Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

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This statement is erroneous Remembering Martin Carter on his death anniversary DEAR MR EDITOR, Please refer to a letter which appeared in your daily’s issued Saturday, December 16, 2017 “When will the slackness at City Hall stop?” by Shanta Singh pg6. The Mayor and City Council wishes to thank Ms. Singh for the interest she has shown in the work of its various agencies, in particular, the City Constabulary. It should be noted that this particular writer appears to see the Council only in a negative light. This is demonstrated by the pattern and contents of previous letters written by her in our dailies. Suffice it to say, we are not worried with this negative perspective by Ms. Shanta Singh but we continue to ask that those, who write on matters affecting the council and consequently the city, to be fair, truthful and objective in their writings. Of course, if writers have their own hidden agendas then this would be difficult to achieve. In this particular letter, the writer seems to be in possession of information that is not within the archives of the Council when she stated: “In the past there have been disappearances of large quantities of ammunition…” paragraph 5. We are not aware that this has ever happened at the City Council. However, we would be happy to peruse any information or informational materials the writer may have in this regard. We have always admitted that the

Constabulary like every other police and security agency has its challenges. That, notwithstanding, it is well known that, the Council has put in place systems to manage and monitor the movement and use of all its properties including weapons and allied security equipment. In the case of the Constabulary, there are systems in place to track the use of all of its properties including firearms, communication sets and vehicles. In fact, the discovery of the missing firearm testifies to the effectiveness of those systems. Therefore, we disagree with comments made by Shanta Singh at paragraph 6 to the effect that: “…this points to gross negligence, sloppy management and extreme dishonesty and the buck must stop at the political and administrative leadership of the Council …” We are afraid that the writer appears to be totally uninformed and as a result her utterances are unfair not only to the leadership of the Council but also the entire city of Georgetown. We wish to reaffirm our commitment to securing the health, the safety and the protection of local communities and their citizens. We continue to demonstrate the credentials and responsibility to manage all of our statutory duties and obligations to the city. Royston King, Town Clerk

A worrying case at Friendship DEAR EDITOR, For the past three years I have been struggling to have a nearby sawmill that is located on the Public Road at Friendship, on the Eastern Bank of the Demerara River to lower the level of noise, and to put proper drainage at the facility. To date, nothing has been done. I must say that I am grateful to Mr. Derek Kowlessar of the Ministry of Community, and lately Mr. Glenn Lall of Kaieteur News for responding to my complaints. Derek has done much more, such as leaving his office and paying the facility a visit, but there is not much he could do because the enforcement of the by-laws and regulations lies with the Craig-Caledonia NDC, and the folks at the EPA. The EPA has made several spot checks, but their meters have shown that the noise is not beyond the legal limit. For example, they say that the noise can be high for 2 hours, but low for 6 hours.... then they would do an average, and come up with a low average for an eighthour day. God forbids, but it seems that I have to leave my house for the two-hour period. Does this make any sense at all? My ear drum does not have any mechanism to average noise level. The other issue is that the sawmiller would lower the noise or turn it off when the EPA shows up, but when they leave, he would continue with the noise. I would not mention anything about the water.

That is another serious problem I face. I have sent many images to various people in authority, showing the mess that is created in my yard when it rains. The sawmill man has the unrelenting support of the Chairman of the CraigCaledonia NDC. The land that I am on was purchased by myself in 2014. Upon surveying the land, I discovered that the sawmill is on approximately 30 percent of the land, Rainforest Timbers is on another 20 percent, and I am on the remainder. The Chairman has taken several steps to evict me, but I have managed to get a Court Order restraining the NDS from interfering with me pending the result of the Mediation Center. My main argument is that if three people are in occupation of a parcel of land, it is discrimination to take action against one and leave the other two. The Chairman of the NDC is no angel either. I recently met a gentleman by the name of Rakesh Sawh of Orange Walk, Georgetown who claims that he bought a house at Craig at a Public Auction held by the Supreme Court, but the Chairman, while taking up possession of his property, has also instructed the NDC not to accept rates and taxes from him, Mr. Sawh. There have been many illegal transactions at the Craig-Caledonia NDC over the years. Monies have disappeared from the Treasury, people have turned

up in court with bogus rates and taxes receipts as they try to gain prescriptive title to other peoples’ property in the area. I would like to bring to the attention of the Ministry of Social Securities the plight of many young, unskilled men who work at the sawmill without any sort of insurance, protective outfits, and so on. They work for wages far lower than the minimum wages, and no NIS deductions are being made. They work in unsafe environments, as I have recently shown in an image of sections of the shed under which they work is collapsing. They have since straightened it , but if you look careful at the structure, you will see that it is very unsafe for men to work under. The drain to the sawmill has been filled with dirt. People from the NDC and the EPA have crossed this drain many times. It is not an environmental issue, so it seems. I hope that this issue can one day be resolved. Rgds, Fazal Gafoor

DEAR EDITOR, As we commemorate the twentieth death anniversary of our late National Poet Martin Carter, I believe his poetry should be taught in our schools and private education institutions in our country. He was born on the 7th of June 1927 in Georgetown and died on December 13, 1997. It is my firm conviction that the poetry of Martin Carter and many of our literary greats should be taught in our schools today. I give below a thesis of our late eminent poet Martin Carter which I believe would be of great interest to our country and education institutions around our nation and the Caribbean. For our younger generation, Martin Carter may be just another name listed among one of our National heroes in Guyana. Since literature died a long time ago in our poor system of education, it’s about time our educators reintroduce the poetry of Martin Carter into our education system as well as many other Guyanese writers. On the 22nd of October 1963, Carter made a very mind boggling prediction about the publishing of poetry in Guyana which is as follows: ‘’Publishing poetry in this country is like lending books to corpses. Few read and those who do are not equipped either by curiosity or sensibility to understand what is confronting them.’’ This prophetic statement came to pass in our Nation because very few read poetry and many are not equipped with a background in literature to comprehend poetry. Many may ask the questions: Who was Martin Carter? What was his role in the history of Guyana? Many may ask why was his poetry important to this Nation? Martin Wylde Carter was the greatest poet Guyana has produced. He was one of the Caribbean’s greatest intellects and a distinguished literary personality, whose creative imagination left an indelible mark on the English speaking Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere. He ranked among literary exponents like Derek Walcott, V. S. Naipaul, Wilson Harris, Ian McDonald, A. J. Seymour and Kamau Braithwaite. He was an important figure in the National Independence Movement and very active in liberating Guyana from British Colonialism until we gained Independence on the 26th of May 1966. He lived a matured life of 70 years, devoted 40 years of his life to his country and literary pursuits that will remain in the annals of Guyana’s history and the wider Caribbean. His literary works are now being studied at Caribbean and British Universities and the wider world. Dr. Gemma Robinson from the University of New Castle Upon Tyne in England wrote her PhD, dissertation on the life and writings of Carter. Carter’s poems can be compared to those of Tagore, T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, W. H. Auden and W. B. Yeats. He was a great teacher of mankind and an ardent seeker of truth. His poems are rich in symbolism, philosophy, theology and some very profound and complex imagery. From his poem: “Looking at Your Hands’’, he can be widely remembered from the verse below:

“And so if you see me looking at your hands/listening when you speak/marching in your ranks you must know/I do not sleep to dream but dream to change the world…’’ One of the delights of Carter’s poetry is its rendering of profound philosophical thoughts locked in magnificent imagery. Here we see the poet present his vision of optimism as a dream to change the world. As we re-study his work, we will see Carter as the Guyanese National Poet, the revolutionary poet, the political poet, the disillusioned poet, the metaphysical poet and the spiritual and theological poet. The classic selection of his poems ranges from those that express moral anger and outrage at corruption, to poems, deeply introspective and metaphysical. His political poems of resistance registered social and political protest engendered by British colonialism and they speak out against the stark poverty, injustice, the dehumanisation and degradation of human existence among the masses. From his poem the: ‘’University of Hunger’’ he cried out: “Is the University of hunger the wide waste? Is the pilgrimage of man the long march? The print of hunger wanders in the land. The green tree bends above the long forgotten…….’’ Here we see the poet explore the relationship between himself and an individual in a land of poverty, oppression and corruption – he gave Guyana and the world a new sense of hope and promise of change through his poems. We see him again clamouring for political unity in the poem: ‘’You Are Involved’’ these are the most quoted lines in Guyana that has been quoted time and time again: “All are involved/all are consumed….’’ We have seen an ever widening philosophy in this line calling for political unity like a Gandhi trying to bring political stability in Guyana. This prolific line is not only applicable to Guyanese but to the wider world because here is poet alive and well in his immortal words dreaming to change the natural world from the spiritual world. We can see his autobiography in most of the poems he has written because he writes from personal experience not only from creative imagination. In Carter’s best known theological or metaphysical poem: ‘’Death of a Comrade’’, he sees death as eternal and not something that is just a natural phenomenon like most poets and philosophers in the modern age. How deep a Christian Carter was; we shall never know, but his religion can be seen in many lines of his writings like Dante and Shakespeare informing us that death is not the end. In the last stanza of “Death of a Comrade,’’ he writes: “Now from the mourning vanguard moving on dear comrade I salute you and say Death shall not find us thinking that we die.’’ We may ask the question, “How can a dead Continued on page 6

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Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2017

A tangled web woven Anil Nandlall has his say… by the signature bonus DEAR EDITOR, The sweetheart deal of some US$18 million that the APNU/AFC Government signed and collected from the oil giant, ExxonMobil last year is mind boggling and causes one to raise an eyebrow. For certainty, this bonus is the property of all the people in Guyana and not the property of the APNU/AFC Government. Kaieteur News has done an excellent job when they were on the forefront in highlighting the reality of what ExxonMobil has done to other countries where they operate. I am of the view that large multinational companies like ExxonMobil would love to be in control of any Government. Guyanese need to wake up and let go of their political affiliations and ideologies. They should no longer just blindly believe and support any Government in their wrongdoings. Therefore, we should be Guyanese first then party supporters. Less than three percent of the Guyanese citizens see justice as justice, while 97% of them only see justice when their political parties are hurt since they share some close affiliation with that party. The Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, misled the people of Guyana when he told Kaieteur News on November 23, 2017 that there was no advance payment made to the Government of Guyana by United States oil

giant, ExxonMobil, when in fact he had full knowledge about it. To cover this up his justification in his response was ludicrous when he told the media that he is not obligated to give info press didn’t ask for. It was after Stabroek News published a letter about the account that was requested to be opened by The Ministry of Finance for the ‘signing bonus’, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman confirmed that they have received this bonus a year ago. To make matters worse in an almost dictatorial way, he said that he was not ashamed and is happy that everything is now in the public. Why was it a secret for an entire year? Even Minister of State, Joseph Harmon sidetracked the issue stating that the contract will be made public at a later date. With numerous contradictory statements made by these Government Ministers, one is forced to become suspicious. The media played a major role by putting pressure on the APNU/AFC government to clear the many doubts of the people. However, President David Granger claimed full responsibility for the secrecy surrounding the US $18 million signing bonus, hiding behind presidential immunity, citing ‘national security implications’ as the main reason for the secrecy. He

also noted that some members of the Cabinet may have been unaware of the existence of the signing bonus. I am completely baffled when Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, admitted that he advised President not to alert the nation of the signing bonus. Mr. Greenidge then said that the entire Cabinet (all the ministers) approved the special account to receive the money and they knew it was secured. A completely different story from what the President stated. Who should we believe? Everyone, excluding the PPP supporters, knows and believes that the PPP government was the most corrupt and unscrupulous one. Mr. Editor, the APNU/ AFC Government campaigned to get rid of all the wrongdoings and corrupt practices of the PPP regime, but it appears as though the APNU/AFC is getting worse than the PPP. In my opinion, I think the President should ask all the Ministers who were untruthful to the people of this country to resign or dismiss them. After that, he should step down as he was also untruthful. I recalled watching several campaign ads of the APNU/AFC in April/May 2015 that concluded with; “PPP/C, you lie.” Are they any different? Now, who are the liars? Ashan Bacchus

Remembering Martin Carter... From page 5 man think after he has been dead? If a man dies, will he live again? Job asked this question in the Bible. Jesus answered Carter and Job by saying: “He who believes in m e s h a l l n e v e r d i e ’’ . Because Carter knew the Soul and Spirit in man shall never die, he was able to inform us that we must prepare to die in this life by living a God fearing life. He is like Tagore when Tagore writes: “On the day when death shall knock at

my door what will I offer to him’’. For many critics his eternal line “death shall not find us thinking that we die’’ means very little to them. For the spiritual mind that’s a very profound statement, because we must not die in regret when we enter into hell; it’s like Dante in the “Divine Comedy’’ teaching us the way of heaven and hell. In Carter’s life time, he was a man of wisdom and wit, a gracious and elegant personality, a unique and

fascinating figure. The quality of his poetry will be remembered. As we contemplate to remember him, let us now see him as the poetphilosopher from his intricate lines below: “Wanting to write another poem for you, I searched the world for something beautiful/The green crown of a tree offered itself/Because its leaves were combed just like your hair.’’ Let’s comb through his words of truth and life and remember his words ringing in our ears like the rains singing in the wind in the placid night. Wednesday is Martin Carter ’s, 20th death anniversary Rev. Gideon Cecil

That Mr. Adam Harris is one of the most skillful journalists in Guyana, I am in no doubt. My attention was drawn to his weekly column published in yesterday’s edition of the Kaieteur News. It was an exhibition of an amalgam of political sophistry and journalistic guile par excellence. The article was born out of a brief conversation that I had with Mr. Harris on the corridors of Parliament Buildings during the consideration of the national estimates by the Committee of Supply. It was not an interview nor was it intended for publication. The scandal regarding the US$18M signing bonus stashed in a secret account at the Central Bank had just erupted. Our conversation was confined to this issue. Mr. Harris’s contention to me

is that the money cannot be stolen. I explained to him that there is no record of this money in the official accounts of the Government and therefore, the regime of legal and administrative protection accorded to public monies will not apply to this deposit since it is not recorded anywhere. Therefore, in the same way that it was secretly deposited, it can be secretly withdrawn and used for any unauthorised purpose and the population will have no way of detecting the same. Neither Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s name nor indeed the name of any PPP member featured in this conversation. To my surprise, the entire thrust of Mr. Harris’s article was to convey the impression of corruption on the part of the PPP Government. In so doing, he credits me with knowledge of how money

can be siphoned off in government. He also attributes to me, statements made about Mr. Jagdeo. For the record, I wish to clarify that I have no such knowledge which Mr. Harris attributes to me other than knowledge which any prudent lawyer would possess on these matters. As I said above, Mr. Jagdeo’s name was not mentioned in this conversation and at no time whatsoever, did I utter the statement about Mr. Jagdeo which Mr. Harris attributes to me. If I ever made such a statement, it certainly was not in the context in which Mr. Harris has situated it. I hope that these clarifications will settle the public record. Yours faithfully Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP Attorney-at-Law

Is Bharrat Jagdeo for real? DEAR EDITOR, It has been reported that Leader of the Opposition PPP/C Bharrat Jagdeo has promised retrenched sugar workers a monthly stipend if re-elected in the 2020 General Election (“If re-elected PPP/C Gov’t will give retrenched sugar workers monthly sum until they find jobs”, Sunday SN, 17th December 2017). While the APNU+AFC Government of President David Granger should be blamed for sacking thousands of people; the previous PPP/ C Governments of Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar should also shoulder some of

this blame for not diversifying the sugar industry. Sugar workers should not be comforted by a promise by Bharrat Jagdeo of money-forvotes in two years’ time if the PPP/C is re-elected into Government. In the meantime, what are they supposed to do? What about the Government much touted land-for-sugar workers to do farming? And, how exactly are the sugar workers and their families supposed to survive while their crops are growing? I would have been more appreciative of the Bharrat Jagdeo approach if he sells

his mansion, downsize, and give money to the sugar workers. But, this is not going to happen. Even with investment into Guyana, it will take time for the results to materialise (that is, jobs to be created so that more people are employed). It is the responsibility of the Government of the day to cushion the impact that retrenchment will have on the sugar workers and their communities. The Government created this problem by sacking thousands of people; let them fix it. Yours Faithfully Sean Ori

Rastafari, technology, liberation... From page 4 destruction of the environment. Greenidge is now President David Granger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Granger needs a foreign minister with the mental agility to deal with ExxonMobil’s hidden agenda and not revenue matters. On December 8, 2017 the media disclosed that the Guyana Government took US$18million from ExxonMobil to finance ‘territorial integrity’ in the border dispute with Venezuela. Second, the media said that US$18million is a ‘signature bonus’ as per the Production Sharing Contract PSC. Third, the media said that this money is in an escrow

account at the Bank of Guyana. What are the techniques of bribery and corruption that tests a politician’s patriotism? ExxonMobil will get back its money using ‘Cost Recovery’ arithmetic. What is ExxonMobil, or political USA, inner motive here? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to be schooled on how Ethiopia defended its territory between the Battle of Adowa and its membership of the League of Nations. How to prevent war and how to prevent his President and core Ministers from being asphyxiated is Greenidge’s present responsibility. On June 14, 1999 USAborn Mrs. Janet Jagan, as President of Guyana, gave USA ExxonMobil 600 blocks

of Guyana’s oil land instead of 60 blocks. One section of the regulations on oil says that an investor can get no more than 60 blocks of land. Another section of the same regulations says “under special considerations” the Minister can give oil land in excess of 60 blocks. So, Mrs. Jagan gave ExxonMobil 600 blocks. What was Mrs. Jagan’s motive for this action? Beyond US$18million, territorial integrity, signature bonus, 60 blocks, 600 blocks and ‘under special considerations’ is our border case with Venezuela. We could be at war within the next generation – no joke. Oil and wars have been companions for the last hundred years – check the history. Rastafari must unite. Yours faithfully, Ras Leon Saul (Publisher / Producer / Broadcaster) et al

Monday December 18, 2017

“Finally!” Creative minds foresee the time to enjoy fruits of their labour By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Next year may be the dawn of a new era for those who struggled to secure a decent living in the local creative industry. Attorney General, Basil Williams recently indicated that the Government will be passing copyright legislation in 2018. The use of the word ‘struggle,’ in describing the wait and advocacy made by those most affected by the absence of copyright legislation, is by no mean an exaggeration. Therefore, the move to “finally” bring legislation for copyright is being welcomed by many in the creative industry as they yearn for an environment that is conducive to their trade. “Imagine going into a book-store and seeing the novel that you had worked on for years, has been photocopied and is being sold or going to a music store and seeing several pirated CDs of your songs. And imagine that you cannot seek financial redress because you are living in a country in which no copyright law exists,” said writer Michael Jordan who recently published his first book. The writer noted that that has been the reality for too long in Guyana; a country with no publishing house; one where a writer often has to self-publish and hope that the book sells so as to recoup a profit. Jordan, the writer of Kamarang, said, “What I am hearing is long overdue, but welcomed. At last, someone seems to be listening to the pleas of the Guyanese artists, writers, singers and other creative people. Someone is finally beginning to take us seriously.” Another writer, Barrington Braithwaite is also relieved that the he may finally be able to upgrade his modest living. He told Kaieteur News yesterday, “We have been lobbying for copy right implementation for the longest while.” Braithwaite said that the bill should benefit from the contributions of some who have been lobbying over the years and those who are au fait with copyright legislation across the world. He noted the fact that precious government had legitimised piracy both in the collection of tax from the sale of illegitimate creative products and through other mechanisms that the PPP government has put in place. He said that a transition or cleansing period will be needed. He said that there will be a need for mechanisms to be worked out for the payment of royalties. Further, Braithwaite said that there will be a need to

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Kaieteur News

An illustration from the, “Silk Cotton Tree”

Jordan’s book sensitise persons about the concept of copyright as many are not even aware of the concept. People are not aware when they are stepping over the copy right line. Braithwaite has self published 12 books. He has had two plays staged including Shadow of the Jaguar staged in 1992 where Norman Beaton came home from London to act. He’s the creator of the Caribbean’s first comic-book, Super-hero. Yet, he has had to hold on to a day job to “keep the pot boiling.” Award winning writer, Ruel Johnson, who has written three books, said that Guyana is now on the right track. Johnson’s perspective was given not only from one who is participating in the literary arts but also as one who is working with government on the legislation. He said that it is important to note is that the legislation itself is merely one step in building an environment in which copyright works. He said that copyright works in two ways. It protects creative work from being cop-

ied in general but also provides that when somebody’s creative work is used, that they profit from it. “So along with copyright legislation, particularly for the music industry, there needs to be infrastructure that measures and monitors the use of creative work and accumulate and distribute revenue to creative artists,” said Johnson. Johnson said that in expectation of the legislation he contacted regional copyright organisations during Carifesta in August in order that Guyana can benefit from technical cooperation in creating the needed structures. He said that it is important that creative people themselves get together and lobby for those systems and structures to be put in place. Johnson noted that under the new broadcast legislation there is a provision that provides for 30 percent local content. He said that once the Broadcast Amendment Bill and the Copyright Bill goes hand in hand, artistes can expect a much better payday. The United States of (Continued on page 24)

No need to probe Parliament fracas involving cops Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland doesn’t see the need for an investigation into last Monday’s clash between the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP/C) members and ranks of the Guyana Police Force inside the Parliament chamber. The PPP/C had called for a probe into the incident, along with an apology from the Speaker for the presence of police ranks when MP Bishop Juan Edghill refused to obey the Speaker’s order to leave the sitting after refusing to stop speaking when ordered to. “I know that a member of the National Assembly misconducted himself in an extraordinary way. That was the first order of business that we should be dealing with, but I don’t need to investigate that. Bad behaviour or poor manners is poor manners or bad behaviour. We don’t need an investigation for that,” Dr. Barton stated. Dr. Barton had instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Edghill from the sitting, but again he refused. The Speaker suspended the sitting and subsequently junior ranks arrived. Several PPP/C MPs had surrounded Edghill, preventing the police access. A physical altercation ensued. “I am sure whatever the facts are they will reveal themselves. I am sure after all you [media] know the facts. I don’t have to investigate,’ Dr. Barton stated. Dr. Barton stated that he would not distance himself from the events that transpired at the Parliament.

- Speaker “The buck stops with the Speaker. At the end of the day, the Speaker is the person at the head of the National Assembly,” Dr. Barton said. Acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine has since conceded that police ranks should not have been in the Chambers and that important lessons had been learnt. Since Parliament returned from recess, the very first sitting on November 2, was marred by controversial behaviour when PPP/C MPs waved placards and shouted slogans that drowned out the address by President David Granger. That was followed by the incident involving Edghill. Then two Fridays ago, a woman in ‘Santa Claus’ attire, entered the Parliament Chamber and attempted to present Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo with an Oxford Dictionary. Indications are that the woman came in properly dressed and changed her clothes in the MPs bathroom. Ramnarine stated this was “nothing near to a security breach, as the woman in question was permitted to enter the Public Viewing Gallery by security officials of Parliament Office Security.” “It is my view, after making the requisite enquiries, that this was no more than just a prank.” On Tuesday, two plainclothes policemen had sat at the press table at parliament.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland Some of the journalists had complained to the Clerk of the National Assembly about their presence. On Thursday, a woman was escorted from the Parliament Chamber by security when she started singing, ‘God is watching us’ “I wish to state that the two young plainclothes policemen were not properly nor thoroughly briefed and also did not follow the specific instructions given, for if they were, they would not have found themselves in the Chambers of Parliament. Notwithstanding, the Acting has assured the public that enhanced security measures have been put in place. “The Guyana Police Force in collaboration with its senior colleagues in the Sister Services has reviewed and enhanced security arrangements in and around Parliament and is satisfied that the security of Parliament in these times is assured,” Ramnarine stated.

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Kaieteur News

Monday December 18, 2017

Ex-cop chops man, then Nandlall says… drives into crowd helping GECOM Chairman two jobs in violation of Constitution victim, killing one An ex-policeman killed one man and left three others injured after chopping one person before deliberately driving his bus into a crowd that was helping the individual he had wounded. The incident occurred at around about 21:30 hrs last Saturday at Meten-MeerZ o rg, We s t Coast Demerara. Dead is 44-year-old Amit Roy Jairam, of MetenMeer-Zorg, while Premnaith Basdeo, 20, Randy Melville, 22 and Mohamed Ahamad, 43, also of Meten-Meer-Zorg, are admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The 54 year-old ex-policeman, who is also a minibus driver of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, is in police custody. The incident reportedly occurred after the ex-policeman got into a gambling dispute at an entertainment activity at Tarla Dam, MetenMeer-Zorg. Police said that after the argument, the ex-policeman went to his minibus BTT 5707, and returned with a cutlass and chopped Premnaith Basdeo on the head. The ex-cop then entered his vehicle and drove into a crowd that was attending to

the wounded Basdeo. Amit Roy Jairam, who was among those helping, sustained severe injuries. Police said that the former rank then deliberately rammed his bus into Randy Melville, 22 and Mohamed Ahamad, who were also helping Basdeo. The victims were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) was they were treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Jairam succumbed while receiving treatment at the GPHC.

Bandits shoot, rob Friendship farmer

Bandits shot a farmer in his Friendship, East Bank Demerara home before escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash. According to a police statement, the victim is a 65year old who is a cash crop farmer in Friendship. He was robbed around 06:45hrs yesterday when the three men barged into his home. The man was also shot in his right thigh during the robbery and is in a stable con-

dition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Investigators who visited the scene reportedly found a spent shell of a small calibre weapon, but made no arrests. Additionally, on Saturday last, two men yesterday approached an East Coast bus driver within the National Park vicinity on Carifesta Avenue and robbed him of $360,000. The driver of the vehicle, Omadhu Sugrim, 44, of 63 Goedverwagting, East Coast

Demerara told police that he was relieved of his cash when the two men on a motorcycle approached the vehicle. He also said that he cannot remember the motorcycle’s registration number. Sugrim said he left the Plaisance Bus Park around 09:00 hours with a load of passengers and was robbed half an hour after his last passengers departed the minibus which bears registration number BPP 4199. The victim said as he was about to drive off when the perpetrators rode up on the southern side of the minibus, held him at gunpoint and made demands for cash. Sugrim said he handed over the cash to the men before they made sped off east along Carifesta Avenue. No shots were fired and the victim did not receive any injuries.

The troubles relating to the appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continue. It has now been revealed that the Chairman is functioning unconstitutionally. Article 161 (1) of the Constitution states, “There shall be an Elections Commission for Guyana consisting of a Chairman, who shall be a fulltime Chairman and shall not engage in any other form of employment, and such other members as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this article”. Nevertheless, Patterson remains on the Ministry of Legal Affairs payroll. He is an advisor to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal, Basil Williams. Before his appointment, Patterson took the job with the government and his continued remuneration has been budgeted for in the 2018. This was revealed during the recently concluded Budget deliberations. The House was in Committee of Supply, and sums allocated to the Ministry of Legal Affairs were being examined. Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall questioned his successor about sums falling line item titled ‘other.’ Williams identified his team of Ministerial Advisors as the recipients of sums under that line item. Nandlall asked whether Patterson was still serving as Chairman of the Council of Legal Advisors. Williams said yes. He said too that “having embarked on his office as GECOM Chair, I doubt whether he’ll have the time for that particular arrangement,”

- Patterson still on Govt.’s payroll as legal advisor Williams replied. “We haven’t addressed our minds to it yet.” The Council of Legal Advisors are made up of former Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Judge, Justice Duke Pollard; former Appeal Court Judge, Justice Claudette Singh; Professor Harold Lutchman; and Professor Harold James and Patterson. Nandlall said yesterday, “No one, other than the Attorney General of Guyana, himself, has publicly admitted that the Chairman of GECOM is currently, in flagrant violation of Article 161 (1) of the Constitution and that the Attorney General himself is complicit in that violation by continuing to employ him and budget for his continuing employment. The AG further compounds the issue by disclosing that in light of his recent appointment as the Chairman of GECOM, he is not sure whether Mr. Justice Patterson will continue to be part of his advisory team! Clearly, it has not dawned upon the AG and indeed the Government that Chairman of GECOM is, constitutionally, a full time position.” Nandlall said that that sort of assault on the Constitution should not be tolerated. He said that it seems as if different members of the Government and those appointed by them are in competition with each other as to who will be most egregious in their violation of the Constitution and the rule of law. The former Attorney General said that it is common knowledge that the holder of

GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson the office of the Chairman of GECOM must be independent and impartial and a person of high integrity. “The President rejected the names of 18 highly qualified and respected Guyanese as not possessing these qualities. Instead, he unilaterally chooses an 84 year old person whose suitability and appointment evoked unprecedented controversy and are the subject of an ongoing legal challenge, and who continues to be in the remunerative employment of the Government in violation of the Constitution,” said Nandlall. “How can such a person ever inspire the confidence of the Guyanese electorate? How can the electorate perceive him to be fair and a person who is independent and impartial? The cogent links to a political party is already publicly disclosed; that very Party leader in Government appoints him to a critical independent and impartial constitutional institution, and he continues to serve that very Government several months after the appointment by being an advisor of a functionary of the Government, who happens to be the Chairman of that political party. The fact that the very person is also the Attorney-General of the country and is so blissfully unaware of the gravity of numerous legal violations committed that he discloses the information with seamless ease, is by itself a scandal gigantic proportion.” Nandlall said that both Justice Patterson and the Attorney General should resign.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

Monday December 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

How were the legal fees computed? Guyana has to be the first country in the world which would negotiate a signing bonus strictly to pay legal fees and training. This is quite an unusual manner to negotiate a signing bonus. The Secretary General of the United Nations in December of 2016 informed

Guyana that he would continue with the good offices process for one more year and if there was no substantial progress in the process after that period, he would refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), unless before this both Guyana and Venezuela agreed

to refer the matter to the ICJ. The letter from the Ministry of Finance to the Bank of Guyana, instructing it to create a foreign currency account for the signing bonus received from Exxon Mobil was dated September 2016. This was three months before the Secretary General

DEM BOYS SEH

Ministah seh de past don’t count A man get convicted fuh a spate of armed robberies including bank robberies. In one of de robberies he kill a bank guard. He serve 20-odd years in jail. He come out last month and he apply to de Bank of Guyana for a job. He want wuk near de vault. Dat is what he put pun de application. De shart baccoo give him a recommendation to carry to Gobind Ganga. In de recommendation he write and seh he know bout de man past but dat it irrelevant now. Dat is de case he put forward fuh Guyana in support of Exxon, de oil giant. Dem boys want to know, “Is who interest he really looking after? De people of dis country, or Exxon?” He tell de newspaper wha exposing all de wrongs wha de oil company do in odda country to back off and lef de people alone. But when he was in de opposition he had a mouthful to talk about GoInvest boss, Keith Burrowes. Ee tell de man about due diligence (proppa background check) wid foreign companies. He seh dat was of utmost importance. He seh suh wid he curl mouth and twang to de reporter. Dat is on record.

“There are certain foreign companies which seem to only have one motive, and that is to grab all that it can from Guyana’s soil. Our country is being exploited in several areas and government is not doing much to put controls in place to prevent this. It is imperative that certain companies, be subjected to regular examinations.” Those were his words straight from he mouth in August 2014. He and ee kavakamites dem even cuss down BaiShanLin, Vitarna and dem

odda foreign companies wha was eating up Guyana like spy ro jairo. Dem cuss down Jagdeo, dat odda scamp, fuh not doing proppa due diligence pun dem foreign company. Today de shart baccoo singing another tune. Dem boys believe he collecting money to be de mouthpiece fuh de oil company. Soulja Bai got to decide whether dis man healthy fuh de nation when it come to foreign companies and kickbacks. Talk half and check ee pocket, quietly.

reached his decision. Yet, we are told that Guyana had before September negotiated with Exxon Mobil for a signing bonus to be paid. Exxon has never said that the bonus was for legal fees. It is the government of Guyana which is saying this. In fact, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has even gone further to state that the signing bonus is not just for legal fees but US$ 3M of the US$ 18 is for the provision of training in petroleum-related fields. The question that needs to be asked is this: if at the time Guyana agreed to a signing bonus with Exxon Mobil, the Secretary General had not yet made or communicated his decision as to what action he would take in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966, then how would Guyana’s negotiators have known what figure to set aside for legal fees? It can be speculated that Guyana was confident that the Secretary General would have referred the matter to the ICJ and therefore was preparing itself. But how did it arrive at US$15M for legal fees when this can be

protracted legal tussle which, as the government itself admits can take years? The point is, this US$15M ever going to be sufficient, given that the SG, subsequent to the signing bonus, agreed for at least one more year for of the good offices process. In other words, did Guyana shortchange itself, not only by limiting the sum negotiated for the signing bonus only for legal fees and training but also by not contemplating that this matter can drag out for years and therefore the amount negotiated for legal fees can be woefully inadequate? Guyana had reportedly set aside G$1M of budgetary proceeds to pay legal fees. The actual amount paid is not yet known but if so much could have been set aside to just advocate Guyana’s case to the Secretary General, then how much will be needed to continue the good offices process plus to prosecute Guyana’s case before the ICJ, if it ever goes there? Therefore, it is one thing to say that the contract with Exxon will be made public soon. But the government also needs to be transparent about the actual legal fees it

has paid so far and which lawyers they are selecting to represent Guyana. Obviously, in negotiating the contract with Exxon, lawyers would have had to be engaged. Who were these lawyers? Were they from the Attorney General Chambers? Or were international lawyers hired? What process was used to select the lawyers for the contract given that the Public Procurement Act provides that all goods and services procured by government must follow established procedures? International lawyers are paid by the hour and certain incidental expenses are usually covered. What therefore were the assumptions used in calculating the US$15M signing bonus for legal fees? The public is entitled to know because the more one looks at this signing bonus, the more difficult it is to accept the narrative of the government. Some things simply do not add up.

Monday December 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Presidential Commission on NCDs launched to combat ‘state of emergency’ Guyana is in a state of emergency when it comes to non-communicable diseases [NCDs]. This was the observation of President David Granger yesterday when he launched a National Presidential Commission to help fast track efforts to combat NCDs. Speaking at the Kingston, Georgetown Umana Yana, the President sought to amplify that NCDs are known to afflict 57 percent of adults and kill 70 percent of those between 35 and 60 years old. He blamed a lack of physical exercise, poor diet and lifereducing habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. He underscored that NCDs, for this reason, are classified as ‘lifestyle’ diseases. President Granger, who is the patron of the Commission, unveiled a three-pronged plan which he believes can help roll back the impact of chronic lung disease, hypertension, cancers, heart disease and diabetes. Under the plan, he challenged Senior Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, to undertake a comprehensive public information campaign, pursue fresh initiatives and implement the pact. He said implementation must be “comprehensive and multisectoral, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions, religious institutions, civil society, the media, citizens and local celebrities. “We are in a state of emergency (and) these are serious initiatives,” President Granger said. He added, “This is a national effort, not a governmental one solely.”

Monday December 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

This is particularly important since the President expressed concern that there has been a collapse of traditional Guyanese cuisine preference which is mimicking those of developed states portrayed by their global icons. “The culinary art has moved from the home to the street.” He anticipates that his three-pronged plan will be a comprehensive and sustained public information campaign reminding citizens that they are indulging in “self-harm” by regularly consuming sugary, fat-saturated and salty foods. The President’s public communication plan envisages a better informed public about lifestyle changes and choices where every school has playgrounds, physical exercises (PE) as part of the curriculum and annual athletic championships. He is convinced that “Sports should be mandatory in all schools,” even as he proposed that school cafeterias should be made to offer healthy food and beverages which should include coconut water, instead of manufactured products which have a heavy concentration of sugar. Granger admitted that he is worried about the popularity of the sedentary lifestyle nationally which makes the nation easy targets for NCDs. “Unfortunately the burden of NCDs falls on the poor and perhaps the less educated,” President Granger observed. He floated jovially a ‘nominibus day’ nationally to help counter the lack of exercise among the population and

suggested that Guyanese should walk or ride to work and school as an alternative. “Obesity or NCDs is not a joke. We will save lives and money by avoiding the plague,” the President passionately emphasised. Yesterday’s launch of the Presidential Commission is part of a menu of measures the government is pursuing to fulfil 'the good life' it campaigned on during the run up to the May 2015 polls. About a decade ago, the Caribbean created global history when it convened its inaugural conference of Heads of Government on NCDs, the precursor for the United Nations (UN) High-level Meeting on NCDs in 2011. Ironically, that landmark moment did little to reverse a trend which seemed well-set before the visionary leaders’ decision. “The statistics is quite shocking. Our soda consumption is the highest in the world. In some countries more than 30 percent of young people are overweight or obese. Our diabetes rates are double global rates and in some populations up to 50 per cent of us are living with high blood pressure. It is clear that we need to accelerate our response,” lamented Dr. Alafia Samuels, Director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, University of the West Indies (UWI), and head of a wide-ranging evaluation of the Port of Spain Declaration. Other noted regional and hemispheric figures, such as Dr. Edward Greene and Sir George Alleyne, Dr. Mirta Roses, former Director of PAHO and Dr James Hospedales, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) have also commented on the daunting state of affairs. While the region has made gains in some areas, Dr. Hospedales has warned about dangerous deterioration in others. “Some, like diet/nutrition/ obesity just keep getting worse, and that drives diabetes, cancer, heart disease. The food environment is not healthy. Obesity in children is the red flag. “And, economically, we cannot afford to carry those preventable costs, when we are struggling to grow,” Dr Hospedales has pointed out. Yesterday, President Granger reiterated the warning that Guyanese should recognise that “obesity is no joke.” PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow in brief remarks challenged Guyanese “to find solution to the NCDs national epidemic.” He also suggested that there be emphasis on health in “all sectors” in the Guyanese economy.

Court rules Minister acted unlawfully in parking meter deal Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan acted unlawfully in his approval of the Parking Meter by-laws. This is the ruling that Justice Nareshwar Harnanan handed down on Friday, pointing out that it was not done in compliance with provisions of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01. Justice Harnanan had presided over a challenge by the New Building Society Limited (NBS) mounted against the city’s metered parking by-laws which it contended was illegal. Attorney-at-Law Ms. Pauline Chase represented the New Building Society Limited (NBS), the Applicant. The Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, the respondent was represented by the Attorney General's Chambers. Attorney-at-Law Mr. Roger Yearwood represented the Town Clerk on whom the proceedings were ordered to be served. Attorney-at-Law Mr. Stephen Fraser represented Smart City Solutions (SCS) who upon application were permitted to submit legal arguments as an interested party. Justice Brassington Reynolds, had on February 8, ordered that an order or rule nisi certiorari be issued to the Minister of Communities to show cause why a writ of certiorari should not be issued to quash his approval and/or decision to approve the Parking Meter by-laws made under the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 made on or about January 23, 2017 in that the said approval or decision to approve was of no legal effect and was made unlawfully and in breach of the statue. The order would have resulted in a temporary halt to all activities related to the project. NBS had argued that the decision of the Minister of Communities to approve the by-laws was unlawful since Notice of the M&CC's intention to apply for approval of the by-laws was not published prior to the Minister's approval in accordance with the Municipal and District Councils Act. Minister Bulkan had signed the by-laws on January 23, 2017 after they were approved on December 13, 2016 at a statutory meeting held by the Council. Justice Harnanan who took over the matter earlier this year after a procedural change of Bail Court Judge, on Friday ruled in favour of NBS granting the company costs in the sum of $150,000. On December 24, 2016 via a press statement, City Hall

- M&CC seeks legal advice on way forward

Attorney -at- law, Pauline Chase signaled its intention of applying to the Minister of Communities for confirmation of the parking meter by-laws. The Court however ruled that this press statement did not satisfy the provisions of the Municipal and District Councils Act. The Act requires that a Notice be published; not a press statement. The Court also found that the articles which appeared as a result of the press statement, and upon which the Minister of Communities and Town Clerk relied, treated parking meters as a foregone conclusion and did not inform the public that they had an opportunity to object to the bylaws. The Court ruled that the decision of the Minister to approve the by-laws by vitiated and the order nisi be made absolute. From the outset, Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Anil Kishun said he believed that the approval was null and void and of no legal effect since it was done in violation of the Municipal and District Councils Act. In support of this contention, Kishun said that he was advised by his lawyer that the notice of intention to apply for the Minister’s approval for any by-laws made under the Act must be published in accordance with the Act not less than 14 days before the application is made. Kishun further contended that this was not done and therefore the provisions of Section 305 of the Act were not followed. The NBS brought the action as an aggrieved party, since parking meters were placed in front of its North Road and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown location. It is the company’s belief that such a move is disadvantageous and adversely affects and destroys the system and investment it has made in the new location. More importantly, the financial institution also contended that its hous-

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan ing mortgage business, which is the core of its operation, with in excess of 10,000 mortgagors, will be adversely affected. The company believes that the installation of parking meters will result in monthly loan repayments being delayed and this does not augur well for the profitability of its business. The company says it stands to lose since built-up arrears will become burdensome for the liquidity of its operations. The M&CC through representation by Attorney-atlaw Roger Yearwood on the other hand claimed that the NBS has unlawfully encroached on a public place within the control of the M&CC. Additionally, the City Council contended that it has the authority to erect and maintain parking meters and regulate the parking of vehicles. The M&CC says that NBS’s argument lacks merit and as a responsible corporate citizen, as it purports to be; it should have looked at the way it constructed its building. M&CC had argued that it is not responsible or can be saddled with catering for the parking of NBS employees and customers. After delivery of the judgment of the Court, neither the Minister of Communities nor the Town Clerk, through their respective Attorneys-at-Law signaled their intention in Court to appeal. The M&CC has since issued a press statement noting the decision of the Court and notifying that they are consulting with their Attorneys-at-Law on the way forward.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

Monday December 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Jamaica welcomes historic four millionth visitor

Tourism Minister welcomes visitors. KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Jamaica’s tourism industry marked a historical milestone weekend, welcoming the four-millionth visitor to the island in a single year. In tandem with this achievement, the tourism sector is also poised to reach US$3 billion in earnings for the year. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, on Friday led a delegation of tourism officials and stakeholders to greet Jill Bell, who arrived at the Sangster International Airport in the western capital of Montego Bay. Bell and her husband Stephen, who are from Wisconsin in the United States, were making their 25th trip to the island. “Four million visitors in a single year is no ordinary feat,” Bartlett said. “The breakdown we have so far is 1.9 million in cruise arrivals and 2.1 million in stopover

arrivals. Our projection is that by the end of December we should have 2.3 million in stopover and about 2.1 million in cruise arrivals,” he indicated. “What this also means is that we have 500,000 more visitors than we had last year which is a record and which has also never happened in the history of this country,” he pointed out. He noted that earnings are hovering near the US$3 billion mark, representing an 11.7 per cent increase over last year. “We are now at US$2.9 billion in revenues as we speak. We also have a retention of 30 per cent, which represents some US$1 billion in circulation throughout the economy…that’s a big deal and something which has a lot of trickled-down effect,” he pointed out. Bartlett noted further that arrivals for the winter are up five per cent over last year.

“We are no longer into seasons but this is the largest winter cycle we have ever seen. We will be having 100,000 additional seats.” He said the future of tourism “has never been brighter,” with 4,799 new rooms to come on stream by 2019. Bell, who received gifts from the Ministry, American Airlines and Sandals Resorts International, said Jamaica is now like their second home. “We keep coming back all these years because of the love that has been shown to us and because of the many friendships we have built over the years,” she noted. “There is really no other place like Jamaica…no other place on earth where we can enjoy a drink of sorrel and hang out with some wonderful people. We are indeed very humbled by the reception we have received today,” she said.

OAS, OECD to present fourth report on international migration in the Caribbean WASHINGTON - CMC – The Organization of American States (OAS) says it will be collaborating with the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in presenting the Fourth Report of the Continuous Reporting System on International Migration in the Americas (SICREMI 2017), including the Caribbean, today. On Friday, the OAS that the presentation will take place in the Hall of the Americas at the headquarters of the hemispheric institution in Washington, D.C. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, and the Head of the Division of International Migration of the OECD, Jean-Christophe Dumont, will open the event.

Luis Almagro The report will be presented by the Migration Specialist in the OAS Department of Social Inclusion, Juan Manuel Jiménez and the former

Principal Administrator of the Division of International Migration of the OECD, Georges Lemaître. Among the findings of the study are the fact that, between 2012-2015, of the 7.2 million people that emigrated from the countries of the Americas, 48 percent moved to Canada and the United States, 34 percent to Latin America and the Caribbean and 18 percent to European countries of the OECD. The study gathers data of migrations to, from and within the Americas, and includes specific information on countries of origin and destination, refugees and asylum seekers, and unemployment among migrants, the OAS said.

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Monday December 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Suicide bombers attack church in Pakistan’s Quetta before Christmas, killing nine

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.- CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Budhram’s Landscaping service” Free advice, free design, free after care, followup. 656-1326. Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683. Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202

SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009 MASSAGE Neisha’s Massage Service. 674-8147 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. I- Leyland daf cement mixer truck $2.9M,1-caterpillar skid steer $ 3.4 M,1-Bmw 318 I, $2.7M 1-mitsubishi canter $ 3.6 M Contact 650-0402/6031402 Christmas Deal: Pit-bull pups, vaccine & deworm $30,000 Tel: 680-3101 ask for Jason. Rottweiler pure bred pups. Call afternoon or evenings. Tel: 615-0513 John Aluminum boat 12 and 14 feet 641-6162, 222-5671 Diesel Mitsubishi 4M51 Engine and parts contact Tel: 669-2290 Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @$1000, Crootons, Ashoka trees, potting soil @$800, Lawn grass, Exora, Ficus 4 for $1000 Tel: 626-1044

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.- CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Business place to rent. 14 Lombard St Georgetown. 2271385, 653-0506 Bottom flat 3 bedroom in Diamond. 666-6503,684-7599.

EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922

PROPERTY FOR SALE Forshaw St.Queenstown: 1-2 storey building on lot 7200sqft. Suitable for residential/commercial purposes. Price $100M Call: 227-0682,652-7587

VEHICLE FOR SALE Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.5M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.1M. Call: 617-5536 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 Toyota Rav 4- Late PNN Series Excellent condition. $2.5M Tel# 612-3244 or whatsapp for more info

Aubrey Barker 30M David Str Hadfield 16.5M Diamond(3) Story 55M,17M Parfaite 2 story & more Call: 231-2199/ 618-7483. LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie (Foundation and column) 2.5M Zeelugt (50x100) Tel# 642-1252. Diamond 3.5M Cummings Lodge 6M Parfaite 50x100 Land of Canaan 6M Herstelling 67x110 Highway 34 acres. Shawn 231-7805, 6187483. Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397

1 porter and driver to sell water. Apply @ Nimbus Water. #2317002, 79 Albert & Laluni Streets, Queenstown.

Curfew to end before Christmas Day VACANCY Porters contact: 223-5273/ 74 Bartenders Contact: 2235273/74 Nanny Contact: 223-5273/74 Drivers-To work in G/town, attractive salary+Incentive. Call 227-1717. 1-Grillman hrs 4:00pm-1:30am, 1-nanny, live-in , 1-kitchen asst. 8:00am-5:00pm. Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine 675-2550 10am-5:30pm

One long boom Bob Cat Mini Excavator. 337-D 80 HP Excellent working condition. 626-7127.

For sale 1 white Toyota fielder 2010 unregistered. Tel: 6245650.

Wanted land anywhere on the West Coast. Tel#642-1252

Two and three bedroom luxury apartments to rent. Fully furnished. 57 John St Campbellville. 666-7028.

Fridge, freezer,washing machine Call: 671-3004

Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;6045198

WANTED Experienced Roti/Puri Cook, Curry Cook, Waiters, Handy Boys. Apply at Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St. Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435 1 2 2 /6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

QUETTA, Pakistan/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Two suicide bombers stormed a packed Christian church in southwestern Pakistan yesterday, killing at least nine people and wounding up to 56, officials said, in the latest attack claimed by Islamic State in the country. Police guards stationed at the church entrance and on its roof killed one of the bombers but the second attacker detonated his explosives-filled vest outside its prayer hall just after Sunday services began in Quetta, capital of Baluchistan province, said Sarfraz Bugti, the provincial home minister. Baluchistan police chief Moazzam Jah said there were nearly 400 worshippers in the church for the pre-Christmas service. The death toll could have been much higher if the gunmen had forced their way into the sanctuary, he said. Jah said the venue - Bethel Memorial Methodist Church was on high alert as Christian places of worship are often targeted by Islamist extremists over the Christmas season. “We killed one of them, and the other one exploded himself after police wounded him,” he said. Islamic State claimed the attack, the group’s Amaq news agency said in an online statement, without providing any evidence for its claim. Another police official, Abdur Razaq Cheema, said two other attackers escaped.

Couple to live & work on farm. At least 3 yrs experience. Ages 35 up. Call: 231-1408/642-9191 Labourers, Carpenters, Masons, Full time cook, Cleaner, Cashier, Drivers, Skid steer operator, Excavator operator. #218-5120/608-4526 Driver for fielder wagon taxi. 664-0802 TOLET One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St. Kindly call: 689-3462, 6443555. Serious enquiries only. Business space with kitchenette suitable for document centre, internet café/snackette $80,000 in Middleton street. 650-0716, 231-9559. Furnished one and two bedroom apartment in Nandy Park. Parking available. Call 233-5560 evening only.

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands - CMC – The curfew that came into effect following the passage of hurricane Irma in September, will be lifted before Christmas Day. According to Governor Augustus Jaspert the decision was made after consultation with the National Democratic Party government. The Governor who made the announcement on Friday, also shaved another two hours from the current 11pm to 6am curfew until it is officially lifted. “We have agreed that this should be the final time that the curfew will be extended – from today up until 22 December. The curfew will run from midnight tonight until 5am daily, and will end at 5am on Friday, December 22,” Jaspert said in media release. The governor said the decision to lift the now threemonth curfew is because there has been ‘progress on all fronts’, adding that the decision was ‘carefully considered’. He however noted that the curfew can still be re-

Governor Augustus Jaspert implemented. “If there are indications that the lifting of the curfew is having a detrimental effect on the security and safety of residents, we will not hesitate to reinstate it.” However, a member of the opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Julian Fraser, has objected to the move. During a recent sitting of the legislator, he urged Premier Dr. Orlando Smith not to lift the curfew.

Four to be charged in connection with airport heist PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Four persons, including a woman will be charged by the police in connection with the recent million dollar heist at the Piarco International Airport. The police report that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said the woman has been accused of receiving stolen property and money laundering. The men will be charged jointly with robbery with aggravation. One of them is scheduled to be charged separately with money laundering, while the other two will face additional charges of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. On December 6, armed bandits stole a TT$ 5 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) during a daring daylight robbery at the heavily secured section of the airport. It was reported that the men dressed in camouflage clothing and wearing masks, gained access to the tarmac and held up the security officers guarding a cargo cart containing the cash. Of the money stolen TT$250,000 was recovered.

Monday December 18, 2017

U.N. to vote today on call for U.S. Jerusalem decision to be withdrawn UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations Security Council is due to vote today on a draft resolution calling for the withdrawal of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, diplomats said, a move likely to face a Washington veto. The one-page Egyptiandrafted text, seen by Reuters, does not specifically mention the United States or Trump. Diplomats say it has broad support among the 15member council, and while it is unlikely to be adopted, the vote will further isolate Trump on the issue. To pass, a resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China. Trump abruptly reversed decades of U.S. policy this month when he recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, generating outrage from Palestinians. Trump also plans to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has praised Trump’s decision as “the just and right thing to do.” The U.S. mission to the United Nations was not immediately available to comment yesterday.

President Donald Trump Arab foreign ministers agreed to seek a U.N. Security Council resolution on the issue. The draft U.N. text expresses “deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem.” It “affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered, the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council.” The draft also calls upon all countries to refrain from establishing diplomatic missions in Jerusalem. Israel considers the city is eternal and indivisible capital

and wants all embassies based there. “No vote or debate will change the clear reality that Jerusalem” is the capital of Israel, Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, said in a statement on Saturday. Palestinians want the capital of an independent Palestinian state to be in the city’s eastern sector, which Israel captured in a 1967 war and annexed in a move never recognized internationally. The draft council resolution “demands that all states comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem, and not to recognize any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions.” A U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in December 2016 “underlines that it will not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.” That resolution was approved with 14 votes in favor and an abstention by former U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration, which defied heavy pressure from longtime ally Israel and Trump, who was then president-elect, for Washington to wield its veto.

Brexit will not be derailed, says May ahead of crunch cabinet meetings LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May said yesterday she would not be derailed from leaving the European Union, laying the groundwork for difficult meetings this week in which she will try to unite a divided cabinet behind her vision for post-Brexit Britain. May was applauded by European Union leaders in Brussels on Friday after securing an agreement to move previously-deadlocked talks forward onto the topic of interim and long-term trading arrangements. The progress has gone some way to easing concerns of businesses and investors who fear Britain could crash out of the bloc without an exit deal, or that May’s fragile government could collapse under the pressure of delivering Brexit. “Amid all the noise, we are getting on with the job,” May wrote in the Sunday Telegraph. “My message today is very clear: we will not be derailed from this fundamental duty to deliver the democratic will of the British people.” But May can expect some difficult exchanges this week when she and senior ministers

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Theresa May discuss the so-called “end state” of the Brexit negotiations for the first time since Britain voted to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016. The type of long-term relationship the country should have with the EU is a vexed question at every level in Britain, including within May’s cabinet where some want to keep close ties with the EU and others want a more radical divorce from Brussels. Mindful of the need to keep both sides happy, May has so far plotted a careful path.

May says she wants a wideranging free trade deal with the EU and a more outwardlooking trade policy, but has largely steered clear of the more contentious issues such as whether Britain should stay aligned with EU trading rules and the future role of European courts. Meetings expected to take place on Monday and Tuesday are likely to force those issues out into the open. One of the key pro-Brexit voices in the cabinet, foreign minister Boris Johnson, has set out his own view ahead of the meetings, warning May that Britain must avoid becoming subordinate to the EU. “What we need to do is something new and ambitious, which allows zero tariffs and frictionless trade but still gives us that important freedom to decide our own regulatory framework, our own laws and do things in a distinctive way in the future,” he told the Sunday Times newspaper. He said that mirroring EU laws would leave Britons asking “‘What is the point of what you have achieved?’ because we would have gone from a member state to a vassal state.”

Kremlin says America tip-off helped Russia halt terrorist attack

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo Reuters - Information provided by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) allowed Russian law-enforcement agencies to arrest the would-be attackers before they could carry out their plan, the Kremlin said in a statement posted on its Internet site. A senior Trump administration official confirmed Trump and Putin had spoken yesterday. However, there was no immediate confirmation from U.S. authorities that they had shared the intelligence with Russian officials. The foiled attack was to have been carried out on Kazansky Cathedral, in Russia’s second city of St Petersburg, and on other locations in the city where large numbers of people gather, the Kremlin statement said. The cathedral is a popular tourist site. Russian media reported last week that the Federal Security Service had detained followers of the Islamic State group who had been planning a suicide bomb attack on Kazansky Cathedral on Dec. 16. “The Russian President thanked his American colleague for the information passed on by the Central Intelligence Agency, which helped detain a group of terrorists preparing explosions in St Petersburg’s Kazansky Cathedral and other busy sites in the city,”

the Kremlin said. The Kremlin did not give any details of the identity of the people detained. In their phone call, Putin asked Trump to pass on his thanks to the CIA officers who had gathered the intelligence, according to the Kremlin statement. Putin said Russia would alert U.S. authorities if it received information about any attack being planned on the United States, the Kremlin said. Relations between Washington and Moscow are fraught because of disagreements over Ukraine, Syria and arms control as well as allegations from Washington — denied by Russia — that the Kremlin meddled in last year’s U.S. presidential election. However, Russian officials say Putin believes Trump is not to blame for the tension, and has tried to keep personal lines of communication open between the two men. The Russian leader has said restoring ties between Moscow and Washington is vital because the two countries need to work together to counter global challenges, in particular the threat from violent Islamist radicals. Russia has repeatedly been the target of attacks by Islamist groups.

Myanmar wields colonial-era law against Reuters journalists

(Reuters) - Myanmar has accused Reuters reporters Wa Lone, 31, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 27, of breaching the country’s Official Secrets Act, a little-used hangover from colonial rule. Sam Zarifi, secretary general of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), said the law can ensnare working journalists “at any time”. The two reporters were arrested on Tuesday evening after they were invited to meet police officers for dinner in the north of Yangon. The Ministry of Information said they had “illegally acquired information with the intention to share it with foreign media”, and published a photo of the

Sam Zarifi pair in handcuffs standing behind a table with documents laid on it. The law dates back to 1923, when Myanmar, then known as Burma, was a

province of British India. At the time British administrators worried that rival powers could seek to exploit anti-colonial unrest in its South Asian empire. The act, which amended earlier antispying legislation, was controversial in India even at the time, according to a history published in 2009 by the United Service Institution of India, a New Delhi-based think tank. British military officers pushed for the stronger law over concerns about an “increase in Bolshevik activity”, along with geopolitical threats including “the possibility of racial war between Japan and the USA affecting India”, the history said.

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MARKETS, WASTE COLLECTION TO BENEFIT FROM M&CC BUDGETARY ALLOCATION A number of projects under the management of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) will receive some much needed financial assistance through the provision of a $200 million grant allocated to the Council in the national budget for 2018. Kaieteur News understands that the monies will be allocated for the rehabilitation of the Kitty Market and a number of other social projects in several wards of the city. In addition, the Council is set to benefit from a $24 million subvention which the council has earmarked for rehabilitation work to the East Ruimveldt Market. During a statutory meeting held at City Hall on Monday, City Mayor Patricia Chase Greene told the council that the Ministry of Communities had recommended that $65 million of the monies be used on community enhancement programmes; $50 million allotted for infrastructural works and $70 million for institutional strengthening and the purchase of garbage trucks and $15 M for the upgrade of the East Ruimveldt Market. Added to that, the Council is expected to start repairs to the Albouytsown Market. This is not the first time that council has received financial backings from the Central Government. Just recently, Government announced moves to assist the cash strapped Council clear a $300 million dollar debt,

which it had owed to its main contractors, Cevons Waste Management and Puran Brothers. The two solid waste disposal contractors had withdrawn their services from the Georgetown Municipality, “in protest over the absence of progress in our efforts to secure payment, of amounts totaling in excess of $300 million owed by the council.� M&CC Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine, has since said that the Council has been managing the garbage situation with the use of smaller contractors. He nonetheless claimed that the services of the two main contractors are likely to resume after the debt is cleared. Narine recalled that a commitment has been made by the Central Government to settle the outstanding debt which the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC), owes to the two private solid waste disposal companies. Once the debt is cleared, Narine says the disposal companies will resume work

under new terms and conditions. These terms and conditions, he says, will allow

for smaller garbage companies to get some of the contracts. However, at present,

Kaieteur News understands that the contractors are carrying out work under the auspices of the government.

It is unclear whether any steps were taken by City Hall to renew the contract of the two garbage collectors.

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Monday December 18, 2017

Parliament 2017 ends with appeal for the poor Trinidad Guardian - Help poor parents! The 2017 year of Parliament ended last Friday with an appeal from UNC MP Ramona Ramdial for Government to ease the burden on poor parents by exempting baby and child care products from Customs duties. The message of seasonal spirit—also in sync with the economic climate—came during Ramdial’s contribution to debate on a motion. This sought to exempt from Customs duty items ranging from industry to tourism and agricultural products. That debate took place during the last sitting of Parliament for 2017. The Upper House ended the year last Tuesday when it was adjourned to a date to be fixed. Last Friday’s Lower House session was also the last for 2017. Parliament resumes early January 2018. During the debate on the motion, Ramdial noted that only baby milk is exempted from Customs duties. She, however, cited recent reports of thieves stealing baby milk from a grocery, but not money or alcohol. Ramdial added, “It’s disheartening to see that baby milk was the targeted item. It shows a changing trend—including how criminals operate. “We’ve seen increases in single mothers. Government should exempt from Customs duty all products concerning child rearing and baby care. “It’ll at least help your campaign,” she urged Government. “When we (PP administration) were in office, we had the Baby Grant. Every single mother could afford to buy baby milk.” Ramdial said the PNM administration after two years in office couldn’t continue blaming the past Government for problems. “Up to recently, I saw the Prime Minister

Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial speaks during the debate in Parliament, on Friday. playing ‘victim’ saying his character was attacked during the anti-gang debate. But Government has a duty to citizens to deal with what’s necessary. However, we’re not seeing improvements.” She called for Government to say if the planned Sandals resort will be a 2018 plan since the Prime Minister has said T&T is now lower down Sandals’ priorities. “I hoped Sandals backed down because the Prime Minister drove a hard bargain in T&T’s best interests at the negotiation table.”

Cuba’s Castro and Russian oil executive meet in Havana

President Raul Castro met with the President of Rosneft Oil Company, Igor Sechin. HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban President Raul Castro and the head of Russian oil company Rosneft met in Havana Saturday, the latest sign the two countries are readying a major energy agreement. State-controlled media yesterday ran a photograph of Castro and Igor Sechin sitting with notebooks at a table with Economy Minister Ricardo Cabrisas, after the latter two had held what was termed in a brief caption “a working meeting”. Castro usually appears with visitors only in protocol photographs. There was no further information. Castro and Sechin have known each other for decades. Cuba struggled with blackouts and fuel shortages after the fall of its benefactor, the Soviet Union. The rise of Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s late president, ended that crisis at the turn of the

century, and Cuba came to rely on Venezuela for about 70 percent of its fuel needs. But socialist Venezuela’s subsidized shipments have fallen by at least 40 percent since 2014. Cuba is looking for new suppliers to help mitigate electricity and fuel rationing to state companies. Rosneft, Russia’s state-run oil company, began shipping some fuel in May to Cuba even as the United States under Donald Trump began reversing a fragile detente begun by former U.S. President Barack Obama. They were the first significant Russian fuel deliveries since the early 1990s. Rosneft, in October, said it was considering increasing oil shipments to Cuba and improving refining capacity on the island after Sechin met with Cuban Energy Minister Alfedo Lopez in Moscow.

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Anguilla bounces back after intense hurricane season THE VALLEY - CMC – When Hurricane Irma swept across the Caribbean in September inflicting catastrophic damage to several islands, a 19-year-old radio reporter in Anguilla continued to broadcast during the worst of the Category 5 storm. Nisha Dupuis recounted the experience to the United States National Public Radio’s (NPR) Robin Young a few days after the broadcast. She stayed on the air and tried to reassure Radio Anguilla listeners during the hurricane as storm shutters covering the station building flapped in the background, NPR said. It said Young contacted Dupuis last week, who said Anguilla has made significant progress towards a full recovery. “The people of Anguilla have proven to be quite resilient after Hurricane Irma,” Dupuis said. “Our restoration is still ongoing, but for the most part, you can see that the island is looking up. We do operate on a single economy —tourism being our main source of income — and we were able to reopen for this tourist season.” Irma “substantially damaged” nearly 90 percent of government buildings and the island’s electricity infrastructure, according to the International Organization for Migration. The Anguilla electricity company said on its Facebook page that 87 percent of power has been restored on the island, and the utility expects remaining areas to be restored in the next three to five days, according to NPR. It said that, after the storm hammered the island, Anguillan parliamentary secretary Cardigan Connor called 2017 a “bittersweet” year. “We had stellar visitor growth through August, up

21 percent from the U.S. alone, and we were on track for a record year until Sept. 6 kicked in everything — windows, doors, roofs, homes, electricity, roads, businesses, hotels,” he said in October. Nearly 30 small hotels, apartments and guest houses have reopened or are planning to reopen for the holiday season, while the island’s major resorts, including Belmond Cap Juluca and the Four Seasons, plan to reopen sometime next year, NPR said. Since the hotel industry is a main driver of Anguilla’s economy, Dupuis said many people have had to leave to find jobs, according to NPR. “With the major hotels not opening up until perhaps sometime next year, a lot of people because of unemployment have of course had to seek jobs perhaps in the UK [United Kingdom] or elsewhere,” she said. “We’re hopeful that by next year when the most of the reconstruction starts to happen that a lot of people will of course come back home.” The UK government recently approved a US$93 million aid package for its Caribbean territories, with the majority of that money going to Anguilla to repair the ferry terminal to St. Martin and other infrastructure, Dupuis told NPR. However, the UK had faced criticism for its slow response to the disaster. “Our main challenge is to get our people through the next six months,” Connor said after the storm. “Our annual budget is US$200 million. The damage from Irma is more than that.” Recovery across the Caribbean has been scattered, as several islands bore the brunt of both Hurricane Irma and Maria. In Puerto Rico, more than

150,000 people have left the island for the mainland US after Maria knocked out the country’s fragile power grid. Sixty-four percent of electricity has been restored as of Friday, according to data on a website run by the island’s government. In the US Virgin Islands, NPR said 59 percent of electricity has been restored, adding that the Virgin Islands

Water and Power Authority expect that number to rise to 90 percent by Christmas. On the other hand, the sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda represent opposite ends of the spectrum as more than 90 percent of Barbuda’s buildings were destroyed, and the majority of residents have not returned. However, Antigua suffered minimal damage and

its airport and hotels reopened days after the storm. In Anguilla, Dupuis said “people are saying that this is by far the worst hurricane that they’ve ever experienced.” She told Young in September that, shortly after the hurricane, the calls she received from listeners stayed in her mind. “I was terrified. To be

honest, when it really sank in for me is the 9-1-1 calls that we were getting because we were also relaying information to the Department of Disaster Management,” Dupuis said. “This one man — I’ll never forget what it sounded like speaking to him — he had a baby in the room, and his shutters were being blown out, and it’s like, ‘What do we do next?’”

Samuda hails Jamaica Broilers’ investment in new feed mill KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda, has hailed the Jamaica Broilers Group for its US$2 million investment in a new pellet mill, which will significantly boost the company’s feed production capacity. The facility, located at the Best Dressed Feed Mill in Freetown, St Catherine is the third operated by Jamaica Broilers to manufacture Hi-Pro branded products. It will move the output of feeds from over 270,000 tonnes per year, to 350, 000 tonnes per year, making it one of the largest mills in the region. The new mill will also better enable Hi-Pro to meet the growing consumer demand, providing prompt response to clients’ orders while reducing waiting time. Samuda, in his address at the official commissioning ceremony on Thursday, said the mill reflects the company’s commitment to the development of agriculture and the livestock industry in particular. “You have the full support and backing of the ministry,” he said. He encouraged the company to continue its drive to boost

efficiency and productivity in order to remain competitive. He noted that Jamaica Broilers has always been on the cuttingedge of technology and training, insisting on manufacturing a quality product. Samuda also hailed the company for its support to small farmers. President and Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica Broilers Group, Christopher Levy, said the decision to expand the production of feeds is to meet market demand, noting that poultry and egg consumption have been increasing significantly. Over the past five years, sales of Hi-Pro chicks and broiler feeds have increased by about 20 per cent, with layer feeds growing by 10 per cent. Hi-Pro has approximately 60 per cent market share of all feeds sold in Jamaica. The company exports over 5 000 tonnes of its high quality brands of feeds throughout the Caribbean. Of the feeds produced by Hi-Pro annually, the broiler, pig and layer markets combined, make up over 90 per cent of all feeds sold in Jamaica. In addition, the brand produces feeds for cattle, horse, rabbit and fish. (Jamaica Observer)

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Monday December 18, 2017

Australia arrests man accused of trying to sell missile parts for North Korea MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australian police said yesterday they had arrested a man accused of working on the black market to sell missile components and coal on behalf of North Korea, the first charges ever brought in Australia over the sale of weapons of mass destruction. The man had been charged with two counts under an act preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, police said, and with another four under legislation enforcing United Nations and Australian sanctions against North Korea. The Sydney man was identified by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and other media as 59-year-old Chan Han Choi, who they said had been living in Australia for more than 30 years and was of Korean descent. He was arrested in the Sydney suburb of Eastwood on Saturday and was due to face court yesterday, police said. He came to the attention of authorities earlier this year, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said. “This man was a loyal agent of North Korea, who believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan told reporters. “This case is like nothing we have ever seen on Australian soil,” he said. Police will allege the man tried to broker the sale of missile components, including software for the guidance systems of ballistic missiles, as well as trying to sell coal to third parties in Indonesia and Vietnam. Gaughan said the trade could have been worth “tens of millions of dollars” if successful. The man faces up to 18 years in jail if convicted. He did not apply for bail and will next face court on Wednesday.

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Highlights of Saturday’s NBA games (The Sports Xchange) Highlights of National Basketball Association games on Saturday: Knicks 111, Thunder 96 Michael Beasley had 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field to lead six New York players in double figures as the Knicks spoiled Carmelo Anthony’s return to Madison Square Garden with a 111-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. Anthony, who was with the Knicks for nearly seven seasons and ranks as the seventh-leading scorer in franchise history, finished with 12 points — including zero in the second half — on 5-of-18 shooting in his first game back in New York since being traded during the

offseason for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a second-round draft pick. Anthony received a mostly warm reception from the MSG crowd during a highlight video played during introductions. While there were loud cheers for Anthony, who averaged nearly 25 points during his nearly seven-year run but had little playoff success, there was also a smattering of boos. Heat 90, Clippers 85 Erik Spoelstra became the Miami franchise leader for coaching victories in a win against Los Angeles. Spoelstra passed current Heat president Pat Riley to set the record with 455 wins. Miami climbed above .500 for the first time in December. Josh Richardson sank a

career-high six 3-points and scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Heat. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan notched a double-double with 12 points and 20 rebounds. He has four consecutive double-doubles — his longest streak of the season — and seven doubledoubles in his past eight games. Rockets 115, Bucks 111 James Harden scored a game-high 31 points and Chris Paul produced 23 of his 25 points in the second half as Houston extended its winning streak to 13 games with a victory over Milwaukee. Paul had just two points on 0-of-5 shooting before the intermission but opened the second half by drilling three consecutive 3-pointers. He

India spinners Kuldeep, Chahal set up series win

Shikhar Dhawan, however, looked strong in the middle, swiftly taking India past 100 and earning his own half-century soon after ©BCCI (Reuters) - Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal picked up three wickets each to set up a comfortable eight-wicket win for India against Sri Lanka in the deciding third and final one-day international in Visakhapatnam yesterday. The wrist-spinners scythed through the Sri Lankan batting order to bundle them out for 215 in under 45 overs after the touring side had made a blazing start. The hosts, who won the three-test series between the sides 1-0, breezed to their target with almost 18 overs to spare to secure their eighth series victory in a row in the 50-over format.

Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma, filling in for the rested Virat Kohli, fell for seven to off-spinner Akila Dananjaya but Shikhar Dhawan remained unbeaten on 100 to guide India home. Dhawan added 135 for the second wicket with Shreyas Iyer and an unbroken 70 with Dinesh Karthik, who finished on 26 not out. The left-handed opener reached his 12th ODI hundred in 84 balls, hitting 13 fours and two sixes. Playing his third ODI, Iyer compiled his second successive half-century before he was out for 65, his knock including eight fours and a six. After Rohit won the toss

and opted to field fearing the evening dew would make it difficult for his spinners to grip the ball, Sri Lanka lost opener Danushka Gunathilaka for 13. But former captain Upul Tharanga launched a brutal counter-attack on the Indian quicks, smashing all-rounder Hardik Pandya being smashed for five successive boundaries in his second over. Tharanga hit 12 fours and three sixes in his 83-ball 95 and gave Sri Lanka a strong platform and shared a second-wicket stand of 121 with Sadeera Samarawickrama. Leg-spinner Chahal broke the stand when Samarawickrama was out caught at deep cover for 42. Left-armer Kuldeep, who took 3-42, then struck twice in one over to dismiss Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella, who was out after hitting the spinner for two fours. Chahal, who finished with 3-46, compounded Sri Lanka’s problems by spinning one past Angelo Mathews’s bat with the righthanded batsman stunned by the amount of turn generated by the leg-spinner to bowl him. From being 136-1 in 22 overs and looking set to post a tough target for India, Sri Lanka completely lost their way with the bat. The teams will next play a three-match Twenty20 series starting in Cuttack on Wednesday. Scores: India 219 for 2 (Dhawan 100*, Iyer 65) beat Sri Lanka 215 (Tharanga 95, Kuldeep 342, Chahal 3-46) by eight wickets.

was just as lethal down the stretch, nailing back-to-back mid-range jumpers off screens to lift the Rockets (244) to a seven-point lead with 33.7 seconds left. The Rockets improved to 14-0 with Paul in the lineup. Cavaliers 109, Jazz 100 LeBron James passed Larry Bird for sixth place in career triple-doubles and Cleveland beat Utah. James’ 60th triple-double in 15 seasons included 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. It was his third triple-double in a now-completed four-game homestand — each game won by the Cavaliers. James scored 10 points in the fourth quarter. He was 9 of 15 from the field and 10 of 10 from the free-throw line. Trail Blazers 93, Hornets 91 CJ McCollum scored 25 points and Portland held on for its third straight victory with a win over Charlotte. The Blazers led by 16 points early in the fourth quarter but had to go back to work after the Hornets fought back to tie at 87 in the final five minutes. Ultimately, Portland held on when Charlotte’s Kemba Walker missed a 3-pointer at the final buzzer. The Trail Blazers didn’t make a field goal in the final four minutes. Portland has defeated Miami, Orlando and Charlotte in the last four days on a fivegame road trip. They are now 9-5 on the road for the season. Spurs 98, Mavericks 96 Manu Ginobili hit a running left-handed layup with 3.1 seconds to play for the deciding basket as San Antonio scored the final 13 points to roar from behind and beat Dallas. The Mavericks led 96-92 after the Spurs’ Bryn Forbes poured in 3-pointer from the corner with 2:13 to play. After a pair of empty possessions from both teams, LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks. brought San Antonio to within 96-94 on short jumper with 58.6 seconds to play. Aldridge then hit a contested turnaround jumper in the lane with 23.4 seconds remaining to tie the game. Celtics 102, Grizzlies 93 A great first quarter and a solid burst to start the fourth kept Boston from back-toback embarrassments, coming away with a victory over struggling, but still scrappy, Memphis. Al Horford and Terry Rozier sparked a 16-0 run at the start of the fourth as the Celtics erased a 73-71 Memphis lead built largely on a third-quarter explosion from Marc Gasol, who had 21 of his game-high 30 points during the stretch. Kyrie Irving led Boston with 20 points, rookie Jason Tatum had 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. Horford had 15 points and seven boards, Aron

Baynes added 13 points and six rebounds while Marcus Smart scored 11 and Rozier added 10 points off the bench. Suns 108, Timberwolves 106 Phoenix overcame 27 turnovers to grind out a hardfought win over Minnesota. The Suns helped themselves with another dominating performance from their bench. One game after putting up 55 points on the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix’s reserves outscored the Timberwolves’ bench 69-20, led by 17 points apiece from Dragan Bender and Troy Daniels, Isaiah Canaan’s 15 points, and 12 points and a career-high 19 rebounds from Alex Len. The Suns led 103-98 with 3:33 to play but consecutive baskets by Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson put Minnesota back on top by one with 1:22 to go.

Lukaku, Lingard lift nervy Man United past West Brom

(Reuters) - Manchester United survived a tense finale to beat West Bromwich Albion 21 at the Hawthorns yesterday and close to within 11 points of Premier League leaders Manchester City. United’s former West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku scored his 15th goal of the season in the 27th minute by heading home Marcus Rashford’s left-wing cross. Midfielder Jesse Lingard doubled the lead with a deflected shot from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes later. United appeared to be on course for a comfortable win, but West Brom set up a nervous finish for Jose Mourinho’s side when substitute Gareth Barry poked home from close range following a corner in the 77th minute.

United hung on, however, to restore their three-point advantage over third-placed Chelsea. West Brom have now gone 16 league matches without a win and remained second bottom, two points from safety. “I think we deserved the win,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. “We were the best team. We controlled the game for a long, long time.” United spurned opportunities to kill the game off when Rashford slashed a right-footed shot wide in the 57th minute and Lingard fired straight at West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster. They then switched off at a set-piece to allow Barry to score and were lucky not to concede an equaliser when Jay Rodriguez headed wide from point-blank range with five minutes remaining.

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England pray for rain as Australia sniff Ashes win PERTH (Reuters) - Australia moved within six wickets of reclaiming the Ashes at the close of a rain-hit day four of the third Ashes test yesterday, with England still 127 runs short of making the hosts bat again. The tourists were 132 for four when a rainshower brought stumps an hour early at the WACA, with Dawid Malan (28 not out) and Jonny Bairstow (14) tasked with an improbable rescue mission following their defiant 237-run stand in the first innings. Australia had declared at 662 for nine after lunch, their highest ever Ashes total at home, with captain Steve Smith finally dismissed for 239 from 399 balls. Trailing 2-0, England must cobble a draw to keep the five-test series alive to Melbourne and their hopes may rest on the weather, with more showers forecast on day five. “I think we’re in a pretty good position obviously,” Australia paceman Josh Hazlewood told local radio, after dismissing both of England’s openers. “I think we would have loved one more (wicket) today but they’ve lost the wickets at the tail pretty quickly throughout the whole series.” Even with the chance of rain interruptions, it still looked bleak for the tourists, with cracks opening up on a pitch and variable bounce

likely to play a part on day five. One large fissure at the southern end of the wicket opened up to swallow England number three James Vince for 55 when a Mitchell Starc ball jagged viciously back to rip out his off-stump. “I think we try and put the rain to the back of our minds,” Vince told reporters. “We’ve got to have belief that we can save the series and get over the line tomorrow. “It’s going to be tough. I‘m sure there’s going to be some good balls flying around out there. “But these two especially showed in the first innings that they can occupy the crease for a long time, so hopefully they get off to a good start in the morning.” Vince had at least shown determined application, a quality sorely missed in his top order colleagues. Alastair Cook’s miserable series continued as he threw away his wicket for 14, having managed only seven in the first innings of his 150th test. Joe Root, his successor as captain, was equally culpable in his own 14, with opener Mark Stoneman out for three, as England staggered to 60 for three. England’s ‘Barmy Army’ danced in the terraces as rain brought tea five minutes early

Farah crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year

and again when it returned midway through the final session to see play abandoned. Vince and first innings centurion Malan dug in for 40 runs before the pitch claimed the number three. Bairstow and Malan added another 32 in a watchful stand to survive until the rain fell. Australia’s pacemen stuck to their task but the match is likely to be remembered for their captain’s batting masterclass which yielded a second double-century against the same foes. He was finally dismissed leg before by paceman James Anderson (4-116) in the morning. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was also trapped lbw by the veteran quick without adding to his overnight 181. Australia lost three wickets for 12 runs in the mini-collapse but wicketkeeper Tim Paine (49 not out) and Pat Cummins (41) steadied the home side with a 93-run stand. Facing a 259-run deficit, England’s chase began disastrously with Stoneman caught behind for three in the second over, seemingly hypnotised into a lead-footed push away from the body by metronomic seamer Josh Hazlewood. Six overs later, Cook was sent packing when he spooned a leading edge low and straight back to Hazlewood who took a brilliant reflex catch to dismiss him. With England desperate for a captain’s knock, Root joined Vince in the middle and the pair added 31 runs to prompt a bowling change. Lyon was introduced and had Root caught at slip with his first delivery, the skipper

Mitchell Marsh walks back after being dismissed for 181©Getty Images playing a loose drive away from the body and Smith snaffling the chance when it pinged off Tim Paine’s gloves. Scores: England 403 and 4 for 132 (Malan 28*, Bairstow 14*) trail Australia 9 for 662 dec (Smith 239, M Marsh 181, Khawaja 50, Anderson 4-116) by 127 runs.

Spinners’ delight, as Pride race to victory over Red Force – 4th day, 7th round

Sir Mo Farah (with his son and stepdaughter) has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017. (BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017) LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s Olympic and world champion Mo Farah capped his final season as a track athlete by winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award yesterday. The distance runner, who won his sixth world championships gold medal in London this year when he triumphed in the 10,000 metres, was named the winner ahead of second-placed superbike rider Jonathan Rea and para athlete Jonnie Peacock. Pre-event favourites, world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and Formula One world title holder Lewis Hamilton, failed to make the top three. Farah, who was born in Somalia and moved to Britain at the age of eight, won 5,000m and 10,000m gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics as well as six world titles in those distances. The 34-year-old, who ended his track career this year to concentrate on road running, looked stunned when he was awarded the trophy by his step-daughter Rihanna in a studio in London. He was denied the chance to tell viewers

how he felt as the BBC’s live satellite link to the ceremony in Liverpool’s Echo Arena cut out seconds later. After the show went off air, Farah, appearing close to tears, spoke to those inside the arena saying he was shocked to win due to the quality of the other athletes. “It is pretty amazing and hard to think about. I didn’t imagine I was every going to win this but... anything can happen. If you work hard you can achieve your dreams. Other winners included: Overseas Sports Personality of the Year Swiss Roger Federer for winning a record eighth Wimbledon tennis title and taking his overall grand slam tally to a record 19 Lifetime Achievement - retired Olympic heptathlete champion Jessica Ennis-Hill Coach of the Year - Benke Blomkvist, Stephen Maguire and Christian Malcolm for guiding Britain’s men’s 4x100m team to world gold Team of the Year - England women’s cricket team for winning the World Cup by beating India in the final.

TAROUBA, Trinidad, CMC – Spin bowling triumvirate Jomel Warrican, Hayden Walsh, Jr and Kenroy Williams reversed decades of heartaches for Barbados Pride batsmen, when they bowled the visitors to a 207-run victory over Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in the Regional 4-Day Championship yesterday. Left-arm spinner Warrican was the most impactful, grabbing 3-13 from 12 overs to finish with match figures of 9-84 to earn the Playerof-the-Match award, as the Red Force, chasing 324 for victory, were bowled out for 116 just before tea on the final day of their seventhround match at the Brian Lara Cricket Ground. Leg-spinner Walsh took 3-41 from 14 overs, and Williams bagged 3-46 from 21.5 overs and had the privilege of formalising the result when he had Bryan Charles caught at slip for 13. Red Force captain Denesh Ramdin was again the glue that held his side together, but he was unable to unleash another hundred like the first innings, but hit the top score of 24. No other batsman passed 20. The result meant that Pride – after starting the match placed fifth in the League table with 56.8 points – earned 16.4 points and Red Force – after entering the match positioned third with 67.6 points – gained six points. Earlier, Pride added 33 to their overnight total at a little under a run-a-ball before they declared their second innings on 221 for seven. Neither overnight batsman was dismissed – West Indies 2016 Under-19 World Cupwinning all-rounder Shamar Springer finished with the top score of an unbeaten 51 from his overnight 38 and wicketkeeper/batsman Mario Rampersaud, who resumed on eight, remained not out on 26. Pride batsmen of past generations would recall the fierce battles they endured with the spin bowlers of Red Force in typically helpful

conditions – suffering terribly at the hands of the likes of Ranjie Nanan, Rajindra Dhanraj, Raphick Jumadeen, Imtiaz Ali and others too numerous to name. This victory must have been a source of delight for the current crop of Pride, considering that the spinners collected all nine wickets that fell in the second innings, in addition to eight in the first innings. The slide to defeat for Red Force started when Williams removed left-handed opener Amir Jangoo to the first of five lbw decisions in the innings. Before they knew it, Red Force were 51 for five, and though Ramdin and veteran Imran Khan shared 31 for the sixth wicket, it would have required a far greater effort which never came. The Championship will be on hold for the next three weeks for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays before resuming on Thursday, January 4, when Red Force host Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Queen’s Park Oval, at the same time that Pride welcome Windward Islands Volcanoes to Kensington Oval. Scores: BARBADOS PRIDE 316 (Shamarh Brooks 96, Jonathan Carter 72, Kevin Stoute 31, Justin Greaves 30, Shayne Moseley 22, Anthony Alleyne 20; Imran Khan 4-81, Daniel St Clair 3-73, Bryan Charles 2-58) and 221 for seven declared (Shamar Springer 51 not out, Shamarh Brooks 37, Kenroy Williams 26, Mario Rampersaud 26 not out, Anthony Alleyne 26, Jonathan Carter 21; Imran Khan 3-88, Bryan Charles 2-69). TRINIDAD & TOBAGO RED FORCE 214 (Denesh Ramdin 132 not out, Jeremy Solozano 40; Jomel Warrican 39-16-70-6, Justin Greaves 2-26) and 116 (Denesh Ramdin 24; Jomel Warrican 3-13, Hayden Walsh 3-41, Kenroy Williams 3-46).

Monday December 18, 2017

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US$4 million Umbro deal sparks Ricketts-led JFF Jamaica Observer - The Mike Ricketts-led Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is basking in the spirit of triumph after scoring a US$4million (about $500 million) kit deal with Umbro, the England-based sportswear and football equipment supplier. The deal — to run over four years — marks the first major achievement of the new adminsintration, which is still getting its feet wet since taking office in September after Ricketts fended off the challenge of Ambassador Stewart Stephenson for the post of president. Speaking from Panama City, where the signing took place on Thursday night, Ricketts was excited about the prospect of partnering with one of football’s most recognisable brands. “We think it’s a pretty decent contract and we are very elated and excited about the potential of what this deal will bring to the football product. And as we are excited about this partnership, so is Umbro about partnering with us,” said the JFF boss. “This deal is worth about US$1 million each year with the potential to earn more depending on our ability to maximise the incentives tied to performance, and so on,” Ricketts added. The last kit deal with Dubai-based Romai Sportswear, a relative newcomer to the game, was worth US$4.8 million (approx J$670 million) over four years, but while the new arrangement with Umbro on the face of it may seem less lucrative, Ricketts begs to differ. “First of all, Umbro is a more respected name in the sports good business, and particularly in football... they also have a long history and association with football over the globe,” he said. “Also, we believe that we will have a better working relationship with Umbro because, through their regional distributors and partners based in Panama, we will be closer and will be able to quickly address any

Jamaica Football Federation President Mike Ricketts (left) and Flex Pro director Alberto Bassan at the signing of a new kit deal with sportswear and football equipment supplier Umbro in Panama City on Thursday night. issues or turn up for meetings quickly, whether in Kingston or here in Panama,” Ricketts reasoned. He said that the new deal, which was hammered out between Umbro’s regional representatives Flex Pro and the JFF over the past few months, has wider benefits than that of the previous arrangement. “The Romai deal did not include balls and football shoes, nor did it have a dimension where it will contribute directly to our top competition, which is the Premier League,” Ricketts explained. Umbro has committed, the Jamaica Observer was told, to sponsor one player from each of the 12 Red Stripe Premier League clubs as part of build-out of the sunstantive agreements with the national programme. The Romai deal, which started in 2015, came to a pre-mature closure by mutual consent recently. Meanwhile, the JFF has revealed that an

BRAZILIAN MIDFIELDER KAKA RETIRES AT AGE 35

aggressive merchandising component of the deal will be pursued, a campaign to be led by JFF marketing manager Sophia Harris- Lau. “There will definitely be an emphasis on merchandising and that is why we are boosting up the marketing department; and Sophia Harris-Lau is heading up that department and she will ensure that our merchandising thrust will be at an optimum,” said JFF General Secretary Dalton Wint. “The mark-up on the gear is very good... our thinking is to have a store at the JFF and one each at both of our major international airports, and while Umbro’s local dealer is Western Sports, we will be doing our own merchandising,” the chief administrator said from the signing ceremony in Panama on Thursday night. Though no figure was offered, a signing bonus comes with the new deal, which is customary in these types of arrangements. “We do have a signing bonus, and we will sit with our stakeholders and see how we proceed with that bonus,” said Wint. Also, the JFF stands to earn substantial cash bonuses if the senior Reggae Boyz

qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2022 World Cup slated for Qatar. Ricketts, a Clarendon native, disclosed that with equipment and gear, there will be an annual incremental increase over the life of the contract. In addition to football boots and balls, the 12 national teams will also receive training gear, socks, shin pads, slippers, jackets, hats, sweatsuits, shirts, shorts, “and all the rest”. The JFF boss disclosed that as part of planned collaborations, a series of friendly matches between another Umbro-sponsored CONCACAF team, El Savador, and the Boyz is on the cards. Ricketts said that an official launch of the new partnership will be held in Kingston after the Russia 2018 World Cup, and Umbro’s top UK-based officials are expected to attend. “We’re very pleased to have added the Jamaican national team to our roster of clubs around the world. The team has a unique culture that fits perfectly with Umbro’s values and, combined with our unparalleled kit design and footballing insight, should make a fantastic partnership,” Umbro Managing Director Anthony Little was quoted as saying. The signing on Thursday night was also attended by JFF executive Bruce Gaynor and Director of Marketing and Business Development Harris-Lau, while Flex Pro director Alberto Bassan signed on behalf of Umbro. “We have been in tremendous negotiations and we are able to reach a most generous and important deal. Umbro, a British brand, in essence, will be able to bear its name on the JFF kit and it’s a real honour for us,” said Bassan. It is widely expected that Jamaican teams will begin to sport the Umbro branded gear and equipment next year. Umbro, a part of the Nike Iconex group, outfits the national teams of Peru and Serbia, both of whom have booked their spots to next summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. They also outfit CONCACAF’s Canada and Guatemala. At the club level, Umbro has associations with English Premier League clubs AFC Bournemouth, Everton FC, West Ham United, and PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands, among many other clubs across the globe.

2017 C’bean Boxing Championships

Guyana’s ‘Fearsome Foursome’ captures 3-Gold and 1 Silver in St Lucia

Kaka returned to visit AC Milan in November, when he walked out on the pitch before a Europa League fixture. (Getty Images) SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Kaka announced yesterday that he is retiring from football. The devout 35-year old Brazilian wrote on Twitter: “It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus name. Amen.” Kaka announced this year he would not extend his contract with Orlando City but he opened the door to a possible return to Milan, the club where he made his name. “I would like to participate in the club in another way, as a manager, a sporting director, as someone who is between the pitch and the

club,” he said in a farewell interview with Globo TV in Brazil. “I prepared very hard to be a professional footballer and I want to prepare for this new role.” He said Milan, with whom he won the Champions League in 2007, had offered him a role but did not specify the exact nature of the job or say if he would accept it. Milan and his first team Sao Paulo both offered him a playing contract to extend his career, but Kaka, who was in Brazil’s World Cup-winning squad in 2002 and was the last Brazilian to be voted world player of the year in 2007, said the time was right to call it a day.

By Sean Devers Forgotten Youth Foundation’s 18-year-old Keevin Allicock followed up his Gold Medal in last year’s Championships in Barbados by winning another Gold medal when he defeated Ajayi Jones of Barbados in Saturday night’s finals of the third annual Caribbean Championships (formerly Caribbean Development Boxing Championships) in Grois Islet, St Lucia. Solider Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis, who also won Gold in last year’s Championships, beat Jessie Jones of Barbados and Middleweight Desmond Amsterdam knocked out his opponent in the first round to also capture Gold Medals, while Joel Williamson, the other Guyanese Boxer, had to settle for a Silver after losing to 2014 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Trinidadian Michael Alexander. Allicock, a Silver Medallist at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas earlier this year, Lewis and Williamson all fought in Jamaica this year and President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle said the Association was very happy with the results. “It was what we expected. We would have wanted to send a larger team which would have meant a larger haul of medals, but I think the four Boxers represented Guyana

well...they give sterling performances and Guyana remains the talk through the Caribbean,” said Ninvalle. “These Boxers and others... we will try to make sure that we (GBA) keep exposing them. But the bottom line is just what could be derived if we get adequate recourses. We don’t ask for much...we have never asked for much. If we have the resources needed, the sky is the limit for Guyana,” Ninvalle stressed. He said without fear of contradiction that for the Commonwealth and Olympics Games the only two sports which could give Guyana Medals are Athletics and Boxing. “We have clearly stamped our authority again. Speaking with the President of the St Lucia Boxing Association, David Christopher... he said that their Association has to be very careful about how they are inviting Guyanese Boxers. Because what we have done is spoil their show really since Kevin Mortley who Amsterdam defeated in the semi-final is St Lucian,” Ninvalle concluded. Due to a lack of funds the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) could only send a six-man team including four boxers and although the Guyanese captured three Golds and a Silver Medal, Team Guyana was not able to accumulate enough points to retain their team title.

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Overseas based Guyanese Flying Ace Cycle Club members assist another young cyclist The Flying Ace Cycle club continues to assist its young cyclists as they continue their quest to elevate themselves. The Club, which is based in New Amsterdam, was founded by Randolph Roberts and is considered one of the most active in Guyana. Apart from organising most cycling events it also assist its members with acquiring cycles, cycling equipment and riding apparel. Its members dominated the recently concluded National Schools Cycling Championship copping both the champion boy and girl honours, thus helping District 6, Corentyne to retain championship honours. Recently another up and coming rider, Ralph Seenarine, a student of the Skeldon Line Path Secondary was presented with a racing cycle to help him further his career. The presentation was done at the New Amsterdam Town

Monday December 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Ralph Seenarine Hall. The cycle was donated by former FACC member and overseas, English based cyclists Franco Crawford. Crawford who was recently in the country had seen the youngster ride with an old cycle and still managed to place among the top finishers. He was approached and

readily agreed to assist. Crawford, who still rides, would return home on a regular basis and assist the club and its riders with gear and other apparel. He would also assist other sports personalities and members in the community in need. Doing the honours on behalf of Crawford who has returned to England was Patron of the FACC and Former Mayor and prominent Businessman Errol Alphonso and Manager of Courts New Amsterdam Branch Stanley McKenzie. Alphonso, McKenzie, Roberts and Seenarine all expressed thanks to Crawford for his kind heartedness and for always remembering his country of birth. Seenarine in addition thanked Alphonso, McKenzie and Roberts for helping him along the way. He promised to make full use of the cycle and all well-wishers proud. (Samuel Whyte)

Mayers hands Volcanoes first win GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Windward Islands Volcanoes needed just over an hour to beat Jamaica Scorpions by 119 runs and post their first win of the Regional Four-Day Championship here yesterday. Resuming the final day of the seventh round encounter at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground requiring three wickets for victory with the visitors needing an improbable 197 runs, Volcanoes dismissed Scorpions for 279 in their second innings. They were inspired by seamer Kyle Mayers who added two of the three wickets to fall to his tally, to end with five for 92 while speedster Delorn Johnson picked up two for 71. Volcanoes were held up by Fabien Allen

Daniel Islam beat... From page 34 Third place Samuel Ince-Carvalhal Cat B Winner Michael Alphonso Second Place Kirsten Gomes Third place Abosaide Cadogan Cat C Winner Mohryan Baksh Second Place James Mekdeci Third place Nicholas Verwey Cat D Winner Chad DeAbreu Second Place Jahcinta Adams Third place Beau Fernandes Fourth place Aishani Persuad Cat E Winner Joshua Verwey Second Place Rayad Boyce Third place Lajuan Munroe Fourth place Arvin Seelall Fifth place Angel Rahim Cat F Winner Kayden Pynaendy Second Place Leshaunte Berkley Third place Matthew Spooner Fourth place Brenno Dasilva Firth place Rylee Rodrigues Cat G First Place Safirah Sunner Second place Shriya Persuad Third place Matthew Daby Fourth place Jnae Singh Fifth place Alea Ruplal Most outstanding girl Kirsten Gomes Most outstanding boy Chad De Abreu Most improved girl Aishani Persuad Most improved boy Nicholas Verwey

who hit 42 and Odean Smith, 41, as the pair put on 54 for the ninth wicket but once the pair were separated, the last two wickets fell in successive overs with the total on 279. On 201 for seven at the start of the evening, Allen and Damion Jacobs (7) added 33 for the eighth wicket before Mayers struck the first blow of the day by removing Jacobs. Allen then hit three fours in a 64-ball innings while Smith blasted seven fours and a six in a 30-ball cameo, to frustrate Volcanoes. However, Mayers trapped Smith lbw and pacer Sherman Lewis bowled Allen in the next over to quickly wrap up the innings. Scores: VOLCANOES 226 for nine decl. (Devon Smith 107 not out, Kirk Edwards 57; Christopher Lamont 4-52, John Campbell 235) and 283 (Devon Smith 154, Roland Cato 47; Damion Jacobs 4-51, Christopher Lamont 3-61). SCORPIONS 112 for nine decl. (John Campbell 29 not out Derval Green 25; Kyle Mayers 4-32, Sherman Lewis 4-36) & 279 (Brandon King 88, Paul Palmer 46, Fabien Allen 42, Odean Smith 41, Trevon Griffith 25; Kyle Mayers 5-92, Delorn Johnson 2-71).

Seamer Kyle Mayers

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Sparta Boss finally dethroned by ‘Gold is Money’ A capacity crowd saw West Ruimveldt ‘Gold is Money’ dethrone Sparta Boss to become the new champions of the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition which ended on Saturday night, at Demerara Park. The tournament, which has enjoyed massive turnouts from Day One, once again demonstrated why its popularity among the fans is second to none. Randolph Wagner, who has been one of the leading players in the tournament, saved the best for last when he fired in the lone goal of the game in the 26th minute to ignite huge celebrations among the thousands of supporters of the team. The former champions, who have been experiencing one of their leanest periods in the street format, saw a lapse in concentration account for the goal after Sheldon Shepherd overcompensated in attack only to expose the goal and Wagner finished a pass from the back with aplomb. Wi t h the newlyinstalled Guinness Goal still in effect in the final three minutes of the game, Sparta Boss attacked with

- Leopold Street finishes third menace, but the youthful ‘Gold is Money’ unit remained dogged in defence and ensured that there would be no three peat for the former champs as referee Wayne Griffith finally blew the whistle to set off a euphoric scene among the winners supporters. They went home with $500,000, the winning trophy and an automatic berth in the national playoffs, while Sparta Boss won $250,000 and a trophy. Earlier, in the third place playoff, Leopold Street showed no mercy for Bent Street with a 3-0 drubbing thanks to a Guinness Goal from Tyrese Forde in the 27th minute, while Orandel Wiliams 9th minute strike had given them the early lead. They went away with $200,000 and a trophy, while Bent Street collected $100,000 and a trophy for their efforts. In the Plate Section, North East La Penitence grabbed the $60,000 winner-take-all on offer with a narrow 1-0 win over Kingston. Kelvin Moore’s 26th minute effort was all it took to secure the win. Meanwhile, Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste

speaking after the conclusion of the night’s proceedings said he was heartened by the support from the fans and communities and promised that the event is here to stay. He also commended the work done by the Guyana Police Force throughout the tournament, adding that their excellent job did not go unrecognised. The tournament was coordinated by Three Peat Promotions. Attention now turns to the West Side which is expected to commence in January at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac. The night’s full results are seen below: Guinness Goal-(GG)-2 goals Final Gold is Money-1 vs Sparta Boss-0 Randolph Wagner-26th 3rd Place Leopold Street-3 vs Bent Street-0 Tyrese Forde-27th-(GG) Orandel Williams-9th Guinness Plate Championship North East La Penitence1 vs Kingston-0 Kelvin Moore-26th

Banks DIH AQUA & Powerade Christmas Badminton Singles Saturday results The Guyana Badminton Association Banks DIH Aqua Mist & Powerade Junior Boys and Girls Under-11, 15 & 17 Singles Tournament continued on Saturday last at the National Gymnasium with several matches in various categories. In the results from the matches played: Boys Singles Under-11 Quarter Finals: Avinash Ramnarine defeated Nikil Sookraj: 21-16, 21-15 Ruel Rambirichie defeated Narayan Goodridge: 21-1, 21-1 Leron Ramascindo defeated Tejasvrun Kansavel: 21-8, 21-15 Boys Singles Under-11 Semi-Finals: Jonathan Debidin defeated 21-5, 21-4 Avinash Ramnarine defeated Leron Ramascindo: 21-17, 20-22, 18-21 Boys Singles Under-11 Finals: Jonathan Debidin defeated Avinash Ramnarine: 21-10, 21-7 Girls Singles Under-11 Finals: Mishka Beharry defeated Gianna Ramnarine: 21-4, 21-3 Boys Singles Under-15 Semi-Finals: Matthew Beharry defeated Andrew Debidin: 21-9, 21-15 Vikash Mootoo defeated Omar Samad: 217, 21-5 Boys Singles Under-15 Finals: Matthew Beharry defeated Vikash Mootoo: 21-10, 21-14

Girl Singles Under-15 Quarter-Finals: Sarah Samad defeated Amelia Balram: 2110, 21-9 Girls Singles Under-15 Semi-Finals: Lesha Singh defeated Sarah Samad: 21-12, 19-21, 21-13 Jayde DaSilva defeated Lathika Kendavel: 21-13, 21-8 Girls Singles Under-15 Finals: Jayde DaSilva defeated Lesha Singh: 215, 21-8 Boys Singles Under-17 Semi-Finals: Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Isaac Mallampati: 21-14, 21-6 Akili Haynes defeated Rasheed January: 21-1, 21-4 Boys Singles Under-17 Finals: Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Akili Haynes: 2114, 17-21, 14-21 Girls Singles Under-17 Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Priyanka Shivnauth: 21-1, 21-1 Sacha Parmanand defeated Ashley Escarraga: 21-17, 17-21, 21-18 Girls Singles Under-17 Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Sacha Parmanand: 21-3, 21-1 The Tournament was due to conclude yesterday with playoffs in the Open Men Singles Semi-Finals & Finals and the Open Ladies Finals. The Presentation was done afterward.