, leading to barriers to employment and housing, social stigma, and many other evils. It is a perverted form of modern day slavery, a veritable human sausage factory. Many persons related how the American government wasted millions of dollars intimidating my campaign contributors, making an administrative matter into a huge, bogus federal crime, and threatened these immigrant contributors to testify falsely. Where are they regarding these real criminal enterprises that steal, waste and pillage tax payer funds? My consultants predicted correctly. I was either going to be assassinated or

The roles of Government and the Opposition... From page 5 works. This eats away our value for money. My estimate is that as much as 25% of the contracts costs are shaved off by varying levels of corruption, leaving contractors no alternative but to do sloppy work. This is a festering sore for a few Ministries which need to be addressed since yesterday. When I first joined the RDC as a APNU+AFC Councilor I was met with an aggressive opposition side and I would normally take offence at that type of behaviour, but

gradually I learnt that if I focus on fulfilling my role which is aimed at promoting regional and community development then the approach of the opposition councilors would change. It did and I now have a very harmonious relationship with everyone. Why is it that the Government’s side of the House has continuously failed to achieve harmony by executing their roles for the benefits of the people? It was said by a wise man that, ‘you don’t get harmony when everybody sings the

same note’, and a British philosopher and political activist (among other things) once said that, ‘The only thing that will redeem mankind is Cooperation’. I appeal to both the Oppositi o n a n d t h e Government that as you undertake your various and diverse roles, let there be harmony and co-operation so that we as Guyanese can redeem ourselves as ‘One People, One Nation and One Destiny’. Gobin Harbhajan Regional Democratic Councilor

Why close the main thoroughfares during sittings of Parliament? DEAR EDITOR, I fail to understand the logic behind the closure of the main thoroughfares to vehicular traffic during sittings of Parliament. I am almost certain it could not be the distraction caused by tooting horns, since there are much more distractions caused by fellow MPs during parliamentary sessions. Whatever the reason or reasons, a better way has to be

found to mitigate the inconvenience caused to the travelling public. There are also the countless man hours lost as a result of being stuck in traffic. I am sure that better can be done by the authorities in terms of the management of traffic around Parliament Buildings when parliament is in session, especially given the increasing volume of traffic. The number of vehicles on the road has increased

exponentially, but the main thoroughfares remain constant. It stands to reason that any disruption to the flow of traffic will result in severe congestion, especially at this time of the year. There is always a better way of doing things. I urge the Traffic Department to come up with a strategy to ease the inconvenience experienced by commuters whenever Parliament is in session. Hydar Ally

incarcerated. My story is not unique, but all too common for minorities. I became part of the stock in this revolving door of evil, where one in three black men will go to prison at some point during their lifetimes; one in six Latino males will have the same fate. By contrast, only 1 out of every 17 white males is expected to go to prison. A similar pattern exists among women: 1 in 111 white women, 1 in 18 black women, and 1 in 45 Latina women will go to prison at some point. Furthermore, African Americans are 2.5 times more likely to be arrested than whites. These horrible statistics are driven by the so-called War on Drugs, w h i c h h a s disproportionately affected people of color. Despite using and selling drugs at rates similar to those of their white counterparts, African Americans and Latinos comprise 62 percent of those in state prisons for drug offenses and 72 percent of those sentenced for federal drug trafficking offenses, which generally carry extreme mandatory minimum sentences. Moreover, people of color, particularly black males, face longer sentences than their white nonHispanic counterparts for similar crimes. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, between 2007 and 2011, sentences for black males were 19.5 percent longer

than those for whites. Indeed, black men were 25 percent less likely to receive sentences below the sentencing guidelines for the crime of which they were convicted. During traffic stops, people of color are more likely to be searched than their white counterparts. National survey data show that blacks and Latinos are three times more likely to be searched than whites. Blacks are searched in 6 percent of traffic stops and Hispanics are searched in 7 percent of stops, whereas whites are searched only 2 percent of the time. Imagine how many times worse this would have been had we not defeated the bill seeking to legalize racial profiling in NY state, when I launched my first campaign in 2005. Students of color continue to face harsher punishments at school than their white non-Hispanic counterparts. A 2010 study found that more than 70 percent of students who are “involved in school-related arrests or referred to law enforcement” are black or Latino. Indeed, black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white students. During the 2011-12 school year, 16 percent of black K-12 students were suspended, compared with 7 percent of Latino students and 5 percent of white students. People of color are targeted unfairly in the juvenile justice system. According to a 2014 report on racial discrimination in America, juveniles of color

represented 67 percent of “juveniles committed to public facilities nationwide,” nearly twice their share of the juvenile population. Despite comprising only 15 percent of the juvenile population, black juveniles were arrested two times more often than their white counterparts. Voting restrictions on the formerly incarcerated have disenfranchised millions of voters, particularly African A m e r i c a n s . To d a y, approximately 5.9 million people are not able to vote due to felony convictions. While laws vary from state to state, with some allowing for restoration of voting rights, 1 in 13 blacks n a t i o n w i d e a r e disenfranchised due to felony convictions. In Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia, more than one in five black adults are denied the right to vote. Those who gorge off the trough of mass incarceration are the biggest criminals and have committed crimes a g a i n s t h u m a n i t y, perpetuating a revolving p r i s o n f a c t o r y. H a r s h punishments only fill their pockets with tax payer dollars, and do not reduce crime or recidivism rates. America must take immediate steps to reduce the disparate impact that the American criminal justice system has on people of color and institute reforms that apply justice fairly and equitably for all. America can, and must do, better! Albert Baldeo

Juan Edghill was out of order... From p age 4 Minister of State excused and dismissed the flagrant violation while condoning her remarks on live television. The vulgar screams of “rape! rape!” by a PPP member ought not to be treated lightly either. It was crass and low class. This m e m b e r l a c k e d parliamentary decorum. The vile hollering constitutes an affront to civility and common decency. The PPP must reprimand that member for such behaviour. Given all that transpired, the Police have absolutely no business in the house. The security services cannot be used as pawns in the execution of procedures of the hallowed Chambers. There is something to be said of the arms length separation

of the branches of the legislature, the judiciary and the security services. Certainly a travesty was committed and an investigation ought to be launched. The Speaker and the coalition MP who called in the Police and the senior members of the deployed unit should be held to account for violating the sanctity of the house and for compromising the separation of the branches of governance and the security apparatus. These are challenging times for Guyana. Closures of sugar estates and massive terminations with no alternative source of income make for a restless and desperate population. An $18M US signing bonus is surreptitiously squirrelled

away by the Granger regime. A $68M contract awarded to an unknown (ghosted) entity with no answers forthcoming. Drug bond rental fiasco, Moses’ lucrative travel budget, a M i n i s t e r ’s $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 monthly rental allowance, it all piles up. This Government has so far demonstrated striking levels of similarities to the corruption that it accuses its predecessor of. It is time for astute leadership. Time to step back, reflect and do what’s best for all of Guyana. Either that, or be done with all of the coalition and the opposition. They are all seemingly complicit in the state of backwardness that continues to suffocate this nation 50 years post-independence. Jay Mobeen

Thursday December 14, 2017

Govt. seeks to boost population in a bid to spur economy

Jamahl Simmons HAMILTON, Bermuda CMC – Economic Development and Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons says the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) government wants Bermuda’s population to return to the levels seen in 2006 and 2007, when the island enjoyed an economic boom. The government is also listening to the needs of the business community, and looking at ways of lowering costs in Bermuda — for businesses and the population — and says it will not introduce a business services tax. Simmons, who addressed delegates attending the EY Global (Re) Insurance Outlook forum, said these are part of the vision for the way ahead. He said the lessons learnt

from sailing’s America’s Cup, which Bermuda hosted this year, and how a new events authority would seek to “create, attract and manage events of that calibre”. Simmons told his audience of the desire for economic growth, job creation and continuing efforts to make Bermuda a welcoming place for business. He said part of his role was to work with businesses to identify areas where government can “get out of the way” and allow Bermuda to achieve. “I tell stakeholders to put their desires and wish lists before us. You know how this industry works. It’s that collaborative process that will allow us to provide a better and more responsive government,” he said.

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Regarding population size, Simmons said “one of the major goals is to get Bermuda’s population back where it was when our economy was booming in 2006 and 2007. “We want to get back to those days, before the exodus of jobs, before the emigration of Bermudians overseas to seek better opportunities.” The global financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent six-year recession here led to thousands of people leaving Bermuda. John Wight, president of the Chamber of Commerce, last year estimated that 5,000 people had left the island as a result of the crash and recession. New PLP backbencher Christopher Famous estimated in a newspaper column that 3,000 Bermudians had moved to the United Kingdom in recent years. Between 2000 and 2010, the island’s population went from 62,000 to 64,200. A government population report, published three years ago, projected the island’s population would fall back to 61,566 by 2020. “There was a time, for Bermudians in particular, when this was a land of opportunities and we did not tend to go overseas. We’ve lost a lot of our people because they felt they could not be a part of Bermuda’s economic miracle,” Simmons said.

Venezuela’s opposition, prisoners win EU human rights award

Former PM announces his retirement from active politics ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – Sir Lester Bryant Bird, who served as the second prime minister of this Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, has announced his retirement from active politics. Sir Lester, who was born on February 21, 1938 served as prime minister from 19942004, replaced his father, Sir Vere Bird. “I know that, in as much as my brain has much to contribute, age has taken its toll on my physical capacity. It would be unfair to impose upon the readiness of the people of Rural East to maintain me as their representative,” Sir Lester told the Parliament on Tuesday. “The time has come for younger legs and more agile hands. That is why, I announce today in this Honourable House that I will not seek re-election, and that at the end of this term, I will leave representative politics,” said Sir Lester, who was first elected to Parliament in 1976. “I believe our partnership of more than 40 years has been a story of transformation, of accomplishment and of progress. The people of Rural East gave me the opportunity to serve our nation in many important ministerial positions – tourism, energy, economic development, foreign affairs – and as prime minister.” Sir Lester said that he intends to remain available as an adviser to the government should the need arise and used the occasion to endorse his niece, Maria Bird-Browne, the wife of Prime Minister

Gaston Browne, as his successor. “I do not intend to end my representation of the people of Rural East without ensuring that my successor is someone who I personally believe will be good for each of its residents, good for the constituency, and good for the country. That is why I commend to the people of St John’s Rural East, Maria BirdBrowne. “I do so not only because she is my niece. I do so because she has shown the humility and the compassion to be a people’s representative,” Sir Lester said, telling legislators he is confident that his successor will stand up for, and with, the people of the constituency and be a credit to the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) government. In 2014, the British-educated lawyer was one of four persons to be conferred with a knighthood during the Ceremonial Parade to mark the 33rd anniversary of the island’s political independence from Britain. Sir Lester was named Knight of the Most Exalted Order of National Hero (KNH) for his contribution to national development as an outstanding sportsman, lawyer and parliamentarian and joined the ranks of his father and cricket legend, Sir Vivian Richards, as the only other living national hero. “I feel after years of having made such an input into the development of this country in sports, in law and in other matters pertaining to the development of this country,

I am proud that this is being done,” Sir Lester said then. But in recent years, Sir Lester’s health has become a matter of concern and was hospitalised in November last year. “He had a bad bout of the flu, was severely dehydrated and was running a fever and because he is extremely diabetic the doctor is not taking any chances,’ his daughter, Rika Bird later told reporters. In the Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Browne thanked the almost 80-yearold politician for his contribution to the socio-economic development of the two-island state and called for a special sitting of the House to be convened to “celebrate the achievements and contributions. “There is no doubt that Sir Lester would have made the second largest contribution towards the socio-economic development of this country. He has spent over 40 years in this honourable house and we believe, based on his longevity of service, his achievements … that we should offer no less than a special sitting to celebrate his contributions to the development of this country.” Browne also called for the naming of an appropriate monument in Sir Lester’s honour, adding that he had something in mind but would await consensus from his Cabinet colleagues. The next general election is constitutionally due in 2019 but there is widespread speculation that the polls could be held before that date.

ROSEAU, Dominica CMC – Dominica yesterday praised Mexico for its role in assisting the island become the first climate change resilient country in the world, praising also its efforts to help small island developing states (SIDS) deal with the impact of climate change. “Mexico has stood in solidarity with Dominica in our rehabilitation efforts following the devastation caused by adverse weather conditions on the 24th December 2013, on 27th August 2015 and more recently on the 18th of September, 2017,” President Charles Savarin said as he accepted the credentials of the Mexican ambassador Oscar Esparaza Vargas. Dominica has been pushing to become the world’s first climate change resilient country after Hurricane Maria, a category 5 storm slammed

into the island in September killing at least 28 people and leaving millions o dollars in damages. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has already said that the creation of the Climate Resilience Executing Agency of DOMINICA (CREAD) is one solution to address the challenges posed by climate change and has been appealing to the international community to help fund the initiative. Savarin said Dominica and the rest of the Caribbean are vulnerable to natural disasters due to climate change and welcomed the focus of Mexico in assisting SIDS “in developing their resilience to climate change and natural disasters. “Dominica is further committed, possibly, the first totally renewable energy country…given the expertise

of the United Mexican States in this field there is opportunity for cooperation between the United Mexican States and Dominica in the area of our geothermal development programme that will see us having a transformational impact on the mid-term to longterm development,’ Savarin said. The Mexican diplomat said that Mexico is providing funding for the construction of a hospital in Marigot, north-east of here and that his country’s support in the reconstruction of Dominica would continue. “Four years ago we supported your efforts for reconstruction after the Christmas Eve heavy rains. In 2015 we did the same…and this year after you face one of the biggest challenge that any nation has had to deal with…Mexico is next to you once again.

Dominica welcomes Mexico’s support for island becoming climate change resilient

President of the Venezuelan parliament Venezuela Julio Borges, centre, and ousted Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, left, show their award as European Parliament President Antonio Tajani applauds after they received the Sakharov Prize in Strasbourg, eastern France, yesterday. BRUSSELS, Germany (AP) — Venezuela’s democratic opposition and its political prisoners have received the European Union’s Sakharov Prize for human rights. The European Parliament said yesterday that it wanted to reward the courage of stu-

dents and politicians who are fighting for freedom in the face of a repressive government. Julio Borges, one of the Sakharov Prize laureates, says “the recognition of Sakharov prize has a lot of meaning for us, not only because we’ve gone through years of

struggle. The most important thing is that we feel there is a real understanding of what happens in Venezuela.” The Venezuelan laureates follow the footsteps of last year’s winners, two Yazidi women who escaped sexual enslavement by the Islamic State group.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 14, 2017

25 vehicles hijacked in seven months WANTED 1 Domestic maid must know PLANNING AN EVENT? to cook. Apply @ R.Sookraj BIRTHDAY PARTY, & Sons. 108 Regent Street. GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, One Driver. ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL Live in waitress to work in DIAMOND TENTS: 216bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 1043; 677-6620 Experienced Roti/Puri Cook, Curry Cook, Waiters, Handy Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.DBoys. Apply at Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St. $1200US. Call 647-1773 Live in or live out babysitter/ Business place to rent. 14 Lombard St Georgetown. 227- domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am1385, 653-0506 4:15pm Bottom flat 3 bedroom in Diamond. 666-6503,684-7599. We buy lands in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Two and three bedroom Farm, Covent Garden & luxury apartments to rent. Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt Fully furnished. 57 John St $3M Call: 651-1969,656-0701 Campbellville. Wanted land anywhere on the 666-7028. West Coast. Tel#642-1252 1 porter and driver to sell water. Apply @ Nimbus Water. #2317002, 79 Albert & Laluni street, Queenstown. FOR RENT

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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. For Sale 1 White Toyota Fielder 2010 unregistered. Tel: 624-5650. 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 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 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).

VEHICLE FOR SALE

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- Crime chief urges Premio, Allion drivers to be on the alert Acting Crime Chief, Paul Williams is urging drivers of Toyota Allion and Premio motor vehicles to be on the alert as it seems that these are the most targeted cars. As of last July bandits made off with five Toyota Allion and 12 Toyota Premio motorcars. In most of these cases, the drivers were held at gunpoint. In total, 25 vehicles were hijacked, including three Carina 212 and one Toyota Spacio car. The Crime Chief said that in most of the cases, the drivers were either trailed to their home or the perpetrator(s) was already at the victims’ home, waiting on them. ”You find that the suspects are already at their home and when they come out of their car to open their gate, the perpetrator sticks them up right there and take away their vehicles,” Williams said. He urged drivers to always be on the alert. “When persons are going home, they should have someone looking out for them so that the person can see whether there is anyone suspicious there,” the Crime Chief said. On September 15, last, a Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal, Pernell Gordon, was robbed of his Toyota Premio motorcar by two men while on his way home at Mocha, East Bank Demerara. Taxi driver, Phillip King, of North Ruimveldt was shot and robbed of his Toyota Premio motorcar on November 26, last when two female passengers hired his car and lured him to their male accomplice at D’Urban Backlands. He was shot to the abdomen. Additionally, Jeanine Odel, 41, a hairdresser of West Half Paradise, East Coast Demerara was robbed of her car, a new model white Raum, PNN 3855, valued at $2.6 million on June 20, last at the Ogle seawall. On November 28, last two gunmen apprehended Nadine Luthers-Williams, a former journalist outside the Night Cap restaurant in Pere Street, Kitty and escaped with her Toyota Allion motorcar. Luthers-Williams and

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 Drivers-To work in G/town, attractive salary+Incentive. Call 227-1717.

another female had just arrived at the restaurant and bar at approximately 20:00hrs to meet with friends who were visiting Guyana. She parked her white Toyota Allion motor car, registration number PVV 4879, on the eastern side of the road and was about to exit when an armed man approached the driver side of the car, pointed a gun at her and demanded that she exit the car; the young lady complied. The accomplice, who had approached the car from the opposite door, snatched LuthersWilliams’s female friend’s belongings from the front passenger seat. He then ordered her out of the vehicle; the two men entered the car and drove west along the Kitty public road.

Finance Minister ... From page 14 matter has cemented the fact that the government cannot be trusted with the nation's resources. The politician continued, “Now let us examine what is the real issue here. David Granger, as President, and his Cabinet, solicited, received and stashed monies from ExxonMobil. It was never brought to book, placed into the Consolidated Fund or in any Fund that requires parliamentary permission to expend by way of an Appropriation Act.” The Opposition Member added, “It meant that they, at all material times, intended to utilize that money without the notice, approval or knowledge of the people of Guyana. Monies that are public, when placed into an account, be it statutory body or the Consolidated Fund, the level of accountability is at the National Assembly.” Edghill on this note criticized the fact that the Government has chosen to create a special account to hold the US$18M bonus as opposed to placing it into the Consolidated Fund. He insists that this can only be described as an act of executive lawlessness. The Opposition Member also noted that Finance Minister, Winston Jordan seems unwilling to practice any level of accountability. Edghill commented that the Government must make public, evidence of the transfer of the moneys from ExxonMobil into the bank account. He said, “Government has been caught with their hands in the cookie jar…This is not something they can be forgiven for, or have it called a misunderstanding of financial laws or newness to government. People have lost confidence in this administration. It is deception to the core and every member of government must be held accountable for this…”

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 14, 2017

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NFMU Donates Raspberry Pi kits to ICT beneficiaries

Valmikki Singh, Managing Director of NFMU

The Recipients along with Minister, Catherine Hughes (4th from left) and the Managing Director of NFMU, Mr. Valmikki Singh (1st from right) Yesterday the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) donated four Raspberry Pi kits to North Ruimveldt Secondary School; Vryheid’s Lust Secondary School; Girls in ICT organization; and the Robotics Club of the University of Guyana. The ceremony was held at the Computer Science laboratory at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen, Campus. Mellisa Layne, a representative of NFMU delved into the purpose and usage of the Raspberry Pi. “When we think of computers we think of this box here; we think of a laptop. The Raspberry Pi is actually a single core computer. It has the power of a computer; you can do all the things you can do on a computer, but it is not in a case, does not have a monitor, or a keyboard and mouse attached to it.” “It was created in that way to save on cost. All of that plastic and metal [of a conventional computer] has a cost, making [the] availability of computers to everyone actually less because you have to be in a certain income bracket.” “The Raspberry Pi Foundation was started in the United Kingdom as a way of making computer programming and computers available to persons in high schools and developing countries.”

Layne said that they are looking forward to making more donations in the future to support their vision of Computer Science being bigger in Guyana. Each of the Raspberry Pi costs US$70. Managing Director of NFMU, Valmikki Singh, in his remarks highlighted the growth of Information Communications Te c h n o l o g y ( I C T ) i n Guyana. He said that NFMU is happy to be making the donations to the recipients. Mr. Singh said that it is his belief that Computer Science is bigger than oil and gas, which is currently trending. He believes that Computer Science should be a mandatory part of primary education because it plays an important role in people’s lives especially with most of what we do becoming digitalized. He said that NFMU has been growing over the years and is looking forward to making more of these donations. Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University of Guyana (Planning and International Engagement) also stated that she believes Computer Science is important. She related to the audience that when she was younger that there were three basic subject foundations: Mathematics, ‘Civics’ and Language.

A fourth is needed Dr. Reynolds said, and she believes it should be technology and the introduction of Computer Science as one of the fundamentals in primary education. She explained that if students are able to understand the basics of computers at an early age it would be easier when they get to the secondary and tertiary level.

She also explained that new technology is influencing the way things are done in this era and it is evident in the new electronic way we pay our bills, and even some home appliances. Catherine Hughes, M i n i s t e r o f Telecommunications, said that we are in a new time, a new place with new technology and we are not prepared. She said that the biggest

challenge in being prepared is that some persons do not welcome the change because of various reasons. She said that some persons do not believe that certain things could happen in Guyana and they often oppose any change because of their unbelief. Alicia Layne, Computer Science lecturer and Advisor to Girls in ICT said that the donation would be an asset to the Girls in ICT initiative.

Head of Department for Computer Science at UG, Penelope DeFreitas also expressed her gratitude. She related to Kaieteur News that the Robotics Club at the University of Guyana only had two kits that had to be used by 30 persons. They had a complete Lego EV3 kit and a partial set for a Raspberry kit. The new addition she said is much welcomed by the club. “The Robotics Club already has activities planned for the entire academic year. We have just about two kits. We had already started to fill that gap by reaching out to private entities for support. So this is actually giving us a lot more motivation to reach out.” “NFMU, they have also told us that they can offer more support so we look forward to these kinds of collaboration and also to work with them in spreading awareness about Girls in ICT, encouraging more girls to take up professions in the field.” (Photos by UG Learning Resource Centre)

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Thursday December 14, 2017

Kaieteur News

Muslim leaders call on world to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital

No pay for Edghill during suspension

Opposition MP, Juan Edghill surrounded by his colleagues on Monday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Turkey. (Reuters photo) ISTANBUL (Reuters) Muslim leaders condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel yesterday and called on the world to respond by recognizing East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who hosted the summit of more than 50 Muslim countries in Istanbul, said the U.S. move meant Washington had forfeited its role as broker in efforts to end Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “From now on, it is out of the question for a biased United States to be a mediator between Israel and Palestine, that period is over,” Erdogan said at the end of the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states. “We need to discuss who will be a mediator from now on. This needs to be tackled in the UN too,” Erdogan said. A communiqué posted on the Turkish Foreign Ministry website said the emirs, presidents and ministers gathered in Istanbul regarded Trump’s move “as an announcement of the U.S. Administration’s withdrawal from its role as sponsor of peace”.

It described the decision as “a deliberate undermining of all peace efforts, an impetus (for) extremism and terrorism, and a threat to international peace and security”. Leaders including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Jordan’s King Abdullah, a close U.S. ally, all criticized Washington’s move. “Jerusalem is and always will be the capital of Palestine,” Abbas said, adding Trump’s decision was “the greatest crime” and a violation of international law. The Trump administration says it remains committed to reaching peace between Israel and the Palestinians and its decision does not affect Jerusalem’s future borders or status. It says any credible future peace deal will place the Israeli capital in Jerusalem, and ditching old policies is needed to revive a peace process frozen since 2014. But Abbas told the leaders in Istanbul that Washington had shown it could no longer be an honest broker. “It will be unacceptable for it to have a role in the political process any longer

since it is biased in favor of Israel,” he said. “This is our position and we hope you support us in this.” Jerusalem, revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, is home to Islam’s third holiest site and has been at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in an action not recognized internationally. The communiqué on the Turkish ministry website and a separate “Istanbul Declaration” distributed to journalists after the meeting said the leaders called on all countries to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. “We invite the Trump Administration to reconsider its unlawful decision that might trigger...chaos in the region, and to rescind its mistaken step,” the declaration said. Iran, locked in a regional rivalry with Saudi Arabia, said the Muslim world should overcome internal problems through dialogue so it could unite against Israel. Tehran has repeatedly called for the destruction of the Israeli state and backs several militant groups in their fight against it.

Auditors misled during probe of GECOM's... From page 9 evaluated the quotations which auditors stated was a breach of the procurement process. In essence, the administrative department performed the tasks of the evaluation committee and selected Mobile Authority based on the company submitting the lowest bid. Auditors noted that since the contract with Mobile Authority was signed a mere six days prior to the hosting of

the 2015 elections, it would have been impractical to utilize the radios purchased as intended. In his report to Lowenfield and the seven-member Commissioners, including the chairman, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma stated clearly that the Guyana Police Force will be called in to conduct an in-depth investigation with a view to instituting charges if criminal offences are deemed to have been committed.

Some Commissioners have stated that they have not received the Auditor's final report although the reports were sent to the Commission by the Auditor General's office. The reports were left tucked away on the Chairman's desk until recently. Kaieteur News has confirmed that some Commissioners have started to review the report's findings with hopes of having the matter fully discussed.

Opposition parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, will have his pay and allowances docked for the four sittings that he has been suspended. On Tuesday, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, wrote the Member of Parliament (MP) informing him of the implications of suspension which was announced earlier this week. On Monday, Edghill was involved in a major incident on the floors of the National Assembly during the considerations of the estimates for the 2018 national budget. Edghill, is one of the Opposition’s point persons on projects and finance. He was expected to lead questions along these lines. He was told by the Clerk in the letter that based on a motion made pursuant to Standing Order No. 47 (2) and (3), he has been suspended from the service of the assembly for four consecutive sittings, commencing immediately. “Please note that, as a re-

sult of your suspension, you are not entitled to attend sittings of the National Assembly or meetings of Parliamentary Committees or enter the precincts of the National Assembly until the termination of the your suspension.” But before he received the letter onTuesday, he did enter the compound despite the best efforts of the police. As a result, he was charged after being taken to Brickdam Police Station. The letter, copied to the Speaker and finance officials, made it clear that the MP during his suspension will not be paid salary and allowances; he is also not entitled to some of the other benefits as other members of the National Assembly. “Further, you are not entitled to lodge questions or submit notices of motions during your suspension from the service of the assembly.” The letter was copied to the Accounting Officer of Parliament Officer to cease the payment of the salary and al-

lowances until the termination of the suspension. On Monday, Edghill during the start of the considerations of the budget estimates clashed with the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, over the need to extend time for question. However, the Speaker insisted that based on an agreement, the allotted time was fixed. Edghill, after refusing to sit, was deemed out of order and moves were made to eject him from the floors of the chambers. He refused and the police were eventually summoned. However, Opposition members refused to allow the police to remove him. They formed a ring around him. After the ensuing confusion between police and the Opposition members, the day’s proceedings were suspended. Edghill was stopped from entering the Parliament building on Tuesday and later escorted to the Brickdam Police Station.

Gunmen rob passengers, rush home and pretend to be sleeping Minutes after a Route 42 minibus driver and three of his East Bank Demerara-bound passengers were robbed at Middle Street, McDoom, East Bank Demerara, by three males whom themselves were also passengers, ranks of a mobile patrol apprehended them in a house. The victims and suspects, along with other passengers, departed the Bus Park at Stabroek Market about 10:00hrs yesterday. As the vehicle approached McDoom, the suspects requested that the vehicle stop at Middle Street, for them to disembark. When they exited the bus, one of the suspects drew a handgun. They relieved the driver of $4,000 and from the other victims; they took cellular phones and handbags. A police patrol happened to be passing and pursued the

The gun and the four live rounds that were discovered. suspects. The patrol arrested the crooks in a house soon after. At the time of arrest, the suspect with the firearm and four matching rounds, was comfortably covered with a

sheet, pretending to be sleeping. The others in whose possession the stolen items were found, were relaxing in the same house as if nothing ever happened.

Thursday December 14, 2017

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Kaieteur News

C’bean leaders launch plan to make region a climate-smart zone, with IDB support PARIS – The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) announced its support for the newly formed Caribbean Climate-Smart Coalition, a public-private initiative aimed at funding an $8 billion investment plan to transform the region into the world’s first “climate-smart” zone and benefit an estimated 3.2 million households in the region. The Coalition’s work will focus on coordinated action on four initial critical priorities: scaling renewable energy and energy efficiency; building low-carbon, resilient infrastructure; creating innovative financing models in exchange for progress on policy reforms to promote climatesmart growth; and strengthening the capacity of Caribbean countries to plan for long-term resilience strategies. The announcement of the creation of the Coalition came at the One Planet Summit, convened by the Government of France to review progress on the Paris climate agreement, adopted two years ago today. It envisions that the Caribbean region will become the world’s first “climate smart zone.” In the wake of the devas-

tating impacts of the category five Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Caribbean’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change is coming into sharper focus. One IDB estimate indicates that the economic impact of the “new normal” climate effects under “business as usual” scenarios could exceed $22 billion per year by 2050, roughly 10 percent of the Caribbean’s current GDP. In response the IDB Group aims to develop a public and private investment framework for investing in resilient infrastructure, providing contingency resources for responding to disasters and approving additional loan financing to buttress the region’s policy framework for confronting climate and natural disaster risk. The IDB Group will work with the Caribbean Development Bank to support OECS borrowing member countries. The IDB Group’s support will include new public and private-sector financing commitments of $1 billion over the next five years. In tandem with its announced loan targets, the IDB Group also launched its Sustainable Islands Platform, designed to help island territories pursue

sustainability and climate-resilient investments. The Platform will benefit

11 Caribbean Basin island states and continental countries whose territory includes

islands: The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Hon-

duras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago. (Daily Nation)

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Thursday December 14, 2017

Thursday December 14, 2017

Froome faces tough questions after positive Vuelta test

Gomes beat DeAbreu... From page 33 Results of Tuesday night’s matches: Category B Abosdaie Cadogan beat Ethan Jonas 10-12, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 Kirsten Gomes beat Demetrius De Abreu 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5 Category C Nicholas Verway beat Zachary Persaud 11-5, 11-8, 11-7 MohryanBaksh beat Louis DaSilva 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 James Mekdeci beat Jason Gomes 11-3, 11-7, 11-7 Category D Jahcinta Adams beat Beau Fernandes 11-3, 9-11, 15-13, 9-11, 11-7 Dhiren Persaud beat Isabella Ramjohn 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 AishaniPersuad beat Teija Edwards 11-2, 11-1, 11-4 Category E Arvin Seelall beat Angel Rahim 11-4, 11-13 Jared Saul beat Grant Fernandes 11-9, 11-4 Joshua Verwey beat Noah Rahaman 11-3, 11-2 Rayad Boyce beat Lajuan Munroe 11-9, 11-6 Category F Leshaunte Berkley beat Jehan Singh 11-9, 11-8 Brenno DaSilva beat Rylee Rodrigues 11-6, 11-0 Matthew Spooner beat Tiana Gomes 10-12, 11-5, 12-10 KaydenPynaendy beat Thandi Dean 11-8, 11-7 Category G Safirah Summer beat Nicholas Sawh 11-7, 11-8 Jnae Singh beat Mya Dean 11-6, 11-8 Shriya Persaud beat AleaRuplal 11-5, 11-3

LONDON (Reuters) Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome could potentially be stripped of his Vuelta a Espana title after a urine test he gave during the race in September showed excessive levels of an asthma medication. The 32-year-old Briton, who rides for Team Sky, says he has done nothing wrong and would provide “whatever information” world cycling’s governing UCI requires. Froome became the first British rider to win the Vuelta and the first man to claim a Tour de France/Vuelta double in the same season since the Spanish race was moved to after the Tour. Regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, Froome has been on a shortlist of favorites to win this month’s BBC Sports Per-

Thursday December 14, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 Communication with family members and the special person in your life could be frustrating today. Either you aren't in accord or you keep missing each other. Don't be frustrated. Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 Plans for travel or advancing your education could be on your mind. Your excitement might keep you from focusing on whatever tasks you have to do. Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 Thoughts of romance and dreams of a wonderful evening with that special someone are foiled by work that needs to be done right away. This might concern finances. Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 You might be planning to attend a social event today. You're looking forward to it. Paperwork could take up so much of your time today that you wonder if you can make it. Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 Frantic communications involving a project or family affairs could have you feeling scattered and unfocused. Too many important concerns have hit you at once. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 Good news about money could fill you with ideas about how to spend it, particularly on your home. Maybe you need new furniture or have been thinking about painting or redecorating.

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Kaieteur News

Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 Your mind is sharp and ready to take on anything thrown your way. Family members or friends could pick up on this pretty quickly, so don't be surprised if they come to you for help and advice. Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 Your inclination could be to let your routine tasks go in favor of continuing to read calling all your friends to tell them what you've learned. Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 Though you could easily become distracted, you can focus when you try, and this is what you should do now. Finances may need attention, and possibly paperwork, but this is only routine work. Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 You'll have a lot of great ideas about what to do with your day, but unfortunately, your ability to put these plans into motion will probably be curtailed by other responsibilities. Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 A recent rush of intuitive revelations could cause you to want to expound on your beliefs, but this could backfire. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 Friends or a group with which you're affiliated might run into financial difficulties and ask for your advice.

sonality of the Year award for the first time. His spectacular year is now under a cloud, however, and he and his Sky team will need to convince the UCI that there was nothing sinister about the amount of Salbutamol that showed up in his urine sample after Stage 18 of the Vuelta on Sept. 7. Salbutamol is permitted as a legal asthma drug by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the UCI said Froome’s failed urine test did not necessitate a mandatory provisional suspension. But riders have been banned for excessive use of it in the past, notably Italian Alessandro Petacchi who was given a 12-month suspension and stripped of his five stage victories in the 2007 Giro d‘Italia. The UCI said in a statement it had notified Froome on Sept. 20 of an ‘Adverse Analytical Finding” from his sample, which had double the permissible limit of Salbutamol. ‘GREATEST CARE’ Team Sky issued a statement in which Froome said he had followed medical advice and taken an increased dosage after his asthma, a lifelong condition, became worse. “As always, I took the greatest care to ensure that I did not use more than the permissible dose,” Froome said. “I take my leadership position in my sport very seriously. The UCI is absolutely right to examine test results and, together with the team, I will provide whatever information it requires.” The Kenyan-born rider also took to Twitter, thanking those who had sent messages of support and saying he was confident “we will get to the bottom of this.” Vuelta organizers said they were awaiting official conclusions from the UCI and hoped for a swift conclusion. “The regulatory entity has launched an investigation and the position of La Vuelta’s organizer is one of extreme caution,” they added in a statement. Earlier this year Froome, who prides himself on racing clean, said he had refused a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) to treat his asthma on the way to winning the 2015 Tour de France. The UCI said analysis of the rider’s B sample from the Vuelta test confirmed the results of the A sample and proceedings were being conducted in line with its antidoping rules. In Petacchi’s case, the Court of Arbitration for Sport

(CAS) found the Italian rider had not intended to cheat but had not exercised “utmost caution” in the use of his asthma treatment. COMPLEX ISSUES Limited levels of Salbutamol are permitted by WADA rules without the need for a TUE. Sky said analysis of Froome’s sample showed a concentration of 2,000 nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml), compared with the WADA threshold of 1,000ng/ml. Team Sky said there were a range of “complex medical and physiological issues” that could have led to the result. “I have the utmost confidence that Chris followed the medical guidance in manag-

ing his asthma symptoms, staying within the permissible dose for Salbutamol,” said Sky team principal Dave Brailsford. “Of course, we will do whatever we can to help address these questions.” The revelation comes at the end of a year in which Team Sky have been dogged by allegations of ‘wrongdoing’ over its use of TUE’s and its medical record keeping after the ‘jiffybag’ controversy at the Criterium du Dauphine race in 2011. An investigation by UK Anti-Doping concluded recently, saying it had been unable to prove what was in the package sent to former rider and 2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins.

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Thursday December 14, 2017

Concerned Formula One Guyanese boxers start Caribbean C/ship with a bang drivers put on united front

Coach Terrence Poole (2nd right) and his boxers at Grantley Adams Airport yesterday Light welterweight Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis and lightweight Joel ‘Stone’ Williamson provided quality entertainment for a hungry St Lucian crowd last night when the Caribbean (Boxing) Championship punched off in Grois Islet, St Lucia. Despite arriving on the island yesterday morning both Guyanese stopped Barbadian opponents inside the distance. “Y’all puppies biting hot,” president of the St. Lucian Boxing Association, David ‘Shakes’ Christopher declared when contacted last night. “It was quality execution of boxing on display and we are looking forward for more such displays. I have said before that Guyana has some of the best boxers in the region. What we saw tonight proved that I am not wrong,” Christopher said. Guyana almost missed the Championship due to lack of funding. GBA president Steve Ninvalle explained that had it not been for the intervention of Minister of Social Cohesion

Dr. George Norton the team would have been smaller. The GBA sent a team of four boxers, one coach and a referee /judge to the Championship. “We must extend gratitude to the Honorable Minister Dr. Norton, The National Sports Commission, the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Olympic Association for assisting in getting the six-man team to St Lucia. We expect them to do well,” Ninvalle stated. Team Guyana also includes Middleweight Desmond ‘Dynamite’ Amsterdam, bantamweight ‘Lightning’ Keevin Allicock, Coach Terrence Poole and referee judge Lawrence Assanah, a sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force. Assanah will attempt to become the third Guyanese to be certified AIBA One Star when he sits an exam today. Ramona Agard and Richard Braithwaite picked up theirs in Barbados last year.

Rohit Sharma smashes third ODI double ton in India’s big win MUMBAI (Reuters) - Opener Rohit Sharma smashed his third one-day international double century to set up India’s comprehensive 141-run win against Sri Lanka in the second match of the series at Mohali yesterday. Leading the hosts in the absence of rested skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit laid waste to the Sri Lankan bowling with an unbeaten 208 off 153 deliveries to help India post 392 for four in their 50 overs. India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal then took three for 60 as the hosts restricted Sri Lanka to 251 for eight in their 50 overs to square the three-match series at 1-1. Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews remained unbeaten after a dogged 111 for his second ODI century but the touring side never had a realistic chance in their steep chase. Sri Lanka, who lost the three-test series 1-0 against India, had been hoping for a repeat of the series opener in Dharamsala on Sunday, when India were bundled out for 112 in a seven-wicket defeat. With India slumping to 29 for seven in their previous game while batting first, Sri Lanka captain Thisara Perera had no hesitation in putting the hosts in after winning the toss.

But Rohit, who notched up his 16th hundred in the 50-over format, and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan denied them any early success with a watchful start. The 30-year-old added 115 with Dhawan, who made 68, to build a solid base for India and then added 213 for the second with fellow Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer, who scored 88 in what was his second ODI. The right-handed batsman hit 13 fours and 12 sixes with his first 100 coming off 115 deliveries in the 40th over. Rohit then tore into Sri Lanka’s bowlers and India scored 147 in their last 10 overs. It was the seventh time a batsman had scored 200 or more in ODIs with Rohit’s 264 against the same opponents in Kolkata in 2014 being the highest individual score in the 50over format. Sri Lanka paceman Nuwan Pradeep went for 106 runs off his 10 overs, while Perera gave away 80 off his eight overs of seam bowling. The third and final ODI will be played at Visakhapatnam on Sunday before the two teams meet in a three-match Twenty20 series. Scores: India 392 for 4 (Rohit 208*, Iyer 88, Dhawan 68) beat Sri Lanka 251 for 8 (Mathews 111*, Gunaratne 34, Chahal 3-60) by 141 runs.

Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen were among those who had not officially joined the GPDA in recent years. (Rex Features) LONDON (Reuters) - Formula One drivers, including Britain’s four times world champion Lewis Hamilton, have shown rare unanimity by all signing up for their union amid concern for the sport’s future direction. Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) chairman Alex Wurz told the BBC yesterday that the Monaco-based organisation now had 100 percent membership “for maybe the first time in history”. Hamilton, who clinched his fourth title with Mercedes this year, has not been a member in recent seasons while others who had been outside the body had included Ferrari’s 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen. Wurz said Formula One, whose ownership changed in January with U.S.based Liberty Media taking over, was entering “a period of evolution, change and perhaps even a degree of turmoil. “They (the drivers) recognise they must be united and represented to face that challenge.” The contracts between teams and commercial rights holder mostly expire at the end of 2020, as does agreement on what kind of engine the sport should use. Ferrari, Formula One’s oldest and most successful team who also get special payments and enjoy a right of veto, have threatened to leave if they deem changes go against their interests. MAIN CONCERN Former F1 racer Wurz said a main

concern was the risk of key values being diminished. The Austrian said the drivers wanted “to prevent any politics or power fights from ultimately compromis ing on-track performance. The drivers believe unity is fundamental for the sport’s success”. Rule changes this year have made the cars faster and harder to drive, a move welcomed by those on the starting grid, while Liberty have brought in experts to address other issues such as improving the show and noise levels. “We can’t be naive about the situation F1 is in, with its complicated governing rules and agreements between various key stakeholders,” said Wurz. “Business decisions and political power fights have damaged the sport enough at exactly such vulnerable times over the last decade.” French racer Romain Grosjean told Reuters in May after being appointed a director of the GPDA that nearly half the grid at that time were not members. “Missing quite a few of the paddock. Some just don’t give a damn... and I think it’s the wrong point of view,” the Haas driver said at the time. “There’s a big change in Formula One and if we were 20 drivers, out of 20 drivers racing, in the GPDA then we could have a very strong impact and we need to be all united to do something.”

Australian Horn beats Corcoran to retain world welterweight crown SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Jeff Horn retained his WBO welterweight world title by technical knockout when Briton Gary Corcoran’s corner threw in the towel in the 11th round of their contest in Brisbane yesterday. Horn, a former schoolteacher, won the title by beating multi-division world champion Manny Pacquiao at Brisbane’s Lang Park in July and improved his record to 18-0-1 in the more confined space of the city’s convention center. Corcoran enjoyed success getting inside Horn in some wild early exchanges but the champion gradually took control of the contest. Both fighters ended the bout with bloodied faces but Horn, who had lost four

kilograms overnight to make weight, was ahead on the cards of all three judges when the fight ended. “He definitely pushed me in there,” Horn told reporters. “The timing was off at the start of the fight and I couldn’t really get that range very well but as soon as I started working off that jab, I was able to break him down pretty easily.” Corcoran, who had cuts around his eyes checked by the doctor before the decisive round, looked disappointed when his corner brought an end to fight to leave him with a 17-2 record. “Just too many cuts, I couldn’t see the shots coming,” the Englishman said. “Fair play to Jeff. He’s a good fighter, I’ll learn from it and I’ll come again.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 14, 2017

PAGE 29

Phillips General Store backs ‘I’m the greatest’ says MSC 2nd annual street football Gayle after Mirpur mayhem

Mr. Eon Phillips (R) of Phillips General Store hands over the cheque to MSC President Mr. Sherlon Rodrigues.

Chris Gayle struck 18 sixes in his unbeaten 146, the most by any batsman in a T20 innings. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd) ESPNcricinfo - Chris Gayle gave it the full Universe Boss treatment after striking a world-record 18 sixes to turn the final of the Bangladesh Premier League into an affirmation of his talent. Asked by ESPNcricinfo if he would class himself as the Don Bradman of T20s, Gayle banged his own publicity drum after another epic display. “I’m the greatest batsman of all time,” he pronounced. To watch Gayle, legs slightly apart with the bat over his head in his follow through as the ball sailed over the long-on fielder was one of the most enduring images of BPL 2017. Gayle’s relentless assault - a record 146* off 69 balls - razed defending champions and pre-tournament favourites Dhaka Dynamites in the title clash. Gayle’s 18 sixes was a methodical assault, which thrilled the packed Mirpur crowd. He cherished his fifth BPL hundred and 20th overall in T20 cricket, calling it one of his best T20 knocks. “It is a big game, a big occasion to actually stand out and get a century in a final,” Gayle said. “You actually look back and say well done. You tap yourself on the back. It is a winning effort as well, which makes it more special for me. So I am glad that we came out on top. I would put it in the top five [among T20 centuries], certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there.” Gayle said that Rangpur Riders looked to

bat deep into the innings, especially after they had lost previous match-winner Johnson Charles in the second over. “They [Dhaka Dynamites’ started well. We lost Charles a bit early,” Gayle said. “We had to give ourselves a chance to bat as deep as possible. It was important for one of us to bat right through the innings. It actually set the momentum for us.” Gayle said keeping Dhaka’s key bowler Sunil Narine at bay was also part of Rangpur’s plan. “It is a good wicket, once you are set on it,” he said. You can score a bit freely. It wasn’t the best, fully 100 % batting conditions. They had quality bowlers. We didn’t let their best bowlers get wickets. “Narine is their key bowler. Once you lose Charles early, you play according to the situation, use a bit of experience. Know when to go, when to hold back.” Gayle also credited Brendon McCullum with whom he added an unbroken 201 - the highest stand for any wicket in the BPL. “Turning over the strike was always going to be important. I thought we did a fantastic job - myself and McCullum,” Gayle said. “We worked out what to do in the middle, which bowler to take down, and when. “When we arrived in Bangladesh, everyone was so excited to see Gayle and McCullum. It didn’t happen early on in the tournament, but I am glad it happened when it mattered. It is not about trying to outdo each other. The communication and understanding was very good.”

Phillips General Store of Region One has thrown their support behind the Matarkai Sports Committee (MSC) for the hosting of its second annual Male and female street floodlights football which is schedule to kick start on December 26 at Port Kaituma, Region One. Mr. Eon Phillips yesterday presented the cheque to Matarkai Sports Committee President Mr. Sherlon Rodrigues. Phillips said he is happy to support the tournament which usually generates much excitement for players and fans in the area, while Rodrigues expressed gratitude to Phillips and said the stage is set for an exciting kick off. All matches are schedule to commence at 18:00hrs, while the finals are slated for January 1 at Oronoque Tarmac. Defending champion Citrus Grove FC, Matthews Ridge Gold Diggers, Matthews Ridge Sports Club, Arakaka FC, Oronoque FC, Pk United FC, Sebai, Invincible Talons

FC and Five Star FC are the teams set to battle for supremacy, while Three schools are expected to field an under-12 team for exhibition matches. Registration is presently ongoing and clubs are advice to call Mr. Kimtse Castello on 670-2447 to uplift forms. Registration closes on December 20th and no late entries will be accepted. The launching of games will be done on December 22nd at Quincy’s Guinness Bar, Port Kaituma. The champion Male team will cart off $150,000 and a trophy, runner-up $100,000 and third place $50,000. The female winner will pocket $100,000 and a trophy and second place $50,000. Admission to the venue is $300, while children under-12 will be admitted free, but will be asked to pay a fee of $500 for the finals where there will be lots of giveaways and games and meals for the entire family. Bullet Soundz will provide added entertainment.

Pacer Cummins makes strides in ICC rankings LONDON, CMC – Fast bowler Miguel Cummins has made excellent progress in the Test bowling rankings, jumping 14 places in the latest release yesterday. The right-armer now lies 63rd in the rankings led by England’s Jimmy Anderson. Cummins bowled impressively in the recent second Test against New Zealand in Hamilton to finish with five wickets, as the Windies slumped to a 240-run defeat inside four days. Fellow speedster Shannon Gabriel also moved up the rankings, gaining two spots to be 21st, just one behind Kemar Roach who remained 20th. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who did not play a match in the series, remained 22nd while captain and seamer Jason Holder, who missed the Hamilton game through

suspension, has also unmoved in 33rd position. Meanwhile, Roston Chase’s half-century in the second innings of the second Test saw him move up seven places to 38th in the batting rankings while wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich jumped six spots to 83rd. The right-handed Chase struck 64 on Tuesday’s penultimate day as the Windies slid to 203 all out in their second innings. Dowrich struck a breezy 35 in the first innings as West Indies were bowled out for 221. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite is the highestranked West Indies batsman at 17th and the only one in the top 20. Shai Hope, who failed to score a halfcentury in the two-match series, now lies 33rd. Australia captain Steve Smith tops the rankings.

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Thursday December 14, 2017

Grove continue dominance of EBFA football with GFF/NAMILCO U-17 triumph Highway United a club to watch Grove Hi Tech has continued their dominance of football on the East Bank by recently winning the inaugural GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League which ended on December 1, last the Grove Playfield. They ended as the only unbeaten club after their quota of 16 matches, eight in each of the two rounds contested. The league had kicked off in June of 2016 and the first round ended in November of 2016. The prolonged rainy season this year stretched out the start and completion of the second round which was finally completed on December 1st, last. But even before the league was completed, Grove had already wrapped up victory ending with a flawless 48 points from their 16 matches winning every match, a record performance by the young lads. The players combined to score a total of 45 goals, while only conceding five, three of which were conceded in the second round; goalkeeper Usher Jones enjoying a fantastic league standing between the uprights in every match. The multi talented defender Kevin Padmore ended with the most goals for Grove, seven in total. Padmore and a number of his teammates participated in the just concluded Ministry of Education (MOE)/Guyana Teachers’ Union 57th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field championships.Padmore competed in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay; Mark Garraway contested the High Jump, Marlon Hyman (Javelin) and Jamassi Benjamin (Discuss) and Orwin Hunte. Coach Levi Braithwaite in an

invited comment said that his charges once again did their best and reaped the rewards as a result of dedicated work and training. He singled out for special mention, Padmore, Jones, Akel Forde, Paul Fields and Tyrel Khan who joined them in the second round from Soesdyke Falcons. ”First of all I must say congrats to the players for such an excellent performance, I feel encouraged and willing to go the miles with them not just because they have won the league and did it in fine style, but they have exhibited and executed admirably what we did in training and it makes me proud.” Prior to the GFF/NAMILCO league, Grove were the Sunburst Under-17 champions so they have just extended their dominance at this level in the EBFA. Meanwhile, Highway United, have taken the EBFA by storm finishing second overall in their debut season. The team, which is based at Yarrowkabra on the Linden Soesdyke Highway, have displayed a high tendency to succeed ever since their first match which they drew 3-3 with fellow Linden Soesdyke Highway based side, Kuru Kururu Warriors. Incidentally, the Warriors were just ahead of the Highway United at the end of the first round on goals but the latter stormed back in the second round top edge the Warriors to the second place trophy. Certainly, many more exciting days between these two sides and the other teams (Diamond United, Agricola Red Triangle, Mocha Champs, Herstelling Raiders, Soesdyke Falcons, Friendship All Stars, Diamond Upsetters) are ahead which augurs well for the sport on the East Bank and by extension, Guyana.

Grove Hi Tech goalie, Usher Jones (left) watches on anxiously as his defenders halt a challenge from Highway United (formerly Circuit Ville Jaguars) when the two met in the first round. Grove won 2-0.

Grove Hi Tech and Highway United (formerly Circuit Ville Jaguars) doing battle.

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets beat Iman Bacchus SC in T20 match Led by former National Under-19 Captain Shawn Pereira, the Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets First Division team easily defeated Iman Bacchus Sports Club of Essequibo by 67 runs in a specially arranged T20 match at the Albion Sports Complex. The match was organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) under the Say No Say Yes Programme. Overnight and early morning rain left a lot of moisture on the pitch and the match finally got underway at 11:00hrs; the visitors won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first. They were off to the worst possible start when National Under-17 player Junior Sinclair was run out for 0 without facing a ball in the first over. Namesake Jason Sinclair 03 and Kevin Sinclair 00 were dismissed by Lallbachan Narine on the difficult pitch to leave Rose

Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets at 8 for 3 in the 4th over. National Under-19 batting star Kevlon Anderson and National player Clinton Pestano then repaired the early damage by adding 65 for the 4th wicket in seven overs before Pestano was brilliantly run out by Yougeshwar Lall for a well played 30 (5x4 1x6). Former West Indies one day player Royston Crandon and Anderson then featured in a 40 run partnership before Crandon was bowled by off-spinner Rodwyn Gordon for 26 (2x4). Anderson eventually top scored with a typically elegant 40 (3x4 1x6), while all-rounder Keon Sinclair made 15, the home team were dismissed for 145 off the last ball of their 20 overs. Bowling for the visitors, Lallbachan Narine 2 for 4 from three overs, Parmesh Parsotam 2 for 18 and Rodwyn Gordon 2 for

27. Needing 146 to win, Imam Bacchus Sports Club were given a 26 run opening partnership by Navendra Persaud and Parmeshwar Persaud before an aggressive Keon Sinclair dismissed the latter in the fifth over. The rest of the visitors batting found it difficult to score against a disciplined bowling attack; only Yougeshwar Lall with 13 reached double figures as they were limited to 78 for 8 at the end of their 20 overs. For the winners, Under-19 left arm spinner Keith Simpson took 2 for 5 from four overs, while Royston Crandon had 2 for 7 from his four overs, Eon Hooper bowled four overs and conceded just three runs, while Keon Sinclair and Shawn Pereira had 1 for 12 and 1 for 7, respectively. While complimenting the teams for a good match, RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster encouraged the Essequibo

based club to get involved in social activities in an effort to get youths to Say No to Drugs, Crime, Alcohol, Suicide and Yes to Education, Sports and Culture. Foster also advised the players, “No matter how poor you are, there is always someone poorer than you,” and as such they should work as a team to assist those in need. Director of Iman Bacchus Business Enterprise, Mr. Aadil Baksh expressed gratitude to the host for their kindness and extended an official invitation for the 2016 Guyana Cricket Club Awardee to visit Essequibo next year. The Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club handed over a quantity of youth information posters to the visitors, while trophies were presented to Yougeshwar Lall and Lallbachan Narine for being the best Essequibo batsman and bowler during the match.

Thursday December 14, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Goed Fortuin Secondary claim NSC Al Sport and Tour circle tennis title

Achievers, D’ Edward chalk wins

Achievers and D’ Edward registered victories when the West Berbice Cricket Association/ Singh Travel Service U19 50-over tournament continued recently. Kevin Sinclair Host Bush Lot went down to Achievers by four wickets. Bush Lot batted first and managed 160 all out in 32 overs. N. Persaud scored 38, B. Jaikarran 20 and K. Evans 14; Kevin Sinclair claimed 3-18, Danrad Arthur 2-5 and Danious Joseph 2-17. Achievers responded with 162-6 in 22 overs. Kevin Sinclair returned with the bat to stroke 89 with 15 fours and one six, while Christopher Harry made 29 and Shamal Angel 16. Bowling for Bush Lot United T. Persaud, N.Persaud and K. Jaikarran had two wickets each. Over at Paradise ground, D’Edward beat the home team by 51 runs. D’ Edward batted first made 225 all out in 29 overs. Deinaruth Persaud slammed 98, Dishan Phillips 44 and Hemraj Harrilall 22; Windell Fordyce claimed 3-27 and Lakeram Ramkisoon 3-38. Paradise in reply were bowled out for 174 with Fordyce scoring 26, Ompraksh Barrat 32 and Neckell Fraser 20; Dishan Phillip captured 4-54 and Denanauth Persaud 3-19. In Earlier matches, Host D’ Edward batted first made 100 in 20 overs, DIshan Phillipsgot 32; Christopher harry claimed 3-20 and Jaden Samuels 224. Achievers in reply were all out for 51 from 12.3 overs. Hemroy Harrilall bagged 6-14 and Dishan The victorious Goed Fortuin Secondary School team. Phillips 2-12. D’Edwards won by 50 runs. At Bush Lot Ground, Bush Lot batted first made 79 Goed Fortuin Secondary School won the National Sports Da Santos made 34 (3x6s) and Rafik Persaud 19 (2x6s). Goed Commission/AL Sport and Tour Promotions Circle Tennis Fortuin replied with 120-2; Kloyd Fomey got 33 (5x6s), Yohance all out in 17.2 overs. Bowling for Blairmont Centre Javid Karim grabbed 5-18 and Brian Moses 2-17. competition after they defeated Carmel Secondary in the finals Abrams 28 ( 3x6s) and Mande Abrams 24. Blairmont in reply made 83-1; Lochan Hughes played last Friday at D’Urban Park. Carmel won the toss and Goed Fortuin Secondary School also captured the best banner scored 35 and Nigel Deodat 31. inserted Goed Fortuin; they made 110-12 off 60 deliveries. Jamal and best dress team.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Sparta vs. ‘Gold is Money’ is just reward for fans Except for an unfortunate incident which occurred during the semi-finals in Albouystown, the response by fans this year have been overwhelming and extremely encouraging and the reward for this has to be the dream final that pits defending champion Sparta Boss versus West Front Road ‘Gold is Money this Saturday, at Demerara Park opposite Thirst Park. The Organisers of the Georgetown Zone Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition could not ask for a better matchup between two teams that clearly deserves to contest the final of this year’s event which has seen record turnouts in every community that the games were played. Friends and foes of the reigning champion were questioning whether they had lost their aura and were no longer unbeatable, but they’ve answered in emphatic fashion and will now have the opportunity to defend their title against a team that has been playing the most impressive football in the tournament. Sparta Boss somehow loves the Guinness tournaments; a view that has been substantiated by their unrivalled record, so ‘Gold is Money’ will have to continue their imperious form if they are to register an upset against kings of Guinness. Word is that Sparta’s talisman Devon

Millington may return for the final, while Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, who held the fort so admirably in Millington’s absence has shown the level of consistency that should be a cause of worry for their opponents. Then when you add the indomitable Sheldon Shepherd, Eusi Phillips and Cleon Forrester to the lineup then it becomes more visible the task that ‘Gold is Money’ has on its hands. The West Ruimveldt-based unit is not without its stars as well with Randolph Wagner filling the void left by the absence of their ‘uno numero’ player Hubert Pedro, who is playing abroad. Wagner has shown superb form to date and expressed confidence of maintaining his goalscoring prowess in the final. His support will come from the experienced Philip Rowley, who was drafted in for this tournament, while players the calibre of Michael and Jamal Pedro and Deon Alfred are all lethal scorers capable of winning matches. It has all the hallmarks of providing fans with a riveting conclusion to what has been described as one of the best tournaments in terms of attendance. Come out and support the final and present a fitting end to a successful tournament.

Gregory Richardson (right) will be one of the chief tormentors for the opposing team, Gold is Money.

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Thursday December 14, 2017

CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships

Hurricanes face Jaguars today in Day/Night game at Providence By Sean Devers Guyana Jaguars will go head to head with the Leewards Hurricanes, the only team that beat them in their last 33 matches in the CWI Digicel Regional four-day Championships, when the two sides meet from 14:00hrs this evening under lights at Providence in the seventh round of the tournament. The Jaguars will want to produce a far better batting performance than they had against last placed Windwards Hurricanes last week which resulted in the first Tie in a First-Class match in the West Indies as Providence hosts its first ‘Orange ball’ FirstClass game under lights. Hurricanes blew away the Jaguars twice last season, while Guyana held on for a draw when the teams last met in the third round in St Kitts. The Hurricanes return to a venue where the three-times defending Champions suffered their last defeat in the final match last season. Jaguars have won four of their six games so far and should have easily won a fifth in the last round on home soil and have led throughout the tournament so far. The most dominant team in West Indies Franchise First-Class cricket, the Jaguars are on 97.2 points, way ahead of second placed Jamaica Scorpions on 67.8 and T&T’s Red Force on 67.6. Hurricanes start this game on 57 points, only ahead of Barbados Pride (56.8) and stragglers Volcanoes on 32.8 and with just three games remaining after Christmas, the Jaguars are well on their way for a fourth consecutive title and 11th overall. The Leewards opposed Guyana for the first time in 1983 when this country won by 173 runs and have won four titles but none since 1998. Another win here will put the Jaguars in an impregnable position heading into next

Only team to beat Guyana in 33 games

Rakeem Cornwall year’s away games in Jamaica and Barbados and their final game at home from January 18 against the Red Force. Jaguars are the only team in which four batsmen have scored centuries with Vishaul Singh being the most consistent with two centuries and a couple of fifties including his

first innings unbeaten 97 in St Kitts where he shared in a record last wicket stand with Keon Joseph. While only Devon Smith (612) has more runs than Singh’s 459 runs, Skipper Leon Johnson, Shiv Chanderpaul and 19-year-old Kemo Paul have also reached three-figures

this season with Chanderpaul’s 20th Regional ton coming in a match saving innings in St Kitts with the Jaguars following-on. Pacers Joseph, Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd have all been successful but left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul continues to befuddle Regional batsmen, who demonstrate a ‘block or hit’ mentality to spin, and has the most wickets (33) this season. Fellow left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie should also play today after missing the game in St Kitts where the Leewards, on the back of fifties from Montcin Hodge (91), KeacyCarty (82), Jamal Hamilton (56) and Terrene Ward (52) scored 412-9 declared in their only innings. At 26, Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble has the most dismissals but he will know that if he does not soon add a century or two to his eight fifties at level, time is running out for him to at least gain an ‘A’ team selection. Ta g e n a r i n e C h a n d e r p a u l a n d Chanderpaul Hemraj added 115 against Barbados but failed to post 50 stands in either of their two innings against the Windwards as the poor opening stands continue. Skipper Rakeem Cornwall is expected to contribute with both bat and ball and hope for players like Hodge, Hamilton, Ward, Nkrumah Bonner, Devon Thomas and Chesney Hughes are among the runs on what should be a slow track here. Gavin Tonge, Jeremiah Louis and Mervin Matthew, while Cornwall, arguable the most dangerous off-spinner in the Region and fellow off-break bowler Ward, could do the bulk of the spinning. The Jaguars had their final practice session last Evening under lights at Providence and the game could be followed live on cricketwestindies.org.

Archery Guyana’s fundraiser held at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital’s fair Archery Guyana recently partnered with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for the second year in a row by having an Archery Booth at the Hospital’s Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday December 2, 2017 at Demerara Park, Banks DIH. Enthusiasm amongst patrons were high as usual, as lots of persons, (children and adults) were eager to try their hands with the bow and arrow. Those who wished to try were as usual, first advised on the safe and proper use of the equipment and the general safety guidelines since safety remains paramount in the sport. The prizes were provided by the Hospital Fair’s Organising Committee, with a grand prize of a giant teddy bear being up for grabs. This year’s Prize was won by Jonathan DeGroot who racked up the most points.

Last year, Archery Guyana was pleased to contribute all of the funds raised towards the construction of the Mercy Resident Care Facility in Georgetown. Archery Guyana believes in giving back to the community as best as it can and to support persons of all walks of life and encourages anyone, (young, middle-aged or elderly), to join the sport of Archery, whether for recreation or for competition, by contacting any of their members. Archery is in fact a great leveller, so both young and old, able and disabled can compete against each other. It’s a sport where the basics are easy to pick up, but perfecting them is a matter of lots of practice. There is no maximum age for archery and around the world many persons take up the sport after retiring.

Jonathan DeGroot trying his hand at the bow for the first time. He was the eventual winner of the grand prize.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 14, 2017

PAGE 33

Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill level Squash Tournament

Gomes beat DeAbreu in most entertaining game on opening night Demetrious DeAbreu (right) and Kirsten Gomes produced the most entertaining match of the opening night. (Sean Devers photo)

Jason Gomes plays off the glass against James Mekdeci who whipped him 3 love. (Sean Devers photo) By Sean Devers The Guyana Squash Association’s (GSA) six-night Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill level tournament commenced on Tuesday Evening at the Georgetown Club with the most entries in recent times and Kirsten Gomes defeated her Male opponent Demetrius DeAbreu in the most entertaining battle. With a fair size gathering which included national Cricketer Robin Bacchus, West Indies female fast bowler Subrina Munroe and Digicel’s CEO Gregory Dean watching, the bigger Gomes was on the attack from the start of the first match but DeAbreu was not going to be bullied and fought tooth and nail before Gomes won 11-9. De Abreu, wearing a Florissant Green TShirt with the Words Can’t be beaten, matched Gomes shot for shot and in a match highlighted by long rallies for their age and skilful Squash, De Abreu took the second 118 to level the scores. However, a determined Gomes, playing several well executed drop shots, won another keenly contested match 11-9 before destroying De Abreu, taking the fourth match11-5 to win 3-1 in the category ‘B’ encounter. The girl power continued when Abosaide

Cadogan defeated Ethan Jonas in another category ‘B’ battle. Despite a spirited fight Cadogan lost the first match 12-10 before easily winning the next three; 11-4, 11-6, 11-5. The tournament was without its best junior player, Caribbean U-15 Champion 14year-old Shomari Wilshire due to International Squash commitments. Although Taylor Fernandes is no longer a junior, but told Kaieteur Sport that she will be playing in Category A to help the junior players and increase the number of the smallest group in the tournament. The four contenders were scheduled to begin their matches last evening. GSA member Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal, standing in for Garfield Wilshire, who is with his son Shomari, said that new talent shone through in the lower categories as some of the young players displayed skilful serves and treated spectators to unexpected rallies. “No doubt these categories will develop as the tournament progresses,” InceCarvalhal opined. Matches continue each evening from 18:00hrs with a morning and afternoon sessions set for Saturday. The finals are fixed for Sunday. Continued on page 27

Rayad Boyce Jr loses his balance as he misses the ball but beat Jason Gomes in the night’s opening game. (Sean Devers photo)

West Indies female player Sabrina Munroe, sitting next former Caribbean Champions Nyron Joseph, was part of the turnout at Tuesday night’s Squash (Sean Devers photo)

Louis DaSilva plays off the glass in his loss to Mohryan Baksh in Tuesday night’s action at the Georgetown club. (Sean Devers photo)

rt o p S CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships

HURRICANES FACE JAGUARS TODAY IN DAY/NIGHT GAME AT PROVIDENCE Only team to beat Guyana in 33 games

Vishaul Singh

Shiv Chanderpaul

Veerasammy Permaul

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Sparta vs. ‘Gold is Money’ is just reward for fans

WINDIES LOSE GROUND IN TEST RANKINGS LONDON, CMC – West Indies have taken another blow to their Test ranking, following their 2-0 series defeat to New Zealand. Though the Caribbean side remains eighth in the rankings, they have lost three rankings points and are now alongside ninthranked Bangladesh on 72 points. Only mere decimal points have kept the Windies in eighth spot. West Indies’ hopes of making a move up the rankings were scuppered when they went down by an innings and 67 runs to the Black Caps inside four days in the opening Test at Wellington two weeks ago. And their attempt to level the series in Hamilton this week came up short as they lost by 240 runs with a session to spare on the fourth day. The Windies have languished near the bottom of the international rankings in recent years, as their results in the game’s longest form

continue to wane. The recent series defeat meant they have now not won a series on New Zealand soil in 22 years and are without a series win over a higher-ranked nation since they swept the Black Caps in the Caribbean five years ago. West Indies beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in a two-match series in Bulawayo last month but dropped points as the African side are the lowestranked Test-playing nation. They have now won just four Tests of their last 20 inside the last two years but three of those have come over the last three months, including victories over then highly-ranked Pakistan and England. With the series win, New Zealand have risen three points but remained fourth, one place ahead of Australia, while India maintain a healthy lead over South Africa at the top.

West Indies … have fallen three rankings points.

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