Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

EATING HEALTHY FOR THE SEASON It’s the Christmas season once again. While Christmas is a time of peace and happiness for many, it also evokes sadness for others, especially the poor and the homeless. It is the season when peace should reign on earth and goodwill extended to mankind. But how much tradition has really been retained from past Christmases? With 60 percent of the country’s population being youths, new Christmas traditions have evolved as their focus has shifted in different areas. But the making of black cake, ginger-beer, pepper-pot, roast pork, ham, cook-up and other delicacies as well as the singing of carols and masquerades have remained. It is still exciting to see the special items of fruits or produce, not seen throughout the year, coming in for Christmas. The fruits for making black cake would have been ground and placed in a jar soaked with wine or alcohol. Christmas is not only a time of merrymaking and feasting, but also of increased stress as most people attempt to ensure that everything, including the shopping for presents and cleaning, cooking and baking are perfect for the big day. The holiday season is also a time for healthy eating. While this should be done throughout the year, it should be done more at Christmas because of the potential for overindulgence. On the issue of feasting, the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation has for decades issued warnings about the high amount of calories in black cake, which is one of our main, favourite Christmas treats. Black cake is said to be more harmful than we think because of its rich ingredients. It tends to have significantly more calories when compared to a similar cake without the liquor. Studies have shown that consuming too many calories can lead to obesity and a higher risk of developing diabetes. And Guyanese who may have had cardiovascular disease must think twice about consuming too much black cake at Christmas. Along with the alcohol content within the cake are the sugar and sodium ingredients. Therefore, eating black cake and consuming alcoholic beverages at the same time could pose a threat to one’s health. It is true that the excessive consumption of alcohol at any time could raise the levels of some fats in the blood, called triglycerides, which also could lead to high blood pressure, for which diabetic patients are already at a high risk. Statistics from the Department of Health show that there has been a significant increase in the rate of heart attacks and strokes in Guyana during the festive season. As a result, health officials have recommended that a few small but significant measures can be taken to minimize the risk of these ailments for this period. They include (1) lower sodium intake, because salt tends to increase blood pressure, which is worse for those with cardio-vascular disease. (2) Excessive eating and drinking and no physical exercise could increase one’s weight, hence the chance of becoming obese. (3) Everyone should try to minimize their stress level, which can be found in many forms, such as shopping, standing in long lines for service, traffic congestion, or dealing with irate customers. And (4) Christmas is a time for the traditional hanging of new curtains, cleaning the windows and painting the house, all of which could result in a lack of sleep, which in turn could affect body’s ability to regulate stress hormones, thus leading to high blood pressure. The bottom line is we must not overextend ourselves during the season and strive to eat healthy at all times, but more so at Christmas. Why not?

Tuesday December 19, 2017

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

GPSU’s dereliction of duty on collective bargaining in the Public Service DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSU) President, Patrick Yarde, and another GPSU Executive, have been members of the outgoing Public Service Commission (PSC). Patrick Yarde also served in the last few months in the life of the PSC, (which ended in August 2017) as its Chairman. There have been obvious and manifest conflicts of interest in the functions of GPSU Executives and membership in the PSC – two conflicting positions. Is it any wonder that the Union is silent and inactive in relation to its responsibly to negotiate in good faith to finality in accordance with its legally recognised status as sole bargaining agent for

public servants? Public servants would like to know why there are no active negotiations and bargaining by the GPSU for more realistic remuneration for public servants. The GPSU has been accepting the imposition of annual increases in wages and salaries over the years without successfully exercising fully its legal collective bargaining rights. Are the GPSU leaders muzzled by their positions in the PSC? Failure to bargain in good faith is an offence under the Trade Union Recognition Act. Members of the Union should take the GPSU and the Public Service Department/Ministry to court for failure/refusal to bargain in good faith.

The APNU-AFC Government on assumption of office announced the restoration of collective bargaining in the public service, which is recommended by the 2015 Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Public Service. No agreement between the GPSU and the Public Service/Ministry was achieved. Within its first weeks in Government in May 2015, it immediately established the standard for more realistic remuneration increases when it awarded 50% increase in salaries for Ministers. In addition to enhanced packages of their perks, fringe benefits and allowances. This is an excellent benchmark and a

negotiating mandate. The salary relativity between the Ministers and the Permanent Secretaries was a long established reality and must be maintained by a 50% increase to Permanent Secretaries and for public servants to maintain the relativity. The Government gave the GPSU a good basis for negotiations for the public servants. That opportunity should not be lost: Negotiations, Conciliation, and Arbitration are the agreed means to resolve these matters to finality. The GPSU would be negligent in its duties if it fails to negotiate to finality, and to maintain the salary relativity between Ministers and Public Service staff. Joshua Singh

A political campaign against David Granger DEAR EDITOR, The citizens of Guyana have endured a long and bitter undemocratic rule (1968-1992) under the People’s National Congress. Economic and social decay pervaded the nation, which became paralysed by the pure mismanagement of the state resources, coupled with an outright disregard for opposition parties, private enterprise, and individual rights and liberty. The dark rule of the People’s National Congress was brought to a muchanticipated end, when the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic secured a resounding and conclusive victory on October 5, 1992. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic ascent to power was recorded as the first free and fair elections in a postindependent Guyana. For the first time in 28 years, citizens were able to dream, aspire and carve out a future that was truly Guyanese. Private enterprise was encouraged to organise, and the political parties were viewed as valued competitors, rather than enemies of the state. The P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic inherited an economy that was in poor financial health, along with a disillusioned and bewildered population, and transformed it into a prosperous nation, a matter of 23 years. The People’s Progressive

Party opened Guyana to the international system by rekindling diplomatic relations with our traditional partners, and much needed financial assistance from the Bretton Woods institutions. Post-May 2015 has seen the return to the dark days of t h e P e o p l e ’s N a t i o n a l Congress –through the piloting of an A Partnership for National Unity brand, along with an Alliance for Change co-brand. The People’s National Congress has never been open to democratic values and principles, and went to great length to exercise total control of the economy – which began with a People’s National Congress/United Force Coalition Government. Autocratic rule and elitism followed the politicization of government institutions and agencies, as well as the militarisation of the state - all central to the domination of the economy, b y t h e t h e n P e o p l e ’s National Congress Administration (Burnham 1968 – 1985; Hoyte 19851992). The People’s National Congress sought this route, since it was inevitable from its very formation (1957), that a clean and fair victory a g a i n s t t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party was unrealistic. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic philosophy continues to be

(PPP 1950 – 1992; PPP/C 1992 –Present) underpinned by the advancement of the economic and social wellbeing of the ordinary citizen. To this end, the People’s Progressive Party fought tirelessly for the collective voice of the masses to be heard, and the unfettered exercise of their free will. The People’s Progressive Party has stimulated and nurtured a democratic culture during its 23 years in government, which has allowed for the participation of every citizen in the political process. As anticipated, the People’s National Congress led Coalition Government has carefully orchestrated a reversal to an undemocratic political system – the very system which kept the Party in power for almost three decades. Guyana must now grapple with this stark reality, as President Granger gracefully positions himself to receive the blessing as an autocratic ruler, with an elitist political view. Authoritarianism is back! The Granger led administration is fixated in the belief and practice of government ‘from above’. As you would recall, since this Coalition Government took office in 2015, it has been exercising its authority regardless of popular consent. The

appointment of the GECOM Chairman, interference in the Police Service Commission, discontinuing of the Amaila Hydro Falls Project, and the secretive signing bonus from ExxonMobil, are but a fraction of the examples which can be used to explain the authoritative nature of this government – led by no other than the President himself. President Granger ’s autocratic style goes against the grain of the democratic c u l t u r e t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic helped to cultivate and nurture. Guyanese have enjoyed a stable political environment u n d e r t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic, and the collectivevoice of the Private Sector, Civil Society, and the masses indicate that our democratic values are being eroded by the Granger led Coalition Government. This must be taken very seriously by the people of Guyana, since an undemocratic political system will destroy the economy, and each citizen’s life and livelihood will be negatively impacted. The people of Guyana must now organise themselves in the form of social control, to ensure their democratic rights and privileges, are not denied in the political process. Continued on page 6

Tuesday December 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

A LETTER TO SANTA

DEAR SANTA, The children and the people of Guyana look forward with great expectations to your annual, traditional Christmas visit to Guyana. You have always been a source of kindness, compassion, problem solving and generosity which in our troubled world today are much needed. My CHRISTMAS WISH LIST this year is somewhat modified with an awareness of greater needs of people in other countries where millions are seeking shelter, food, water and are dying from falling bombs, where conflict, hatred and bitterness suffocate their lives. In reviewing my previous wish lists over the years, I do recognise your good gifts which have helped in some areas, while noting that some major issues over the years, maybe decades, remain unchanged. These recurring problems include blackouts, noise nuisance, unsafe roadways where people are being killed by reckless drivers, crime —murders and robberies which engender fear even in homes. Other troubling issues which continue are the absence of zoning, growing p o v e r t y, u n n e c e s s a r y conflict, corruption, secrecy, selfishness, use and abuse of power and authority, the accentuation of divisions which

undermine social cohesion and purposeful unity in our multi racial, multi cultural and multi religious society. Santa, I recapitulate these subject matters in my wish list, in order that you can prioritise those gifts which would alleviate fears and bring resolution to those matters which affect the quality of life of people. Last year, I had asked you to look at our alphabet:Letting go of A arbitrary, alienation and arrogance B bureaucracy, bigotry and blame C confusion, contradiction and confrontation And replacing that with: A accommodation, affinity and appreciation B benevolence, bonuses and blessings (we already have bicycles, bridges and buses) C compromise, cohesion and civility There is no evidence that you gave to us that gift. You may wish to reconsider this year. Santa, a special gift which would be useful, informative and allow persons to think before they speak may be: Lie Detectors In the social, cultural and political landscape there is too much contradiction, and confusion creating

uncertainty for the populace. It is difficult to determine what is true, and what is false. I think you should give priority to gifts of powerful, effective Lie Detectors. These Lie Detectors must be placed in all places where important discussions are held and decisions taken. They should be so designed that whenever a lie is uttered, a red flash will brighten the building both inside and outside, with sound effects saying “that is lie”. The locations for the placement of these Lie Detectors must include:parliament, municipal councils, the courts, press conferences - by administrators, and also all meetings especially in negotiations with the unions, commissions of Inquiry and police investigations. Such a system will simplify proceedings in the various fora including the courts. To strengthen that system there must be some form of disciplinary action against liars, including suspension and even expulsion. It will lead to a form of purification. Lifetime Heads of State Santa, in several countries there is a determination of leaders to hold on forever to their presidential or prime ministerial positions. Even if they demit office they fight to bounce back to their old powerful influential positions. The experiences in Continued on page 6

Hold the politicians accountable DEAR EDITOR, Workers/citizens have to hold the politicians accountable for lying to them, taking them for granted, and treating their business with contempt. B h a r r a t J a g d e o ’s statement that should the PPP/C win office in 2020, laid off sugar workers will be paid a stipend must be questioned. When the workers of Diamond Estate were laid off during his presidency they did not receive one cent in stipend. In fact, for the laid off Diamond workers to receive their redundancy benefit, they had to go to the court. It was only after this matter was before the court that the Jagdeo government sat with the sugar unions and settled the issue of redundancy pay. If redundancy benefits, which are supposed to be paid under the Termination of

Employment and Severance Pay Act, the Jagdeo government initially refused to respect, how in heavens a Jagdeo/PPP government of 2020 will ever pay a stipend when no law prescribes such. In all the talks about the state of the industry, its future and that of the workers, Jagdeo has failed to come up with a plan and put it in the public domain that would cause the APNU+AFC Government, sugar workers, their unions, other stakeholders and society to examine. Instead, sugar workers are being told pie in the sky stories not to improve their lot but Jagdeo/PPP’s chances at the next elections. Sugar workers must demand from Jagdeo a plan to resuscitate the industry, making it viable, in order that their jobs can be protected. It is time the trade union and society hold him accountable

for his statements on the industry and promises being made to sugar workers. Equally the APNU+AFC Government must be held accountable for its actions in the industry, whether or not they are feasible. The focus on this industry must not only be driven by profit and loss but the socioeconomic welfare of the workers and their communities must be given equal consideration. Lincoln Lewis.

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The Speaker should apologise to MP - Bishop Juan Edghill DEAR EDITOR, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland’s announcement that he did not summon the Police to eject People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, Bishop Juan E d g h i l l , o n M o n d a y, December 11, 2017, is most noteworthy. The announcement was made late into the night; hours after the unprecedented presence of uniformed Police broke through a human barricade to get to the Bishop in what is considered the noble House. During the ugly scenario, allegations of physical abuse on female PPP/C Members of Parliament, allegedly perpetrated by the Police, were made known and captured and broadcast in real time on social media. That despicable incident has cast a dark shadow on proceedings in the National Assembly portraying the nation negatively both locally and internationally. From all perspective, it was precipitated by the Speaker’s refusal to allow the Opposition to rightfully question budgetary allocations for government Ministries and Agencies. It’s an enshrined right by any Opposition to so question on behalf of the Guyanese people who are the financiers of

government’s spending. That said, the probing questions by the Bishop must have annoyed the government’s side, and I dare say the Speaker. That might have unknowingly contributed to his own undoing leading to his expulsion. In the circumstances, I find it difficult not to conclude that the actions to prevent scrutiny of the estimates were predetermine and strategically planned to effect what eventually transpired. How else can one explain that the very next morning the Speaker used the “disorder” as an excuse for disallowing scrutiny of a number of areas for government spending totaling billions of dollars? In this context, it therefore becomes extremely difficult to accept at face value the Speaker’s word that he did not summon the Police. Who, if not him? Whoever made the call has boundless influence to affect the multitude of Police and their prompt response to the place where laws are made or changed. If the Speaker didn’t call them, why didn’t he immediately question their presence in a place where he has unrestrained authority? Why did he wait until late into the night to proclaim innocence?

Was that a buffer period to re-strategize? Is the Speaker, by his admission of not making that call, implying that the Police have no right to enter the National Assembly for the purpose which they did? Is he, by the same token, admitting their action was wrong? By convention, the Police cannot enter the Chamber and its environs without the express authority of the Speaker. The reason for that is to prevent any appearance or attempt at intimidation of members. Finally, if the Speaker did not call the Police, then who did? No one else has the authority to do so. With whom did he collaborate in the Police Force? The obvious answer can safely be deduced, and in that case he must immediately issue an unconditional apology to the Bishop, the PPP and the Guyanese people. He must also launch a genuine investigation into the incident or evoke the enthusiasm of President David Granger who has demonstrated an unbridled proclivity to launch Commissions of Inquiry. Only then believability of his word could be considered. E. deGrasse Concerned member Of the Diaspora

An arrest for teaching music DEAR EDITOR, Mrs. Heyva YazdanMahdiabadi , a Baha’i music teacher, living in Yazd,Iran, was arrested in late November. An informed source said she was arrested for teaching music to children. She was at first held incommunicado by the Ministry of Intelligence, and a few days ago was transferred to the central

prison in Yazd, where – after the usual quarantine period – she was allowed to use the telephone to contact her family. Iranian authorities

continue blatant and fanatical persecution of Baha’is in Iran the birthplace of the Baha’i faith. Rooplall Dudhnath

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday December 19, 2017

A LETTER TO SANTA Awaiting the auction for the detained calf From page 5 which Presidents and Prime Ministers want to stay in office for their lifetime must emphasise the need to correct and restrict those over ambitious, selfish, bombastic persons. Constitution Santa, to remedy that situation, your gift to such countries must be to revise the constitutions and specify that only one term of office is allowed and for not more than four years. Such administrators will focus on the immediate problems and their legacy, rather than daily concentrating on holding on to power at the next election. The Military Last year I had advised you not to make public any military experience, with concern that you may be asked to stay in Guyana. That is no longer a problem as all those vacancies have been filled.

confidence that the colour green is gaining greater significance in Guyana especially in the political arena. Some persons are of the view that painting the office of the Presidency and State House green are symbolic and indicative of Guyana’s commitment and support for a green economy in the fight against the degradation of the environment.

Fit and Proper Santa, please establish and publicise desirable personal and national values with codes of conduct which could be recognisable and clearly define Fit and Proper persons.

An imposter as Santa Santa, to ensure that you encounter no problems in beautiful Guyana and its hospitable and appreciative people let me alert you that an impostor dressed in a Santa Costume barged in to the Parliament of Guyana while in session and created confusion. He, they say it was a she, shocked the entire assembly by not saying HO HO HO but GO GO GO GO. The Ministers and members of Parliament, including members of the opposition, were very offended when they realised Santa was shouting to them without a placard GO GO GO GO.

Law and Order In spite of your many gifts to suppress crime it is apparent that law enforcement is weak. As a Christmas gift the People’s Republic of China has made significant contributions to this country. That list includes:-54 Patrol vehicles; operationalising the 911 number for recording and responding to cries for help. Kindly give to the Guyana Police Force mechanical workshops and preventative maintenance systems. It not, those vehicles will be parked and abandoned in a short period. With that positive development, I have confined my wish list for the law enforcement agencies to human resource at all levels, reinforcing, training, orderliness and curbing the use and abuse of power. Also making staff appraisals and succession planning meaningful.

Colours What I will now caution you on will be the significance of Colours. Santa you have to be very careful with colours you project. The traditional colours with the decorations of red on a green Christmas tree must not be changed. I need to tell you in

Confession An interesting development is emerging in which many persons who are being investigated even for major crimes, are reported to be admitting to committing the offence. Hopefully at the trial, claims of giving such statements under duress will not emerge.

Santa, you decide what is the appropriate gift for that situation. S e c r e c y v s Transparency Santa, there seems to be misunderstanding of obligations to the people by the persons they elected. Their positions came from the people who have a right to be kept informed on matters which affect their lives. Santa, you decide what gift you will make to erase the perceptions and allay the fears of the population. No contract whether at a city council or governmental level should be deemed secret.

Climate Change Santa, as we look to the future there is concern about the melting of the North Pole. In your own interest you may have to consider some form of relocation. Guyana will be too hot for you in many ways. Climate change with global warming is certainly a harsh reality. Santa do give some of those disbelievers the mental acumen and analytical skills to face facts. Santa, with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, you have to design welfare programmes for many governments to help and support the elderly so that they can be happy and comfortable in the sunset years of their lives. Children Give to the children of Guyana good health-care, education and employment opportunities and a spirit of hope to face the future. Santa, let the Christmas message of peace, love, charity and goodwill to all be always evident not only in Guyana but throughout the world. Have a good stay and a safe return to the North Pole. M E R R Y CHRISTMAS SANTA! Sincerely, Vibert Parvatan December, 2017

A political campaign against David Granger From page 4 President Granger is no stranger to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. The Party is aware of his unwavering loyalty to the ‘Burnhamite’ philosophy. President Granger is cunning, and he is carefully crafting his manipulation of the consent of the masses. Citizens do not be fooled,

the ‘iron law of oligarchy’had been reborn under the Granger-led administration. T h e c u r r e n t administration is authoritative, with an elitist political view, as President Granger seeks to consolidate his power. The march of autocratic leaders cannot be halted,

unless citizens get involved. Let us get involved in the political process and influence decision making at all levels of government – as the worse is yet to come. Failing to take action now will see the rise of a dictator and ‘psychological lion’. Bishop Juan Edghill, PPP/C MP

DEAR EDITOR, I must profusely thank well-known Attorney-atlaw, Mr. Mursalene Bacchus for his kind and compassionate gesture to offer his services pro-bono in an ongoing uphill battle to free a calf improperly and illegally impounded at the #51 Police Station. Immediately after his benevolent gesture appeared in the Press, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr, Jairam Ramlakhan offered a damage mitigating response whereby he claimed that the ‘disputed ‘ calf would be auctioned off. However, to date no effort has been made to do so. I wish to highlight a few points. Firstly, the calf is not ‘disputed’; no one is claiming it. That is the reason why Section 61(1) is invoked. Furthermore, the same Section 61(1) (a) states that, ‘an animal remaining unclaimed for seven days, may be sold after due notice of sale for seven days’. It must be noted that seven DAYS have passed since Mr Ramlakhan’s letter in the media! Furthermore, this would

seem to suggest that this Subsection overrides the unclaimed period of three months after which ‘unclaimed property or property found and remained unclaimed’ may be advertised for 14 days and then sold. It is pellucid that Section (a) applies to ‘unclaimed animals’ and this makes it conclusive that the calf should have been disposed of according to Section 61 (1)(b) months ago. This is the humane aspect of the law which seeks to avoid cruelty to ‘unclaimed’ animals impounded. H o w e v e r, o u r l a w enforcers were blind to this, even though the Minister of Public Security was aware of the plight of this calf since October, and that includes from the Divisional Commander downwards. We are still expectantly waiting to see the advertisement for the said auction which was due months ago. Lastly, the persons who are caring for this animal by providing feed and water took great offence by Mr. Ramlakhan’s claim in his

letter that ‘the ranks are doing their level best to ensure the proper upkeep of the animal’. It is the opposite! This is such a blatant lie! The police at #51 Police Station never cared for this animal. Even a quantity of bran and a bucket which a Good Samaritan took there for the calf went missing. This is unforgivable! Can you imagine that those items were stolen right in front of the eyes of the police? Mr. Gobin Harbhajan, Mr Gladwin Abdulla and others feed and water this animal on a daily basis NOT THE POLICE! Medical assistance for the calf was sought and given through the intervention of Mr. Harbhajan. The police neglected to do so despite seeing that the calf’s leg was broken and it was in deep and agonising pain. The maltreatment of the vulnerables of our society continues! This week-end is Christmas and the ‘testing of the morals’ of the Guyana Police Force continues! Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor-Region 6

Masking the reality in the classrooms DEAR EDITOR, During the August Term 2017, a group of Grade 1 pupils (30 pupils per teacher) was exposed to a single composition topic for the entire term. The same topic appeared on the Annual Examination test paper and most of the pupils did exceedingly well, with many scoring 90 - 100%. In fact for some pupils their highest score was for composition writing. One term later, first term Grade 2 (the just concluded End of Term Test) those outstanding scores for composition writing came tumbling down for many pupils. A large percentage of parents and pupils are disappointed and frustrated. This observation was brought to the head teacher’s attention and without reviewing a single Grade 2 test script or without a single supporting fact, the most learned head teacher concluded that the reason for the pupils’ disheartening performance is the Grade 2 teachers’ lack of composition teaching techniques . The Grade 2 teachers could have done just what was done in the previous level (go with the flow ) to

obtain records showing high pupils and class performance . Why worry about how the pupils will cope or perform at the N a t i o n a l G r a d e Tw o Assessment? Why even mention the observation? Why try to find out how the papers were marked in the previous term , when it seems as if the current practice of one topic per term is supported by the head teacher and the easiest way to explain any sudden drop in performance is to blame

the Grade 2 teachers? What an excellent way to improve the pupils literacy performance and be rewarded with a high score on your End of term Appraisal . How many times have you heard the saying, “I just have a short time left on this job and I don’t want anyone or anything to upset my gratuity package?” There should be no room for such selfishness in the teaching profession. Concerned teacher

Tuesday December 19, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Ninjaman jailed for life Barbados committed to maintaining

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Desmond Ballentyne, the colourful dancehall deejay known as “Ninjaman,” has been sentenced to life imprisonment when he appeared in the Home Circuit Court on Monday for the March 2009 murder of Ricardo Johnson Ninjaman and two other people, including his son, were found guilty of murder in November. He is to serve 25 years before being eligible for parole. He was given 20 years for shooting with intent and

life imprisonment for murder. The other two accused were also handed life sentences, with 15 years before being eligible for parole. The three were to be sentenced on Friday; however their sentencing was postponed because the attorney representing one of the convicted men was late for court. When the sentences was handed out, Ninjaman, gave the thumbs up and his attorney, Queen’s Counsel Valerie Neita-Robertson had earlier indicated they would be appealing the verdict

The seven-member jury deliberated for more than three hours in the Home Circuit Court before returning the guilty verdict against the singer, his son, Janiel, and Dennis Clayton. The three were accused of the murder of Ricardo Johnson, also known as “Trooper”, in March 2009. Ninjaman was found guilty of murder and shooting with intent, while his coaccused were convicted of murder after the jury heard testimony from the main witness whom the prosecution named only as “Witness A”. He was arrested in 2009 and remanded in custody for three years before being offered bail. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn told reporters that the murder had its foundation in a domestic dispute between two tenants that escalated on March 16, 2009 and continued the following day. Ninjaman rose to prominence in the 1980s and during his career spanning more than 30 years, Ninjaman had several hits including his first titled “Cover Me,” featuring Tinga Stewart.

OTTAWA, Canada, CMC — Jean-Jacques Lemay, a former Bermuda Commissioner of Police, has died in a three-vehicle accident in the Canadian capital. He was 71. A 33-year-old Ottawa man, Alain Boily, was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving and impaired driving among other offences after Lemay, a Canadian, was killed in the collision on Saturday. “If you take 76 per cent you remain with 24 per cent. Therefore without firearm in the mix violence in the country would seemingly be much, much, much lower,” he told television viewers. Lemay was named

Deputy Commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in 1997 after serving as a Chief Superintendent in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He had joined the Mounties as a constable in 1965. He served as Bermuda’s Police Commissioner from 1998 to 2001, and was succeeded in the post by Bermudian Jonathan Smith. “Mr Lemay had a warm and approachable manner. He was very sociable and engaging, and he knew virtually every member of staff by their first name,” said Michael DeSilva, Bermuda’s Commissioner of Police. “He had a passion for policing and he was committed

to the BPS. His motto was, the police service is bigger than any one of us as individuals.” A police spokesman said Lemay drew on his administrative and personnel experience to effect key changes in BPS policies and procedures during his time on the island, including the introduction of a new promotion process, a grievance policy and the reintroduction of the police cadet programme. According to the Ottawa Police Service, the fatal collision took place after a pickup truck, driven by Boily, reportedly entered the oncoming lane and struck the car driven by Lemay and another vehicle.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has finalised its crime fighting strategy for 2018 even as it acknowledged a significant number of murders here had been committed by persons using guns. Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, appearing on the police sanctioned television programme “Beyond the Tape” last weekend, again reiterated the need for all citizens to play a role in curbing criminal activities in

the twin island republic. “We have a clear plan, we have just finalised our operating plan for 2018 which will be published in January as to all the key steps we are taking in policing Trinidad and Tobago in 2018. ‘We have a strategic plan which has been running from 2017 to 2019. He said most of the murders were committed using firearms. Williams said the police had removed 992 illegal firearms from the streets saying “they are just not picked up from the side of the streets.

Desmond Ballentyne

Ex-Bermuda police chief dies in Ottawa crash

Top cop appeals for public help in curbing criminal activities in TT

exchange rate- Finance Minister

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Finance Minister Chris Sinckler has dismissed any suggestion of devaluing the local currency saying that the present rate of two Barbados dollars to the United States dollar will be maintained. Speaking at a ceremony over the last weekend where the Grande Salle at the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) was named after the bank’s first governor, Sir Courtney Blackman, the Finance Minister recalled it was Sir Courtney and the late prime minister Errol Barrow who had determined the two to one exchange rate for its conve-

nience to tourism and its psychological appeal to the Barbadian populace. “The shift took care of the high and volatile inflation rates and contributed to stabilizing our economy,” he said while referring to it as a “futuristic step” that demonstrated boldness and courage on the part of both men. Sinckler stressed the peg had been “the bedrock of our economic stability” and acknowledged it had been driven by Sir Courtney. “His was the view that the two to one peg was to be defended relentlessly, and that to achieve this objective, we

had to prudently manage our fiscal affairs, something which, I am sure, we all agree as a policy stance remains very, very relevant and applicable today,” he added. “Indeed, the government, of which I am a part, remains committed to maintaining that peg, at all costs. We recognize that an integral part of the framework for sustaining such an exchange rate is fiscal discipline. “We are all agreed as well that in recent years, we have deviated from the strictest of those disciplines… we must return without delay,” Sinckler said.

WASHINGTON, CMC – Exports from Latin America and the Caribbean have increased by an estimated 13 per cent in 2017 and are nearing the US$985 billion mark, according to figures released Monday. A new report by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) notes that this sharp increase contrasts with the 3.3per cent drop of 2016, According to the IDB publication titled “Trade Trend Estimates for Latin America and the Caribbean,” the main explanation for this growth is the recovery in exports to China, which are up by 30 per cent, and to the United States, which grew by 10 per cent. These two destination markets accounted for twothirds of total growth. The 12 per cent increase in intraregional flows also contributed significantly to the region’s trade performance. Exports from the region grew more than total global exports, which saw a year-onyear variation of 9.7 per cent between January and September this year. This is mainly because recovering prices benefited the region relatively more than the rest of the

world, on average. For example, the price of iron increased by 26.9 percent and that of petroleum by 23.5 percent year-on-year between January and November 2017. “China’s purchases from the region were the most dynamic, as they largely entailed raw materials, which saw a strong upward trend,” said Paolo Giordano, principal economist at the IDB’s Trade and Integration Sector, who coordinated the report. “Overall export volumes increased by 4 percent, which marks the end of a long period of stagnation. However, growth was concentrated in a handful of countries.” The Caribbean’s exports grew by 11 per cent, a stark contrast with the 17.6-per cent contraction of 2016. According to the report, the Caribbean countries that took advantage of the new markets were Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti

Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The IDB said the increase in demand from Asia particularly benefited South American exports and to a lesser extent the Caribbean´s. The United States’ external purchases fuelled growth in exports from Mexico and some countries in Central America. The recovery in intraregional demand was particularly strong for economies in South America and the Caribbean. “To consolidate this incipient recovery in regional exports, there is a need to clear up uncertainties around the growth of the Chinese economy, the acceleration of the economic recovery in Latin America, and the results of market access negotiations that are currently underway with the United States and the European Union,” Giordano said.

Caribbean countries increase trade to China and United States

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Tuesday December 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Land Registry clears backlog - titles now available within two weeks

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s 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, 630-1600 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 2310655; 683-8734. Omar Budhram’s Landscaping service” Free advice, free design, free after care, followup. 656-1326. 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 Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. 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 Fridge, freezer,washing machine Call: 671-3004 One long boom Bob Cat Mini Excavator. 337-D 80 HP Excellent working condition. 626-7127. Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;6045198 Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 X-box 360- 6 games 2 controlsheadset $60,000 664-2287 TO LET 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. PROPERTY FOR SALE Forshaw St.Queenstown: 12 storey building on lot 7200sqft. Suitable for residential/commercial purposes. Price $100M Call: 227-0682,652-7587 Aubrey Barker 30M David St. Hadfield 16.5M Diamond(3) Story 55M,17M Parfaite 2 story & more Call: 231-2199/ 618-7483.

FOR RENT

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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

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Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Business place to rent. 14 Lombard St Georgetown. 227-1385, 653-0506 Two and three bedroom luxury apartments to rent. Fully furnished. 57 John St Campbellville. 666-7028. Restaurant & Bar East Coast Dem $60,000 a month, plus two month security. 614-4164.

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Wanted land anywhere on the West Coast. Tel#6421252 1 porter and driver to sell water. Apply @ Nimbus Water. #2317002, 79 Albert & Laluni street, Queenstown. 1 live in general domestic $20,000 weekly 25-35 yrs. Must know to cook Indian dishes. 610-3974. Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606;692-4646

EDUCATION CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435122/656-0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

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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 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. #2185120/608-4526 One housekeeper, 3 days a week, one nurse with a minimum of 4 years’ experience, contact 621-3809

Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501

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Foreign man, confident, generous and loving seeks female Guyanese friend 16-35 for friendship. Whatsapp#1246-835-6908.

Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams The APNU+AFC government had promised the people of Guyana better public service. While citizens still continue to complain about many mediocre encounters, the Ministry of Legal Affairs is able to boast a change at the Land Registry. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams recently announced that the land registry is now up to date with its transactions. Williams said this as he made his contributions to the 2018 Budget Debates. Addressing the Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, Williams said, “The backlog which existed prior to the year 2015 has been cleared and all transactions are now current.” He indicated that the public can now expect to have titles issued in a timeframe of two weeks “maximum all things being equal.” The Minister said that a lot of emphasis has been placed on delivering excellent customer service and “our efforts have received positive responses from the customers. As such there are no outstanding cases of customer dissatisfaction.” Since 2016, Williams had boasted that his government, within nine months, was able to address a problem that has been plaguing the legal system in Guyana for years. The new administration inherited the Registry in a terrible state. Williams said that the backlog for Private TransLAND 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.

fers was just over 3,500, Ministry of Housing Transfers 5000 plus, Mutilated /Lost Titles - 325 plus and Mortgage was 650 plus. When he spoke in 2016, Williams said that while the backlog is being tackled on all fronts, the Land Registry has been most successful in this area. He said then that other Registries were working to reduce their backlog. Williams did not give an update about the progress of these other registries this year when he addressed the House recently. Also, in 2016, Williams said that the Land Registry will embark on capacity building aimed at ensuring that all staff members are equipped to discharge their duties efficiently. During his recent speech, the Minister said nothing about this exercise as to its success or failure. However, he spoke of other developments. The Minister said that in excess of 800 registers have been fully restored. “That is, the previously loose leaf state no longer exists due to an exercise undertaken to have all volumes bound. That exercise is now complete, and it is now quite easy to store and secure these records in a fireproof environment.” Further, Williams said that the digitization of all records at the Land Registry began in the second quarter of 2017 and is proceeding apace. “Having regard to the fact the digitization project extends over millions of documents; the completion date is projected at the end of the year 2018,” said Williams. He also stated, “Attention should be drawn to the significant reduction in the transactions processed compared to the previous reporting period. This fact is indeed a testimony to the elimination of the backlog.” (Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 19, 2017

Scotiabank, Bartica Int’l Volunteers spread Christmas cheer to seniors

A Scotiabank staffer hands over the first of the food hampers. Scotiabank in collaboration with Bartica International Volunteers, for an 18th year has brought Christmas cheer to the senior citizens of Bartica, at the annual party which was held on December 13, 2017 at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church. A r e l e a s e f r o m t h e o rg a n i s e r s complimented coordinator Ms. Rita Brouet, for “her dedication over the years working tirelessly to cater for annual increase in attendance of seniors at the party”. The initial hosting of the party in 1999 saw approximately fifty seniors attending. Over the years the attendance has grown to over

three hundred. The business community was quite involved and special mention was made of El Dorado Trading, Pure Diamond & Gold Trading among many other businesses /volunteers who contributed cash and kind to ensure the party’s success. This year the organizers brought in Haiti International Gospel Singer Mr. Sondy Ceran whose performance had the seniors dancing and singing joyfully. Ceran’s visit was sponsored by Sir Service Station, Mr. Charles Jones and Mr. Afzal Rahaman. Over two hundred food hampers were also distributed to the seniors.

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Gold Board rakes in over US$700M in 2017 The gold industry has recorded another good year. During the recent Budget 2018 Debates, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said that gold continues to shine in Guyana and is contributing heavily to the economy. Addressing the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, Trotman noted that for 2017, the Ministry of Natural Resources projected a gold declaration target of 700,000 ounces which when calculated, is on par with the previous year’s declaration. “Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that to date, gold declaration has passed the 600,000 ounces mark and is well on its way to the 700,000 milestone, and I remain confident that both our gold miners and dealers will ensure we meet our target in December,” said Trotman. He acknowledged the various stakeholders, inclusive of the small, medium a n d l a rg e - s c a l e m i n e r s , f o r t h e i r contributions. Trotman also used the opportunity to announce that the gold projection target for year is within sight. The target is 800,000 ounces. The Minister said, “I am confident that we can achieve this target, as we expect that all categories of gold declarants will continue to grow.” Also, Trotman said that the projected revenue from the sale of gold is G$71.1B while the net profit for the Guyana Gold Board is G$819,255,051. He told the House that as of the first week of December, the Board has earned US$744,057,799 as against US$730,915,230 in the corresponding period last year Further, Trotman indicated that the Guyana Gold Board had over a number of

years amassed a deficit and “I am pleased to report that the agency has reduced its deficit at the Bank of Guyana from G$14.4B in November 2016 to G$6.7B in November 2017, as a result of the agency’s capitalising on the spike in gold prices and through tighter spending-control measures.” The deficit was racked up between 2012 and 2013. By November last year, the deficit had risen to G$14.469B. Under a new board, led by Gabriel ‘GHK’ Lall; the entity, which manages gold buying and trading for the state, said that the deficit which included losses from monies borrowed from the Central Bank has now been reduced to $6.764B or 65 percent less. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the improvements to GGB’s finances would be as a result of the agency’s capitalisation on the spike in gold prices and through tighter spending control measures. “The deficit was incurred in 2012 and 2013 when the Gold Board borrowed large sums from the national treasury to trade in gold, which resulted in massive losses.” According to the ministry, since coming into office in May 2015, the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change Coalition Administration has been working assiduously to bring the debt down and to better regulate the sector. These efforts have shown success, the ministry stressed. It was explained that a ‘buffer stock’ of gold was maintained and kept readily available whenever there were spikes in gold prices. “This proved to be a redeeming feature which yielded much revenue over the period. Another method utilised was not to wait for huge profits, but to access profitability of at least US$5 per ounce.”

GPHC buckles up to avoid procurement anomalies -Tenders for medical supplies ahead of New Year Ahead of the New Year, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is ensuring that the issues it faced earlier this year do not reoccur. To do so, plans have been drafted to ensure that suppliers submit bids for medical supplies before the reading of bids for the project at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). As advertised in Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur News, GPHC invited bids for eligible bidders to submit bids for the procurement of medical supplies in 2018. The Hospital is embracing efforts to avoid the issues it experienced earlier this year, when it went ahead and accepted the bid of a procuring entity without permission from NPTAB. This procurement was found in breach of the Procurement Act, given that the bids exceeded $15 million. The project, as a matter of fact, was valued at $631 million for emergency pharmaceuticals. Red flags were raised regarding the procurement, since the Procurement Act stipulates that any contract beyond the sum of $15 million must go through NPTAB, which

GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis then forwards it to Cabinet for review and approval. Although the emergency was found to be legitimate, evidence suggested that due process was not followed. In its own investigation, Ms. Kesaundra Alves- Chairperson of the hospital board, found that the former Acting CEO had

written to NPTAB seeking approval for the contracts, after GPHC had begun to receive pharmaceuticals from the suppliers. Coming out from the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) investigation was that Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence was not to be blamed for the procurement. It was however concluded that although the Minister is responsible for policy-related matters, she should not be involved in administrative or operational issues, since this is the responsibility of the hospital’s board.The PPC had also noted that “agencies such as the GPHC should be closely monitored to ensure that tender documents are handled with strict security and confidentiality.” Added to this, the PPC outlined that the practice of documents being moved around to evaluators’ offices by various personnel should cease immediately. Further, it was recommended that the time-frame set out in the Act for completion of the tender evaluation should be strictly observed as far as is practicable. The Public Procurement Commission (PPC), in a report of its findings, pointed out

that the GPHC has itself been operating an Agency Tender Board without the approval or input of NPTAB, and this should be addressed urgently, so that this breach ceases. For this reason, the PPC proposed that “NPTAB should take the required steps to establish an agency tender board that includes representation from the GPHC Board.In addition, the PPC outlined that “in view of the specialised nature of the needs of the GPHC, the procurement thresholds of expenditure applicable to the GPHC should be reviewed with the objective of improving efficiency and reducing the need for the entity to make numerous ad hoc purchases, which may breach the Procurement Act.” Based on the findings of its investigation, the PPC concluded that in order to prevent future breach of the Procurement Act, the GPHC, among other things, must execute all procurement transactions in accordance with the Procurement Act. As such, the GPHC was urged to “establish appropriate systems to avoid reoccurrences of breaches such as contract splitting and use of procurement methods which are not supported by the Act.

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Tuesday December 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Jerusalem: US vetoes UN Amtrak Washington train crash: Deaths resolution rejecting Trump’s declaration as carriages fall on US motorway

A US passenger train on its inaugural run in Washington state has derailed, with carriages crashing on to the motorway below at the height of the morning rush hour. A number of people died and many more were injured on board the train, which hit vehicles on the I-5 highway below. Images from the scene showed that all the carriages of the high-speed train had left the track. It was Amtrak’s first passenger service to run on a new, shorter route. Train 501 had left Seattle, heading south for Portland, at 06:00 local time (14:00 GMT). The derailment happened on a section of track, south of Tacoma, previously only used for freight trains. Authorities quoted by Associated Press spoke of at least six people killed, although the number was expected to rise. Another 77 people have been taken to hospital, reports say. However, state police said

they were giving out no information on the number of casualties. They did not know if anyone remained trapped on board, Trooper Brooke Bova said. “We still need to stabilise those cars so we can do a secondary search,” she added. Brooke Bova refused to say whether anyone had been hurt on the road itself. Seven vehicles, two of them lorries, were hit on the interstate highway below. One passenger carriage could be seen dangling from the bridge, while others were strewn across the road and the wooded area next to the track.A photograph released by Washington State Patrol showed one carriage upside down on the road, with wreckage all around it. Pierce County Sheriff’s department spokesman Ed Troyer said there were “multiple” fatalities on the train but no motorists had been killed. An Amtrak spokeswoman said the train had derailed at

0733 local time (1533 GMT). There were 77 customers and seven Amtrak crew members on board, she said. A recording of the train’s emergency call to railway dispatchers was released to US media. “Emergency! We are on the ground!” a man, possibly the conductor, radios in. In a second radio call, another crew member reports that only the rear unit remains on the rails. “All other cars appear to be on the ground in quite a mess,” he says. The train’s engineer has a head injury, he tells dispatchers. President Donald Trump’s first reaction to the derailment was to tweet that it showed the need for his forthcoming infrastructure plan. He later added that his thoughts and prayers were with those involved. The section of track where the crash happened has been recently rebuilt and upgraded using federal funds.

International footballer sentenced to 100 hours community service

Wayne Rooney says his drink-drive punishment of community service in a garden centre is “refreshing” and “relaxing”. Rooney was ordered to complete 100 hours’ unpaid work in September after admitting being nearly three times over the legal limit when stopped by police. The former England and Manchester United captain said he was made to feel welcome and was “really enjoying it”. The Everton striker was banned from driving for two years in September. Rooney, who earns £150,000 a week, told Talksport: “I knew straight away I had made a stupid mistake and I have to move on.” Rooney, who said he was about halfway through the

community service, added: “I’ve really enjoyed doing it.” He said he had been working with adults with learning difficulties in a garden centre and had been “helping them with different things they’re making over Christmas”. He added: “Honestly, I’m really enjoying it, working with these people, and I think it’s a place now where I’ll certainly keep in touch with when obviously my hours are over.” The striker said the staff there were “doing a fantastic job” and made him “feel really welcome”. Asked if he got any “stick”, Rooney said: “No, not at all. “We actually don’t even talk about football in there. It’s a refreshing place to go and it’s relaxing.”

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty at Stockport Magistrates’ Court to drink-driving following an incident in the early hours of 1 September. Rooney had reportedly left a cocktail bar in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in a taxi with lettings agent Laura Simpson, 29, and later went on to take the wheel of her vehicle. Police stopped Rooney in Altrincham Road at 02:10 BST - with Ms Simpson in the front passenger seat - after they noticed a rear light was not working. After failing a roadside breath test the footballer was taken to a local police station where he produced a reading of 104 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 microgrammes.

Nikki Haley The US has vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution rejecting President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The text put forward by Egypt affirmed that any decisions on the status of Jerusalem had “no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded “. The 14 other members of the council voted in favour of the motion. The US permanent representative, Nikki Haley, described it as an “insult” and warned that it would not be forgotten. “It’s one more example of the United Nations doing more harm than good in addressing the Israeli Palestinian conflict,” she added. “Today, for the simple act of deciding where to put our embassy, the United States was forced to defend its sovereignty. The record will reflect that we did so proudly.” Separately US Vice-President Mike Pence postponed a controversial scheduled

visit to the Middle East, due to begin on Tuesday, until mid-January. Mr Pence may be required to break a tie in the US Senate in a crucial vote on tax reform. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has refused to meet the vice-president following the Jerusalem decision. The status of Jerusalem goes to the heart of Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians. Israel occupied the east of the city, previously occupied by Jordan, in the 1967 Middle East war and regards the entire city as its indivisible capital. The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state and its final status is meant to be discussed in the latter stages of peace talks. Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem has never been recognised internationally, and all countries currently maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv. However, President Trump has told the US state department to start work on

moving the US embassy. The draft resolution avoided any specific mention of the US or Mr Trump in order to gain maximum support, says the BBC’s Nada Tawfik in New York. It instead urged “all states to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the holy city of Jerusalem”. It also demanded that “all states comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem, and not to recognise any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions.” A veto by Washington was inevitable, our correspondent adds, But the four other permanent members of the Security Council - China, France, Russia and the UK and 10 non-permanent members voted in favour. But a spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called the move “unacceptable and threatens the stability of the international community because it disrespects it”.

U.S. to blame North Korea for ‘WannaCry’ cyber attack: sources WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - The Trump administration is expected on Tuesday to publicly blame North Korea for unleashing a cyber attack that crippled hospitals, banks and other companies across the globe earlier this year, said two sources familiar with the matter. The accusation that the North Korean government was behind the so-called WannaCry attack comes as worries mount about North Korea’s hacking capabilities and its nuclear weapons program. The U.S. government has assessed with a “very high level of confidence” that a hacking entity known as Lazarus Group, which works on behalf of the North Korean government, carried out the

WannaCry attack, a senior administration official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet public. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The public condemnation will not include any indictments or name specific individuals, the official said. But the shaming is designed to hold North Korea accountable for its actions and “erode and undercut their ability to launch attacks,” the official said. North Korean government representatives could not be immediately reached for comment. The country has repeatedly denied responsibility for WannaCry and called other allegations

about cyber attacks a smear campaign. Lazarus Group is widely believed by security researchers and U.S. officials to have been responsible for the 2014 hack of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which destroyed files, leaked corporate communications online and led to the departure of several top studio executives. Sony also suspended release of a comedy film that portrayed North Korea’s ruler, Kim Jong Un, because of threats issued by the hackers. Then-U.S. President Barack Obama condemned Pyongyang for the Sony hack, vowing at the time to “respond proportionally.” No indictments have been brought in the Sony case.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 19, 2017

Tuesday December 19, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Government welcomes Canadian-based company plans to build housing units ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The Dominica government Monday welcomed a new housing initiative that would result in the Canadianbased Montreal Management Consultants Est (MMCE), constructing more than 4,000 units in the capital and the second town of Portsmouth. Acting Prime Minister Dr. Colin McIntyre told the daily news conference here that the project “lends well to a modern development taking into consideration the whole view of building back better and building in terms of climate resilience”.Dominica was devastated by Hurricane Maria on September 19, when the Category 5 storm passed through the Lesser Antilles leaving a trail of death and destruction. The Roosevelt Skerrit government has estimated damage to be in the vicinity of millions of dollars and has been appealing to the international community to help build the first ever climate resilient country in the world. McIntyre told reporters that the government as well as the residents of the capital were looking forward to the Roseau City Center” and “Phoenix City building” projects adding that he was looking for “something much

better” and that the area cited for the project “happens to be an important part of Roseau. “I am very happy, I must admit…to see something come nice for Roseau in terms of its beauty, durability …the stadium is right there, the ministerial building is right there,” he added. “It is the government’s policy …to really build a modern city that’s resilient,” McIntyre added. MMCE, a government authorized agent for the controversial Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) through which foreign investors are afforded citizenship of the island in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of Dominica, was responsible for the construction of houses in Bellevue Chopin, in the centre of the southern part of Dominica used to re-locate the residents of the south-east town of Petite Savanne who were displaced following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, two years ago.“MMCE is committed to working closely with the government of Dominica to provide the best sustainable and durable housing solutions,” Garvin Joseph, the Laison officer, adding that

“beginning in 2018 a total of 100 residential units and more than 50 retail outlets will be

constructed.”He stated that the project will be located next to the Financial Center

in the heart of the capital, and will be named the Roseau City Square, while the other

project in Portsmouth north of here, and will be named “Phoenix City.”

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 19, 2017

Tuesday December 19, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Australia reclaim Ashes with WACA demolition PERTH (Reuters) - Australia thrashed England by an innings and 41 runs in the third test in Perth yesterday to reclaim the Ashes with two matches to spare and condemn Joe Root’s team to a period of gloomy introspection. Seamer Josh Hazlewood finished with a five-wicket haul as England were bowled out for 218 before tea on a rain-hit final day at the WACA. Four years after Alastair Cook’s side meekly surrendered the Ashes at the same venue, Root’s England were condemned to hand back the urn with the same humiliating 3-0 scoreline. Australia quick Pat Cummins wrapped up the match, dismissing Chris Woakes (22) behind the

wicket, triggering a round of bear-hugs with whooping team mates in the middle. His captain Steve Smith was named Man-of-theMatch for a second time in the series, his brilliant 239 having left England with an improbable second innings mountain to climb. “It’s been an amazing couple of weeks, I’ve really enjoyed every moment of it,” the beaming skipper told reporters. “To know everything has worked out and we’ve been able to get that urn back, all the emotions came out at once.” Smith’s dominant series has put his counterpart in the shade, with Root struggling with the bat and let down badly by his senior players across the three defeats at the

WACA, Adelaide Oval and in Brisbane. “It’s bitterly disappointing,” Root told reporters. “One of the most frustrating things is we haven’t been blown away. “In all three games there have been period where we’ve matched and outplayed Australia. “I’m sure the next day or so will be pretty tough but we’ve got a bit of time to get ready for Melbourne ... and show the character of the group we have.” Heavy overnight showers leaked rainwater onto the pitch in an embarrassment for the WACA ground staff and rain squalls further delayed the resumption of play. But even with some 28 overs and some three hours

Tuesday December 19, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 This is a much better day to get out and be with people than it is to sit at home. Communicate with others on a personal level and share some of your wisdom. Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 .There's a great deal of fuel for your fire today, so go for it. Spend time with children and be creative. Put your fun-loving personality to good use by encouraging others to play along. Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 It may be hard to make a decision today. You're so bombarded by facts and information that you're unsure how to proceed. Don't get overwhelmed. Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 This is a great day for you. You're able to get a lot done. You might find a marked seriousness to your emotions that helps you stay on track with everything you need to do. Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 It may be difficult to fit in with the current trends of the day. The energy is light and airy, while you feel the need to get more deep and penetrating. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 You may experience an emotional climax today. Things could come to a head. Don't be surprised if you run into some serious opposition. Disperse your energy freely, but don't be surprised if other people try to pull you in the opposite direction.

Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 You may want to go in many directions today, yet something seems to keep you from going anywhere. This annoying conflict of energies may make it difficult to make the most of your day, but you can handle it. Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 There's a somber mood hindering your emotions today, but things favor you generally. You could gain a great deal of information from social interactions. Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 It may seem like people have lost their sensitivity today. Meanwhile, you're left feeling indecisive and unsure about which way to turn. Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 Your emotions may be dampened today, but don't let it get you down. To make the most of this day, it would behoove you to work with the energy. Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 There's a fast-paced frenzy to the day that might leave you feeling a bit left out. You may want to take things more slowly, yet the day's energy doesn't allow for hesitation or delay. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 This is an excellent day for you. People are on your wavelength more than usual. You might want to take a disciplined approach today.

lost to the weather, it was far from enough to save the tourists, who lost their last six wickets for 85 runs. They resumed in peril on 132 for four, still 127 runs short of making Australia bat again, on a pitch with cracks snaking at both ends of the wicket. Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow, who combined for a gallant 237-run partnership in the first innings, were tasked with the rescue mission but the England wicketkeeper was bowled for 14 on the first delivery he

Agricola and Grove to clash... From page 35 the penalty mark were required to decide who would have advanced to the final. Agricola’s experience made the difference as they scored twice through Andries and Calvin Bowling not requiring their third kick as Diamond Upsetters only managed one of their three kicks, Junior December being the scorer. The final whistle prompted scenes of celebrations from the Agricola Coaches and other supporters. Upsetters and Samatta Point will square off in the third place match tomorrow from 10:00hrs at the same venue which would be followed by the championship match between defending champions Agricola and Grove. The top four teams would be presented with participatory medals, while the top five individual players will be rewarded with backpacks and trophies; these are Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player and Most Promising Player. Each player in the competition received branded tee shirts as well as their coaching staff. Branded balls (EBFA logo) have also been used in each match while a special match ball would be used in the final.

faced. It was a delivery from Hazlewood that skidded low off a crack and clattered into off-stump, in a portent of a miserable afternoon for the tourists. Incoming batsman Moeen Ali was very nearly out four balls later, when he edged the same bowler just short of Smith in the slips. He was unable to capitalise on his reprieve, falling leg

before for 11, with fellow offspinner Nathan Lyon snaring his wicket for the fifth time in the series. Scores: Australia 9 for 662 dec (Smith 239, M Marsh 181, Khawaja 50, Anderson 4-116) beat England 403 (Malan 140, Bairstow 119, Stoneman 56, Starc 4-91, Hazlewood 3-92) and 218 (Vince 55, Malan 54, Hazlewood 5-48) by an innings and 41 runs.

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Tuesday December 19, 2017

Banks DIH Aqua & Powerade Christmas Noel and Scott smash records; Badminton Singles tournament concludes The Guyana Badminton Association The GBA is extremely delighted that Banks DIH Aqua Mist & Powerade Banks DIH made this tournament possible DSSC end 11th of 30 Clubs Christmas Badminton Tournament 2017 and would like to thank Mr. Carlton Joao and ASATT Invitational Swimming Championship 2017

The Dorado Speed Swim Club team to T&T 2017 The Dorado Speed Swim Club (DSSC) swimmers gained valuable experience competing at the annual Republic Bank Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad & Tobago (ASATT) Invitational Swim Meet hosted by the Marlins Swim Club at The Aquatic Center 10 lane 50 meter Indoor Championship Pool. Competition ended on Sunday and during the course of the 4-day Meet Guyanese swimmers made encouraging strides taking on very experienced and well trained swimmers. The Dorado Speed Swim Club, which was Guyana’s lone representative, ended 11th of 30-clubs with a 144 points; Tidal Wave Aquatics of T&T emerged as the best with 947 points. The records attained by the Guyanese swimmers are all unofficial as the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association has not verified records in a few years. Raekwon Noel set the record for the boys

11-12 800 free with his time of 10:28.74. (There is no previous Long-Course time for 11-12 boys). Noel’s 400 free time of 4:54.88 bettered Leon Seaton’s time of 4:59.38 set in March 2017. Daniel Scott had the best recorded boys 15-17 800m free time (9:57.95) and did 9:32.44 in this Meet. Scott had set a time of 2:09.90 at the Commonwealth Youth Games (July 2017) and did 2:07.73 in the Twin Island Republic, while Omar Adams had a time of 18:42.80 for the 1500 free (Dec 2015) but Scott set a new standard of 18:21.91. The Boys 9-10 quartet of Tyler Allicock, Elliott Gonsalves, Valdimir Woodroffe and Jason Allen competing in the 4x50 Medley Relay copped silver medal in 2:50.23. Scott also got silver in the 800m Freestyle with a time of 9:32.44 having entered the event with a time of 9:57.95. Clubs from Barbados, St. Lucia and Jamaica competed at the event.

concluded on Sunday last at the National Gymnasium. The Tournament which started on Friday 15th of December was played off in the Senior Open Men & Ladies Singles and Junior Boys Under-11, 15 & 17 Singles. On the final day of the competition, the Senior Open Men & Ladies Semi-Finals & Finals were played off. Pan American, Caribbean & National Champion Priyanna Ramdhani was allowed to play in the Men Singles due to lack of Competition in the Ladies and created havoc by taking out the Current National Champion Jonathan Mangra in the Semi-Finals. In the first game Jonathan won 21-9, while in the second game Priyanna came back with superb and skillful play to win at 21-11. In the third game Priyanna, who was covering the court exceptionally well, won the game at 21-5 after Jonathan conceded at 15-5 due to the lack of fitness. In the Other Men Semi-Final, Ronald Chang Yuen defeated Marlon Chung in straight sets: 21-14, 21-17. The Men Finals was then played between Priyanna Ramdhani and Ronald Chang Yuen with Priyanna taking the first game 21-10, Ronald took the second game at 21-10 and in the third game Priyanna who continued her aggressive performance lost to Ronald in a close finish at 21-19. In the Ladies Finals Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Shivannie Persaud: 21-6, 21-8. The Presentation was then made to the respective winners by Banks DIH Powerade Brand Manger Mr. Errol Nelson, who presented the trophies and haversacks.

all who supported. The Over-all results of the tournament are: Under-11 Boys: 1. Jonathan Debidin 2. Avinash Ramnarine 3. Ruel Rambirchie & Leron Ramascindo Under-11 Girls: 1. Mishka Beharry 2. Gianna Ramnarine Under-15 Boys: 1. Matthew Beharry 2. Vikash Mootoo 3. Omar Samad & Andrew Debidin Under-15 Girls: 1. Jayde Dasilva 2. Lesha Singh 3. Lethika Kendavel & Sarah Samad Under-17 Boys: 1. Tyrese Jeffrey 2. Akili Haynes 3. Isaac Mallampati & Rasheed January Under-17 Girls: 1. Priyanna Ramdhani 2. Sacha Parmanand 3. Ashley Escarraga & Priyanka Shivnauth Open Men: 1. Ronald Chang Yuen 2. Priyanna Ramdhani 3. Jonathan Mangra & Marlon Chung 4. Darrell Carpenay Open Ladies: 1. Priyanna Ramdhani 2. Shivannie Persaud 3. Ayanna Wickham-Watson & Emelia Ramdhani

M. Francis and Sons backs MSC street football in Region one

GDF Sergeant is latest One Star Boxing Referee Guyana Defence Force Staff Sergeant Lawrence Assanah has become the third Guyanese and first from the GDF to pass the AIBA One Star examination. Reports from St Lucia stated that the 36-year-old soldier was flawless in the practical and theoretical parts of the examination held during the just concluded Caribbean Boxing Championships in St Lucia. Assanah now joins Ramona Agard and Richard Braithwaite as Guyanese certified to wear the prestigious AIBA One Star badge. President of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle applauded Assanah’s new status and labeled it another critical piece in the sport’s development puzzle. “If our intention is to produce good boxers then it is most apposite that we have good coaches and referee/judges. Mr. Assanah is young, bright, dedicated and disciplined and has a very far way to go in the sport. His recent elevation among other things, underlines the fact that boxing is on the upward swing,”

Mr. Marcellus Francis (right) of M. Francis and Sons Variety Store presents the sponsorship cheque to President of MSC Sherlon Rodrigues.

Lawrence Assanah

Ninvalle declared. The GBA head thanked Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West for supporting Assanah’s travel to St Lucia. The Staff Sergeant is expected to showcase his new knowledge when he officiates in the Sons of Champions card to be staged on Boxing Day at the National Gymnasium.

M. Francis and Sons Variety Store of Kumaka Market, Mabaruma has supported the Matarkai Sports Committee (MSC) for the staging of its second annual male and female street football which is set for a December 26 kick off. Marcellus Francis proprietor of M. Francis and Sons Variety Store recently presented a cheque to President of MSC Sherlon Rodrigues. All matches are schedule to commence at 18:00hrs, while the finals are slated for January 1 at Oronoque Tarmac. Defending champion Citrus Grove FC, Matthews Ridge Gold Diggers, Matthews Ridge Sports Club, Arakaka FC, Oronoque FC, Pk United FC, Sebai, Invincible Talons FC and Five Star FC are the clubs set to battle for supremacy. Three schools are expected to

field an under 12 team for exhibition matches. Registration is presently ongoing and clubs are advice to call Mr. Kimtse Castello on 6702447 to uplift forms and sponsorships. Registration closes on December 20th and no late entries will be accepted. The launching of games will be done on December 22nd at Quincy’s Guinness Bar, Port Kaituma. The champion Male team will cart off $150,000 and a trophy, runner’s up $100,000 and third place $50,000. The female winner will pocket $100,000 and a trophy and second place $50,000. Admission to the venue is $300, while children under 12 will be admitted free, but will be asked to pay a fee of $500 for the finals where there will be lots of giveaways, games and meals for the entire family. Bullet Soundz will provide added entertainment.

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Tuesday December 19, 2017

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Presidents College bounce their way to Female Title; Mackenzie High claim Male Crown Titan Bowl VII

Mackenzie High receives Male champion’s trophy President’s College female team piped Marian Academy to championship honours when the V11 edition of the Titan Bowl Basketball Championship organized by Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) concluded on Sunday last at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The male segment of the competition was won by Mackenzie High School (MHS) which schooled Linden Technical Institute (LTI) in the final, 91-74. The female match saw President’s College edging Marian Academy 24-23. Leading the charge for the winners were

Banks Village Cup kicks off tonight at Victoria ground Football returns to the East Coast with the first round of the Banks Beer InterVillage Cup getting underway tonight at the Victoria Community Centre ground with a triple header. The Banks Beer Inter-Village Cup will see 16 teams from villages and communities on the East Coast and East Bank Demerara along with Georgetown going head to head for a total of $1.5 million in cash prizes. The winning community of this twoweek tournament that will conclude on Saturday, December 30th will pocket $800,000. The first match of the triple header begins at 18:00hrs and will feature Tiger Bay vs. Lilliendaal. The second match at 20:00hrs will pit Eastville against Mocha, while the feature match that kicks off at 22:00hrs, will see Sophia coming up against Plaisance. Legacy Promotional group is the body responsible for hosting the event with Banks DIH, under their Banks Beer brand, as the primary sponsor. The other playing dates for the tournament are December 21st, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 28th before the final. Apart from the winner’s purse of $800,000, the second place side will pocked $400,000, third place $200,000 and fourth place finishers, $100,000.

Annalisa Barclay who touched in 7 points while grabbing 5 rebounds, Roschelle Campbell supported with 6 points and a whopping 15 rebounds along with 3 steals. Despite the game high 19 points from Jada Mohan, who also grabbed 7 rebounds and 6 steals, Marian came up short when the time ran out on the clock. The male match-up, however, was by no means a close one as Mackenzie High blew away the challenge of their counterparts from LTI. In ripping form for the winners was Yannick Tappin who poured in the game high

44 points which was backed up by 6 assists and a similar amount of rebounds along with 8 steals. Kevlon Cadogan backed up with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Leon Benjamin had 13 points with 11 rebounds. The top markers for LTI were Jamal Gilkes with 18 points and 15 rebounds, Dillon Pellew - 14 points and 10 rebounds, while George Yearwood had 13 points. The tournament was sponsored by Bounty Ltd., Department of Youth and Sports, Real Value Supermarket, Go Invest and Banks DIH. Following are results from the semis and

earlier matches: Male Semi Final 1: Mackenzie High School-47 Kwakwani Secondary School-61 Yannick Tappin 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, Kobe Tappin 7 points, 8 Steals (MHS). Isaiah Hintzen 13 points, Daniel Houston 15 rebounds (KKS). Semi Final 2: Linden Technical Institute56 Plaisance Secondary -52 Ronaldo Pator 14 points, Daniel Lee 14 points, Dillon Pellew 12 points, 7 rebounds (LTI). Nigel Bowen 21 points, 27 rebounds, Andrew Johnson 13 points, Jared Sears 12 points (PSS). Earlier matches: Linden Technical Institute-65 Government Technical Institute45 Ronaldo Pator 17 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, Steals Jamal Gilkes 15points, 8 rebounds (LTI); Anton Fileen 16 points, 8 rebounds Darnel Hamer 15 points, 5 rebounds (GTI). Bishops High School-47 Plaisance Secondary-61 Shamar Payne 20 points, Andrew Johnson 17 points, Nigel Bowen 10 points, 20 rebounds (PSS); Roydon Glasgow 12 points, Tarikh Robinson 11 points Webster Mc Rae 10 points (BHS) Female Marians Academy-19 Mackenzie High School-7 Jada Mohan 11 points, 4 steals (Marian); Clifanna Hunter 5 points, 4 steals (MHS). St Rose’s High School- 24 Marian Academy-38 Anthony Yansen 10 points, 7rebounds Kwasi Roberts 7points, 7 rebounds (SRHS); Jether Harris 18 points, 10 rebounds Akili Haynes 11 points, 5 rebounds (Marian).

GCC overcome T and T U13

Georgetown Cricket Club U13 defeated a touring Trinidad and Tobago U13 team by five wickets yesterday at Bourda. Batting first, the visitors managed 68-8 with R. Ramnauth scoring 29. Darius Andrews claimed 4-11. GCC responded with 69-5 in 19 overs. Rivaldo Phillips got 21 and Zachery Jodah 16 not out. B. Williams had 3-5. Meanwhile the visiting team beat host Enterprise U13 in another fixture sponsored by Guyana Beverage Co. Inc. Enterprise U13 made 42 in 20 overs while the tourist replied with 41 without loss.

The visiting U13 team from Trinidad and Tobago

Tuesday December 19, 2017

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday December 19, 2017

UDFA/ 5 GT Beer year-end football Region 6 Regional Administration Botafago crush Hi Stars 4-1, Ward rewards young cyclists Panthers and Net Rockers play to 2-2 draw

REO Kim Stephens (right) presents the monetary donations to the Two cyclist Balram Narine and Shenika Teixeira as Coach Roberts looks on. Basking from their recent success in the cycling arena in Guyana, two young champion cyclists continue to be rewarded for their recent exploits. The two riders Balram Narine and Sheneika Teixeira, who hails from the Corentyne area, are both members of the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC). Narine is a student of the Skeldon Technical Institute, while Teixeira attends the Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary School. They were the most outstanding cyclists at the recently concluded National School Track and Field Athletics, Swimming and Cycling (Nationals) Championships which was held at Leonora, West Demerara and the National Park Circuit in Georgetown. The two young riders were recently rewarded by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 6, East Berbice, Corentyne when the RDC held its monthly statutory meeting in its board room at Vryman’s Erven New Amsterdam, Berbice. Doing the honours was Regional Executive Officer Kim Stephens who congratulated the riders on behalf of herself and the RDC on their recent success and wished them well in the future. She also had words of appreciation for founder and Coach

of the FACC Randolph Roberts and the work they have been doing over the years. Other councilors also used the opportunity to offers congratulations and words of appreciation. Roberts and the two cyclists expressed thanks to the members of the RDC for their kind gesture and promised to continue to do their best to not only make the district and region, but Guyana proud. Representing District Six, Corentyne in the Open category at the annual event, Narine scored three first and one third. He placed first in the 800M, 1000M and the grueling 40KM cycle road race. He copped third in the 1500M event. Narine also holds the record for the 800M cycle race which he set in 2015. Teixeira was even more outstanding on the distaff side as she copped five first, four in the cycling category. She first whipped her rivals in the 1500M, the 2000M, and the 3000M before returning to demolish her opponents in the female 25KM cycle road race in which she led a one, two, three for the Corentyne District. Teixeira also won gold in female Open Javelin event. The two cyclists’ exploits went a far way in helping District Six retain the cycling Championship. (Samuel Whyte)

GSCL Inc expresses condolences to Rai relatives The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc has expressed condolences to the family of the late Wolf’s Warriors Captain Amrit Rai. Rai passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) while receiving treatment following an incident that took place on Saturday night last at Met-en-Meer Zorg, West Coast Demerara. According to newspaper information, the incident took place following a dispute at an entertainment activity at Tarla Dam. Rai was among those attending to Premnauth Basdeo who was chopped on the head by an ex-policeman. Following the chopping, the expoliceman drove his mini bus into the crowd hitting Rai

Amrit Rai and several others who were rendering assistance. A release from the GSCL Inc stated that Rai was one of the country’s best softball players and will surely be missed. “We are deeply saddened at the tragic demise of one of our top players; his name will go surely down in the record books as one of

finest batsmen of his era. The Softball fraternity is in deep shock and this will be hard to overcome especially by those who followed him closely,” the release stated. Rai led Wolf’s Warriors to several major softball titles and was one of the finest Captains in the sport. He was a calm individual who always encourages his players to do their best. The release went on, “Rai has achieved a lot and had much more to offer to the sport but we pray that God gives his family strength to cop with this ordeal.” Rai last major tournament was the inaugural Prime Minister Cup that was held in October where he represented SCV All Stars of New York.

Botafago scorers Jashawn Moore, Jamal Haynes and Amar Jones. Net Rockers held Amelia’s Ward Panthers to a 2-2 draw to send the Panthers packing and Botafago downed Hi Stars of West Watooka out of the championship, as they made their debut in this year’s 5th GT Beer year end Christmas football championship which is organized by the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) on Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Play will now resume on Friday with another double header in crucial matches featuring Kwakwani Strikers, who lost their opening game to Topp XX, facing the reigning champions Silver Shattas who won their first game against Topp XX and the other will see Botafago facing Eagles United who also won their abrupt encounter, which they were leading with less than five minutes to go 1-0, when officials were forced to call off the game. Botafago first made their mark with a 4-1 crushing of Hi Stars as Jashawn Moore gave them an early lead in the 11th minute when he scored and teammate Jamal Haynes made it 20 as the first half concluded. Two minutes after play resumed the Stars shone through a goal by Jason Monah making

it a 2-1 lead for the Botafago side, but it soon was 3-1 when Haynes again netted in the 60th minute and the Amar Jones sealed the fate of Hi Stars when he scored in the 80th minute. The end result would be 4-1 for Botafago. The second game was competitive and Denzil Pryce would give the Rockers a 1-0 lead only to have it level through Panthers’ Matthew Whyte in the 37th minute. And the scores were tied 1-1 at lemon time. Clarence Huggins would give the lead back to Rockers in the 52nd minute for a 2-1 score and when it seemed they were looking like taking the game, the Ward would even things through Omalli Webb in the 80th minute. Fortunes favoured the Rockers side in the late stages of this game when an apparent ‘handled ball’ by their player in the box went unnoticed by the game officials and the match eventually ended 2-2, effectively knocking out the Ward side as the Rockers remain in contention for a place to the next round. On Friday two more matches are planned with Kwakwani Strikers facing Silver Shattas in one game and the other brings together Botafago against Eagles United.

Net Rockers scorers (from left) Denzil Pryce and Clarence Huggins.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 19, 2017

Pink Queens emerge champs;Lizzann Lavroux is MVP EBFA/RHTY&SC Female 5-A-Side

The East Bank Football Association (EBFA) in association with the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club on Sunday last held a one-day Female 5-A-Side football competition to encourage the development of the game in the association. Emerging as champs in the best of three matches were Pink Queens which blew away Green Queens two matches to nil. Led by hat-tricks each from sisters Latifah and Lizzann Lavroux, the Green Queens hammered Pink Queens 8-3 in the first match at the Kuru Kururu ground. Also scoring for the winners were Candace Fraser and Ronetta Grant. Pink Team scorers were Aalliyah Thomas, Shaniya Edwards and Nikita Winter. The second match saw the Pink Team taking first strike through a Nikita Winter goal but that advantage was eventually cancelled out in the second half through goals from Aaliyah David and Candace Fraser as the Green Team stormed to their second win to win the competition. Both teams were presented with trophies while each participating player also received a medal. Emerging as the Most Valuable Player of the day was Lizzann Lavroux who was presented with a brand new cycle, compliments of the day’s sponsor, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC). The EBFA is expressing thanks to the RHTY&SC for its partnership in supporting the development of women’s football while thanks is also being extended to all the players who came out and participated including the parents and coaches.

The respective Green and Pink Queens display their medals and trophies following the presentation ceremony in the presence of Coaches, Devnon Winter (right) and Owan Wills.

MVP Lizzann Lavroux (left) receives her cycle from EBFA Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Abigale Scott.

Hamilton Green birth anniversary 9-a-side football Fiesta on this Sunday Former Prime Minister, Hamilton Green, 83 rd birth anniversary interward/village 9-a-side football tournament is scheduled for one-day action at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground on Christmas eve day with matches kicking off at 12:00hrs sharp and concluding at 18:00hrs. Twelve teams will go head to head in the straight knockout contest and the first round matches are scheduled to be contested with the following match ups, Wales vs. Plaisance 12:00hrs, Bagotsville vs. Kuru Kururu 12:30hrs, Pouderoyen vs. Soesdyke 13:00hrs, Crane vs. Zeelugt 13:30hrs, Uitvlugt vs. Butxon Youth 14:00hrs and Den

Amstel vs. Sara Lodge 14:30hrs. The winner of one-day competition will pocket $50,000 and the championship trophy, while the runners up will receive $20,000 and a trophy. The winners of tournament will receive nine hampers from Ricks and Sari along with nine blankets from Food for the Poor. The highest goal scorer will receive a dinette table from China Trading and the runner up will receive a lazy boy chair from AH&L Kissoon. Other major sponsors of the event are Banks DIH limited, BK International and Bakewell. Admission to the venue will be $500 come match day.

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Tuesday December 19, 2017

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Agricola and Grove to clash in tomorrow’s final following semi final triumphs EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Grove Hi Tech and Samatta Point/Kaneville in action. Led by their most inspirational players, Jamal Cordis and Jonathan Andries with 10 and 7 goals respectively, Grove Hi Tech and defending champions Agricola Red Triangle will battle in the final of the second Ralph Green / East Bank Football Association Under-11 League/Knockout tournament tomorrow at the Grove Playfield. In yesterday’s semi finals, the defending champions were pushed all the way by debutants Diamond Upsetters and eventually booked their final spot via kicks from the penalty

Agricola Red Triangle and Diamond Upsetters during their semi final clash.

mark after coming back to tie the match at 1-1. Grove Hi Tech were also pushed to the hilt but came out victors in the end 1-0, thanks to their leading and the tournament’s leading goal scorer, Jamal Cordis who netted his 10th of the tournament in the 13th minute to seal their date with Agricola tomorrow. Diamond Upsetters, like Samatta Point/Kaneville, are debutants to EBFA competitions at the junior level and have both made an instant impact by reaching the final four.

It was Diamond which took the lead seven (7) minutes into the match thanks to an Abdullah Amin strike which silenced the Agricola team and supporters. Despite falling behind, the defending champions showed great heart in staying focused before firing back in the 19th minute through their leading goal scorer, Jonathan Andries. The remaining minutes of the 30-minute clash as well as extra time failed to produce see any more goals so kicks from Continued on page 25

rt o p S

Presidents College bounce their way to Female Title; Mackenzie High claim Male Crown Titan Bowl VII

President’s College Female Captain and MVP, Annalisa Barclay receives the winner’s trophy from Reyad Boyce.

Banks DIH Aqua & Powerade Christmas Badminton Singles tournament concludes

The respective winners along with officials of the association and Banks DIH take time out for a photo after the presentation. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.