Thursday December 15, 2016
Team Benschop not hopeful on the mayoral election today DEAR EDITOR, Today (Thursday) Georgetown City Councillors are set to vote for a new mayor, and deputy mayor. What we (Team Benschop) have argued for is a new system to have our mayors to be elected directly by the voters, and not by a handful of councillors. Surely, this would allow the mayor to appoint his/her own deputy mayors, and other officers to manage the affairs of the city. We have also called for the removal of the position of Town Clerk (currently held by the controversial and incompetent, Royston King) and have the responsibilities placed in the hands of the mayor (who ought to be the real CEO of the city) and other elected city officials. We have also called for our city to be managed by city officials, without being heavily influenced by those in the Executive branch of government. And, for immediate amendments to some extremely antiquated city laws set out in Chapter 28:01. That said, with the current makeup of the council, it’s more like a recipe for continued disaster, and selfish power struggles, especially,
with the control of Central Government and old time players who have no understanding of democracy, and a few others whose only focus is to sit in the mayor’s chair for the sole purpose of becoming “MAYAH.” Hopefully, today, citizens will see a change in the pattern of voting around the horseshoe table, and a different system for the future. Meanwhile, we (Team Benschop) are calling on councillors of the ruling parties, and opposition members to support our councillor, Selwyn Odavo Smartt (In photo) for the position of Deputy Mayor. At least, it’s a start for the betterment of all residents of Georgetown, and a proper and timely recipe for power-sharing at the local government level. Finally, we have noticed the sudden call for ‘secret ballot’ for councillors to vote. Again, that is something that we’ve advocated for during the time when certain bandwagonists were out chastising us and were happy with the way things were. However, we are elated that those who were against it now see the importance. Mark A. Benschop Team Benschop
Anil Nandlall needs a refresher... From page 4 So, unlike his non-direction, I, directed myself to the high relevance of article 171(1) in this matter, and in particular to the pointed words “… according to the rules of procedure of the Assembly”. Article 171(1) compels, in this matter, that attention be drawn to “unwritten rules”. Unwritten rules is not a creation of Mr. Edwards; the Constitution explicitly recognizes their abstract existence (see article 232). And procedural rules are no less law, than substantive rules. I cited the local case law authority of Kumar V M.F. Singh that those “rules of procedure” has been authoritatively interpreted as embracing both the Standing Orders; and, unwritten rules. So, Mr. Nandlall is being mischievous and delusional when he writes “He cites no authority for his conclusion”. Legal research and writing taught us that the Constitution is a source of law, and ipso facto the soundest, un-
questionable “authority” conceivable; baring any binding case – law interpretation thereof. In our legal system text books, no matter how venerable, are never considered as a primary source of law. Notwithstanding that, I have not insinuated, or otherwise, any disagreement (or disregard) with what is propounded in Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice. My vehement disagreement (which I maintain) is with Mr. Nandlall having palpably misdirected himself as to the relevance and applicability of certain extracts in May’s (which he takes wholly out of context) and misrepresents and misapplies them as authority and support for his misconceived conclusion (ie a Minister only must produce any referenced material) which he postulates. That is not permitted. Further explanation will follow in a forthcoming letter Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney-at-Law
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Kaieteur News
Bartica Town Clerk answers his critics DEAR EDITOR, There are only a few qualifications required for destructive elements to attempt to tarnish the good work of the Bartica Town Council. I have found that a self appointed PRO seems to have been endowed with quite a portion of all three of the above mentioned qualifications. I don’t make this claim idly but I cite as evidence his two previous letters to media houses. Because I am quite busy doing the council’s work, I cannot invest much time to respond as aptly to each inaccurate letter. But for the sake of the people, who are entitled to truth, accuracy and enough information to suitably form opinions, I take these few words to respond.Immediately I must address his direct accusation of pomposity on my account and that of His Worship the Mayor.
Whatever is his intention, I encourage him to tread lightly until it can be verified as publicly as all his other unsupported accusations. Secondly, I beg for consideration on the part of the council taking the decision to have Mr. Royden removed. Specifically, I ask reasonable citizens to imagine that over the terms of the previous administration’s IMC, Mr. Royden inhabited a ‘shanty-town’ shack in the compound that housed the NDC. To be fair he is indeed still an employee, but any citizen brave enough to say it would acknowledge his additional night time duties. Many would also verify that visits to the NDC in morning hours found him up close and personal with questionably types of all kinds. The Bartica Mayor and Councillors, if guilty of anything in this case, would be guilty of dreaming of having
a compound reflective of the nature of the business involved in running a town. One that was not synonymous with small bags of white rocks, missing batteries or tractor parts, and most disturbingly a house for “good times” and “get highs”. To those reasonable citizens I also ask; why was this not a priority for those gone before? One might assume that as misery loves company.... so too does white collar crimes give place to crimes of the more recognizable kind.Late in October, Mr. PRO of all things done incompetently by the Council, pressed in on his ‘qualifications’ again. He penned a lengthy letter to the usual theme of ...the council didn’t do this but we did that.” While I can’t exactly afford the time to use all the facts to counter all of his stretched details, I must zone in on the most glaringly hi-
larious claim. It was quite a wave to hear him rant about the 48 stalls at Mongrippa installed by the previous administration’s IMC. In his recollection of this act, he equated it to that of the discovery of minced beef. What he failed however to highlight was that the sole purpose of the 48 stalls was to fortify those officers of that IMC. Am I just making this up? Maybe, but Bartica is a small town so I implore any one with doubt to query the names of stall holders of that arcade, and I’m sure that when that bell sounds many names would be familiar enough. Further, I hope someone out there queries the laws concerning officials holding stalls, moreover subletting said stalls and finally, possibly more importantly, stalls that remain indebted to this Continued on page 6
It is important today that there be a new mayor DEAR EDITOR, With the Councillors of the City of Georgetown to choose a Mayor to lead them for a second year, and I use the word choose deliberately as there is no direct election of the Mayor by the citizens of our capital, it is important that they carefully select someone who is smart, energetic, visionary, honest and most importantly someone who is young. Guyana is at a critical point in its history and it is therefore important that the capital city has the right leadership. Our city faces a moral crisis. At City Hall there is a war against principles of decency, honesty and ethics, leaving many citizens with no moral compass to evaluate their direction. Nepotism and cronyism is rampant at City Hall, with bribery, corruption and graft so prevalent, with mismanagement, ineptitude and negligence so widespread morals and values
are missing. It is therefore simply not good enough to continue to have clueless persons at the helm; rather we need young bright leaders such as Sherod Duncan. Today, the majority of Guyana’s population is 21 years old or younger. These young people want to contribute meaningfully to their country’s development. They want to see their leaders being confident, social, and savvy with technology. It is time for the older generations represented by the current Mayor who has been in the current Council for more than 22 long years to give way and invest in younger ones such as her deputy. City Hall has a leadership vacuum. Leaders provide solutions. That’s what our cities and towns need most— a new batch of problemsolving leaders. The current leaders instead provide more problems than solutions,
examples which can be found in the handling of our vendors, the parking meter fiasco, the late payment of salaries to workers and so much more. Quite frankly with the many failures at City Hall we are quite lucky that the only crisis to hit our capital so far is a financial one, but as they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Can we afford to wait for a crisis? No we can’t. We need new leadership at City Hall now! We must focus on the future. If we can equip young people with new habits and attitudes, we will prevent problems for years to come. It is better to build a fence at the top of the cliff than a hospital at the bottom. We want to address other
potential crises before they begin, by preparing young people to be leaders in the city. Georgetown needs movement. A cursory study of history of the world reveals that many of the movements that changed the world began with young people. From Jesus and his disciples, to Joan of Arc, to William Wilberforce, to John Wesley, to Martin Luther King, Jr. - nations have been impacted by young adults. We believe it is time for another movement that will transform our society. We also believe if we have any chance of seeing it happen today, we must reach out and elect Sherod Duncan who represents the next generation. Nadine Jerrick
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There is no drought in Tapakuma village DEAR EDITOR, We the residents of the Lake community of Tapakuma Village hereby respond to an article in another newspaper dated Monday, December 5, 2016. The writer of the article intentionally or unintentionally (be your own judge) reported that we were suffering from drought conditions to the extent that farmers will stand to lose thousands of acres of rice and other crops like plantains, bitter cassava, eddoes, etc. The article, written by one Shauna Jemmot, cannot be further from the truth. We have not suffered from a period of drought for the longest while. And whenever we do have a prolonged dry spell (i.e the Tapakuma Lake) it is only obvious that rice farmers are the first to complain. No such thing occurred this time around but one Mr Mohammed Khan issues to Jemmott a drought report. Nothing is more laughable. First of all, Editor, people here in this village are not rice farmers. There is little more than 25 farmers here, of little over 2 acres on average cultivated land, per farmer. Not rice, please! Most men work as chainsaw millers or are employed in the gold mining areas. Ms Jemmott either clearly lost her way or may have been misled by political mischief makers. She commented on the “bad state” of our main access road to Anna Regina. She never alluded to the fact that conditions have improved. Editor, you will agree that any reporter worth his/her salt in journalism should un-
derstand that to make a status report of any kind, one has to have corroborating evidence. Evidently the article carried none. She quoted noone from our community and the photo in the newspaper accompanying the article is also a fake one. We are confident that it would fail any test of scrutiny if it comes to that. Be advised Mr. Editor, that after 23 long years the access road to our little village of under a thousand residents (not over 4000 residents, as reported in the article) has now been upgraded. What the writer of the article nevertheless described as our road fits the description of what obtained during that atrocious 23-year period before the upgrade. Not what it has now become, thanks to the Coalition- led government. A new “David-G” schoolbus is now plying that road, taking our children safely to secondary schools at Anna Regina. Commuters are now even travelling in and out of the village, using taxis, much to the convenience of villagers. The community bus also takes passengers to and from Anna Township for $500 per trip, not $12000 per one way trip as reported. One can only estimate why, Editor, after only two weeks of a glowing ‘write up’ on the village of Tapakuma, in the Chronicle Newspaper, this very village has suddenly turned into a village of droughty conditions. One can only assume mischief afoot or political droughty conditions for some. Joseph Atkinson Resident of Tapakuma Village
Bartica Town Clerk answers... From page 5 Council even as I write this letter. Dear Mr. Editor, general public and more specifically residents of Bartica, our town council remains committed to advancing Bartica. We cannot afford our mission to be distracted by the chatters of idle propaganda sharers.
Although I cannot spend much longer as I have tons of work to do, I hope that the clarification this letter provides, urges you to think deeper when the seemingly verse penmanship of the likes of Mr. PRO again finds way to the newspapers. Phebe Wallerson Town Clerk- Bartica Town Council.
Thursday December 15, 2016
Mental illness needs to be detected and treated early DEAR EDITOR, The unfortunate fact is that many people whom we have dismissed as being crazy may actually be suffering from some form of mental illness. An even more disturbing fact is that these illnesses often go undiagnosed in the Black community. I do not know since when seeing a psychologist or therapist became such a stigma in the Black community, but I am proffering a bet that it goes back quite a while. Historically, Blacks have overcome tremendous obstacles, exhibited pride in themselves and are famous for their strength. Yet it appears that these very characteristics are some of the factors that discourage Blacks from seeking help. The sad thing about mental illness is that some forms of it can be hereditary. For
example, if one individual has a mental illness that goes untreated and that person has children, they might also suffer from the illness. One or more of those children may grow up to have children, and the cycle continues. This is why it is so important to properly address mental illness. Another complaint that I often hear from teachers is that they have students in their classroom who are obviously mentally challenged; however, when parents are notified, instead of looking into the issue, they deny that the problem exists. It is important to note that some teachers and administrators may be wrong in their assessment, but they may also be right. The most certain way to determine whether someone is truly mentally challenged is to have them evaluated. Although it is somewhat
hurtful and disappointing to have a child with a mental illness, what good lies in ignoring the problem? The cycle of denial in our community has to cease. Dealing with mentally ill people can be a huge challenge, particularly if that person refuses help. That’s why it’s important for everyone to be observant, including family, friends, doctors, etc. I know an individual who definitely suffers from some form of mental illness. Even a stranger who never observed this person would be able to conclude there is an issue. However, the parent of this individual ignores the problem, and in addition the social workers are ignoring the problem. We need to stop passing the buck, we need to stop waiting for the next person to deal with the problem; we need to be proactive. What we all need to realize is that unless we address mental health issues within our community, crime and
neglect of children will continue to rise. The ills we currently experience will only get worse if we continue to be a society in denial. Time for serious consideration, following this realization. From a professional standpoint, I am a strong proponent of counseling, therapy and medicine that work towards the treatment of mental illness. Being the recipient of such services does not imply that a person is less-than or will be frowned upon instead it means that they are being extremely proactive in their quest to be as healthy as possible. This message needs to be driven home: Treatment is good. More of us need to embrace it for ourselves or for those we love. Doing so will eventually result in a stronger, healthier community. Mental health issues can consume and turn individuals into either a shadow of themselves, or their very own antithesis. Yvonne Sam
Good news for a section of the Georgetown Hospital DEAR EDITOR, Permit me as a health professional and one who hitherto has remained deeply perturbed at the increasing maternal morbidity rate, to be among many to utter laudatory remarks on the acquisition of new facilities and cutting edge technology in the Obstetrical Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital. Some of the changes, basic though they may appear, when compared to other countries were really a long time coming, but nevertheless they are here and are most certainly welcome. Thankfully, innovative thinkers in public health such as Dr. Pak looking at recurrent problems in new ways, determinedly set about rectifying them. Also in October 2016, the Inter-American Development Bank approved an $8 million US loan for a programme that would assist in reducing maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths in Guyana. With some positive changes already in train, funds available, and awareness of identified challenges, pregnancy and its sequelae can now be faced with a heightened sense of civic optimism. Dr. Pak has alluded to the fact that in the new facility, all movement during
labour would now take place in the same building, as opposed to previously, where different areas were in different buildings, and mothers in labour had to navigate these labyrinths. In a somewhat indirect manner the layout of obstetric delivery rooms in England strongly supports this new concept. A prospective mother once admitted to the Labour Unit, remains in the same room and bed into which she has been admitted, only leaving when she has delivered, recovered and is being transferred to the post-partum unit. Each room is fully equipped, and the bed designed to even accommodate
instrumental deliveries such as Forceps or Ventouse extraction. Caesarean sections are the exception and take place in the operating room which is in the same building as the delivery rooms. Hopefully, with the passage of time such an arrangement will be part of the obstetrical layout at the GPH. So it is with a sense of profound gratitude and elation that I welcome the changes that have taken place, and will continue to take place in the Obstetrics Department, all in an effort to reduce and possibly eradicate maternal mortality, a curse that has hung around the neck of the Department of Health like the alba-
tross in Samuel Coleridge’s classic ballad, Rime of the Ancient Mariner. At the selfsame time it should be noted that a noteworthy change such as has been wrought requires the cooperation of other governmental agencies to ensure its smooth running and maintained success. It is my fervent wish that these agencies are fully aware and are aptly prepared to support these changes. In addition we must modify our approach to recognise the health of the woman prior to conception is just as important, if not more important, than health during pregnancy. Yvonne Sam
A plea for our past sports heroes to be recognized DEAR EDITOR, I am feeling so sad at the treatment of members of our sport disciplines in our dear land of Guyana. Immediately my mind wanders to great boxers that this country produced the likes of Lennox Beckles, Lennox Blackmore, Caesar Barrow, Patrick Ford, Michael Benjamin and many more, some already deceased. I have not heard of anything tangible being done for these men who have given of their blood in the ring to keep
our flag flying high and of recent we have a few of our women who have been doing battle in the ring from the home base as well as on the international stage. Recognition is what is needed for these athletes. Take for example our own Clive Atwell who fought for world championships in Mexico and Australia. He got injured in the ring and was left alone to battle his canoe for survival. One wonders what would become of Clive now that his surgery was done and was successful in the USA. A similar state of affairs exists with our footballers and cricketers and so many other athletes that must have a negative effect on
t h e n a t i o n of sport as a whole. No small wonder that many are migrating to greener pastures to show off their wares. One must be reminded that when these athletes enter the arena of their specialized area of performance they do so not only for individual glory but to make our country known on the world stage. I trust the pulverization of our athletes will come to an end and someday someone would become the visionary and put on a sport award festival for our women past and present who have done yeoman service for this nation of Guyana. Ivan John
Thursday December 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Cost of D’Urban Park project almost $1Billion …$500M to pay off contractors The government through the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly approved the transfer of $500M to Homestretch Development Inc. to facilitate the payment of outstanding sums of money owed to contractors for works done on D’Urban Park. In 2016 a total of $479M was allocated to the project bringing the total expenditure to now $979M. The House and the rest of the nation was informed of this development yesterday during the consideration of the 2017 estimates of revenue and expenditure when Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson was asked to explain the allocation in the 2017 budget of $607M under line item 1214900 – Infrastructural Developments. When asked by opposition Parliamentarian Juan Edghill to explain how the money will be used, Patterson proceeded to give a detail breakdown of the intended expenditure. However the $500M allocation raised several red flags amongst opposition members. Edghill rose to his feet again and asked the Minister to provide the House with information as to who will be paid with the money and how much they will be paid and for what are they being paid. According to Patterson, “Homestretch Development Inc. which was incorporated on January 27, 2016 was a company established to complete the D’Urban Park development project in time for Guyana’s 50th Anniversary through private sector donations and contributions in kind from the public, no public funds were disbursed to the company.” He went on to say that the company has provided the government with an audited report which states that the company had collect $27.7M in cash donations while contributions in kind were valued at $33,956,000. The Minister further explained that on November 22, 2016 the company wrote to the Ministry of Finance seeking for it to liquidate its liabilities and following discussions it was decided that this will be done via an allocation in the 2017 budget for the company to offset its liabilities. D’URBAN PARK DONORS PROVIDED BY MINISTER PATTERSON
Consumer body challenges GTT’s claim that landline applications declining A consumer body battling US-owned Guyana Telephone and Telephone Company (GTT) over an application to raise rates, is refuting claims by the latter that citizens are no longer interested in owning a landline. According to the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA), GTT’s claim is “preposterous from our experience as consumer advocates”. The arguments are part of the consumer ’s body submissions to the regulator - the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). GTT has applied to hike rates for its landlines and for international calls. However GCA is objecting, accusing the telephone company hiding its true profits and employing creative accounting practices to hide its assets and true profits. In addition to calling for the administration to launch a forensic audit, GCA also
accused the company of easing its landline expansions in favour of the more lucrative mobile services. Several new housing schemes have been complaining of waiting years for services…in vain. “GTT does not repair consumers’ telephones in good time, sometimes for months. People are therefore forced to buy cell phones. More importantly, thousands of people have applied for landline phones, but GTT does not ever supply them. Sometimes applications are in the system for several years,” GCA said in its objections. “Many parents have come to us complaining that they have applied for landline phones so as to allow their children to use the internet to help them in their studies but GTT never supplies the landlines. It is our understanding that GTT deliberately does not supply the landline phones and this forces people to buy cellular phones.”
The consumer body is challenging GTT to test the “truth” of the landline market by prominently advertising in the press, and on TV, that the company would be able to supply all applicants for landlines within two weeks or a month, and that it would repair customers’ phones with immediacy. “If GTT does this, this would be the first time in 10 years they would be marketing the landlines. We are asking the PUC to request GTT to test the truth of the landline market by reasonably quickly supplying the landlines and effectuating the repairs and doing the suggested marketing.” GCA said that the telephone company, in its application, has expressed a presumption that if the PUC increased the landline rates, consumers will use it more. “We are anxious to see the survey, market analysis or study that they would Continued on page 24
He went on to name the persons and entities that made contributions in kind. Some of the donors include Chung’s Global, Car Care, Agri Parts, Courtney Benn Contracting Services, B.K International, Bai Shan Lin, Jagroop General Construction Services, Top Brands, Hopkinson Mining, National Hardware, Pritipaul Singh Investments, Buxton Gas Station, Splashmin’s and Puran Brothers Disposal Services and NABI among others. As it relates to the creditors whom the company Homestretch Development Inc. owes, the Minister provided the following information: CREDITORS
Opposition Member Edghill asked the Minister as to what process would be employed to transfer the $500M to the private company, Patterson said, “The exact statue or law the previous administration used to transfer $183M to Buddy Shivraj, $38M to the Cacique Hotel, that same statue and law.” After all questions were answered, Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland called for a vote for the allocated amounts to be a part of the estimates. However, the opposition asked for a division whereby each individual vote would be counted. At the end of the vote, 32 members voted for the allocation to be passed and 31 voted against. In a statement issued last evening the People’s Progressive Party Civic accused the government of spending close to one billion dollars illegally on a project which the administration said was funded privately. The opposition is calling on the Auditor General to conduct an immediate forensic audit of all revenues, expenditure and donations received.
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Thursday December 15, 2016
US$12.4M for ‘neglected’ communities to boost agriculture, tackle unemployment The Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Development Fund (CDF) yesterday inked Loan and Grant Agreements for a project which is expected to see significant improvements to the agricultural infrastructure for small scale farming in Guyana – particularly in Administrative Regions, Four (Demerara/ Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica/ Berbice). The CDF provides technical assistance to countries, regions and sectors in CARICOM to enhance their prospects for successful competition within the community, and to redress any negative impact of the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). It was revealed at the signing yesterday that under these agreements, the CDF will provide a loan to the tune of US$6,625,000 and a grant of US$3,807,263 totalling US$10.4M (approximately G$2.15B) to facilitate infrastructural improvements and create employment in small scale farming communities such as Mocha, Beterverwagting/Triumph, Buxton and Ithaca. The Guyana Government will provide an additional US$2M to ensure the full implementation of this project. It was revealed also that these areas require urgent intervention, since severe flooding of farmlands, inadequate drainage systems and neglect of small scale farming have impeded agricultural development. Additionally, heavy equipment will be procured to facilitate the rehabilitative works in these selected areas, providing access to land for farming and necessary support services. Further, a fruits and veg-
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (left), CEO of the CARICOM Development Fund Rodinald Soomer (right) and Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, share a light moment during the signing of the agreements yesterday. etable and dairy farm will be established at President’s College to promote and develop climate-resilient agricultural programmes in schools. It is anticipated that with the improved drainage and access, the new farmlands will be brought under cultivation, with a variety of crops and fruits being targeted for production to meet the needs of the community and surrounding villages – and with an eye on exports. Signing the agreement on behalf of the Guyana Government was Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Present at the ceremony was also, the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder and officials from his Ministry including Permanent Secretary, George Jervis, along with representatives of several entities, namely the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA); Re-
gional Democratic Councils (RDCs) of Ithaca, Buxton, Triumph and Mocha: National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and President’s College. Signing on behalf of the CDF was its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rodinald Soomer, who told the gathering that the areas being targeted, have a combined popu-
lation of 1,200 farmers, thereby potentially impacting the lives of close to 35,000 individuals. He added also that 155 kilometres of canals and drains will be constructed; both new and rehabilitated structures; along with 40 kilometres of fair weather dam and one pump station. Soomer said that these
interventions will allow farmers to reclaim an initial 2,500 acres of abandoned land, and to bring them back into cultivation, which will result in increased production and increased opportunities to restore agricultural exports to the CARICOM Market. The investment in Guyana, the CEO said, is being made possible by virtue of the State making its agreed contribution of US$3,807,263 (approximately G$786.3M) to the CDF which allowed it to access US$10,432,263 (approximately G$2.15B) effectively obtaining US$2.74 for every US$1.0 contributed. The Ministry of Finance in a subsequent release stated that the inking of these agreements is yet another demonstration of the emerging “robust” relationship between the Government of Guyana and the CDF. It added also that the project builds on the overall strategic development of the agriculture sector, especially as Government seeks to enhance the livelihood of rural, long ‘neglected’ village communities – amongst other development strategies. The release further stated that Guyana has benefitted previously, from financing to the tune of US$11,879,901 for the upgrading of farm access
roads in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four, and Five, contributing to increasing sustainable agricultural production all year. “Specifically, a total of 32km of asphaltic concrete and all-weather roads were constructed and rehabilitated in Parika, Ruby and Laluni. Guyana’s performance has been deemed impressive, as these works were successfully completed on time and within budget. More importantly, Guyana was the first country to pay in full, its assessed contribution to the fund, for replenishment of the CDF for the second funding cycle.” The release stated. This made Guyana eligible for financing of its second Country Assistance Programme (CAP) and became the first Member State to benefit from this cycle of CDF funding. This project will build on, and be complemented by the Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the tune of US$15M, and the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Project supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to the tune of US$10.8M.
Miner found guilty of manslaughter in Brazilian killing After several weeks of trial and more than two hours of deliberations, Mark Thompson was found not guilty of murder by a mixed 12-member jury at the Georgetown High Court, on Tuesday. He was however, found guilty of manslaughter on a majority verdict of 10 -2. Thompson was initially charged with the murder of Brazilian miner, Jose Rodriguez De Oliviera, which
occurred on August 7, 2010 at Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River. Reports indicated that the two men had been drinking together at their mining camp during which time there was a disagreement. De Oliviera is said to have attacked Thompson with a cutlass but was overpowered. Thompson relieved De Oliviera of the cutlass and hacked him to death as he lay on the ground. He was sub-
sequently detained and charged for the crime. The accused faced a trial before Judge James Bovell Drakes and a mixed jury at the High Court in Georgetown. During the trial, State Prosecutor Tamieka Clarke had called a number of witnesses to the stand. Among them was former Police Sergeant Wilfred Murray. The former policeman was attached to the
Bartica Police Station at the time of the incident. Murray recalled travelling to (Melodina) at Aranka, Backdam to investigate a murder. He stated that during the said investigation, he questioned several persons about the incident and they pointed out the accused, Mark Thompson. Following a lengthy summing up of the trial by Justice Continued on page 11
Thursday December 15, 2016
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VAT and the numbers game Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the local electricity company, has reportedly confirmed that 80% of its clients use $10,000 or less in electricity per month. This is a staggering statistic and one that is surprising, knowing the high cost of electricity and the size of Guyana’s middle class. The numbers confirmed by GPL suggest that the poverty rate may be far higher than it is estimated, or that Guyanese are the greatest conservationists in the world. It is hard to really to come to grips with the fact that more than 80% of Guyanese burn less than the equivalent of US$50 per month in a coun-
try which has the highest electricity tariff in the Caribbean. It is hard to understand how a power company can survive when 80% of its consumers pay less than US$50 per month in tariffs. But if GPL says so, who is the Peeper to say nay! VAT will from next January be applied to consumers whose electricity bills are more than $10,000 per month. This means that, assuming consumption remains the same, the tax will at the maximum only apply to 20% of the population. Yet, one of the reasons adduced for the implementation of VAT on electricity was
that it was intended to widen the tax base. It may have widened the base, but not by much, since eighty per cent or more of the consumers are not going to be captured in the VAT net. This defeats the argument that VAT on electricity is an efficient means of collecting revenues; it is not. The second argument is that it will encourage conservation. If the government wanted to encourage energy conservation, it should have a different type of traffic system, one in which there is an incentive to consume less. Taxes are not the means to achieve this end.
Dem boys seh
Soulja Bai helping gunmen live long Is strange how gunmen always tackling de people who draw plenty money from a bank. These gunmen does deh pun a motorcycle and dem does end up following de person who mek de withdrawal. That happen up to yesterday. Dem boys want to know id de bank can’t examine de security cameras and see exactly wha happen which de Tower accountant was in de bank. De cameras would show if one of de gunmen was standing in de bank watching people. But this man got to get a clear view of everybody who drawing money. In fact, he should be able to see every transaction. But that can’t happen suh de bank got to really review de camera. Dem boys seh that this should have been de case a long time ago. If de cameras don’t show the gunmen lurking then it gun show somebody inside de bank setting up de person mekking de withdrawal. Dem boys seh that de two who mek de attack pun de Tower accountant didn’t even think about getting ketch because dem know people really don’t get ketch after such rob-
beries. But police de round like ants these days, except in Berbice. Times really change and is Soulja Bai encouraging this eye pass. He too good and de criminals tek that goodness as a weakness. He follow de Felix who tell de police don’t shoot when a man kill two policemen in Brickdam compound. This same man go in jail and kill another man. De prisoners had to kill him. Soulja Bai ain’t satisfy. He announce big and bold how he don’t intend to hang anyone. That mek bandits more brave. Imagine one of these bandits did get shoot in ee neck only last year after he try to rob a man. He friend get killed same time. This same gunman get committed for attempted murder but somehow he out on de road and nearly kill again. Dem boys want know wha wrong wid de system. If is a case of helping de criminals live long it certainly shortening other people lives. Talk half and pray dem gunmen don’t set eyes pun you.
Taxes on electricity use will not encourage much conservation, since only 20% of those using electricity are likely to be taxed. I expect that Guyana Water Incorporated will soon issue a statement indicating the percentage of its consumers who use less than $1500 per month or less. The government should be applying a low tax on a wide base. This means it should be going after all of those persons who are enjoying free electricity at this point of time and those who are not paying for water. This will widen the base and increase the tax net at the same time. The government keeps harking back to the subventions it has to pay to the Guyana Sugar Corporation. It is trying to suggest that it has to raise taxes in order to raise the monies to bail out the entity, and do all the other things it is doing. But how accurate is this assessment? The government is spending six billion dollars on the Ministry of the Presidency. What does that Ministry produce? The government is spend-
ing almost 2 billion dollars on the Ministry of Business. Yet the government has had no major investment in the country since it came into office. It is spending billions more in other places, but finds it hard to bail out Wales Estate to the tune of 1.9 billion dollars and thereby save thousands of jobs. Yet it is floating a bureaucracy with billions each year. If the government wanted to increase its revenues, it should have reduced the VAT to 10% and applied it to all items, period. No exemptions, no zero rated. Everything should be a flat 10%. It is not helping poor people when it reduces the VAT by 2%. The savings will not be passed on. And just
like how the poor use rice and milk which are now VAT-free, the rich also use rice and milk as well as all the other items which are VAT-free. In fact, the rich because of their higher incomes use more of these items than the poor. The tax measures in the Budget were not properly thought out by the best Cabinet we have ever had. Meanwhile, the GPL is introducing forced conservation. It is called ‘blackout.’ It is affecting not just the 20% that pay over $10,000 or more each month. It is affecting everyone.
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Thursday December 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
A little lecture for young Ashma John A few years back, my eyes glanced upon a column by Ashma John, the daughter of the owner of the famous Splashmin’s. On seeing her offerings in the newspaper, I said, “I know this girl; she was my daughter’s friend at high school, let me see what she has written. “ That is how I began to read this young lady”. I do like her commentaries. She strikes me as a young Guyanese that should try her hand at politics. Ms. John recently wrote the following; “Much of what Great Britain and Europe look like are as a result of colonization in the Caribbean, but there are people who fail to draw the correlation between our society to-
day and how colonization induced many of those damning realities for us. It may be difficult for some to associate colonization with the way we behave today, because some of us may not be informed about our history. It may also be embarrassing for some of us to be honest about our biases and so we prefer to mask them…” I have read that observation since I was eighteen without any thought that one day I would attend a university, study that very statement, write about it, philosophize about it and eventually put my own interpretation to it. I hope Ms. John does not take offence at this little lecture I am directing at her. It is done because I feel that with her
temperament she needs to understand the complexities and nuances of the theory of the destructive role of colonialism. The point of this lecture is to inform Ms. John that colonialism is not totally responsible for what Guyana and the Third World are. The 20th Century philosopher Karl Popper is relevant here. Popper achieved distinction in philosophy because of his doctrine of the falsifiability of theory. Popper essentially amplified and purified the induction method of the great 17th century philosopher, Francis Bacon. Popper argued, in more convincing ways than Bacon, that inherent in theory is its refutability. He asserted that
theory can more be refuted than verified. It is outside the scope of a column to elongate on Popper’s philosophy; suffice it to say, the theory of the inevitability of colonial destruction is falsifiable. Bacon once wrote that if you find an untold number of verifiable situations and just one doesn’t conform to the pattern, the theory fails. It is not a theory. Singapore and Malaysia have not conformed to the pattern of the theory of psychic colonial destruction. If colonialism had permanently damaged the psyche of the colonial subject then why are Singapore and Malaysia not just like any other damaged Third World society? In fact, right here in the Caribbean, Jamaica may be too complex a situation for which to study the theory of colonial destruction. Jamaica has successfully experimented with cultural forms that exist independently of the
colonial legacy. One needs to cite just two examples – Rastafari culture and reggae music. The theory of permanent colonial destruction explains everything and it explains nothing. In this regard, Ms. John can best understand the complex nature of post-colonial society by looking up three top Caribbean scholars Frantz Fanon, C.L.R. James and Walter Rodney - and the fantastic mind of the Palestinian scholar, Edward Said. They dissected colonialism, explained its psychic damage on its subject but went beyond those themes to explain post-colonial failure, citing factors unrelated to colonial penetration. Ms. John needs to understand that after 50 years of Independence, it is not the permanency of colonial legacies that determine the backwardness of her country and the rest of the Third World, but the deliberate backwardness of the human mind driven by the obsession with power. And that is found in all types of humans, of which colonial domination has nothing to do with it. Ms. John as a young scholar has to be careful she
Frederick Kissoon doesn’t fall into the trap of blaming the colonials for every conceivable vice, every conceivable failure, every conceivable degradation we see in Guyana and the rest of the post-colonial world. Such a theory cannot stand up. It has more holes than a basket. The Jews were rejected by the world when Germany was killing them. Today they control the US. Black America has resisted white racism by giving the world the best music and sports they have to offer. China was a colonial victim; today it is one of the world’s two superpowers. Space has run out, but my advice to Ms. John is to be careful about accepting the theory of the permanency of colonial damage. Post-colonial leadership is happy to use that false theory for its own destructive use of power.
Thursday December 15, 2016
Internal Local Govt Elections…
Chase-Green battles Duncan today for top city post - Wynter returned as New Amsterdam Mayor; Mabaruma ends in tie
City Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green
Returned as New Amsterdam Mayor: Kirt Wynter
Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Sherod Duncan
Internal elections at municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are continuing, with Mayor for New Amsterdam, Kirt Wynter and his Deputy, Winifred Heywood, returning unopposed yesterday. However, the elections at Mabaruma, Region One, have resulted in a tie, with another round of elections to be held soon. According to the Ministry of Communities, yesterday’s elections at New Amsterdam, East Berbice, were held without a glitch. “Immediately after his reelection, Wynter disclosed that any environment where progress is to be had should be free from the political gimmickry and petty upheavals,” the ministry quoted him as saying in a press release. The internal elections are among the first major signs that local government bodies are being brought into line after years in the wilderness. Local Government Elections (LGE) was held earlier this year after more than two decades without one. Prior to this there had been increasing local and international pressure - especially from donors - to hold elections. The delays had been be-
cause of key legislation being in limbo before the National Assembly. Many of the NDCs and municipalities had become defunct, with members either dead or migrated. The administration had vowed to hand more power to the bodies to ensure that communities are better run. They can now raise rates and taxes without having to seek approval from Government. The internal elections are supposed to be held every year, with the current ones being the first since the LGE this year. However, it has been anything but routine. Former Mayor of Corriverton, East Berbice, Ganesh Gangadin, lost his seat to his only contender, Krishnand Jaichand, the former Deputy Mayor. This was after a tie and accusations of political interference. Already, Anna Regina held its elections, with Mayor Rabindranauth Mohan and Deputy Mayor Darshan Persaud being re-elected to their substantive positions. The Mayoral Elections are slated to be completed by tomorrow. However, the big one that everybody will be paying attention to is the one for the
capital city, Georgetown. With years of neglect and in-fighting by various factions, the LGE had brought hopes of changes. However, new Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, a long-time councillor, has been under pressure, especially with a major project to install parking meters in key parts of the city. The contract was questioned, but the city is steaming ahead. The elections are set for today with Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, already announcing his intentions to contend for the top post as chief citizen of the city. Duncan, who had energized his past and present campaign riding to work on a bicycle and even wearing a body-fitting rubber suit to encourage a cleaner Georgetown, has clashed with the Mayor and other councillors over a number of issues, including the a f o r e mentioned parking meter contract.
Miner found guilty of... From page 8 Drakes, the jury retired to deliberate. But after more than three hours, they returned to the courtroom for further directions on the issue of law as it pertains to the offence. The Judge offered the clarifications. The panel then retired again and emerged about a half an hour later with the majority decision of guilty for the offence of manslaughter. They had found the accused not guilty of murder. However based on a request from the attorney representing Thompson, the court deferred sentencing to facilitate a probation report on his behalf. As such, the matter was adjourned to December 23.
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Kaieteur News
Damaged submarine cable finally repaired Five months after the submarine power cable across the Demerara River went down, the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) yesterday said that repairs have been completed. “The remedial works on the damaged submarine cable which linked the company’s Power Plant at Vreed-enHoop into the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) was successfully completed and energized on December 8, 2016. The restoration of this cable has improved the company’s available capacity by eighteen (18) megawatts within the DBIS. This is sufficient capacity to meet the peak demand during the Christmas season and into 2017,” the state-owned power company said yesterday. The downed cable had left the Demerara and Berbice power supplies on the edge, with a number of shutdowns experienced during the last five months. GPL was forced to rehire CMC, the contractor which had laid the cable, to do the repairs. More than $120M was said to have been spent. The parts of the cable had to be brought in from China, delaying repair works since it went down, presumably for a vessel, back in July. The cable had to be reinforced also and laid deeper, which entailed dredging across the river. The cable was part of bigger project that included the construction of seven sub-stations and new highpower transmission lines along the coastland. Two submarine cables - one across the Berbice River and the other in the Demerara River - created an interlinked system in the two counties. However, the damage to the cable had raised serious questions about CMC’s
work. In fact, the supervisor of the works, ýCaribbean Engineering and Management Consultants Inc. (CEMCO) had blasted the poor laying of the cable and warned that GPL would face trouble over it. One set of the transmission lines, between Kingston and the Sophia sub-station, is also facing problems, causing shutdowns of the interconnected Berbice and Demerara system. GPL was forced, a few weeks back, to shut down parts of the coastland to conduct a diagnostic test of the line between the two substations to determine the problem. However, on Tuesday, the system again experienced a total shutdown at 20:41 hrs following a trip on the transmission line spanning from Kingston to Sophia, which GPL said yesterday was a result of a burst 13.8kv primary conductor on Stone Avenue, Campbellville that came into contact with another energized primary circuit. “Repowering efforts commenced at 20:52 hrs within Kingston and Cummingsburg areas. Restoration of service continued into all other areas within the DBIS, with the last community being repowered
at 22:58 hrs. Regrettably some customers within Demerara remained without power until 23:55 hrs, as our technicians worked assiduously to stabilize the grid before continuing restoration attempts.” Yesterday morning also, around 01:08 hrs, customers in Kitty, Campbellville, Homestretch Avenue, Sophia, West, East and North La Penitence and Werk-en-Rust experienced an interruption in the supply of electricity due to a “localized fault” which was subsequently corrected and power restored at 01:43 hrs, GPL said. GPL’s performance has been angering consumers in recent months and now that Government is moving to charge 14 percent VAT on all monthly bills, the power company is under pressure to improve its dismal performance. About a third of its power is lost to theft and technical losses. A major project to introduce more than 25,000 smart meters and run new low and medium voltage distribution lines along the coastland has run into trouble, with an evaluation taking an extraordinary nine months. It appears that Government has approved CMC, the same Chinese Continued on page 24
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 15, 2016
GPSU irked by Govt.’s failure to finalise wages negotiation
- mulls measure of retaliation GPSU members during yesterday’s press conference. From left: Seon Braithwaite, Planning and Research Officer; Dennis English, Principal Industrial Relations Officer (ag); Mortimer Livan, First Vice President; Indira Thakurdin, Executive Assistant to the President and Ms. Asanti Campbell, Assistant to the President.
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is not impressed with what it has described as “diversionary tactics” by Government to pay a “Christmas freck” rather than resume negotiations for a living wage for public servants. In fact the union is so irked by this development that it is currently contemplating some form of retaliation. This disclosure was yesterday made by GPSU First Vice President, Mr. Mortimer Livan, at a press conference held at the Union’s Regent and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, Georgetown headquarters. Reading from a statement yesterday, Livan said that the announcement by Government late last week that public servants earning less than $500,000 per month are to be paid a “one-off, tax-free bonus of $25,000,” comes against the backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over the status of the incomplete and outstanding wages and salaries negotiations between the GPSU and Government. He sought to make it clear yesterday that the union is certainly not happy with the unrealistic and decidedly indelicate remark from Finance Minister, Mr. Winston Jordan that the paltry bonus will serve to “ease the journey to the good life.” In fact, Livan yesterday described the Finance Minister’s remarks as “both trite and insensitive.” “In the first instance the so-called “tax free bonus” bears a conspicuous resemblance to the kind of arbitrary periodic handout to which public servants have long been relegated by their employer and which epitomizes the accustomed lack of regard for public servants,” the First Vice President observed. But more than that, he noted that the arbitrariness of the decision raises, not for the first time, questions about the veracity of the political administration’s stated committment to respect collective bargaining. “We have little doubt that the expectation behind this gesture is that – particularly at this time of the year – the poorly compensated public servants, will feel some misplaced sense of gratitude for the decidedly modest ‘small piece’ that has been tacked on to their salaries,” said Livan. As such, he noted that “perhaps Minister Jordan may wish to tell us in greater detail about the extent to which the government’s gesture will “ease the journey” towards the “promised land.” The GPSU, according to Livan,
“wishes to make it clear that the persistence of periodic handouts to Public Servants in a fashion that seeks to relegate them to mendicants cannot and will not be allowed to replace fair, honest and genuine collective bargaining.” And Livan related yesterday that “even if, as now appears to be the case, the payment of the ‘Christmas freck’ now appears to be a fait accompli, the Union wishes to inform the government that gestures of this kind only serve to further erode the selfesteem of the Guyana Public Service and take us further from the creation of an institution that can adequately serve the nation’s interests.” Moreover, Livan noted that it is the firm opinion of the Union that such diversionary tactics should be replaced by a swift return to the negotiating table to resume the 2016 bilateral negotiations on the wages, salaries, allowances and representation improvement in other conditions for Public Servants. But the union was given assurance by President David Granger that the negotiation process will continue. Livan is however adamant that the process has been stalled and the Union is convinced that workers have been neglected. In a letter to the Head of State dated November 16, 2016, the union highlighted that “on September 29, 2016, Your Excellency declared, during the recording of your programme, The Public Interest that the Government’s offer of a differentiated wages and salaries increase for Public Servants is not a final offer.” The President had responded by way of letter to GPSU President, Mr. Patrick Yarde, categorically stating “I iterate that the negotiations are incomplete. The Ministries of Finance and the Presidency will notify you of the arrangement for the negotiations.” According to Livan, the fact that a year has come to an end and a multi-year agreement has not been realized indicates that the union has waited long enough. He moreover disclosed that the union is prepared to decide on a course of action to retaliate in relation to the perceived stalled negotiations. The way forward, Livan said, will be deliberated on at the union’s Executive Council meeting slated for next week. When questioned if a strike action is looming, Livan would only say “anything is possible.”
Thursday December 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
PAHO says stigma, discrimination major barriers to health for LGBT people in the Caribbean WASHINGTON, CMC – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says stigma and discrimination are major barriers to health for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people throughout the Americas, including the Caribbean. “By universal health, we mean that everyone – irrespective of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, gender or race-is covered by a well-financed, well-organized health system offering quality and comprehensive health services,” said PAHO Director Dominican-born director Dr. Carissa F. Etienne. In an address to an event here marking Universal Health Day and Human Rights Day,
she said, “Stigma and discrimination are a major barrier for access and utilization of health services for LGBT persons, hence the importance to better understand the causes and develop innovative health system responses to meet their specific and differentiated needs”. Dr. Etienne pointed to research, which she said, shows that stigma against homosexuality and ignorance about gender identity are widespread, both in society at large and within health systems. “Discrimination can result in outright refusal to provide care, poor-quality care, and disrespectful or abusive treatment, among others,” she
said. “Healthcare providers may also have a poor understanding of the specific healthcare needs of LGBT people, for example, traumarelated and behavioural health issues that they face as a result of discrimination.” PAHO’s Legal Counsel Heidi Jiménez said that, in 2013, PAHO member-states “resolved to address these and other problems that lead to health inequities for LGBT people by collectively endorsing a resolution, titled ‘Addressing the Causes of Disparities in Health Services Access and Utilization for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT) Persons.’”
Roman Catholic Church against good does it do?’”. tracking for one year death penalty ‘whatFather Taylor had over the straight”. There are now 32 PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The head of the Roman Catholic Church here, Archbishop Joseph Harris, is maintaining that the church is against the imposition of the death penalty, saying there could be no good reason for killing someone. Speaking on a radio station here after a Roman Catholic priest, Father Ian Taylor, had earlier this week advocated the need to impose the death penalty in a bid to stem the rising murder rate here, Archbishop Harris said “Pope Francis has said…it (death penalty) is an offence against human dignity and the values of life and therefore it is inadmissible. “There have always been people who have said that the death penalty…should be reactivated. Having said that, the question still becomes,
last weekend called for the death penalty to be swiftly reinstated, saying that the country may never come to terms with the murder earlier this month of bank employee Shannon Banfield, whose body was found in a warehouse in a store in the heart of the capital. The priest said that the country was in a state and called for Banfield’s killers to face the hangman as soon as possible. So far this year, 444 people have been murdered here and Banfield was laid to rest on Tuesday. Earlier this week, Attorney General Frais Al-Rawi said that that the death penalty remains on the law books here and that it is “to be applied for murder and we certainly intend to apply the law and it is something that I have been
people on death row and AlRawi said he had been tracking those cases since he came to office more than a year ago. “Under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago the punishment for murder…a conviction of murder is that you shall hang until you are dead,” Al Rawi said, noting that for various reasons none of these persons can be executed at this time. Archbishop Harris told Citadel Radio here that the rehabilitation of convicted people is the best solution going forward. “The person who has created such a heinous crime will be rehabilitated so that…he will work and support the family that was wronged etc etc,” he said, adding “there are no statistics to show that capital punishment is a deterrent, none”.
Police probe video calling for assassination of politicians ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Police have released the former Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) captain, George Wehner, pending further investigation into a video circulated on the social media that Parliament agreed incites “the assassination” of legislators here. “As it relates to the video investigation, he has been released pending further investigation,” attorney Leon “Chaku” Symister said. Last week, Prime Minister
Gaston Browne in piloting a resolution in Parliament, said that the matter was of “serious concern” and one of national security. He told legislators that over the last few days, the video had been circulating through the social media “that brings terrorism and incitement to commit murder directly into our country and at the very heart of government. Symister confirmed that Wehner, an executive member of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), was
being questioned with regards to a possible violation of the Electronic Crimes Act. Last week, Wehner issued a public apology over the video. Speaking on Observer Radio, he said while he is taking ownership of the video, he is denying suggestions that he intends to carry out any act of terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda. Symister said the police had searched Wehner’s home and took away material “which is less than what they would have on the video.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
Kaieteur News
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206
Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578 ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished apartments and rooms, ideal for overseas visitors from $6,000 per night. Call: 6680306/ 218-1400/ 694-7817
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
One domestic, one salesgirl, one boy to learn fiber glass work. Call: 603-5416/ 644-9802
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198
1 Experienced hairdresser/ nail tech must be living on the WCD/WBD, West Shore Plaza 15 Public Road Ruimzeight. Call: 269-1524/6563561 To rent bar or liquor restaurant immediately on the EBD or Georgetown Call: 661-8802, 661-5099
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One three bedrooms bottom flat @ Lamaha Gardens. Call: 225-8084 Two bedrooms top flat at Houston EBD Contact # 6860653
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WANTED Security officers wanted, 8 hours & 12 hours shifts, remuneration $3,000 daily, base on qualifications. TIN/ ID/NIS needed. Call: 2316052/40
Wanted land to buy: La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Providence, Eccles, and elsewhere, best price pay. Call: 604-6727/673-6300 We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt. Call: 611-7223 Driver for canter truck to sell water on the W.C.D -$30,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231
Visa Processing Centre: Study in Canada/US, Visitor ’s Visa @ Micrographics, 26 Vreed-enhoop, next to Two Brothers. Call: 264-3057
Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
LAND FOR SALE 18,000 Sq.Ft suitable for warehouse or bond at Eorl’s Court, LBI, E.C.D. Call: 626-7127 High value transported land with small two bedrooms house @ Great Diamond, Housing Scheme -$12M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Plot of land use to cultivate rice, Plantation Betterhope Essequibo Coast, Size 33.14 Acres Tel: 625-1514 La Parfaite Harmonie-$1.3, $1.6M, Uitvlugt, $2.5M, Tuschen -$2M, all prices reduced for Christmas. (terms available). Call: 6046724-/673-6300 Land at Lot 432 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Plantation Great Diamond, E.B. Demerara – Call: 718-598-7149 Christmas Give Away: 21 Acres for Housing Scheme @ Harauni, 10 minutes walk off Linden Highway, price $12M. Call: 233-5539/6928216 Eccles -$4.5M, Herstelling $4M, Farm -$4M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Zeelugt $1.8M, Uitvlugt -$2.5M. Call: 611-7223 50X198 located in Friendship E.B.D –price $4.5M (negotiable). Call: 645-6498
VEHICLE FOR SALE
80X160 located in D’Aguiar’s Park, Gated Community, price $33M negotiable, transported. Call: 645-6498
Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage, certificate training course in Jan 2017, Register & get 50% discount for Christmas. Call: 694-8322/671-9603 Christmas Deal: 9 Courses Diploma in computers, computerized Accounting $20,000 of any Packages @ Micrographics, 26 Vreed-enHoop, Tel: 264-3057
Fully furnished air condition apartment for local and overseas visitors -$4,000 & $5,000 per night. Call: 2230994 CAR RENTAL
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231
1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956
VACANCY Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
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Driver between ages 30-50 to work at office in Pouderoyen W.B.D. Call: 624-0239 1 Offset Printer to operator AB Dick machine. Inter services Enterprise. Call:2261877/641-3687 (attractive salary)
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Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044 Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954
Thursday December 15, 2016
Nissan Dualis 2007 for sale $3M; sunroof, alloy wheel, 2WD, CD/DVD player, PVV series Call: 611-8121/695-9548
PROPERTY FOR SALE
1 AT 212 2001 year model, excellent condition. Call: 6740645
Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Unregistered vehicle Toyota Spacio. Call: 609-8474/ 227-5950
House & land for sale at Good Hope Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 689-0785, 660-2504, 671-5095
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PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
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17 more post offices to be ICT ready next year – Minister Hughes In an effort to recalibrate the mandate of the post offices in Guyana to efficiently accommodate the needs of the people for the 21st Century, Minister of Public Telecommunications recently stated that several post offices are poised to be upgraded with ICT ready services. In this regard, she noted that there are 64 Post Offices throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. While methods of communication have changed, Hughes pointed out that this particular source of national revenue has also undergone some changes. With this in mind, the Minister said that this year saw 10 Post Offices being upgraded to ICT-ready status. This brings it to 47 ICTready Post Offices as of November 2016. Hughes said that the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) intends to further upgrade an additional 17 Post Offices with ICTready services during 2017. She said that this will include Kamarang, Acquero, Mabaruma, Ituni and Aurora Post Offices which will require satellite connection. The Public Telecommunications Minister said that ICTs will significantly enhance the Post Offices’ services, namely Bill Payments, Same Day Money Transfer and the envisaged Electronic Pension Payment, as well as the very lucrative Online Shopping. Hughes said that Post Offices will also benefit from internet connectivity that will be made possible through EGovernance’s Public Internet Access Point initiative. Additionally, the politician said that the GPOC commenced rebuilding the Kitty Post Office in 2016 and will soon conclude same to serve the valued residents of that locality. She said that further enhancements will be made to Post Office security and building infrastructure in the new year. Hughes said that this will see the renovation of the Anna Regina and New Amsterdam chief Post Offices, based on budgetary allocation for capital works in 2017. Also for 2017, the Minister stated that the GPOC will seek to regularize its properties and acquire land titles which are currently in the name of the Colony of British Guiana. In this regard, she asserted that ownership of land titles will allow the Post Office to acquire funding to improve its infrastructure.
Thursday December 15, 2016
Review of public schools teachers’ promotion list...
GTU offended by TSC’s decision to conduct review on “humanitarian grounds” The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is not only prepared to react against what it perceives is a deliberate move to continue to stall senior teachers’ promotion, but it has shared its disappointment over reports that the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has decided to proceed on a court-ordered review of teachers’ promotion lists on “humanitarian grounds.” According to GTU President, Mark Lyte, “GTU rubbishes the ‘humanitarian grounds’ position taken by TSC as the reason for agreeing to review the applications for senior promotions of 2015.” Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, on November 10, last, ruled that the 2015/2016 senior promotions lists of the TSC and the Schools Board Secretariat (SBS) be reviewed. But TSC Chairperson, Mrs. Leila Ramson, disclosed on Tuesday that the TSC, which is a Constitutional and Autonomous body, was strongly advised by three Senior Counsel to appeal the Court Order handed down by the Chief Justice. She however noted that it was recognized that “since the pursuance of said appeal would result in a long and time-consuming process, TSC has decided not to do so, on humanitarian grounds. The TSC wishes to state that its decision not to appeal was primarily to avoid any further suffering of the affected teachers which would ultimately also affect the nation’s children.” But Lyte is not at all convinced that the TSC is genuine in its approach to the review process. This he premised on the fact that a court had to rule that the review process was warranted. The court proceeding, which was ruled upon last month, was initiated by an injunction filed by the GTU, which had reason to believe that the promotion processes of both the TSC and the SBS were flawed. The court matter had resulted in no senior teachers’ promotions for the past two years. “We trusted the Guyana judicial system and we’re proven to be correct with the ruling of the Chief Justice. Is the TSC saying that the CJ’s ruling was inaccurate?” An evidently irked Lyte added, “We believe that some members of TSC cannot have an appreciation for teachers and the sacrifice it takes on our part to become qualified. Some commissioners have never taught in a classroom,
or attended a teacher’s college or university. There can be no empathy from some commissioners who never walked the walk.” It is therefore the conviction of the GTU President that the decision to review the promotion lists can never be done on “humanitarian grounds” because “teachers earn their salt.” “Most of our teachers have studied for at least seven years to qualify themselves specifically to become a teacher, while some commissioners only have schoolleaving certificates. TSC is out of order to be making reckless statements like the one made yesterday (Tuesday),” insisted Lyte. Moreover, he disclosed that the GTU is demanding that the TSC immediately withdraw its statement and urged that the body gives a definite start and end time for the process of review. Added to this, Lyte said that “we are not prepared to accept any other excuses from the TSC.” Ramson related Tuesday that while the oral decision of the Chief Justice took approximately two years to be arrived at, a written decision has not yet been forthcoming. “A modus operandi has to be worked out, but to date TSC has not received a written decision from the Chief Justice. Hopefully, we will receive the written decision from the Court by early January,” Ramson said. According to Ramson, the decision to proceed with the review was made Tuesday during the TSC’s monthly statutory meeting. During the meeting, Commissioners agreed that the 2015/2016 Senior Promotion List for School Administrators be done during the course of the new school term. According to Ramson, a Special Full Commission meeting will be held early January, 2017 to plan the review, even as it was underscored that “this exercise will definitely take a few months, since a thorough review of approximately 5,000 applications will be done.” But the GTU is convinced that the process should be completed this year, thereby allowing teachers to commence the new school term in their promoted positions. As such, Lyte said that “we also demand observer status during the process to ensure that fairness and transparency obtains. Let it be known that the GTU will not allow any ‘so-called’ review to take place,” the GTU President asserted.
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GPHC Matron should be sent packing – COI recommends The continuance of the services of the Ms. Collene Hicks as Director of Nursing Services (Matron) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will likely come to an end in the very near future. This possible development has been linked to a recommendation that has been made by a Committee appointed to investigate allegations levelled against Hicks in her professional capacity. The report was just last week handed over to Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, who has since reviewed the findings and recommendations made by the Committee. According to Minister Norton, a total of 52 employees of the GPHC were required to testify during the course of the investigation which spanned just over a period of one month. The Committee also examined various correspondence, the Minister informed yesterday. “The Commission is unanimous in its view that the continued engagement of Ms. Collene Hicks in her capacity as Director of Nursing Services would not be in the best interest of the GPHC,”
Embattled Matron, Ms. Collene Hicks said Minister Norton as he underscored that the recommendations of the Committee will “most likely” be implemented. However, the findings are yet to be deliberated at the level of Cabinet where it is expected that an ultimate decision on the way forward will be made. The members of the investigating Committee inc l u d e d M r. R e g i n a l d
Members of the Commission hand over the report to Minister George Norton Brotherson, Permanent Secretary of the Department of P u b l i c S e r v i c e within the Ministry of the Presidency; former GPSU General Secretary turned Attorney-at-law,
Consumer body challenges GTT’s claim... From page 7 have undertaken to come to this conclusion. We would ask the PUC to also request a copy of this study. If the mobile rates were to be decreased to a more reasonable rate, would its usage increase or decrease?” The advocacy body also noted that GTT has claimed it had proposed a 50% decrease for most international calls. “They have done nothing of the kind, and we are looking forward for the lowering of international rates. International rates are falling everywhere and in Guyana, GTT is the only supplier with high rates. And even if they reduced by 50%, their rates will still be higher than all other local suppliers.” GCA in its submissions said it is also formally asking GTT to supply a comparison of termination costs that the company pays to other operators to terminate calls. “This data should be presented on a year by year basis, so that we can see how termination costs have moved over the years.” GCA also denied the company’s claim that its service quality for landline has improved. “This boast is empty except GTT could provide empirical evidence. To the Consumers Association and the Guyanese public, there has been no improvement in quality of service. Indeed we think quality of service has further deteriorated since the company illegally moved its billing, call centre and internet trafficking businesses to offshore companies.” Also being disputed by the GCA are claims
that the company is under-earning. “Does the term “under-earning” refer to the 15% minimum of assets plus the “Advisory Fees” or does it refer to the increase in rates which is the subject of this filing. We are interpreting the term to refer to landline rates, since that is the subject of the filing. We reject the allegation that the landline services are under-earning.” As a matter of fact, GCA said, the landline is owed US$90M interest for financing the cellular phone services. “GTT started out as a landline operator and its cellular business was grafted on to what was then its core landline operations. In this process, GTT used about US$60 million of funds generated by the landline to invest in the cellular business. No bank loans were taken; landline money was used. At 15% per annum, the annual interest accruing from this US$60 millions is US$9m and for the last ten years it is US$9m x10 = US$90 millions,” GCA argued. The battle between GTT and the consumers’ body would take significance at this time, as Government has passed new laws to open the market to other players in the telecoms market. GTT’s officials from the US met with Government last week to start negotiations to end the current monopoly it enjoys in landline and international calls. The telecoms market is said a highly lucrative one, with Government eyeing the potential of expanding it rapidly with new companies and services.
Damaged submarine cable... From page 11 company which laid the troubled submarine cable, for the US$18M project. However, although Government has not officially announced the award of the contract, it has a dilemma of sorts as other bidders are complaining of irregularities in the evaluation process and are preparing to file protests with the Public Procurement
Commission (regulator), the InterAmerican Development Bank and the European Union. The last two are where the monies are coming from. GPL and Government have been largely silent on the project which had generated significant attention. GPL falls under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
Chandrawattie Pers a u d , the Chairperson; Ms. Laurelle Daw, Director of Nursing Service at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for the past seven years; Dr. A n w a r Hussain who has racked-up decades of service at the GPHC and former Auditor General, Mr. Anand Goolsarran. All of the members, with the exception of Goolsarran, were present on hand Friday to hand over the report to Minister Norton in his office. Hicks was sent on administrative leave in July to facilitate the investigation which commenced in earnest in October. The Committee was tasked with assessing the truthfulness of the allegations or complaints and make determinations as to whether these have been injurious or destructive to the effective and efficient delivery of the health care delivered at the GPHC. The Committee was guided by Terms of Reference which required that it compile, through interviews with staff of the hospital, including doctors and
nurses or through investigations, a list of allegations or complaints of displeasure or misconduct against the Director of Nursing Services. Among other things, the COI was expected to specifically examine the promotion of nurses under the Director of Nursing Services to determine whether these were based on merit. Added to this, the Commission was tasked with examining the relationship between the Director of Nursing Services and the doctors of the institution to ascertain if this affected the delivery of health care at the hospital. The investigation process however was not without some controversy. Even before the process had commenced the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), which has been representing Hicks’ interest, said that it had no confidence in the Committee or the findings it was likely to produce. This was in light of its belief that the Committee consisted of individuals who had close
links to the hospital. It has moreover concluded that the association of some of the members of the Committee could influence the conduct of the inquiry making it prejudicial against the subject of the inquiry. In this regard, the Union had informed that although it had sent multiple letters to the Board Chairman, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, the Board went ahead with the selected Committee without considering its concerns. But Dr. Hanoman had insisted that the Board, which is now dissolved, had consulted with the Union and even delayed the investigation so that it could nominate a member to the Committee. The Union had nominated Brotherson to be a part of the investigating committee. Commenting on reports of the concerns raised by the GPSU, Minister Norton had last month said that “if we are going to suspend somebody and investigate them we must do it as efficiently as possible.”
Public procurement system finally... From page 13 initiative will impact a number of areas including; bringing the current procurement regulations in line with best practices as of January 2017; Strengthen the data base system to improve reporting requirements by far flung areas of the country and facilitate analytical reporting on procurement which is a requirement under the Procurement Act of 2003; and give a more focused training for evaluators which will be on going. Wickham said that it is important to note that the procurement planning within Agencies is a weak area. As such, he vowed that the Procurement planning interven-
tion model will be rolled out country wide. The NPTAB head said that website improvement will satisfy the statutory requirement of timely posting of advertisements of procurement opportunities as well as awards. This he said will also prepare a strategy for the introduction of e-procurement in Guyana. Wickham said, too, that the initiative will provide CIPS Level 2 training to at least 90 operatives in the procurement system. On another note, Wickham said that the existing legislation does not provide for eprocurement. He said that an upcoming legislation review
will provide for this. He promised too that a debarment procedure will be fashioned for implementation. The NPTAB Head said, “There will be further training in February 2017 in contract compliance and management. As you can see we have been very busy this past year. In my opinion, we are poised to take procurement out of a long period of stagnation.” Wickham said that moves are being taken to ensure that the Procurement system is elevated onto a pathway where electronic government procurement is the major tool to build a world class procurement process in Guyana.
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PM announces third Cabinet re-shuffle in a year BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Prime Minister Dean Barrow has announced a minor Cabinet re-shuffle occasioned by the decision of his attorney general Vanessa Retreage to return to private practice. Barrow said that as of January 1, next year, Michael Peyrefitte will become the new Attorney General of Belize,” adding that he will always replace here in the Senate. He said that he will take over the responsibility at the Ministry of Lands that will now be joined with the Ministry of Finance. “So I will be the new Minister of Lands or Minister of Natural Resources. Dr. (Carla) Barnett, who is already the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, will, of course, be the Minister of
State in the expanded ministry and, quite frankly, it is Doctor Barnett who will have day-to-day charge of the Lands Ministry.” Barrow said that the Police Ministry “will now go across to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and again with the same arrangement under which the Honourable Elodio Aragon as the Minister of State will have the de facto leadership of that ministry”. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Barrow has said that the 2017 budget will be “lean and mean” given the current economic situation facing the country. “What is most important is that we engage in the expenditure cuts that are necessary to whip this budget into shape. Once cannot discount the possibility of rev-
enue raising measures, but while the Ministry of Finance and Dr. Barnett are in fact very closely consulting with the private sector, with the unions through their membership on the Cost Savings Committee as well as on the Revenue Raising Committee, I don’t know that I can venture any opinion as to the specifics. “So while acknowledging that there is a problem that must be addressed, I don’t think it is quite fair to give the impression that the sky is falling. We have to take some measures, we have to take action, but I believe we can do so in a way that will concentrate rather more on the cutting of fat, the elimination of waste than on burdening the Belizean public with additional taxes,” Prime Minister Barrow added.
‘One billion’ affected by Yahoo hack Yahoo has said more than one billion user accounts may have been affected in a hacking attack dating back to 2013. The internet giant said it appears separate from a breach disclosed in September, when Yahoo revealed some 500 million accounts were accessed in 2014. Yahoo said names, phone numbers, passwords and email addresses were stolen, but not bank and payment data. The company, which is being taken over by Verizon, said it is working closely with the police and authorities. When Yahoo disclosed in
September the 2014 data breach, the company said information had been “stolen by what we believe is a statesponsored actor”. Yahoo did not say which country it held responsible. That breach included swathes of personal information, including names and emails, as well as “unencrypted security questions and answers”. The hack took place in 2014, and Yahoo has come under pressure to disclose why it took so long for the breach to be made public. The new breach raises fresh questions about
Verizon’s $4.8bn proposed acquisition of Yahoo, and whether the US mobile carrier will try to modify or abandon its bid. If the hacks cause a user backlash against Yahoo, the company’s services would not be as valuable to Verizon. In a statement, Verizon said that it would evaluate the situation as Yahoo investigates and would review the “new development before reaching any final conclusions”. Yahoo said on Wednesday that users should change their passwords and security questions.
Afghan murder suspect in Germany ‘was jailed in Greece’ An Afghan teenager arrested on suspicion of the rape and murder of a woman in south-west Germany had already been convicted of attempted murder in Greece, reports say. Germans were outraged by the murder of Maria L, a student in Freiburg who volunteered for a refugee charity. A Greek lawyer has now alleged that the man suspected of killing her also tried to kill a young woman in Corfu. He was given a 10-year sentence but was apparently freed after about 18 months. Greek reports said he had robbed the woman and pushed her over an eightmetre drop, and it was only because his victim was an experienced mountaineer that
she survived with serious injuries. Some reports said he had a swastika tattooed on his left arm. Lawyer Maria-Eleni Nikopoulou was able to identify the Freiburg suspect, Hussein K, from photos. “Yes that’s the young man I defended in 2013. I have no doubt,” she told Germany’s DPA news agency. Sent to jail on the Greek mainland in 2014, he was released on parole on 31 October 2015 and is thought to have made his way via Austria to Germany during the following fortnight. His age was unclear as he had no identification but German authorities took him in as an unaccompanied minor. Many of the asylum seekers who travelled across the Balkans to Ger-
many last year did not carry passports. Maria L was raped and murdered in October and Hussein K was detained a fortnight ago. Since his arrest, he has refused to give evidence to German authorities. Although he has said he is 17, he was also described as 17 during his time in Greek detention. Forensic officials have been asked to conduct medical tests to assess his real age. If convicted as a juvenile under the age of 18, he would face a maximum sentence of 10 years. Although German police are yet to confirm the details of his earlier conviction with their Greek counterparts, the revelations from Corfu have raised questions about the asylum process.
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Thursday December 15, 2016
Argentine firm reaches $112.8... From page 27 Galarza, the company’s general manager, said he welcomed the agreement, which is the first with a company in the FIFA corruption probe. “Today is a great day for us as we start to leave this investigation behind,” Galarza told reporters. In a statement, Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Robert Capers said the company cooperated and is “being given a chance to change the way the business of soccer is done in the future.” As part of the agreement, the company said it would implement internal compliance and accounting controls. The company is one of 43 people and entities charged as part of a U.S. investigation that upended Zurich-based FIFA and the soccer world. To date, 20 people and two related companies have pleaded guilty in connection with the probe. Torneos is 40 percent owned by DirecTV, which AT&T Inc acquired in 2015. In August 2015, DirecTV valued its stake at $147 million, but said
its investment could be adversely impacted by the probe. Prosecutors said Torneos paid bribes and kickbacks to high-ranking soccer officials over 15 years to obtain lucrative media and marketing rights for international soccer tournaments. Torneos paid millions of dollars in bribes to acquire the broadcasting rights for the 2018, 2022, 2026, and 2030 World Cup games in several South American countries, according to court documents. The court documents also say that Torneos paid millions of dollars in annual bribes to support its affiliate, T&T Sports Marketing. An affiliate of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc owns 75 percent of T&T and Torneos owns 25 percent, according to Torneos. [L1N1420MF] Fox did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Torneos “paid the bribes and kickbacks with the agreement and support of the U.S. broadcasting company affiliates and their representatives,” prosecutors said. The case is U.S. v. Torneos y Competencias SA, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 16-cr-00634.
Thursday December 15, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Keep your wits about you and be sure that you can trust those you confide in You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying. \ TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Family trips or projects should be on your mind. Your home may be in an uproar and you are best to stay out of the line of fire if at all possible. \ GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship. Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options.
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LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. It might be time to shake a leg and do a personal makeover. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can make changes that will enhance your appearance. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence. Don't overspend on friends or children. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Be sure to pay attention to your bank account. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. Be quiet about your intentions or ideas that might bring added cash.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't be afraid to speak in defense of others. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Someone may try to damage your reputation. Don't push your opinions on others today or you may find yourself in the doghouse.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your ability to work with detail will bring recognition. Residential moves look hectic and sudden changes in your life are likely.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You need to spend some time pampering yourself. Don't be too quick to sign documents. Don't draw too much attention to yourself at work.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Try not to let relatives or friends cause any friction with your mate. Don't hold back. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues today.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Moves or the possibility of having someone different living with you may be difficult at first. You should be doing something special with children.
Video evidence used for first time to award penalty (Reuters) Video evidence was used to award a penalty for the first time in a FIFA competition at the Club World Cup yesterday when the referee gave Kashima Antlers a controversial spot kick in their 3-0 semi-final win over Colombia’s Atletico Nacional. An off-field official known as a video assistant referee (VAR) called attention to an infringement by Orlando Berrio and Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai walked to the side of the pitch to review the incident on a computer screen. Kassai gave the 33rd minute penalty that Shoma Doi converted to give a 1-0 lead to Japanese side Kashima, who will play either Real Madrid or Mexico’s Club America in Sunday’s final. Berrio could clearly be seen tripping opponent Daigo Nishi as the players moved into the box to challenge for a free kick. However, the penalty decision provoked anger worldwide on twitter from fans who believe the video evidence also showed Nishi was in an offside position when the free kick was taken. There was also concern that the referee was only permitted to watch the replay once the ball had gone out of play, which happened only after Atletico broke upfield on a counter attack. FIFA later issued a statement clarifying its position on both issues and backing Kassai’s performance. “On the half-hour mark, after receiving information about a missed incident from Video Assistant Referee Danny Makkelie, referee Viktor Kassai made the TV signal to indicate that he would conduct an on-field review of footage via the pitch-side monitor,” the statement said.
“Prior to that, the assistant referee had correctly applied the ‘wait and see’ technique with regard to the offside position of the player who was fouled.” “The offside offence never materialised because the player was unable to challenge the opponent for the ball, and the Hungarian referee subsequently pointed to the penalty mark, judging from the replay that Daigo Nishi had been tripped inside the penalty area by Atletico’s Orlando Berrio.” BIG STEP FORWARD Soccer’s world governing body has called the technology a “big step forward” for the game but had also said it was entering “uncharted wa-
ters”. The trial during seven matches in Japan involves off-field VARs monitoring the action and calling the referee’s attention to “clear mistakes in match-changing situations,” such as goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and mistaken identity. Its trial use at the Club World Cup - a tournament for the world’s continental title holders plus the host nation’s champions - follows the successful introduction of goalline technology used to rule when a ball has crossed the goal line. Leagues in 12 countries have confirmed they will participate in a two-year experiment with VARs.
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Defence lifts Warriors to E. Jefford is finally seeing things clearly 113-109 road win over Pelicans Letter to the Sports Editor
DEAR EDITOR, I was just perusing some newsprints and stumbled on an article which reads ‘Athletes identified for National Elite Camp’ dated Wed. Dec. 7, 2016 and the first question that came to mind was the following: who is behind this venture?’ As I continue reading, Eddison Jefford, sitting member of the National Sports Commission was the person that identified the athletes for training and development and everything depends if all the logistics are formalised among the main stakeholders. I am not sure if this venture was fully thought out by E. Jefford or whether it was a collective venture of the National Sports Commission members, but in all fairness, everyone behind this venture must be credited and I sincerely wish and hope it is a success for the benefit of all. I will say publicly from an independent standpoint that one very important factor for the success of such a venture is establishing where the funding is coming from, how much and a full commitment is needed from all stakeholders. I don’t ever wish to read in the press that half way down the line, funds are dried up.
I will say for the record that I found a particular section of the article very humourous and it reads, ‘he (E. Jefford) believes that what is required for the Elite Camp and programme to succeed is a national effort where all differences are cast aside.’ That’s a very challenging task to my mind to be accomplished, but again, I am elated to finally read that E. Jefford is finally seeing things clearly. I also hope that E. Jefford would seriously consider his colleague and friend, sports reporter of KN, Mr. Rawle Welch for a place within the venture because it is my belief that he has a great lot to offer to the sports fraternity of Guyana and he should be utilised for his skills, education and knowledge. His role as a stakeholder is an asset to sports Guyana... I humbly say to those fortunate athletes selected for the venture to take advantage of this opportunity, be very disciplined, committed etc. because those are very important goals which goes hand in hand with intense training to take on the world on the international circuit. Yours Faithfully, T. Pemberton.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)
All Blacks absent from England’s 2017 test schedule
New Zealand’s lock Brodie Retallick during the warm up. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier) (Reuters) World champions New Zealand will have to wait until at least 2018 to play England after the schedule for next year’s November internationals was released yesterday, including tests against Argentina, Australia and Samoa at Twickenham. Unbeaten in 2016 with 14 successive victories, England can hope to surpass the All Blacks record 18-match winning streak that ended last month with a shock 40-29 defeat by Ireland in Chicago.
England begin the defence of the Six Nations title against France at Twickenham on Feb. 4, before playing Wales (Feb. 11), Italy (Feb. 26), Scotland (March 11) and Ireland (March 18). A second successive Grand Slam triumph would extend their winning run to 19 internationals. They will play the Barbarians in the Old Mutual Wealth Cup at Twickenham on May 28, the day after the Premiership final and before England fly to Argentina for a two-Test series in June. The autumn schedule sees England play Argentina at Twickenham stadium (Nov. 11), Australia (Nov. 18) and Samoa (Nov. 25). “These block of matches are an important step in our preparations for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan,” said England head coach Eddie Jones. “We look forward to playing in the 2017 series against three tough opponents in Argentina, Australia and Samoa.” England beat Argentina and Australia in this season’s four-game autumn series.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past New Orleans Pelicans forward Reggie Williams (5) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports) (The Sports Xchange) For all the glamour associated with their relentless run-andgun offence, the Golden State Warriors pride themselves occasionally on playing something called defence. Draymond Green reinforced that Tuesday night in a 113-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors’ fourth win in five road games over the last seven nights. While Green appreciated the work involved with his first triple-double of the season — 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists — it was his suffocating defense against Pelicans All-Star forward Anthony Davis in the final seconds, with the game on the line, that preserved the victory. “Draymond loves being in
that situation,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said after the Warriors held the Pelicans without a field goal in the final 4:48. “He relishes it. He really does, even against a guy like Anthony Davis, who’s so good. It didn’t surprise me. One-on-one against anybody, I’ll take him. He’s a nasty defender.” The Pelicans trailed 111109 when Jrue Holiday missed the second of two free throws with 13.4 seconds left. Guard E’Twaun Moore wound up with the loose-ball rebound and found Davis on the left side of the basket, isolated against Green. With the clock running down, Davis began backing in toward the basket about 15 feet away. Green shaded Davis in an attempt to prevent
him from spinning to the left baseline. “I knew he wanted to drive left, that’s always when he’s on that block,” Green said. “He probably goes left 85 percent of the time on that block. Once he opened up, I just took a swipe at the ball, and I was able to get the ball.” Green’s strip occurred with 2.3 seconds left, but Davis was so upset Green was not called for a foul that he drew his second technical foul of the season. Asked whether he was trying to go left and to further explain the play, Davis said quickly: “I was trying to score.” “It looked clean, because I’m the Warriors coach,” Kerr said, smiling. “But, honestly, I saw the replay and it looked clean.
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Joseph, Miller fined, Primus reprimanded for breaching Code of Conduct Sparta’s matchless superiority continues Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition
- will meet Tucville in tomorrow’s final By Rawle Welch It was billed as the ‘El Classico’ of street football in Georgetown, the clash between current title holder Sparta Boss and former champion Back Circle was anticipated to be a slugfest, but it failed to live up to the hype. In the end, all it did was provide supporters and adversaries of the defending champions Sparta Boss with irrefutable evidence of their matchless superiority in the futsal format of the sport. Playing in the last semifinal of the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac on Tuesday, before a packed house, Sparta Boss rebounded from a one-goal deficit to defeat bitter rivals Back Circle 2-1 to set up a final date with Tucville who scraped past Broad Street Bullies by a 1-0 margin. In the feature encounter, Sparta Boss fell behind after seven minutes when defender Eusi Phillips in an effort to intercept a soaring shot delivered from within Back Circle’s half, watched in dismay as the ball glanced off his chest and bounced into the goal. With the support overwhelmingly in favour of Back Circle, the associated effect resulted in wild celebrations
as the feeling of an upset saturated the minds of a large section of the crowd. However, playing with the hearts of champions, Sparta Boss weathered the storm and came close to gaining the equalizer through the nippy and influential Devon Millington and the hard working Solomon Austin whose efforts landed agonizingly just outside the uprights. It was clear that they were building momentum, working the ball beautifully in tandem and their superiority in this format was rewarded when Austin finished with aplomb, a fine exhibition of dribbling artistry by Millington, brought back specifically to bolster the champs attacking options. The equalizer came in the 19th minute of play and the game remained deadlocked at 1-1 at the break. Coming out of the break, Sparta Boss very early showed glimpses of their offensive intent and their supporters did not have to wait long, exactly two minutes into the period, to celebrate with frenzy when a long ball from the back found a lurking Courtney Britton and all it required was a slight shift from the last stop and a final berth was reality. The first semi-final could be considered an upset as the tournament’s most consistent
team Broad Street Bullies were taught the rudiments of defending, especially by the experienced Gerald Gritten, who put on a defensive display that must have caught the eye of Sparta Boss and their coaching staff ahead of tomorrow night’s final, at the National Park. Leon Richardson fired in from close range to hand Tucville the lead in the 5th minute and after that it was a defensive showpiece that left a team that displayed menacing firepower throughout the competition looking exposed and impotent. It became a Gritten show that lasted until the final whistle sounded much to the humiliation of Broad Street Bullies fans. In the night’s full results: Semi-finals Game-1 Tucville-1 vs Broad Street Bullies-0 Leon Richardson-5th Game-2 Sparta Boss-2 vs Back Circle-1 Sparta Scorers Solomon Austin-19th Courtney Britton-21st Back Circle Scorer Own Goal-7th The tournament is also being sponsored by Colours Boutique of Robb Street, Rainforest Waters and Powerade.
Argentine firm reaches $112.8 million deal with U.S. in FIFA probe NEW YORK (Reuters) U.S. prosecutors on Tuesday announced an agreement allowing Argentine sports media Torneos y Competencias SA to pay about $112.8 million to settle charges stemming from a sweeping bribery probe targeting FIFA, soccer’s world governing body. The deferred prosecution agreement with Torneos, whose former chief executive pleaded guilty last year to engaging in schemes to bribe soccer officials, was approved by U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen at a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn. Under the deal, Torneos agreed to forfeit $89 million and pay a $23.76 million penalty. Prosecutors charged it with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which will be dropped if it abides by the agreement’s terms for four years. Outside of court, Ignacio (Continued on page 25)
Gnacio Galarza, the general manager of the Argentine sports communications firm Torneos y Competencias S.A., is seen following a hearing in United States Court in Brooklyn, New York, December 13, 2016. (REUTERS/Nate Raymond)
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board confirmed yesterday that Alzarri Joseph and Nikita Miller were fined, and Roshon Primus was reprimanded for breaches of the Code of Conduct during the fourth round of matches in the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament which ended on Monday. All three players admitted to the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by the respective match referees, meaning there was no need for formal hearings. Joseph was reported by on-field umpires Danesh Ramdhanie and Leslie Reifer Jr, along with standby umpire Ericson Degallerie for a Level 2 breach of the Code of Conduct during the match between Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Windward Islands Volcanoes at Windsor Park in Dominica. Joseph upon fielding the ball from his own bowling after the final delivery of the 18th over in the Volcanoes’ second innings, threw the ball at or near batsman Johnson Charles in an appropriate and dangerous manner while the
batsman remained in the crease. Match referee Carlyle Felix imposed a fine of 50 per cent of the Hurricanes and West Indies fast bowler’s match fee for the breach of paragraph 2.6 of the Code of Conduct. Miller and Primus were both reported by match umpires Verdayne Smith and Gregory Brathwaite, as well as reserve umpire Rushane Samuels for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct during the match between Jamaica Scorpions and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Match referee Denovan Hayles imposed a fine of 20 per cent of Miller’s match fee, after he breached paragraph 1.3 of the Code of Conduct by using language that was offensive or insulting to the match officials and contrary to the Spirit of the Game, when he was notified about the wearing of incorrect playing equipment. Primus was subject to an official reprimand from Hayles, after he showed dissent at the umpire’s decision by delaying his departure from the wicket, when he was
adjudged lbw off the final delivery in the 56th over of the Red Force second innings. The Red Force all-rounder admitted to the offence which was a breach of paragraph 1.2 of the Code of Conduct and accepted the imposition of the proposed sanction. No further action was taken and no hearing was required. WICB CODE OF CONDUCT – RANGE OF PENALTIES Level of Offence Players and Team Officials Level 1 Official reprimand and/or fine of up to the equivalent of 50 per cent of player or team official’s match fee Level 2 Fine of the equivalent of between 50 per cent of player or team official’s match fee up to their full match fee and/or a ban of 1 match and/or 2 oneday matches Level 3 Ban of between 2 and 4 matches and/or between 4 and 8 one-day matches Level 4 Ban of between 5 matches and/or 10 one-day matches and a life ban.
Webster welcomes Adams appointment as new Director of cricket ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC- Sports psychologist Dr.Rudi Webster has welcomed the appointment of former West Indies cricketer Jimmy Adams as the region’s new Director of cricket. Adams, who represented West Indies as player and captain during his career, replaces Englishman Richard Pybus who did not seek to renew his contract. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has yet to officially announce the appointment but media reports in the region also say former Australian cricketer Stuart Law has been appointed to fill the position left vacant by Phil Simmons who was fired in September. Speaking on the regional television programme Big Bang Sports, Webster, who has worked with the West Indies cricket team, blasted Pybus as a “total disaster” and applauded the appointment of Adams as one that would “make a difference”. “Well I am extremely pleased that Pybus is no longer with us. He was a total disaster and he has done more harm to West Indies cricket and there is only one other person who has done more harm to the game and that is (Dave) Cameron, the current
president,” Dr. Webster told Big Bang Sports. “I am really happy that Jimmy Adams will take over the post of Director of cricket. I think he should make a difference. Stuart Law has been around for a while, I do not know too much about him but what I hear from the grape vine is that he is not a bad coach. So I think that is the first step in the right direction”. The decision to fill the two positions were reportedly taken at the weekend at the WICB’s final quarterly meeting which took place in St Maarten. Dr. Webster, meantime, has repeated calls for Cameron to step down as WICB president. The embattled Jamaican sports administrator has come in for widespread criticism for his role in ongoing conflicts between the WICB and regional cricketers. Dr. Webster has blasted Cameron as the “worst President” and says the effect of Adams and law on regional cricket will be limited if Cameron refuses to stepdown. “But it is not enough. I think that the president of the West Indies Cricket board must go and they must be
Jimmy Adams set to replace Pybus as Director of cricket. structural reform of the board if we are to progress. Dave Cameron is by far the worst president that I have ever seen in those 50 years. It is not even a close call,” said Webster, whose 50 year involvement in sports also includes basketball, soccer, motor racing, Golf and Australian football. “The point I am making is that it does not matter if Adams comes in or Stuart Law comes in if there is not a change in the attitude of the West Indies cricket board at the very top and a change in the attitude of the directors who control and manage the game, I think that the input from these two gentlemen will be very, very limited”.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 15, 2016
Third annual Guyana Cup rematch set for January 1st The Rising Sun Turf Club will be ready for the upcoming action.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for the third edition of the Guyana Cup rematch Horserace meet set for Sunday 1st January at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park West Coast Berbice. The event is organised by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables in collaboration with the Rising Sun Turf Club. The meet is expected to see the top horses in the country compete for supremacy and is expected to see most of the top animals that dominate racing in Guyana during the year looking to close the racing season on a high. Seven top of the line races are carded for the day with a number of feature events on the day’s card. The feature event is for animals classified B and lower which has a top prize of $1.2M for the winner
from a sumptuous $3M prize package and trophy over 1800M. There are other eye catching events which includes - An event for animals classified F1 and lower for a winning pocket of $400,000 and trophy over 1400M. The event for 3 years old horses, West Indies bred horses and G3 and lower animals over 1400M, has a first prize of $350,000 and trophy for the winner. There is an 1100M event for three year old West Indies bred horses that never earned over $200,000 and animals classified H3 and lower for a winning pocket of $300,000 and trophy. The Two year old event for Guyana bred horses has its first prize tagged at $260,000 and trophy over 1100M. The J, K and lower event over 1100M fetches the winner $200,000 and trophy.
The animals classified L and lower will compete for the winning pocket of $180,000 and trophy over 1100. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and the organizers. Entries are expected to be closed on Sunday 25th December. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. In the event that there are less than five horses entered for any event the club reserves the right to cancel or reframe that race. Horses are subject to reclassification pending the results of any race meet the animals would have taken part in prior to this event. Five horses must start an event before a third prize is paid, while seven horses must
Persaud returned as WCC chairman Keval Persaud was unanimously elected Chairman of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee when the body held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday at the Wakenaam Community Centre. Navishaul Pooran will serve as his deputy, while Nazeer Mohamed returned as the Secretary, Loaknauth Persaud-Treasurer, Afridi Mohamed-Assistant Secretary -Treasurer and Vickram Ramnarine –Public Relations Officer. In his brief remarks, Persaud thanked the members for their support and promised to work towards the development of cricket on the island and in the Essequibo region. He called on the busi-
Nazeer Mohamed
Navishaul Pooran
ness community for support and urged his fellow execu-
tive to work collectively for the growth of the game there.
start an event before a fourth prize is paid. Interested persons can contact Fazal Habibulla on
657-7010 or 232-0232, Donald Lawrie on telephone Nos 2254530 or 225-and Campton Sancho 602-1567.
Race time is 12:30 hrs. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. (Samuel Whyte)
Lack of publicity, standard of players blamed for low attendance at 4-day games - Coaches By Sean Devers Both Coaches; the Guyana Jaguars Rayon Griffith and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force’s Gus Logie blamed the lack of promotion, the standard of the players and the location of the WICB FirstClass matches as reasons why fans are not flocking stands as they did in the 1980s. Logie said the powers that be depend on a few news pieces without putting out advertisements, leaving many unaware that there is a match in their country while the decision to play all FirstClass at the International venues robs many of coming to the games. Logie and Griffith feel due to lack of ‘big name stars’ the spectators show little interest in watching Regional FirstClass cricket. The still fit looking 56year-old Logie who played 52 Tests between 1983 and 1991, noted fans in 80s came in their numbers to watch First-Class cricket because of the big name players and because of the location of the Venues. “These grounds (present venues) are difficult to reach unless you drive your own car and matches in South Trinidad at Guaracara Park would have a wonderful atmosphere with people stepping off the street and into the ground,” the diminutive Logie who has 13 First-Class tons including two at Test level, lamented. The 37-year-old Griffith is
of a more modern generation but agreed with Logie that where the game is played and who is playing are important factors in crowd attendance. “If this game (T&T vs Guyana) was set for Albion in Berbice, even without any major crowd pullers in the teams, the crowd would have been large. There are also lights at Albion and in the past people would drive up from Georgetown and spend the weekend and then you had to pay a fee to enter the ground, while now it’s free,” said Griffith who took 56 wickets from 22 First-Class games. Both Coaches agreed that inconsistent pitches and performances by the players also add to the disinterest of fans, who would prefer to go to a t20 match. Logie, who has played 158 ODIs but who never played a T20 game, feels that some innovations must be made in regards to gifts from the sponsors and things like music during the intervals to attract the young generation to this format. Both Coaches agreed that the decline in pace and bounce in the pitches throughout the Region which makes free scoring a problem and favor the spinners, is killing fast bowling and the longer version of t h e g a m e i n t h e We s t Indies. Logie thinks that one of
the reasons T&T, who only has five First-Class titles since 1966 and none since 2005 but have been very successful in limited overs cricket, is because most Trinidadians focus on the shorter version and the same core of players are together for a five-year period. “We have a good group here but they are inexperienced. Players like the Bravos, Simmons, Narine, Pollard, Gabriel, Ramdin and Pooran are all unavailable due various reasons. Our strength is our bowling but our pacers could have their work cut out for them on what should be a slow pitch and batsmen will have to be patient,” Logie stated. The Red Force pace attack should include Guyanese born Marlon Richards, Jamaican Sheldon Cottrell and 21-year-old Bajan Roshon Primus. When asked about Narsingh Deonarine, Logie said that the left-handed Guyanese was not included in their squad but along with Pooran were promised contracts not go into the ‘pool’ but both refused the contracts and put themselves on the market to be bought. Logie said that Kyle Hope is the team’s most consistent and best batsman and a lot will depend on what type of support he gets Jason Mohamed, Skipper Yannick Ottley, Yannic Cariah and Steven Katwaroo.
Thursday December 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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GFRC recognises outstanding officials at glitzy Awards function Sherwin Moore and Maurees Skeete are Male and Female Referees of 2016
The Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRC) last Saturday night, recognised the efforts of their officials at a glitzy function held at the Carifesta Sports Complex and graced by the presence of a number of Guyana Football
Federation (GFF) executives including President, Wayne Forde. Copping the Male Referee of the Year award was Sherwin Moore who has also been rewarded with a return trip to Barbados, compliments
of LIAT. Ms. Maurees Skeete took the Female Referee of the Year award and has won a day trip to Arrowpoint Nature Resort as her prize. Forde, along with Vice Presidents Bruce Lovell and Thandi McAllister, GFRC President Dion Inniss, Treasurer Dwayne Lovell were among the officials that assisted with presenting plaques, trophies and medals to the awardees The Council is expressing sincere gratitude to the following entities for their contributions towards the event being a success: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Digicel, Ink Works Signs and Printing, Star Party Rentals, CIDI, Mr. Justin Nedd, Mr. Richard Vanconcellos, Mr. James Samuels, New GPC Inc., Universal Travel and Tours, LIAT, Arrowpoint Nature Resort, Pizza Hut, Palm Court Restaurant, Trophy Stall, Banks DIH Ltd., AnsaMcAl Trading, Wartisla, Janico Industrial Engineering and Petra Organisation. Following is the full list of awardees:
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 15, 2016
GFC and Brazilian XI to face off in memory Chapecoense FC players In memory of the 19 Chapecoense footballers who lost their lives in the recent air disaster which also claimed the lives of 21 journalists, Georgetown Football Club (GFC) will engage a Brazil XI in a specially arranged memorial match on Saturday afternoon at GFC from 16:45hrs. In a press release, the club said that the match would be played in memory of the achievements in the history of the Chapecoense club. The Brazil XI would be outfitted in green kit colours of Chapecoense club which has been made possible through the kind efforts of the Nice Restaurant located at Status Hotel. GFC’s Pro Forward Renato who hails from Sao
GFC’s Pro Forward Renato Paulo, Brazil has been given permission to play for the Brazil XI in respect of his countrymen.
Golden Grove’s Rutherford, King claim Enmore CC double wicket title The Golden Grove pair of Sherfene Rutherford and Terrence King withstood their challenges to win the Enmore Cricket Club double wicket competition which was contested on Sunday. The duo defeated Gavin Moriah and Rudolph Singh of Enmore B by 53 runs in the final. Batting first Golden Grove recorded 76 runs from their allotted four overs with Rutherford hitting a robust 60 from 16 balls. King made 14 from eight deliveries. In reply Enmore B managed 23 from four overs. Gavin Moriah made 11 and Rudolph Singh nine. In the lone semi-final Rutherford and King overcame Chanderpaul Hemraj and Gajanan Suknanan of Strathavon who batted first and made 48 with the former scoring 39 and the
Sherfene Rutherford latter five. Rutherford struck 47 as Golden Grove won with three balls to spare. Six pairs competed and each pair was allowed to bat for four overs. Four runs were deducted each time a batsman was dismissed.
Thursday December 15, 2016
Kaieteur News
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t r o Sp Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition
Sparta’s matchless superiority continues A player from Sparta Boss (blue & black uniform) seen pressing forward in their clash against Back Circle which they won to reach the final.
Broad Street Bullies Jimmy Gravesande (yellow bib) goes up against a Tucville defender during their encounter on Tuesday night.
Joseph, Miller fined, Lack of publicity, standard of Primus reprimanded for players blamed for low attendance breaching Code of Conduct at 4-day games - Coaches
Alzarri Joseph (CricketCountry.com)
Coaches Rayon Griffith (right) & T&T’s Red Force Gus Logie talk about the poor turnout at four-day games yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
Nikita Miller (ESPNcricinfo)
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