Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
PREVALENCE OF CHILD LABOUR
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recent study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that child labour is prevalent in many countries, especially the developing ones, including Guyana, with high poverty and poor schooling opportunities. While the problem may not appear to be widespread here, there are instances of children engaged in child labour that should be highlighted. While there is no accurate data on the number of children affected by child labour in the country, due to its remote areas, it is estimated that approximately 3.3 percent of our school population are working children. They may be involved in domestic work, agriculture farming, mining, fishing, forestry, livestock, production and sale, garbage scavenging, commercial sexual exploitation and illicit activities including crime, the illegal sale of drugs and gang warfare. Child Labour is a pervasive issue worldwide. Children work for a variety of reasons, the main being poverty, and the induced pressure to escape it has subjected them to a life of exploitation that has stymied their development. In other words, children work not only for their own survival, but also to help support their families, most of whom are poor. Child Labour abuses the right of children, robs them of their childhood, dignity and potential. It interferes with their ability to attend school and impairs their mental, social, physical and psychological development. It is dangerous and exploitative. In its most extreme forms, child labour involves children being enslaved, separated from their families, and exposed to serious health hazards and illnesses, and who are left to fend for themselves on the streets often at a very young age. Child Labour may result in a plethora of economic and social issues that could be costly to the country. They include accidents and injuries at the workplace and the sexual abuse and exploitation of girls, which often causes unwanted pregnancies, risky abortions, sexual transmitted diseases, alcoholism, abuse of illegal substances and social exclusion. In its pursuit to eradicate child Labour by 2025, the current government, unlike its predecessor, has made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour in the country. It has reorganized the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and has established a National Action Plan and Policy on Child Labour. It has enacted a policy to address the most vulnerable areas of the country that are disproportionately affected by child Labour and has enacted laws to arrest and charge the perpetrators who prey on the vulnerabilities of children. Despite these efforts, the scourge continues, because the process of enforcing the legislation seems very difficult, especially in the hinterland areas. However, the government has reassured the public of its commitment to eradicate child labour and has promised to work with all stakeholders to effectively accelerate progress. Unfortunately, a report issued by the U.S. State Department states that while Guyana has made some strides in eradicating child labour, it does not yet have a comprehensive policy to tackle the problem or social programmes to fully address the extent of it. The report also cited a series of gaps in the legislation which do not fully protect children, such as the lack of properly trained law enforcement personnel and agencies, as well as insufficient funds to enforce the laws. That said, Guyana is not the only country grappling with child Labour. The UN estimates that there are more than 300 million children - ages seven to 16 years old - involved in child labour in various parts of the world, with SubSaharan Africa accounting for almost 50 percent of it.
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.
“We are not buying your ‘Doom and Gloom’ Sermon Dr. Jagdeo” DEAR EDITOR, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, was the guest speaker at Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gala on December 12, 2018. He posited that “the comments from Government camp about G u y a n a ’s e c o n o m y benefiting immediately post oil production is misleading”. (SIC) Jagdeo, instead of encouraging the GCCI about how Guyanese Businesses can benefit from the other businesses that will emerge due to the new oil industry, decided to go on a political rant, preaching Doom and Gloom as is usual for the opposition leader. Let me help you to understand, Oh Doctor of Doom. Guyanese will benefit from the Oil Industry directly and indirectly. Indirectly as, more persons will migrate to Guyana as the word is spreading that
Guyana is the “ Dubai of South America”, which means more houses to sell and rent, more need for transportation, groceries, clothing, shoes, etc. Every other industry will benefit directly and multiply in sales as all of the new immigrants will need services. The Doctor of Doom is being singled out in this l e t t e r, b e c a u s e , w h i l e everyone is hopeful and repositioning themselves for the direct and indirect benefits of oil, he is the only person preaching Doom and Gloom. While tomorrow is promised to no man, I can only pray that he lives long enough to see the prosperity of this nation. At the GCCI gala he further stated that US$300 million coming in per year is nothing. Let us take a moment to do some calculations; US$300 million when converted
becomes GY$60 billion. Sixty Billion Guyana Dollars is approximately 1/5 (onefifth) of Guyana’s 2019 budget. He further remarked, “Even the oil companies, because they talk to me too…” We are well aware of his talks with the oil company. As a matter of fact, His administration negotiated the worst oil contract in the Western hemisphere. Let’s not forget the current administration had hell to renegotiate the oil contract. If one isn’t pleased with the current ExxonMobil oil contract with Government of Guyana and its People, imagine how much more displeased you would have been had the oil contract remained the way it was negotiated under Mr. Jagdeo and his previous administration. One should ask the question, why is Jagdeo
painting such a bleak picture? Does he have such moral authority? What are Jagdeo’s true motives? Let me answer all of those questions that I previously asked. Let’s look at Jagdeo’s pension package:- Jagdeo’s pension package cost the state no less than GY$3 million per month. Please note that many of his benefits are uncapped meaning that they are limitless. From December 2011 to February 2014 Jagdeo’s total electricity bill amounted to $9,875,680; the transportation cost was $15,220,748; while security cost $20,321,520. This massive expenditure which is paid for using our tax dollars and was made a law by Jagdeo himself in 2009, via the Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Bill, which he assented to. Jagdeo’s GY$36 million (Continued on page 6)
The Caribbean Voice is very active DEAR EDITOR, Contrary to rumors being peddled in some quarters in Guyana, The Caribbean Voice is very active. This month alone we had a community mental health workshop at Yakusari, Black Bush Polder and two students’ workshops at a high needs high school at Ash Youth Developers Education Learning Institute, Vigilance, ECD. In recognition of the need to maximize impact and ensure positive results, all workshops going forward, will be followed up with ongoing work over a longer period of time. Later this month, we have an interaction with parents. This would be followed up with a series of teachers’ workshops, and ongoing programmes for parents and students at the same school. In the same vein early in the New Year we will have a mental health intervention at Yakusari to determine needs and to work with other stakeholders to meet those needs. Our advocacy and information dissemination continues with letters and articles published in newspapers and online and interviews with broadcast media. And our seven social media pages continue to garner thousands of views daily, extending our reach g lo b ally an d en ab lin g
beneficial interactions and collaboration. This month we are conducting another of our surveys in Guyana, our fifth so far. Meanwhile plans are afoot to launch broadcast media programs in Guyana in the new year as well as online webinars and instructional/learning videos. We continue to build collaboration. Recently we had meetings with Ministry of
Social Protection, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Women and Gender Equality Commission. As a result, we participated in a forum at UG on gender-based violence and another one at the Regency Suites, both organized by the Women and Gender Equality Commission. The Ministry of Social Protection has invited us to participate in its two weekly radio programmes. And we will be
collaborating with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha with respect to their upcoming anti-bullying and sexual abuse/teenage pregnancy campaigns. Furthermore, we have been invited by USAID to attend and participate in a conference on Caribbean Youth Violence in Guyana next month and by the International Association for Suicide Prevention to attend and participate in a suicide (Continued on page 6)
Those appointments leave some questions Dear Editor, I refer to your report of December 13, 2018 entitled “No interest in top post at Finance Ministry -Finance Secretary, deputy hired”. It was reported therein that the vacancy for the position of Deputy Finance Secretary was advertised in two newspapers, the Stabroek News and the Guyana Chronicle. It is public knowledge that Kaieteur News is the most circulated local newspaper. The Ministry of Finance may therefore wish to explain why it opted not to advertise the post in this newspaper given its popular circulation and which would have allowed the advertisement to be seen by more prospective candidates. The report also stated that the response to the vacancy
for Deputy Finance Secretary was very competitive and that persons were interviewed by a panel of persons. It did not however list the names of the persons on the panel in order for the public to judge whether the panel was balanced. How then is the public to be satisfied that the process was fully fair and that those shortlisted emerged from such a process? In respect to the position of Finance Secretary, it was simply stated that this appointment was made by the President. In other words, the person was handpicked. B u t o n w h o s e recommendation and how was this recommendation arrived at? Did the President know the individual personally or was his name
chosen based on recommendations made, and if so, by whom? The Fiscal Management and Accountability Act does not mandate that the President has to appoint the Finance Secretary and therefore there was no barrier to a competitive process to this most important position within the Ministry of Finance. Why were applications not invited for this position? The article makes only fleeting reference to the experience of the Deputy Finance Secretary. It says that he is not unknown within the private sector. But are this individual and his s u p e r i o r, t h e F i n a n c e Secretary, considered versed in government accounting procedures? Just asking! Name withheld
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Nagamootoo’s comments reek of audacity DEAR EDITOR, Kaieteur News columnist, Freddie Kissoon did some thought provoking and analytical columns of the L.G.E results and correctly pointed to reasons for the A.F.C’s dismal performance at these elections. In one of his columns, “Moses’ Masaramus; Nagamootoo Nagaika”, Kissson pointed to the silence of the A.F.C. leaders on the L.G.E. results, ‘The adumbrations I was waiting on were the Kaieteur News A.F.C column and Nagamootoo’s Sunday Chronicle item. Both avoided mention of the A.F.C showing”. Well. Nagamootoo finally conjured up the testicular courage to reply. The columns of A.F.C elder statesman, in the Chronicle over the past two Sundays, are, to say the least, repugnant. They reek of audacity and arrogance in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary as provided by Kissoon and others, especially Gecom. Nagamootoo, in his column of December 9, (Figures, Fiction and Facts), put a clever spin to the L.G.E results. He claimed, “As a result (of the 13% in Whim), the A.F.C. made an historic inroad
into a P.P.P. base...: He added that with the 13% in Whim, “the A.F.C. is not dead meat.” Nagamootoo added, “In each of these two constituencies (in Whim), the votes were greater than the 20 backers who supported the candidates. But the opposition, and a few others who ought to know better, continue to pour scorn on the defiant and rebellious voters.” Really Moses! As a Prime Minister, is this the best you can do? The Whim voters are defiant and rebellious? This doesn’t look like many more than the backers! I hope Nagamootoo does not include Kissoon in his “a few others who ought to know better,” because Kissoon is more than capable of answering Nagamootoo. Nagamootoo cleverly and deviously noted that the P.P.P actually got 21% (of 572,531 eligible voters) . Well Nagamootoo, of numbers who voted, 208,534, the P.P.P. got 61%, A.P.N.U, 34% and A.F.C. 4%. These figures are from GECOM! Deal with the figures that represented those who voted! I am disappointed in the performance of Nagamootoo and the A.F.C. since they
came into Government. He must have the testicular fortitude to admit that this miserable performance is the reason for the A.F.C. election debacle. In my opinion, Nagamootoo is more of a shadow Prime Minister and his party is not a viable third force. In this week’s column, “Countdown To Christmas ( December 16), Nagamootoo takes a swipe at the opposition leader, with an obvious reference to the latter as the Grinch who wants to steal Christmas. Nagamootoo noted, “I re-looked the headline news this year and noticed that our Mr. Grinch was hard at work then to spread ‘doom and gloom’. I saw a similar story in yesterday’s Chronicle, captioned, “Harmon slams Jagdeo’s doom and gloom.” I hold no brief for the opposition leader but I have a question for the Honourable Prime Minister: Who is the Grinch which stole the Christmas of the children of all sugar workers when the latter had their bread taken from them with no alternative plans for employment? Yours faithfully, Mahindra Persaud
THIS LAWYER’S CONDUCT WAS REPREHENSIBLE DEAR EDITOR, I read with great shock both in the Stabroek News and in the Kaieteur News that James Bond, a lawyer, has offered money to the parents of the two boys who were struck down on the Annandale Public Road by some Chinese, who cannot yet be located. One of the young men died and the other is critical in hospital. Based upon what I read in the newspapers, Mr. Bond, on behalf of the Chinese Association, offered $1.9M to the parents to settle the matters. The parents said that Mr. Bond was in the company of a Chinese woman, who obviously knows the whereabouts of the driver. I do not know what quality of lawyer Mr. Bond is, but
what I do know, is that his conduct is highly reprehensible and also illegal. As a lawyer, one would expect that Mr. Bond is familiar with criminal offences, such as, perverting the course of justice. Mr. Bond has a duty as a citizen to assist the police in their investigations to locate the driver. He should be taking the Chinese woman to the police station to provide the police with information regarding the whereabouts of the driver. Instead, he chose to take the woman to the home of the parents of the victims with a view of paying them off in order to compromise the criminal justice system from taking its lawful course. This is one of the most
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serious criminal offences. It is akin to bribing a witness not to give evidence in a case. Only recently, a lawyer was charged for doing so in Berbice. The police and the DPP must take action against Mr. Bond to send a clear message that serious criminal offences cannot be settled in this manner. If not the entire criminal justice system will break down and the rich will commit crimes with impunity because they can afford to pay off the poor victims. Regards, Jairam Seetaram
Don’t criticize the purveyors of gloom and doom DEAR EDITOR, There has been a quiet campaign to paint those who are critical of the APNU+AFC administration as purveyors of ‘doom and gloom’. This was further encouraged by the use of those words by outgoing US Ambassador Perry Holloway. As a frequent critic of the administration I would like to ask those who express such sentiments what else can one do in the face of such incompetence? The APNU+AFC is our elected government, they make decisions that affect our daily lives and the nation’s future. We can hold hands and sing Kumbaya as the boat goes over the waterfall or we can be vigilant and strident in warning our captain that there is danger ahead. The alternative is to follow Mr. Holloway to America. Editor, here are two examples of why one has to be vigilant; the announcement of construction of a new ‘state of the art’ abattoir to solve our foreign beef import problems was announced by the
Minister of Agriculture. Missing in the announcement was any detail of the size of our beef import bill, the amount of cattle available for slaughter that are not being serviced presently and any evidence of a need for such a facility. It is the absence of supporting information that continues to drive criticism, are we building the slaughterhouse before we build the herds? This may well be the policy and if so it would be helpful to know. Dadanawa The largest ranch in the Rupununi, is said to have a stock of 3000 cattle well down from its 27,000 in the 1970’s and Parara, home to 5000 at that time is home to none. APNU+AFC seem to be building a solution to a problem that does not exist and in anticipation of an imaginary need. The second example is one of Chickens coming home to roost, we have all heard of the possibility of a natural gas power plant with the stated delay being the location. ExxonMobil has com-
pleted its work and is ready to begin construction of the plant. The real holdup is lack of a local company to build it. ExxonMobil is insisting on Local Content and the company that would have been capable of building such a plant, the local Wartsilla Company, was gutted of employees by Minister Patterson in a de facto takeover and is no longer functional. So the shortsighted move to take the GPL maintenance contract from a private company has now backfired and our nation has to bear the consequence of the delay. Editor, the instances of wastage and corrupt practices are well documented because citizens are willing to stand up and speak out. Citizens have a choice of wearing the tag of ‘doom and gloom’ as a badge of honor in a time of great mismanagement or we can all start a chorus of “Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya, Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya”. Respectfully Robin Singh
RECONSIDER THE CLOSURE OF THE SUGAR ESTATES
DEAR EDITOR, The public spat between the Guyana Sugar Corporation and the Special Projects Unit would have been something of a comedy were it not for the serious implications it could have on the level of efficiency and morale of Senior Staff of GUYSUCO. GUYSUCO still remains the single largest employer in Guyana despite its downsizing. It continues to play a vital role in the economic life of the country. The fact that the Corporation has exceeded its projected target, albeit modest, is indicative of the fact that workers’ morale at all levels continue to be high despite the ill-fated decision by the current APNU-AFC Govern-
ment to close down several of the productive sugar estates including the flagship Skeldon Estate. The current spat between Guysuco and the SPU is symptomatic of deeper divisions between important agencies of the government and points in the direction of an emerging governance crisis. It is not too late for the government to reconsider its decision to close down the sugar estates, taking into account the prospects of sugar in the world market and the enormous potential for subsidiary operations including cogeneration and ethanol production. Hydar Ally
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Photographing President Granger during his Illness DEAR EDITOR, Stabroek News on December 12, 2018, along with the Guyana Chronicle; published a photograph released by The Ministry of the Presidency, showing a picture of President Granger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, on the President’s return from Cuba. During his stay in Cuba he underwent medical treatment. Guyana Times and Kaieteur News on the same date, used another photograph of the President that was much more appropriate and reflected the commanding posture and image of our President. Showing the President with a surgical cat mask over his mouth, clearly not in the best of health, projecting a state of frailty, with his cloths looking oversized - all due to the NonHodgkin’s lymphoma cancer that he has been diagnosed with, and subsequent chemotherapy treatment is unacceptable and wholly
unnecessary. President Granger has always presented himself to the Guyanese Public in elegantly fashionable and impeccably stylish attire, without being ostentatious. It is beyond comprehension, why the Ministry of the Presidency would allow President Granger to be photographed, while wearing the mask and clearly not in the best of health. It submerges rational thinking to justify taking such a photograph, and moreover, publishing the image. There are many pictures that could be used that reflect President Granger accomplished style of dressing, his look of leadership and his position as President of Guyana. Hopefully, we will not see such a picture or similar snapshots of President Granger ever again, in any of our major daily newspapers. Nigel Hinds
Downsizing was not the answer DEAR EDITOR Let us be clear about one thing. When Guyana produces sugar at US$770 per tonne and world market price is about US$270 per tonne then Guyana’s sugar is just not competitive on the world market. Yet, to “downsize” the industry was not the answer as it put too many people on the breadline. What the APNU+AFC Government of President David Granger could have done is to go on a fact finding mission to find out why and where sugar is being produced at world market prices and utilize that knowledge of how this is being achieved. When industries are not profitable you need to work to make them profitable not sack
people thereby reducing productivity which exacerbate the problems in the industry and the country.What will happen now is that the sugar industry is going to have to be closed down totally because I do not see how with lower sugar production Guysuco will be able to service its debts. Sugar workers need to make preparations for this eventuality.There was no need to “downsize” the sugar industry. What the Government should have down is what its own COI into the industry recommended; investment into the sugar industry to lower production costs and increase productivity. Yours Faithfully Sean Ori
The Caribbean Voice is very active From page 4 prevention conference in Trinidad in May. Recently, we worked along with other members of Voices Against Violence (comprising over 50 NGOs and a number of social activists) too, for the first time, spearhead speak outs to mark the Annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, which is observed globally from November 25 to December 10.
This effort was well supported by and mentioned in the media many times including in two different editorials and will now become an annual initiative. We have one speak out video attracting attention on social media with others will soon follow. In collaboration with other members of Voices Against Violence, we continue to provide or source counseling
for victims of abuse, those who are suicidal and those who are depressed or need counseling for whatever reasons. Over the last couple of months quite a number of cases have been handled in various parts of Guyana, with many individuals and organizations joining hands to bring help to those in need. In this respect we will be creating/launching an app to enable persons anywhere in Guyana to quickly and easily reach out for assistance. Finally we again repeat that for TCV social activism is not a competition. We applaud all entities working on this landscape as each brings additional support and enlightenment with the end result being saving lives and empowering people. Sincerely The Caribbean Voice
Wednesday December 19, 2018
The Canada-based Guyanese love the budget DEAR EDITOR, The Guyanese Canadian diaspora is extremely pleased to see that the recent $300 billion 2019 budget presented by the APNU+ AFC government was pro-people in every sense. The direction of the budget shows the government’s focus on investing in our people and developing much needed infrastructure throughout Guyana. The small number of whiners who yell of doom and gloom are people who are panicking that they will be left out of the new energy economy, now one year away. I want to tell them that they will not be left out at all. The new energy economy will be around for the next forty-plus years and will be so huge that no one political party whether in power or in opposition, will be able to control the people to people networking which
will service this new economy. This people network will be local and fast growing and it will benefit every Guyanese with a better life. There are no politicians from any party who are conspiring which sections of Guyanese will get to benefit. That would be an absolutely impossible task akin to trying to fly by stretching your arms out. There is only political competition to govern 750,000 people and manage billions of US dollars in annual revenues for decades. The APNU+AFC coalition will win the 2020 elections handily. The APNU+ AFC government has the best economic intelligence and political maturity to manage Guyana’s new oil and gas economy for decades for the exclusive benefit of every Guyanese. However, logic dictates that the APNU+AFC govern-
ment and the opposition will coexist respectfully in this great new wealth condition and they will work together to co-manage the development of the country for the benefit of the people. The realities of local content are not waiting to exist because locals need to see a policy paper, but rather, it is already happening among Guyanese across the nation. The one people, one nation motto has never been so accurate. I have never met a Guyanese who did not have valuable opinion or a wise idea. A nation born under the burden of slavery is rising to take its rightful place in the world . There is no doom, there is no gloom. Those with poisoned arrows will not find a bow. Alan Zaakir PNCR Central Toronto Chapter, Canada.
“We are not buying your ‘Doom... From page 4 (US$180,000 a year ( US$15,000 per month) pension package as stated before includes uncapped benefits, which exceeds that of many other Caribbean former Presidents whose economies are bigger than Guyana’s. Barrack Obama’s pension package is worth GY$41,560,000 (US$207,800.) per year– US$17,316 per month. The size of United States Economy is US$20Trillion. The size of Guyana’s economy is US$12 Billion. While Old age pension was US$45 when he left office, his pension package remains US$15,000 per month. Look at Jagdeo’s Pension in comparison to Obama’s pension. Do we need an economist to tell us that something is wrong with this picture? Under his watch The Phantom Gang headed by Saheed Roger Khan killed over 400 Guyanese men extraJudicial Style. We have not forgotten how under his watch, he refused to let the
United States Drug Enforcement Agency set up office in Guyana as Guyana’s economy was clearly divided in two—the ‘Real Economy’ and the ‘Underworld Economy’ which was openly run by the nefarious activities of organized crime and money laundering syndicates. It’s under his watch that G$20 Billion was found passing through former Permanent Secretary of Office of the President, Omar Shariff ’s various bank accounts. Is this the man that is lecturing us about our economy? Based on these facts I have concluded along with many other Guyanese, that Jagdeo does not have the moral authority to lecture the Guyanese people about the economy or anything else for that matter. Mr. Jadgeo, Guyana is no perfect country but no one in his right mind is buying your “doom and gloom” rhetoric. You are preaching this sermon everywhere that you go but our days for ‘doom and
gloom’ are behind us. A new day dawns in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and all of the citizens and expatriates who have chosen to take up residence in Guyana, rather returning to their homeland, are seeing it. As a Guyanese Citizen by birth, I would conclude that your actions, including how you have plundered our treasury and resolutely refuse to pay any tax, have proven that you lack even a small amount of Patriotism. Recently the US oil giant announced its 10th discovery, reinforcing the country’s potential to be able to produce more than 750,000 barrels of oil daily by 2025.In the words of Outgoing, United States Ambassador Perry Holloway, “In spite of all the angst and uncertainty, Guyana’s future looks brighter now than ever before.” “This discovery of oil offshore is a really big, big, big deal and everyone needs to take it seriously and get smarter on the issue”. Joseph Singh (PH.DBA)
Wednesday December 19, 2018
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Traditional sectors to exceed 5 percent growth in 2020 and beyond - Finance Minister By Kiana Wilburg With the coming of oil, Guyana’s economy is poised to undergo a series of structural changes. According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, key among them will be the accelerated growth of the nation’s traditional sectors. The Minister said that in 2020, the real economy is projected to grow by over 30 percent, and, as oil production ramps up, Government expects further growth of over 20 percent and 10 percent in 2021 and 2022, respectively. At the same time, Jordan said that the non-petroleum economy is expected to experience accelerated growth, exceeding five percent in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. As the government prepares for the unprecedented growth oil will bring, Jordan noted that the government will be comparing the overall growth of the economy to non-petroleum growth. He said, “Through this new lens, we will be able to track our progress towards achieving a more diversified economic base that allows for stable economic growth and continued prosperity, long after our petroleum reserves have been depleted.” Further to this, the Finance Minister said that the discovery of the very significant oil reserves has put Guyana at a critical point in its history as it provides the nation with the opportunity to shift its development path, modernize the economy and transform the lives of citizens. “We are poised for rapid economic expansion, and our Government is committed to pursuing economic and social policies conducive to equitable, sustainable and environmentally-friendly growth. We have embarked on a number of initiatives to ensure
that we do not squander these resources.” On that note, the Finance Minister reminded that the Government has completed a Green Paper on the management of the revenues from petroleum and, just a few weeks ago; the Natural Resource Fund Bill was introduced in the National Assembly. “These new resources provide a momentous occasion for us to turn potential to prosperity. We intend to take advantage of this and will ramp up spending on infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airstrips, energy and telecommunications, in order to improve and induce domestic and foreign investment, which is critical to our growth and development prospects,” Jordan said. He added, “Increased expenditure on education and healthcare is also projected, so as to ensure qualitative and quantitative enhancement of our human capital – our country‘s most valuable asset. Further, through appropriate policy measures, we will ensure that the appreciable economic growth that is expected is felt at all levels, especially among disadvantaged, vulnerable and under-
privileged groups and communities.” DRASTIC STRUCTURAL CHANGES Even though the Finance Minister notes the Government’s intention to safeguard the looming oil wealth, there are still some key structural adjustments which remain outstanding. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is one of the many agencies which has spoken at length on this matter. The regulatory body pointed out that Guyana still needs to modernize revenue administration and strengthen public financial management capacity ahead of oil production. One of the IMF recommendations to the local authorities last year, specifically the Natural Resources Ministry, was to ensure the establishment of a Cost Recovery Committee. It emphasized that this is necessary so that the government can be equipped to begin auditing bills submitted by the oil and gas operator. But this is far from being in place. The International Monetary Fund also called on the Government to review the nation’s accounting systems,
which is usually referred to as the Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System. Further to this, the Fund said that the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) attached to the Ministry of Finance should be tasked with the responsibility of undertaking such an analysis. The IMF said that while the Department will take into consideration the functionality of IFMAS, it should also determine the gaps and developments needed to be ready for recording and reporting of petroleum revenues. Critically, the Fund said it will be essential that treasury reforms are coordinated with those of the budget process. In this regard, the international body said that in the future, the Office of Budget is likely to update a budget classification system to cater to the petroleum revenue that would be flowing into the economy. The IMF noted that the Accountant General also needs to align its chart of accounts with the revised budget classification. At critical parts of the medium-term planning process, the Fund said that key decisions will require
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan the AGD’s inputs, therefore necessitating the Department to adapt from an annual to a medium-term mode of operations in line with budget execution. “For example, it is important to decide how to show the (medium term) in- and outflows from the Natural Resource Fund in the budget documents as well as in the regular financial reports. The IMF has also identi-
fied a number of weaknesses, which exist within the tax systems of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). But GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, has assured that the entity is working to correct these deficiencies. He noted however that sweeping changes will not happen overnight. Statia said that it can take up to three years for GRA to smooth out the kinks in its systems.
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Jagdeo dodges questions on PPP’s hijacking of NIS At his most recent press conference, former President Bharrat Jagdeo skirted questions regarding how the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) regime had usurped the decision making responsibilities of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). A forensic audit carried out under the coalition government noted, among other things, that the PPP/C cabinet made all decisions on major investments to be made, then passed on those decisions to the Board. This was done in violation of the NIS Act. When asked about this at his press conference on Monday, Jagdeo said, “Who did the forensic audit again? I am not commenting on these forensic audits. Anand Goolsarran went into the Ministry of Finance and handpicked which one he wanted.” Jagdeo continued, “I don’t, I don’t… I don’t know. I cannot comment in a technical way because I have not read it.” However, while he chose not to comment on the usurping of responsibilities, Jagdeo was keen to speak about the investment NIS made in CLICO. Jagdeo said he hears lots of talk about the CLICO investment “and it is not a loss, the money is not lost. We guaranteed the repayment and that is why the money from the sale of CRL and from the escrowing of the money
through Bosai should be used to take care of all of NIS investment in CLICO without recourse to the Treasury, tax payers’ money.” Jagdeo continued, “They do not give that complex explanation, you just hear ‘oh we invested X amount of money in CLICO.’ But we made it clear since our time that you (NIS) are going to get back your money but at face value. You are going to lose a bit on the interest and that is why we moved to secure those assets. Now is the time to use the proceeds to retire all of these debts.” Be that as it may, auditors noted that the NIS Board used to be chaired by the Cabinet Secretary to the previous government, Dr. Roger Luncheon, and that none of the members of the Board had any actuarial or insurance background, except for the General M a n a g e r . Further, the document stated that the members had no real say, especially when it came to investments. The document stated, “In fact, many of the members had served on the Board for many years, but when the minutes of the BODs (Board of Directors) for the last four years were reviewed, they confirmed that critical decisions, in particular those for investments, were made by the Cabinet and not the Board.” This is in contradiction to the Act that is supposed to govern NIS. The NIS Act provides
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo guidance on how the Board of Directors should be appointed and regulates its proceedings. In determining how independent the BODs were, those who carried out the review examined the Act and made several references. It was pointed out that Section 3 (2) of the Act states: “The Board shall consist of the following members, namely: A Chairman who shall be appointed by the Minister; the General Manager of the Board, Ex-officio, who shall be the Deputy Chairman; and seven other members appointed by the Minister from among other persons appearing to him to be qualified of having experience of and
shown capacity in, such matters which he considers will be beneficial to the Board.”
Then, Section 9 of the NIS Act states, “Subject to the provision of this Act, the board has the power to regulate its own proceedings.” Further, there was a review of the Board minutes for the years 2011 to 2015. During the review, several instances were noted where the Chairman reported Cabinet’s decision, which were accepted. Even further, the Minutes did not record any discussions, objections or alternatives to these decisions. In this regard, examples were given. The minutes of the 448th meeting of the Board held on July 20, 2012, recorded that the General Manager informed the Board that Cabinet made a decision for the Scheme to purchase a property in Paramaribo, Suriname for €535,000. There was no evidence that the Board had deliberated
before making this investment nor was there any evidence that a feasibility study was done to determine whether the price paid was consistent with the value of the property. An appraisal was subsequently done dated 20/12/ 2013 in which it stated that the voluntary sales value of the property was €670,000. Also, the minutes of the 445th meeting recorded that the Chairman informed directors that approval was given by Cabinet for the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited to sell 950,000 preference shares held in the Berbice Bridge Company Inc to NIS at par value.It was found that the Cabinet decision was countenanced by Directors. In effect, directors made no attempt to determine whether the investment was in the best interest of the scheme.
Small Business Bureau lent over $1B in four years
The Small Business Bureau (SBB) said it has been able to facilitate the disbursement of some $1Billion in loans over the last four years. While the entity does not provide loans, it assists its clients in accessing funds from the commercial banks. SBB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Lowell Porter told a year-end press conference yesterday morning, that since 2014, the organisation
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Small Business Bureau (SBB), Dr. Lowell Porter has been able to assist many of its clients in accessing funds from the financial institutions. “The SBB does not lend
money, we do not have a lending programme and there are only two commercial banks in Guyana that support (Continued on page 30)
Wednesday December 19, 2018
K
aieteur News has been consistently expressing grave concerns about whether Guyana is obtaining value for money in relation to the airport expansion project. It is assumed that at the end of every engineering project, the consultant engineer would sign off on the project, indicating whether the work was done according to the stipulated specifications. But does the same happen in relation to value for money.
How does one know that the country has gained value for money from the contractors? How does one know if the country has been shortchanged? Kaieteur News reported the following in September this year: “Instead of a brandnew terminal building, CHEC [the contractor] has basically gutted the old one and made some extensions. It will be the new departure area. Nearby, a smaller building will house the Arrivals terminal. There were
supposed to be at least six passenger bridges. Currently, there are only two bridges.” Two additional bridges have been imported, but this is still two short of the originally planned six bridges. Even Bharrat Jagdeo, the Leader of the Opposition, whose government conceived this project, expressed his concern, promising that if the PPPC returns to power there will be a ‘value for money’ audit. The government, however, says
DEM BOYS SEH Magistrate send home Trini who kidnap eeself Two people going to court today. One of dem is a MP and dem boys don’t mean Music Player. He is a Member of Parliament. A woman seh he cuff she pun she breast. De police who investigate de matter had a hard time writing de charge because de MP deny that de woman got breast. He seh he might a knock she pun she chest. De woman get charge too. She get charge fuh kicking him between he legs wheh all men got wha cricketers does play wid. She also refuting his claim because she seh he ain’t got wha man got between dem legs. Dem boys seh de mag-
istrate will have a very difficult time convicting any one of dem especially when dem claim this one ain’t got any of de two ‘Bs’. Dem boys hope that this case don’t end up before de same magistrate who try de case wid de Trini who come to Guyana and kidnap heself. Throughout de trial de Trini was on bail and could not leave Guyana. Dem boys seh something funny happen because as soon as de magistrate find that de Trini could be guilty of de crime of kidnapping heself, she tell him he can travel to Trinidad fuh Christmas. Dem boys find it very strange and very funny. People tell dem boys this is
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not something normal. De magistrate signal to de Trini that jail in de making then she tell he go home to Trinidad. Dem boys want ask de magistrate if she expect him to comeback knowing that he is not a witness to a crime, and that he did not commit a crime against anybody. Is just de state accusing him of committing a crime against himself. Suh who would go home to dem country and come back to go to jail when dem is de only witness, de accused and de victim? That is a question dem boys want de magistrate to answer.Talk half and dem boys hear de Trini smiling in Trinidad fuh Christmas.
that it is obtaining ‘value for money’. The APNU+AFC coalition, when in opposition, had expressed reservations about the project. The then opposition was even accused of sabotaging the project through budgetary cuts in 2013 and 214 when it held a one-seat majority in the National Assembly. But when it came into office, the coalition proceeded full speed with it. The project costs have since escalated, with the government providing the baffling explanation that the additional funds which it voted for the project were to cover increased expenses due to a rise in material costs as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. Conflicting rationales were provided for the project. One PPPC Minister claimed that the project was decided on because a Chinese Vice President came through the region waving a lot of money. But it was later contended that the project was
necessary in order to cater for large aircraft and for the more than 40% increase in passenger movement at the original terminal in the first decade of the millennium. Kaieteur News is now reporting that the project does not include the construction of a new car park, an absolute necessity to cater for an increase in passenger volume. Guyana will be saddled with this expense, which will only increase the project which is now behind schedule. The project deadline for December 2017 was missed and it was promised that the project would have been completed in 2018. The year is drawing to a close, and it does not seem likely as if it will be completed. In fact, there are more worrying concerns about Guyana being shortchanged. Concerns over value for money in China-funded projects are not limited to the airport expansion project. The sum of G$1.4B was spent on renovating the
Convention Centre, an expense entirely borne by the government of China. One would have expected that with that sum of money being spent, a completely new look would have been had at the centre. But that has not been the case and there is no indication, also, as to whether a ‘value for money’ audit was conducted. Among the US$7M renovations were the refurbishing of the main conference hall, even though it looks almost the same as the old one; the repainting of the structure; and the reinstallation of ceilings, with one section having reinforced glass and the addition of new facilities inside – all for a price tag of US$7M, which some feel could have built a brand new convention centre.
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Donald Ramotar: The corruptibility and depravity of politics I know the history of the career of Henry Greene. Greene was one of the most corrupt policemen ever to wear a uniform in any country of the world. I have a friend, Dexter Vanveen. He is the cousin of another close friend, sports journalist Rawle Welch. I know how Greene as an inspector back then tried to defraud Dexter of his car. Ask Dexter or Rawle what happened. Green should never have climbed in the police force to reach the status of its chief commissioner. The US advised President Jagdeo not to confirm him, but Jagdeo
could not have taken the advice, because Greene had sensitive information on huge figures in the PPP Government. Any journalist during that time would know who bankrolled Henry Greene. The value of his estate has been made public because family members are in litigation. How did Greene get so many assets? When he died, the president was Donald Ramotar. At the church service, Ramotar poured out his heart over Greene. The eulogy painted a corrupt cop as a hero. This is the same Ramotar that
writes a letter a week lamenting the loss of democracy in Guyana, a loss Ramotar would deeply understand, because he played no small part in the disappearance of justice. The publisher of this newspaper, Glenn Lall gave me permission two years ago to quote him, and I did in one of my articles. Glenn told me the instruction to charge him for tax evasion over his and his wife’s vehicles came from Jagdeo. The president at the time was Ramotar. Vic Puran told me that when the prosecutor left the treason case against
husband and wife, Bruce and Carol-Ann Munroe and their friend, Len Wharton, President Ramotar asked him to take the case. I could remember the morning so vividly. It was in Tiger Bay, outside Foreman shoe repair store that was being dismantled, and Puran was supervising the demolition. I was going to German’s Restaurant and I stopped and talked to Puran, whom I knew since we were teenagers and became friends as UG students. I told Puran the evidence against the trio was weak and nonsensical and he should not have taken the case. Here are the words of Ramotar on October 13, 2018, in one of his never-ending missives to the newspapers. “However, one of the greatest achievements was the freedom which all our people enjoyed. No one was ever afraid to speak their minds. People criticized without looking over their shoulders to see who was listening.” That is the opposite to what took place in Guyana when Ramotar was president. In another column I will describe just how the trio came to be charged for treason. Someone was
listening to a casual conversation by the trio over food and drinks. Ramotar’s putrid, demented hypocrisy has no limits. Ramotar is at it again. Last Saturday, he showered praise on Ronald Gajraj who died on that day. Here are his sentiments; “He was a very dedicated man who made a tremendous contribution to this country, particularly in the area of crime fighting….Some of the people, who were supposed to be fighting crime, we see where they are now, and this confirms that the criminals had received political support to protect them in Buxton,” Any journalist who worked on the crime mayhem in Buxton and drug spree in that period would have had to have come into contact with information on Greene. Instead of fighting crime, Greene, that Ramotar lavished praise on, was protecting big criminals. In his plethora of letters in the newspaper, Ramotar will not mention the wicked deeds of Greene, and he will not proffer any comment as to why the United States did not want Greene to be Commissioner of Police. Oh! Sorry! I may be wrong. Ramotar may have a
Frederick Kissoon “plausible” explanation. It will resemble the caricature that then Minister of International Trade, Clement Rohee, offered Guyanese when the US suspended his diplomatic and non-immigrant visas for six months in 2005. Rohee told the media that the Americans were vindictive. They got at him because thirty five years before, he was in a picket line outside the US Embassy in Georgetown demonstrating against the Vi e t n a m Wa r. N o t h i n g since the world began was stupider than what Rohee mouthed off. The satirical column, “Dem Boys Seh” facetiously refers to Ramotar as “De Donald.” Here is what “De Donald” would say as to why the US didn’t want Greene as Police Commissioner. When the Embassy suspended Rohee’s visas, they saw a photo of Greene in the picket line too, standing next to Rohee. Gajraj and Axel Williams are the subjects of a forthcoming column.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Kaieteur News
High Court grants $400,000 bail to causing death driver pending appeal Keith Hollingsworth who was convicted over a month ago on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving was recently granted bail to the tune of $400,000 pending the hearing of an appeal. It was on October 29, that Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman found Hollingsworth, 47, guilty of the crime. Hollingsworth, a father of eight, of Lot 88 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, was sentenced to serve a term of
imprisonment of four years and six months. He subsequently appealed the conviction and sentencing. On August 21, 2017 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Hollingsworth drove motorcar PJJ 8918 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Samsoonisha Batulan. The convict had been charged jointly with truck driver Ron Walker who was found not guilty by the said Magistrate. On the day in question at
around 09:00hrs, Hollingsworth was proceeding in front of Walker’s vehicle, a sand truck, along the western carriageway of the road. During that time, Batulan had just disembarked motor vehicle, PRR 7589, in the vicinity of the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. As that vehicle moved off, Hollingsworth overtook the sand truck which slammed into the vehicle the woman had exited causing it to
swerve and hit her. The woman was picked up and rushed to the above mentioned hospital where she was pronounced dead. The cause of death was given as multiple injuries consistent with a vehicle accident including blunt force trauma. Delivering her ruling, Magistrate Latchman had noted that based on the evidence, Hollingsworth overtook the truck Walker was driving without any regard for it being laden with sand. The Magistrate had said that Hollingsworth’s driving forced Walker to swerve, causing him to collide with the car the woman had just exited and was standing behind. According to Magistrate Latchman, Walker was caught between a “rock and a hard place.” In passing sentence, Magistrate Latchman told
Hollingsworth that he disregarded the five Cs in driving– care, courtesy, consideration, caution and commonsense. After considering the fact that a life was lost, the need to preserve human resources, the fact that other vehicles were involved and Hollingsworth endangered the lives of other road users, Magistrate Latchman imposed the custodial sentence, stressing that Hollingsworth drove away after the accident, and had to be stopped by police at a road block. During a plea in mitigation, Attorney-at-Law Tiffany Jeffrey asked the court to temper justice with mercy. She highlighted that Hollingsworth has been a driver for decades, and was never involved in any accident of this magnitude. The lawyer added that her
client has eight children and has no antecedents. Both Hollingsworth and Walker had been ordered to post $200,000 bail by the Magistrates’ Courts pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
There has been a 5% increase in serious crime in the Pomeroon/Supenaam region this year, when compared to the same period last year. This information was recently revealed in a statistical report presented by the commander of the Guyana Police Force G’ Division, Khalil Pareshram. Pareshram revealed that there have been 4 murders in 2018 as compared to only 1 in 2017. Robbery under arms added to the statistic, since there were two separate incidents this year, as compared to none last year. The commander pointed out that there has been a worrying increase of rape within the region. Statistic indicates that there have been 31 cases of rape within the division thus far, as compared
to 12 in 2017; a 158% increase. Pareshram explained that most of the incidents occur when the victims are left alone at home by parents. He believes that the force will need a multi-stakeholder approach in decreasing the rape increase. Looking back at some of the Division’s accomplishments, ranks in the division recovered a total of 6 firearms thus far this year, when compared to one in 2017. Thirty nine persons were also arrested and charged for cocaine and cannabis possession during the year 2018. In terms of eradications, a total of 12,300 cannabis sativa plants were destroyed within the region during the course of this year. In June, 11,700 cannabis sativa plants on an 8-acre plot
of land in Onderneeming were destroyed. This led to one individual being arrested and charged. In November, in Onderneeming, 600 cannabis sativa plants on a half-acre plot of land with a weight of 200 kilograms were also destroyed. In October, a 44-year old of Lima Housing Scheme was arrested and charged based on general description by multiple victims. These accomplishments, the commander explains, were made possible by means of continuous road blocks along with increased stopand-search exercises. He noted that searches were conducted at suspected drug houses, while ranks were also engaged in continuous training utilizing state-of-theart resources.
Keith Hollingsworth
E’bo coast records 5% increase in serious crimes
National Oil Spill plan to be completed... (From page 3) Contingency Plan. Craig explained that the intent of this Plan is to implement a framework, which would cater for coordinated response action to potential onshore and offshore oil spills. As such, he said that the plan needs to be simple but comprehensive, accessible, readily updatable, and reflective of not only the working culture of Guyana, but also in line with international standards and best practices. The CDC Director General said, “Without
preparation, no amount of expertise, manpower or equipment can be effectively organized on the spot in the chaotic situation that prevails after an oil spill. The scope of this contingency plan is based on what is known as a ‘tiered response’ framework.” Craig said that this helps to ensure that the planned response reflects the scale of the particular spill. He noted that the mere existence of a plan is not sufficient to ensure preparedness for responding to an oil spill. He said that the planning process itself is as important, as it serves to raise issues that will likely arise in response, while raising awareness on roles and responsibilities of every stakeholder. Further, Craig said that responders and coordinators have to be trained, the plan has to be tested and resources put in place to achieve the intended purpose and objective.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
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Talks with investment managers for oil money premature – Opposition Leader Courting investment managers for Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) at a time when there is no fund and no money is simply putting the cart before the horse. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo said this on Monday. Giving his take about government being in talks with Merrill Lynch, Jagdeo said, “It is premature at this point. A lot of people will come to Guyana and some will be carpetbaggers, looking to make a quick buck at the expense of our people and country.” Jagdeo said that the government will do well to take its time. “We have to learn to sift them through, look at their CVs, track record; who delivers the greatest returns on funds managed over a long historical period; who has pretty safe investments… Right now you are going to have anyone under the sun coming here to try to be the fund managers. So we will see all of these people coming in now, Merrill Lynch and everybody else.” The Opposition Leader said that it is simply a case of Merrill Lynch trying to get into position. “We do not even have money in the fund as yet, but we have people coming as fund managers.” Jagdeo even said, “They are trying to position themselves, hoping to strike some corrupt agreement that will force us to use them as our fund managers. We believe it is premature.” Jagdeo said that the government will do well to employ a different strategy. He said that the government can, when the time is right, handpick the companies it wants. The Opposition Leader said, “You can say here are 10 companies that we would like to manage our fund. Once you define the parameters through which they will manage the fund, you will then go and make a sales pitch to each of these companies.” He said that Government can then decide which of the prequalified companies have the best management plan along with the rates more favourable to the country. Jagdeo said, “So assuming someone says I want one percent as a fund manager and another which is equally qualified and has a great track record says I will take 0.5 percent, then you know what to do.” WORRYING PAST Earlier this year, Merrill Lynch had expressed its interest to the government to potentially help manage the nation’s oil wealth. But
nothing was said by the government on taking precaution with the company given its history. On Sunday, Kaieteur News presented a comprehensive overview of the entity’s troubling past. In that feature, it was noted that in June 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that Merrill Lynch agreed to pay US$415 million and admit wrongdoing to settle charges that it misused customer cash to generate profits for the firm and failed to safeguard customer securities from the claims of its creditors. In fact, an investigation found that Merrill Lynch violated the SEC’s Customer Protection Rule by misusing customer cash that rightfully should have been deposited in a reserve account. The probe revealed that Merrill Lynch engaged in complex trades that lacked economic substance and artificially reduced the required deposit of customer cash in the reserve account. The maneuver freed up billions of dollars per week from 2009 to 2012 that Merrill Lynch used to finance its own trading activities. Had Merrill Lynch failed in the midst of these trades, the firm’s customers would have been exposed to a massive shortfall in the reserve account. Merrill Lynch further violated the Customer Protection Rule by failing to adhere to requirements that fully-paid for customer securities be held in lien-free accounts and shielded from claims by third parties should a firm collapse. Had Merrill Lynch collapsed at any point, customers would have been exposed to significant risk and uncertainty of getting back their own securities. ”The rules concerning the safety of customer cash and securities are fundamental protections for investors and impose lines that simply can never be crossed,” said Andrew J. Ceresney, Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “Merrill Lynch violated these rules, including during the heart of the financial crisis, and the significant relief imposed reflects the severity of its failures.” (https://www.sec.gov/ news/pressrelease/2016128.html) FINED US$42 MILLION FOR FRAUD Last March, Merrill Lynch and its parent company, Bank of America, agreed to pay a record US$42 million fine to the State of New York for fraudulent activity related to its electronic trading services. New York Attorney
General Eric Schneiderman announced that an investigation of the Bank’s electronic trading services revealed a fraudulent “masking” scheme, designed to mislead clients about the entity responsible for executing in-house orders, the state said. Though the Bank told its customers it was executing trade orders themselves, they were in reality routing them to electronic liquidity providers, including Citadel, Two Sigma and Knight. The bank used masking codes to make the trades. “Bank of America-Merrill Lynch went to astonishing lengths to defraud its own institutional clients about who was seeing and filling their orders, who was trading
in its dark pool, and the capabilities of its electronic trading services,” Schneiderman said in a statement. The investigation showed that Bank of America and Lynch began the masking scheme as early as 2008 and that at least 16 million client orders were affected. In addition to masking efforts, including the production of false transaction reports, investigators with the attorney general’s office in New York uncovered “other inaccurate representations to investors about the Bank’s electronic trading services” — all part of a broader effort to make the bank’s “electronic trading services look more sophisticated and safer than
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo they really were.” Officials with Bank of America-Merrill Lynch claim they began to address transparency problems related to their electronic
trading services several years ago. ”The settlement primarily relates to conduct that occurred as long as 10 years Continued on page 15
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Miner who racks up $5.7M worth in goods, fuel on employer’s account remanded A miner, who the court heard is in the habit of collecting a quantity of food items, fuel and mining equipment, from businesses in the interior locations, was yesterday remanded to prison for the next three months, after being slapped with two counts of obtaining credit by false pretence and one of fraudulent embezzlement. Thirty-two-year-old Rudolph Braithwaite, who told the court he resides at Lot 6 Public Road, McDoom, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He is accused of obtaining a quantity of fuel, food stuff and mining equipment worth over $5M on the account of his employer Neville Rutherford. Particulars of the first charge alleged that between April 27 and June 7, 2018, at Imbaimadai Landing, Mazaruni River, with intent to defraud, he obtained a quantity of mining equipment and food articles worth $313,000 - property of Devika Persaud, by falsely pretending that the items were bought on the account of his employer, Neville Rutherford.
Rudolph Braithwaite The second charge alleged that, between January 1, 2018 and February 28, 2018, also at Imbaimadai Landing, Mazaruni River, he obtained a quantity of goods and fuel worth $580,000, property of Grant Ali, by falsely pretending that the items were bought on the account of his employer Neville Rutherford. The last charge stated that, between December 1, 2017 and July 9, 2018, he fraudulently embezzled 19 ounces of raw gold, worth $4.9 M, from his employer, Neville Rutherford. An unrepresented Braithwaite denied the allegations after they were
read to him. Facts presented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Stephen Telford, stated that the defendant is in the habit of committing such crimes in the interior locations. The Prosecutor added that after the defendant committed the offences, he fled the area. Police were able to arrest him a few days ago after Police acted on information gathered. The Prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the fact that, when he was arrested, Braithwaite gave ranks his address as Lot 150 Middle Road, La Penitence. When asked by the Magistrate where he resides, Braithwaite told the court that he lives at Lot 150 Middle Road, La Penitence. The Magistrate, who had a shocked look on her face, stated, “Please explain that to me, because I grew up in that area and there is no such thing as Lot 150 Middle Road, La Penitence.” Braithwaite replied by saying, “That’s where I have been living for the past five months, so I don’t know.” The father of two was instructed to make his next court appearance on March 19, 2019.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Labourer caught with stolen articles charged
Alfred Battersfield
A labourer who was arrested during a stop-andsearch operation by Police ranks, was yesterday slapped with a break and enter and larceny charge. Alfred Battersfield, 23, of Old Road, Stanleytown, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a , denied the charge which alleged that between December 13 and December 14, 2018, at Westminster, West Bank Demerara, he broke into and entered the dwelling house of Ariana Boodhi and stole one television worth $60,000, one Digital Video Recorder (DVR) player worth $70,000 and a gas cylinder worth $14,000. He appeared before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman, stated that ranks, during a stop-andsearch operation, arrested the defendant about 03:45hrs on December 14, 2018, at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge after he was found in possession of a 32"
To s h i b a flat screen television and a Digital Vi d e o R e c o r d e r ( D V R ) player. The court heard that, at the time, Battersfield was a passenger inside a taxi, which was about to cross the bridge. When asked by the ranks who the articles belonged to, he said that they belonged to an individual in his community. However, on verification, the person denied ownership. He was then arrested and taken into custody. While at the station, Boodhi turned up to make a report of a break and enter and larceny and it was then that the officers showed her the articles to which she identified as her own. Hence, Battersfield was charged for the offence. The Prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant, citing the prevalence of the offence and the penalty it attracts. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on January 10, 2 0 1 8 a t t h e Wa l e s Magistrates’ Courts.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Bring in Annandale hit-and-run driver instead of offering money to the families - Traffic Chief Traffic Chief Linden Isles wants associates of the Annandale hit-and-run suspect to turn him in, rather than trying to offer money to the families of the victims. Superintendent Isles made the appeal yesterday, in the wake of reports that an attorney-at-law and a Chinese woman have offered $1.9M to the relatives of the dead teen, Karamchand Khemraj, and a further $300,000 for his burial. The attorney and the woman have reportedly also offered to assist the family of 16-year-old Reaz Shaw, who remains in critical condition. “We need to get the driver. Instead of going for compensation, they need to bring the driver in,” Isles told Kaieteur News. “At the end of the day, we still need to do our investigation.” Asked if he believes that the man’s associates know of his whereabouts, Isles responded that he “definitely” believes that is the case.” “I know that my ranks are working assiduously to get this man.” The owner of the mini-bus which struck down the teens is said to be a Chinese national, identified as C. Wen, a Chinese national who has a store at Lot 10 Vigilance, East Coast Demerara. Mr. Wen has not been seen since the accident, which occurred two Sundays ago. Jaipaul Khemraj, the dead teen’s father, said that the attorney (name given), accompanied by another lawyer and an unidentified woman, turned up at the family’s Annandale, East Coast Demerara home on Saturday. According to the father, the woman claimed to be a relative of the driver, but then claimed that she was “representing the Chinese.” According to Mr. Khemraj, the attorney then suggested $1.6M to settle the matter and $300,000 for funeral expenses. In turn, the father said he proposed $10M in compensation, but the attorney said that the offer was too high. “He (the attorney) said that they can’t afford $10M and if the matter goes before the court we won’t get anything.” The attorney reportedly pressed the family to accept the $1.6M, and allegedly told Mr. Khemraj that he should consult with his family about the funeral costs. “The lawyer said that I should talk with my family and see how much money, they want for the funeral, cause I explain to him that we very poor and it’s some cousins and people in the village that helping we with the funeral,” Mr. Khemraj said. This newspaper understands that when the family made inquiries about the whereabouts of the driver who caused their child’s death, they were told that he had “run away to Suriname.”
He said that the attorneys and the woman then left, but promised to call, after visiting the family of 16-year-old Reaz Shaw, who remains unconscious. Kaieteur News understands that the attorneys and the woman then visited the home of the survivor, Shaw, but the family was out. At around 09:00 hrs on Sunday, the lawyer allegedly contacted Mr. Khemraj by phone. This time, he reportedly offered $1.9M and $300,000 for funeral expenses. Later, the woman and the attorney visited the other family at the Georgetown Hospital, where they had gone to see their stillunconscious son, Reaz Shaw. The father stated that the lawyer met him at the entrance to the ward. He also claimed that the Chinese woman said she was “a representative of the Chinese people,” and enquired about seeing his son. The same woman then later alleged that she was a relative of the driver and that “her family in China” told her to check the family and to see whether they could assist them with “some money and food products.” After visiting the injured child, the woman allegedly apologized and asked the father to grant forgiveness. Shaw’s father further stated that the lawyer gave his phone number and said that the father could contact him for financial assistance. The attorney reportedly then said that they could discuss financial compensation after the son recovered. In a brief telephone conversation with Kaieteur News, the attorney confirmed that he had visited the injured teen. However, he terminated the call after Kaieteur News queried about the woman’s identity. The attorney had told Kaieteur News last week that he was representing a female Chinese national at whose property, the suspected hit-and-run bus was found stashed. Relatives of both families told Kaieteur News yesterday that the attorney and the woman have not contacted them since. A number of individuals have expressed concern at the alleged attempts by individuals to coerce the families to accept a monetary settlement, even as the driver remains at large. On Monday, former Attorney General, Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, offered pro bono representation for the two families. Nandlall also met with the relatives, In a Facebook post, he stated that it was his “respectful view” that it is highly improper, if not illegal to offer to “settle” such a serious criminal offence, particularly, during the investigative stage.” He also told Kaieteur News that in his view, “when a criminal offence of such magnitude is committed, it is a crime against the State
Talks with investment managers... From page 13 ago,” the Bank told CNBC in an email. “At all times we met our obligation to deliver the best prices to clients. About five years ago, we addressed the issues concerning communicating to clients about where their trades were executed.” (https://www.upi.com/ Bank-of-America-Merrill-Lynch-agrees-top a y - N Y- 4 2 - m i l l i o n - f i n e - f o r - f r a u d / 7851521905381/) ANOTHER FRAUD CASE Last June, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it will be fining Merrill Lynch, US$5.2 million. The fine stems from deals involving residential mortgagebacked securities (RMBS) and the broker-deal will also have to pay back $10.5 million to customers. Over the course of its investigation, the SEC found that Merrill Lynch had lied to its customers regarding the pricing of RMBS.
Traders and salespeople working for the firm were able to convince customers to overpay for the securities by lying about how much they had paid for them. On top of this, the same traders and salespeople massively overcharged for commissions. The SEC noted that, in some cases, they received double what they should have. Merrill Lynch will be charged as these traders and salespeople violated antifraud securities laws. The SEC found that the company did not fulfill its supervisory duties and was therefore unable to prevent the lawbreaking from occurring. The company did not admit or deny a n y o f t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n ’s f i n d i n g s . Instead, it agreed to pay a $5.2 million fine to the SEC and pay back $10.5 million to the customers involved in the fraudulent transactions.
and is not open for two parties to settle.” He said that by attempting to “settle,” the parties can “interfere or pervert the administration of Justice.”
Speaking on the issue of the Chinese woman who is supposedly a relative of the suspected hit-and run driver, Nandlall stated Continued on page 27
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Construction of East Bank/East Coast four-lane linkage to begin next year - 49 properties between Goedverwagting, Diamond to be affected
T
he East Bank/East Coast Road Linkage Project is now one step closer to realisation, with a four-lane highway recommended by the consultant. Senior Highway Engineer of RITES Limited, Rajendra Sothwal, made the recommendation yesterday during a scoping meeting at the Critchlow Labour College. Sothwal explained that “the main alignment is fourlane, four connectors are there, one connector is Aubrey Barker, second connector Haags Bosch, the third connector is Mocha Arcadia and the last one is great Diamond connector. The total length of the project is around 25 kilometres and the main alignment is 13.5 kilometres. We propose the four-lane highway’s speed to be around 100 kilometres per hour.” It was made known that the new road will be outfitted with four ground culverts, four steel composite bridges, intersections, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Two residential properties at Goedverwagting, 18 at Ogle, 9 at Aubrey Barker road, 14 at Mocha and 6 at Diamond, will
be affected during execution of the three-phase project. The project implementation has three stages, which are the detail project report preparation, construction supervision, and post-construction stagedefect liability. According to the senior highway engineer, the road safety provisions include metal beam barriers, concrete crash barriers, highway lighting, traffic signs, pavement marking, impact attenuators, road studs, pedestrian footpaths, cycle tracks and shrub plantation, and raised median to cut headlight glare. “We have taken care of the whole safety aspect, like we have doubled-up junctions etc. This project will be the landmark for Guyana and especially for Georgetown, the new road will significantly reduce traffic congestion in Georgetown,” Sothwal explained. The scoping meeting focused on the environmental impact following construction works on the road. Technical Services Manager of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Nigel
Stakeholders at the meeting Erskine, said another meeting will be held to facilitate the public’s input.“We are anticipating that the designs for the project will be completed by April next year and then a few months later by mid-2019 we will proceed with the construction works. There’s another scoping meeting planned for next year, it will be public consultation, so persons can come and engage the consultants,” Erskine explained. The government, through a loan provided by the Government of India, has entered into an agreement for
Senior Highway Engineer of RITES Limited, Rajendra Sothwal the project. Erskine added that the Ministry is pursuing $120M from the line of credit with India to facilitate the
Technical Services Manager of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Nigel Erskine
project.The new road will reduce congestion by providing commuters with an alternative route, to East
Coast Demerara, Berbice, and the capital city, Georgetown, thereby improving safety and comfort.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Schoolboy who assaulted head Education Minister demands “value for money” from budgetary allocation teacher sent home with parents Despite objections, the teen accused of beating a school teacher thus causing her injuries about her body, and was subsequently charged with wounding, has been sent home with his parents. After some delay and back and forth, the teen appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court on a charge of wounding. The 16-year-old of Number Nine village, West Coast Berbice, attends the Number Eight Secondary School. He is accused of wounding Gangadai Isaacs, the acting Head Teacher of Number 5 Primary School on
Saturday December 1 at Number Nine village. On the first occasion he failed to appear in court and a summons was issued for his appearance. According to Police Prosecutor Corporal Racquel Mars, around 16:30 on the day in question, Isaacs, her two children and niece were on their way to her mother’s residence when they were confronted by the teen who barged into them. He then kissed her and as she tried to retaliate, he began raining blows on her. She received injuries to her face which was swollen, her chest and lower body. When the matter was
The beaten headteacher, Gangadai Isaacs called, the teen pleaded not guilty and was released in the custody of his mother.
MARAD joins investigation into missing seaman incident Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the marine safety regulation body, has joined investigations into the incident which left seaman, Navishwar Karamdatt, missing. Karamdatt, called “Sharma”, a 33-year-old seaman attached to Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc., was working on one of their vessels named MV Snook 1, when he fell overboard and was swept from the vessel in turbulent water on Wednesday last. At the time, the now missing seaman was not wearing a life jacket. The incident raised concerns over safety of the Captain and crew. In an invited comment on the matter, Director of Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores disclosed that MARAD has launched an investigation into the incident. Captain Flores noted that the probe surrounds whether safety gear was available to the sailors at the time of the accident. Flores said too, that the Department will be checking on whether the captain and his crew are adequately certified and whether the recommended Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) for such situations were complied with. The Safety Director disclosed that the Department has been in contact with Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc. “So far our research points to the vessel being equipped with the necessary safety gear,” Captain Flores added. In the meantime, the search continues for the missing seaman. Officials attached to Pritipaul Singh Investment have since confirmed that at the time of the incident, the vessel was equipped the necessary safety gear.
Director of Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores “We have life jackets, life rafts, and fire extinguishers available to the crew of each of the vessels. The vessels are also equipped with surveillance cameras for security purposes. From our internal investigations, we know that one of the other crew men had attempted to rescue him; he jumped in after he went overboard.” The officials said they are unable to give any details about the incident, except for the fact that the company has been in contact with the authorities and family members of the missing man. Last week in CCTV footage of the incident, which was viewed by Kaieteur News, two seamen, one being “Sharma”, could be seen in the process of setting baskets into the sea from the deck of the MV Snook 1. The sea at the time was fairly turbulent and caused the trawler to roll from side to side in a violent manner. The basket that “Sharma” was holding onto at the time hit him down, causing him to slide from where he was at one side on the deck to the other side and then
overboard. His partner, after realizing what had happened, could be seen running to raise an alarm, while “Sharma” could still be seen in the water. All of this occurred some 100 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean. The captain of the vessel in a statement to police said he was piloting the vessel when he heard shouts of “Man overboard, man overboard”. He said that when he focused he saw “Sharma” somewhere off in the distance. He claimed he immediately turned around the vessel but he was unable to get to “Sharma” in time and despite efforts by other members of the crew, “Sharma” went under the water and did not emerge again. The captain claimed he called his boss, and was told to return with the vessel to the wharf. The other crew members who include a brother-in-law of “Sharma”, all gave similar accounts of what transpired. The MV Snook 1 had left the Houston wharf on December 3 for a three-week trip with its crew, which consisted of its captain, 24year-old Chrishnadat Sukhdeo, called “Panther” and four crew members– 23year-old Jonathan DeFreitas, of Lot 1517 Section B, Block X, Great Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD; 17-year-old Vidprikash Sukhdeo of Lot 1123 17th Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD; 34year-old Pritviraj Seewnarine of Lot 1113 16th Street, Section C, Block X, Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD and “Sharma” who resides at Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD. The MV Snook 1 is presently docked at Pritipaul Wharf at Houston, as police continue their investigations.
“To whom much is given, much is required,” said Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry, as she made reference to the usual lion’s share of the budget the education sector is allotted from the national budget. A sizeable allocation will be no different come next year as the budgetary allocation to cater to the Ministry’s activities will amount to $52.2B, exceeding the sum allotted to other sectors. The Minister, moreover, noted that “To whom much is given, much is required.” “That allocation is a huge responsibility and therefore every single penny must count. I want it to count with transparency and efficiency. When we spend money we have to ensure that we are getting value for money,” the Minister stressed. Her remarks were forthcoming yesterday as she addressed the final meeting of 2018 for Regional Education Officers [REdOs] from the 11 administrative regions held at the Mirage Banquet Hall, Alberttown, Georgetown. At that forum the Minister urged the officers to work towards maintaining transparency and efficiency as they execute their various work plans.
As she encouraged the officers to focus on their work plans for the New Year and ensure that they prioritise activities, the Minister also stressed the importance of sticking to deadlines. Some of the important activities highlighted yesterday were provisions for examinations and maintenance schedules for buildings. The Minister also advised the REdOs to look at each school, individually, to ensure they meet at least the minimum standards. As she lauded the work of the Ministry this year, the Minister noted that in moving ahead, officers must embrace the fact that there is still much more to be done in the sector. She said that although there have been improvements in the performance at examinations for instance, the Ministry is not only concerned with examinations, thus work should not be minimized to be about examination results. “We have to ensure that what is happening in the classroom is really preparing the students for life outside of the classroom. And so the school health unit, the school support, the welfare department, NCERD, Allied Arts and so forth, are very
important to what we do here in education,” the Minister underscored. Complementing the Minister’s remarks was Deputy Chief Education Officer [Admin], Ms. Ingrid Trotman, who pointed out that over the past year there have been a number of successes, one such being the opening of the Kato Secondary School in September. Also touching on the subject of spending to ensure the work of the Ministry is done, Trotman also encouraged the REdOs to adhere to the activities on their respective work plans, and to execute them expeditiously, so that every dollar can be accounted for. The official also commended the officers for their contributions that they have made during 2018. She said that despite setbacks, the work of the Ministry was not halted, which she said is commendable. The REdO’s meeting is a forum that is held frequently that brings the senior officers from the 11 education districts across Guyana to share ideas and thoughts about the work of the Ministry, which is being executed and to find ways of addressing existing gaps.
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Kaieteur News
Land rates subject to increases in 2019 FOR RENT
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; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 6301600 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
FOR SALE Empty 20lbs Shell/Tex bottle also Acetylene & Oxygen 5 Leyland DAF Flatbed lorry, owner migrating, #228-5655/ 649-8449 Wholesale: Diesel Generators, Purple onions, Garlic, Bicycles, Baby Prams, Tiger Balm available @ GT Wholesale #655-4303 German Shepherd pups & husky pup for sale. Contact Devi #639-2828/225-3721 Going cheap, great Christmas gift. Black pudding, White pudding, Souse, Pastries, Black cake, Fruit cake. Place orders # 613-5062 1 White toyota raum Tel: 6821285 PROPERTY FOR SALE 22 Hill St, Alboystown $7.5M Negotiable. Contact Shirley McCalmont #718-345-1416 Royston #516-853-4213/6835664/677-9938
Royal’s Beauty Salon located @ Parika Highway 2nd floor, Grand Christmas Promotion. Call#697-2780 HEALTH
LAND FOR SALE
HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924
Farm (East Bank) $3.5M Eccles $7M Herstelling $4M & $5M Schnoord $3M Dairy $2M & $3M Tel#656-0701/648-1635 Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Diamond New Scheme, 5th Avenue Double lot (Million Dollar area) $9.2M. Tel#6039700
1 Leyland Daf 60, working condition. 658-4655, 618-4457 Nissan Laurel Executice antique car, Nissan Pathfinder 4-door Jeep. Superb condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#609-7766/225-8427
Salon for rental, New Market St, Georgetown, also hair/ nails/barber/massage. Makeup stations for rental #638-1106
3/4 Acre in Kuru Kuru opposite the monument with water, light & foundation. Tel#669-6320, serious inquiry only!
Demerara Bakery Inc. is looking for Distributors, Wholesalers & Retailers. Call us on 266-5847 or email: sales@demerarabakery.com We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, Parfaite Harmonie, Uivlugt, Zeelugt, Providence & Dairy Tel# 6117223/651-1969 1 Maid. #225-3234
1 Apt for rent- Bottom flat for rent, for business. Contact Radica Kassim #264-2639 Lot 7-8 Plantain Walk WBD
Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmony, Uitvlugt, Tuschen or Zeelugt. Tel: 6421252
Mini excavator $8,800 per hour, also Bobcat service available. Tel#623-0290
1 Experience top-up vendor. Contact: 660-4830
New 4 Storey Building at Parika (Guyana’s Gateway) near stelling. Willing to divide. Call: 699-4513.
One maid. #621-3080 Wanted 1 person to look after cattle in Mahaicony Creek. #619-9143/614-8857
Newly constructed 2 bedroom house and apt in a safe and healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/ 622-6512
Person to work and live on Poultry Farm at Yarakabra. Call: 226-0772/225-9304
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One female domestic to work in Trinidad Age 25-35 yrs. Phone#1868-386-5302 1 Experienced Hiab Truck Driver. Contact#650-0402/ 603-1402
3 storyed commercial building for sale in Diamond. Contact owners on #6768129/643-8348 Large 3 bedroom classic house in solid condition-all amenities, huge yard, security. Call: 609-7766/2258427. Price neg, Versailles WBD
VEHICLE FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
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VACANCY 1 Male cook for interior $90,000 monthly. Experienced land dredge workers. Tel: 629-8280 Vacancy for fuel truck/canter driver on EBD, must have valid license. Call: 592-6113829 Live-in Housekeeper for East Bank, must be able to cook indian dishes & have a clean police record. Call: 685-9668 Female Cleaner, Office & Home. Age 25-50. Call: 2332745 Chef and Assistant cook. Call us on 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff Street.
- As State opens up 6,000 acres for commercial, other use Land rates are subject to increases in 2019 as the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) moves to open up some 6000 acres of State lands for commercial and other use. This disclosure was made by Commissioner of GL&SC Trevor Benn during a year end press conference held at the e n t i t y ’s D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown headquarters on Monday. Giving an overview of the GL&SC operations, Commissioner Benn noted that steps will be taken to increase the rates and develop a number of programmes so as to provide revenue which will help offset the expenses of the Surveys Unit in the new year. “We have not had rent increases for over the last 15 years to be exact, since [2001], when the Commission came into being. So people are still paying very menial rates… our maps, which are in use at the moment, were done back in the 1960s/1970s. “For example, for an agriculture lot it is $100 per acre, in some areas $200 per acre, these rates cannot service the Commission. So we started to, in some cases, charge more for certain portions of land,” the Commissioner said. “The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) has developed a concept for the opening up of approximately 6,000 acres of State land for Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural purposes in Region Four. Benn described the project as “an upgrade of Georgetown.” He explained, however, that the Commission is ready to disclose which areas will be open for development since “every time we talk about a new development, squatters take it over.” According to Benn, the plot of land, which equates to a significant portion of Georgetown’s land mass, will be developed by public and private enterprises. “We will advertise for bidders, using a particular design we have developed,” the Lands Commissioner said. The revenue would be used to increase the number of computers for staff to 200. This represents a 27% increase from 2017. Training in Microsoft SAGE AccPac
Commissioner of GL&SC, Trevor Benn and other software was also facilitated for relevant staff. Benn said it is programmes like these which will require funding, and the Commission must look to means of acquiring the finances. In the new year, the GL&SC will be moving forward with the digitization of the current system. As part of the plan to move to a more digital platform, the Commission began linking Regional Offices to the Head Office t h r o u g h a Wi d e A r e a Network,(WAN). The WA N was developed, tested and implemented between Head Office and Regional Offices in Regions 2, 3, 6, 9 and 10. According to Benn, Regional Offices are now able to access the centralized accounting system, the lease management system and digital records of surveys plans. Work is ongoing to further expand and improve the WAN, and connect the remaining offices as the internet connectivity is established in those locations (Regions 1 &7). Among other plans, Commissioner Benn said the developers will have to meet certain design criteria specified by the Commission, because we cannot have any more roads where only one car can pass. “We want to make sure that we do not replicate what we call house lot schemes. But to have real, forward looking land development schemes which would capture better roads and sidewalks and green spaces, and a mix of business and commercial and residential lots, so that we can really move into the 21st century in the way we design our facilities.”
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Kaieteur News
Regional Family Planning Associations exposed to disaster risk reduction training Sexual and reproductive health must be among the key factors to be taken into consideration when aiming to achieve disaster risk reduction. This notion was recently amplified by Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation [CFPA], Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth. This is imperative Sheerattan-Bisnauth noted since women, children and vulnerable populations face increased health and protection risks in times of disasters. Without strategic intervention during disasters, she noted, there could be a critical need for sexual and reproductive health services with gender and human rights perspectives and approaches to better protect the vulnerable to meet their specific needs. Sheerattan-Bisnauth’s disclosure was forthcoming when the CFPA, in collaboration with the International Planned Parenthood Federation [IPPF], RedR UK and the United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA], met here in Georgetown from December 11 – 15. The Disaster Risk Reduction Training for Family Planning Associations forum targeted representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. This was seen as imperative, since Caribbean
humanitarian frameworks, developing disaster preparedness plans and strategies and identifying key stakeholders and Caribbean connections and strategies. They were also trained in the Minimum Initial Service Package [MISP], which is a series of crucial life-saving actions required to respond to reproductive health needs at the onset of a humanitarian crisis. These actions, it is expected, would be sustained
and expanded with comprehensive reproductive health services throughout protracted crises and recovery. Dr. Gianni De Castro, the Executive Director of PROFAMIL Haiti said, “Thanks to this initiative, we are more equipped and prepared to contribute to a better response in Sexual and Reproductive health in a humanitarian crisis situation.” Ms. Marilyn Richards,
Executive Director of the Dominica Planned Parenthood Association said, “The Disaster Risk Reduction service providers’ training was timely and relevant particularly because Dominica was devastated by a category five hurricane Maria in September 2017. It emphasized the importance of sexual and reproductive health and stakeholders’ involvement in providing health care after a disaster.”
Bring in Annandale hit-and-run... Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation, Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth islands are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, and are threatened by extreme weather patterns with hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, volcanoes, droughts and other disasters often causing substantial destruction to communities and entire nations. Such conditions have been known to result in debilitating effects on families, communities and entire nations. In fact, migration due to humanitarian crises, especially from Venezuela in recent times, is among the issues that require humanitarian responses from Family Planning Associations. These Associations are, moreover, well positioned to play a crucial role, especially in the provision of health sexual and reproductive health services,
including medical and psychosocial support. For this reason, the recent training initiative was aimed at strengthening the humanitarian responses of IPPF’s Member Associations in the Caribbean with a focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health [SRH] needs with critical gender lens, in times of disasters. This includes the provision of basic necessities, family planning, HIV, STI and related services, prevention of unwanted pregnancy, addressing sexual violence, mental and psychological trauma and depression, and ensuring the needs of the most vulnerable persons are met. At the forum participants shared their experiences in times of disaster and gained a better understanding of:
From page 15 that the woman should be helping the police to locate the suspect, rather than trying to compromise or reach a settlement with relatives of the victims. “That woman should be assisting the police; she should not be engaged or trying to bring compromise to the course of justice.” According to Nandlall, if a settlement is to be reached it should be done in a proper and legal manner, which is through the Director of Public Prosecutions. He further
expressed concern at the fact that a lawyer (name given, currently representing the Chinese woman) would indulge in such a thing. He also related to this publication that he spoke police ranks and urged them to consult the lawyer and Chinese national who visited the families in order to obtain information about the possible whereabouts of the driver. However, the attorney-atlaw representing the Chinese woman whose identity remains unknown has
maintained that he has a right to make a living and none of his acts are improper. Two Sunday nights ago, Karamchand Khemraj and his friend Reaz Shaw were cycling in Annandale when a minibus struck them. Khemraj was killed on the spot, Shaw was badly injured while the driver fled the scene. F o u r d a y s l a t e r, a Kaieteur News reporter located the vehicle, which was stashed at the back of a bakery in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Wednesday December 19, 2018
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Security Services for GECOM in 2019 attract nine-figure bids The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board opened a plethora of tenders, yesterday, for the purpose of uncovering bids for the procurement of various services for Government and government-affiliated organisations. Among these were security services for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in 2019, attracting bids ranging from $134M to $213M. Region 9 also received bids for the provision of security services for its local government organs. Other bids included the Rental of Office Buildings for the Ministry of Legal Affairs, for which Hughes Investment Holding Incorporated expressed interest but made no apparent financial bid, leaving that section of the application empty, and the Ministry of Communities for the Upgrade of Internal Access Roads at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill. Guyana Elections Commission - Provision of Security Services, 2019
Ministry of Agriculture, Hydrometeorological Service - Transportation for the Ministry of Agriculture’s Staff Operating at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Region 4
Ministry of Agriculture, Hydrometeorological Service - Transportation for the Ministry of Agriculture’s Staff Operating at the National Weather Watch Centre, Hyde Park, Timehri, Region 4
Guyana Elections Commission - Computers Hardware in Two (2) Lots Lot 1 - Supply and Delivery of Computers Lot 2 - Supply and Delivery of Smart Boards with Stands
Ministry of Legal Affairs - Rental of Office Buildings
Guyana Revenue Authority - Rehabilitation and Modifications of Building and Associate Works
Bandits who stole cop’s jewellery captured - weapon recovered; firearm stolen from other rank at night-club found in garbage heap
Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation Supply and Delivery of Server, Enclosure and Accessories
Ministry of Communities, CIIP - Construction of Smart Stops in Nine (9) Municipalities
Regional Democratic Council, Region 9 - Provision of Security Services
Ministry of Communities - Upgrade of Internal Access Roads Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill
Bandits shot at a car belonging to an Assistant Superintendent of Police and one suspect escaped with his firearm and cell phone, during a brazen attack on Monday night at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. But the rank, reportedly with assistance from residents, managed to subdue one of the robbers and retrieve a gold chain and band that the man had taken. Police yesterday said that they now have both suspects in custody and have recovered the victim’s firearm and jewellery. They have also recovered a Force-issued handgun that was stolen from another rank last Saturday. A release stated that the firearm was found yesterday in a heap of garbage in South Ruimveldt. Kaieteur News understands that at around 18.00 hrs on Monday, the assistant superintendent of police, who is stationed at the Sparendaam Police Station, drove into Granville Park, Beterverwagting, and stopped
to speak to a friend. It was then that two men, one of whom was reportedly armed with a handgun, held the rank at gunpoint. A source said that the men relieved their victim of a gold chain, band and cell phone. Kaieteur News understands that the rank drew his licenced 9mm pistol, but the weapon fell and one of the men picked it up. The men allegedly shot at the policeman’s car, shattering the window at the driver’s side. One of the men then fled with the stolen firearm. However, the policeman reportedly managed to hold on to the second robber. Some residents helped to subdue the suspect, who still had the policeman’s jewellery. He was taken to the Vigilance Police Station for questioning. On Saturday, a young policeman sustained a broken limb and other injuries after a group of men assaulted him and stole his service pistol. The incident occurred in a night club in Second Street, Alberttown.
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Donald Trump’s troubled charity foundation to shut down
(BBC) US President Donald Trump’s troubled charity foundation has agreed to close down amid allegations that he and others illegally misused its funds. The move was announced by the Attorney General of New York State, Barbara Underwood, who will supervise the distribution of its remaining monies. She has accused Mr Trump and his three eldest children of using it for private and political gain. The foundation’s lawyer accused her of attempting to politicise the matter. This is just one of several legal cases currently swirling around Mr Trump and his family. Others include a wideranging special counsel investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia headed by former FBI chief Robert Mueller.
Ms Underwood said the case against Mr Trump and his children Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric would continue. In a statement, she said there had been “a shocking pattern of illegality involving the Trump Foundation - including unlawful co-ordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and wilful self-dealing, and much more”. She continued: “This amounted to the Trump Foundation functioning as little more than a chequebook to serve Mr Trump’s business and political interests.” Under the terms of the deal to shut down the foundation, Ms Underwood said, it could only be dissolved under judicial supervision and could only distribute its assets “to reputable organisations approved by my office”. She added: “This is an
: Mr Trump and his three eldest children are accused of using it for private and political gain important victory for the rule of law, making clear that there
is one set of rules for everyone. “We’ll continue to move
our suit forward to ensure that the Trump Foundation and its directors are held to
account for their clear and repeated violations of state and federal law.”
Lands Commission advancing technology to keep track of State resources
T
he Guyana Lands and Surveys Com mission (GLSC) will be advancing its technological capabilities to help the commission keep track of available resources available to the State. GLSC Chairman, Trevor Benn during an end of year press conference held on Monday, noted that the move is in keeping with the Commission‘s mandate under the GLSC and State Lands Act . The Commission is looking to advance its mapping and digital capabilities through an upgraded National Geodetic Network. This is being done with the help from the United Kingdom (UK)-based company, Ordnance Survey (OS) to build capacity and implement the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The Government of Guyana, in June 2018, signed a $93M contract for
consultancy services to establish the CORS Network. Two other CORSNET workshops were held previously for Government surveyors and independent surveyors. The GNSS is part of a high accuracy network or database, which eliminates the need for on-the-ground markers and referencing points during land surveys. According to Benn, the satellite technology which is similar to the Global Positioning System (GPS) will be instrumental in helping to keep track oil and other natural resources. “So we will able to have our own data on where these resources are located. We won’t be so dependent on the information from outside sources,” the Land Commissioner said. In 2019, Benn said the CORS Network will be densified to include more stations around the country which
Small Business Bureau... From page 8 the programme and those banks have the final decision on who gets the loan and how much they get,” he told members of the media at the entity’s La Penitence office. Data has shown that there has been a very small per cent of delinquent clients in this regard. This year, over 50 per cent of clients have been successful in their loan applications. “The delinquency on those loans are extremely low, less than half a per cent. So, when you compare that to what is going on today with the commercial banks, I believe in partnership with SBB.
We screen our clients, we ensure that they have everything in line and we continue that relationship with them and that I believe is important,” the CEO said. The SBB has exceeded its 2018 targets. The target for training was set at 714. The SBB was, however, able to train 916 as of October 31. The target for loan guarantees was set at 55, however, 66 loans were guaranteed by the organisation. From an original target of 127 for grants, 165 were disbursed. Some of the training this year included former employees of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
will further strengthen the geodetic network and improve surveying and accuracy and efficiency. He said that the work has commenced on developing a National Spatial Data Infrastructure. “During 2018, two missions were done and initial assessments were conducted, including the completion. Work has commenced in the development of the Land Parcel database from Region 2, 3 and 7. This involves geo-referencing of the cadastral plans in order to show which areas have been surveyed and, consequently, which areas have been and are vacant.” “This is an important aspect in the management of all lands in Guyana since, ultimately, a completed land information system would enable the generation of accurate and important land related statistics, make data-driven development decisions and generally increase the efficiency in land management.” According to Benn, in 2019, the Commission will seek to facilitate Guyana membership to several key international organizations, including the Pan American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH) and The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). The organizations are well positioned to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and provide access to a variety of critical resources and expertise which are important to advancing the work of the Commission in mapping, hydrographic surveying and other critical areas,” Benn said.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
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KFC Goodwill Cup
Annai cruise past CWSS in easy 3-0 win
Niazz Mohammed Annai Secondary.
Play between Annai Secondary and CWSS (on the ball) last night at the MOE ground.
Orville Daniels - Annai Secondary.
Wednesday December 19, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your greatest quality is generosity. Your nature isn't to give to others in order to get something back but for the pleasure of giving. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) It's important to take a hard look at yourself and know where you're going, Taurus. A little self-analysis never hurt anyone, especially when you feel like you aren't getting anywhere. GEMINI(May 21–June 20) Gemini, you have a tendency to run away from confrontation, but today you might not be able to avoid it. Your partner or a family member may be putting pressure on you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may feel a little weary today. It's a good time to take stock of your life. You may have gotten some news about someone that has caused you some pain. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You have the gift of being able to get your great ideas across to others. In your family, you may be the one who teaches your children about life and its responsibilities. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There may be tension in the air as you go about y o u r d a y, Vi rg o . T h e leftover fatigue from the past few days is starting to wear on you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You don't live your life by society's rules, Libra. Your freedom is what is most important to you. There are days when you have the sudden, sinking feeling that you could wind up alone in this world. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Scorpio, life around you today almost seems like a (bad) dream. It's almost as if people are talking, but nothing intelligible is coming out of their mouths. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can't spend all your time running from one activity to the next. You need to take a break from time to time. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Today's planetary configuration has you wondering about an aspect of your life that causes you a good deal of hardship. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Aquarius, you may have been a little difficult to be around lately. You like to treat yourself to a little moodiness from time to time, but the people around you might appreciate a little cooperation. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) One thing is for sure, Pisces, you'd rather be in bed with a good book than out in the stressful world. But you may be feeling like you're missing out on some of the good things in life.
Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) were unable to cope with the challenge of South Rupununi’s Annai Secondary School who took the fight to the Lindeners during their comfortable 3-0 victory last night at the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground during round two play of the KFC Goodwill Cup tournament. During Annai Secondary’s first win of the tournament they got the ball rolling early, with some skilful use of the midfield; they were able to create their first few changes within minutes of the game. National midfielder and Skipper of the Annai Secondary, Orville Daniels drew first blood not long after, with a stunner in the fifth minute. As the game wore on, the Annai team were too much for their Linden counterparts, mixing wing play with balls through the middle of the park to overwhelm their opponents.
It didn’t help that the CWSS goal-keeper was a bit sloppy at times, the second goal coming after he tried to push the ball out of the area but only pushed it o n t o a r u s h i n g Niazz Mohammed in the 12th who slammed it against the crossbar before it rebounded into the goal. Mohammed completed his brace in the 35th minute after a good period of play that was built up with a string of passes. His swirling shot from 25 yards out was too much of a rocket for the CCWS keeper; even though it was aimed just a foot above his head. At the end of the half, CWSS looked the more frustrated team, as their chances at goal were few while the winners were having much fun on the Carifesta Avenue pitch. On the resumption, the Linden attacked with more intent, being three goals down but the team that missed the spark of midfielder Andre
Mayers, were not able to trouble Annai’s custodian. Up to press time, the second match between Shiva and East Coast’s Annandale Secondary was 0-0. The KFC goodwill tournament features four teams, three from Guyana, Annai, CWSS and Annandale Secondary along with Trinidad &Tobago’s Shiva’s Hindu College, vying for the KFC Goodwill Cup over three days of round-robin play. This Saturday will be the final round.
Man City down... From page 35 their hearts in their mouths when City appealed for a penalty with five minutes remaining as Gabriel Jesus looked to burst clear before Hamza Choudhury dived into a lastditch tackle and just got a toe to the ball. It was a brief reprieve as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the shootout with only Raheem Sterling failing to convert . Burton reached the semifinals for the first time in their history after Hesketh grabbed the only goal at ‘Boro, slotting home a rebound from the edge of the area in the 48th. The remaining quarter-final ties will be played on Wednesday when Arsenal host neighbours Tottenham Hotspur, while fellow London club Chelsea welcome southcoast side Bournemouth.
Region 6 Admin blasts... From page 40 where was Region six?” he asked. Other issues mentioned was the food not being properly prepared and reports that the chicken and other staples were spoil. DeRoop lamented that, “The entire Championship was observing a minute of silence for an athlete of Region 6- (the female cycling champion from Corentyne that died earlier in the year), and both teams from Region 6 were absent. It was an embarrassment. Your athlete died and there’s a minute of silence for her and both of your districts are absent. It was shameful.” The Vice-Chairman called for a full investigation into the entire scenario and the report presented to the administration for discussion with the aim of avoiding such an incident in the future. (Samuel Whyte)
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Kaieteur News
Mathews proves saviour again as Sri Lanka defy New Zealand
Angelo Mathews lays into a pull. (Getty Images) WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Former captain Angelo Mathews continued his role as saviour on Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand as he and Kusal Mendis struck unbeaten hundreds to thwart the host’s push for victory on the fourth day of the first test at the Basin Reserve yesterday. Mathews was on 117, while Mendis was 116 not out as they took their side to 259 for three at stumps, having batted together all day and created Sri Lanka’s highest partnership for any wicket against New Zealand with a marathon 246-run stand. It was the first time in test cricket that a full day’s play had been completed without a wicket falling since the first day of the second match between South Africa and Bangladesh on Feb. 29, 2008. The pair’s stubborn resistance could prove to be match-saving with rain forecast for the final day today. They had resumed at 20 for three, needing another 276 runs to even make New Zealand bat again, after Tom Latham’s maiden double century of 264 not out had powered the hosts to a massive first innings total of 578. They frustrated New Zealand’s bowlers, who resorted to a short-pitched attack early on, changed to a fuller length towards lunch, then virtually shut down the scoring during the middle session with Ajaz Patel shoring up one end. Nothing, however, worked against Mendis and Mathews, who were un-
troubled on a pitch offering little in the way of sideways seam movement, although left-arm spinner Patel got the occasional delivery to bite and bounce. Mendis was the more fluent with some memorable drives down the ground before he brought up his sixth test century shortly after tea when he pulled a short delivery from Neil Wagner fine for his 12th boundary. Mathews achieved his ninth century about an hour before stumps when he drove Colin de Grandhomme through midwicket for his 11th boundary. He then proceeded to do some pushups mid-pitch — a potential riposte at the selectors who dropped him in September from the one day squad for fitness reasons. It was the third successive innings in New Zealand that Mathews has resurrected his side’s fortunes when staring at embarrassment.The 31year-old top-scored with 83 in Sri Lanka’s first innings of 282 and combined with Dimuth Karunaratne for a 133-run partnership after they slumped to nine for three inside the first four overs. That innings followed on from his score of 128 not out in Sri Lanka’s only warmup game against an inexperienced New Zealand selection in Napier, when they had slumped to 104 for nine before he pushed them to 210 for nine declared. Scores: Sri Lanka 282 and 259 for 3 (Mendis 116*, Mathews 117*) trail New Zealand 578 by 37 runs.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
NBA roundup: Harden drops 47 vs. Jazz James Harden carried the load down the stretch once again as the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to four games with a 102-97 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz on Monday. Harden scored a gamehigh 47 points and contributed six rebounds, five assists and five steals as Houston (15-14) climbed above .500 for the first time since Nov. 23. After Utah pulled even at 94-94 on a Rudy Gobert tip-in with 1:59 remaining, Harden sank a 3-pointer when Ricky Rubio and Royce O’Neale dropped under a screen set by Chris Paul. After Harden added two free throws, Utah cut the deficit to 99-97 on three Donovan Mitchell free throws with 35 seconds to go. With 13.3 seconds left, Harden then buried another 3-pointer with Rubio defending, producing the final margin. Mitchell led the Jazz with 23 points. Bucks 107, Pistons 104 G i a n n i s Antetokounmpo powered for 32 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, and Milwaukee overcame a tripledouble from Blake Griffin to win at Detroit. Khris Middleton had 22 points and six assists, and Eric Bledsoe contributed 17 points and nine assists for the Bucks, who won for the fourth time in five games. Griffin had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists but also committed 10 turnovers. Detroit’s Reggie Bullock supplied 24 points and Stanley Johnson contributed 20 points and six rebounds off the bench. Andre Drummond chipped in 10 points with 14 rebounds for the Pistons, who had won their previous contest to snap a sixgame skid. Suns 128, Knicks 110 T.J. Warren scored 17 of his 26 points in a dominating third quarter, and Phoenix opened a season-high, five-game road trip by routing New York. Devin Booker led the Suns with 38 points in his second game back from a hamstring injury, but it was Warren who helped the Suns turn things around after halftime. DeAndre Ayton had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Josh Jackson (14 points) and Richaun Holmes (13) also finished in double figures for Phoenix. Emmanuel Mudiay led
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the ball as Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) the Knicks with 32 points. Timberwolves 132, Kings 105 Karl-Anthony Towns scored 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and eight other Minnesota players produced doublefigure point totals as the Timberwolves soundly defeated Sacramento in Minneapolis. Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 17 points, and Derrick Rose, starting for the injured Jeff Teague, had 13 points and 11 assists. Minnesota led by as much as 36 in the first half and then had to weather a Sacramento comeback attempt in the third period. Buddy Hield paced the Kings with 21 points. Thunder 121, Bulls 96 Paul George scored 24 points to lead Oklahoma City to a win over visiting Chicago. George scored 16 points in the final 4:47 of the second quarter as the Thunder closed the quarter on a 23-7 run to seize control of the game. It looked as if Oklahoma City had done that earlier, when a 21-3 run in the first quarter brought the Thunder from down five to up 13 before Chicago fought its way back in. Russell Westbrook had 13 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists for his 111th career triple-double as the Thunder won for the second consecutive game. Steven Adams added 19 and Dennis Schroder 18. Lauri Markkanen had 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulls, and Bobby Portis also scored 16 points.
Spurs 123, 76ers 96 Rudy Gay scored 21 points, and LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points and 10 rebounds as host San Antonio routed Philadelphia to win for the fifth time in six games.The Spurs led by 11 at halftime but broke open the game in the middle of the third quarter via a 15-0 run that expanded their advantage to 79-53. Gay had 11 points in a period that allowed San Antonio to build as much as a 29-point lead and take a 93-71 cushion into the final 12 minutes. DeMar DeRozan also scored 20 points for the Spurs. JJ Redick and Ben Simmons led Philadelphia with 16 points each, and Joel Embiid added 13 points and 11 rebounds. Warriors 110, Grizzlies 93 Andre Iguodala returned from a three-game absence to hit two secondquarter 3-pointers, helping Golden State pull away from Memphis in Oakland, Calif. Kevin Durant had 23 points, Stephen Curry 20 and Klay Thompson and Jonas Jerebko 16 apiece for
the Warriors, who won for the sixth time in their past seven games. Omri Casspi, a member of Golden State’s championship team last season, had a team-high 20 points for the Grizzlies, who found out shortly before game time that star point guard Mike Conley would be unavailable due to a sore hamstring. Trail Blazers 131, Clippers 127 Damian Lillard scored 22 of his 39 points in the third q u a r t e r, and backcourt mate CJ McCollum added 27 points as Portland held on to win at Los Angeles. Jusuf Nurkic contributed 20 points and seven assists for the Trail Blazers, who followed a victory over the NBA’s top team, the Toronto Raptors, on Friday with the win over the high-scoring Clippers. Tobias Harris scored a career-high 39 points including 11 free throws for the Clippers, who lost for just the fourth time in 13 home games this season. However, Los Angeles has lost four consecutive games overall. (Field Level Media)
Change unlikely unless “somebody does the right things”: Simmons... From page 40 the Twenty20 World Cup with West Indies two years ago but was sacked six months later for what Cricket West Indies termed “differences in culture and strategic approach.” His replacement, Australian Stuart Law, quit last month after two years in charge, leaving the Caribbean side with fielding coach Nic Pothas as their interim head.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
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Kaieteur News
EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League
Two playing days to go and #1 spot not yet confirmed; Timehri Panthers tipped
Omar Sam (left) and Jaden Tasher Timehri Panthers FC With two days remaining in the Third Edition of the East Bank Football Association / Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 League, there is still not yet a clear winner of this 12-team tournament. Following the 8th day of play yesterday at the Diamond Community Center Ground, Grove Hi Tech ended their 11game campaign with their ninth win and an unbeaten record after recording 2-0 win over Samatta Point/Kaneville. Netting for the winners who ended their campaign on 29 points were their leading scorers, Jevon Pluck (10 goals) in the 20th minute and Jamal Cordis (14 goals) in the 24th minute; Samatta Point/ Kaneville putting up a sterling performance despite the loss. On a day which saw four walkovers being awarded, the other matches contested produced wins for Swan Football Club which defeated Samatta Point/Kaneville 6-0 but in their second match of the day,
Jevon Pluck (right) and Jamal Cordis - Grove Hi Tech
Anderson Webber Swan FC Swan suffered their first defeat of the league when they went down to Timehri Panthers, 2-3. Swan’s leading scorer, Anderson Webber (16 goals) netted a hat-trick to lead his team to victory with strikes in the 10th, 14th and 25th minutes. Ezekiel Reid touched in a double (6th and 8th) while their sixth goal was an own goal compliments of Dominique Layne on the stroke of full time.
# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Team Grove Hi Tech Swan FC Timehri Panthers Agricola Red Triangle Diamond Upsetters Diamond United Samatta Point KV Mocha Champs Friendship All Stars Kuru Kururu Warriors Herstelling Raiders Hararuni Eagles
In the penultimate match of the day, Swan took the lead through Anderson Webber who found the back of the nets when he beat goalkeeper Shamar Williams in the 10th minute but two minutes later, Timehri struck back when their Captain and the League’s leading scorer Omar Sam scored the first of his double. Jaden Tasher then handed Timehri the lead in the 22nd minute only for Ezekiel Reid to strike back two minutes
Swan FC’s Anderson Webber scores one of his three against Samatta Point Kaneville yesterday at the Diamond Community Center Ground. P 11 10 9 9 10 10 9 10 9 10 10 11
Latest Points Standings W L D 9 0 2 8 1 1 8 1 0 7 1 1 6 3 1 3 5 2 3 5 1 3 6 0 2 5 2 2 8 0 2 8 0 1 10 0
later for Swan to tie the match, 2-2. Sam did the honours of securing his team’s eight win in 9 outings when he banged in his 21st goal of the league in the 29th minute. Walkovers were awarded to Diamond Upsetters, Friendship All Stars, Diamond United and Agricola Red Triangle as a result of the no show of Herstelling Raiders, Kuru Kururu Warriors and Mocha Champs. The penultimate day of
GF 33 33 43 34 16 13 6 16 11 5 8 4
GA 6 8 11 6 10 19 31 15 22 25 38 31
action is set for tomorrow at the same venue when four more matches would be contested. Diamond Upsetters will come up against Timehri Panthers from 09:00hrs to be followed by Herstelling Raiders against Samatta Point/ Kaneville at 09:45hrs; Agricola Red Triangle will then take on Friendship All Stars from 10:30hrs with the final match between Mocha Champs and Kuru Kururu
GD +27 +28 +32 +28 +6 -6 -25 +1 -11 -20 -30 -27
Points 29 25 24 22 19 11 10 9 8 6 6 3
Warriors. Saturday would be the final day of play with three matches scheduled; Diamond United will take on Samatta Point/Kaneville in the opening game from 09:00hrs, Timehri Panthers will close out against Friendship All Stars from 09:45hrs with the final match of the league between Swan FC and Agricola Red Triangle from 10:30hrs. The presentation of prizes would follow the final match.
Man City down Leicester in Cup shootout, Burton through LONDON (Reuters) Holders Manchester City held their nerve to beat Leicester City 3-1 on penalties and reach the League Cup semi-finals after an entertaining last-eight tie ended 1-1 y e s t e r d a y. C i t y ’s Oleksandr Zinchenko fired the winner in the shootout after hosts Leicester missed three of their four spot kicks.City had taken the lead through Kevin De Bruyne’s rifled finish early on but Leicester clawed their way back into the encounter with a brilliant finish from Marc Albrighton. With no extra time in League Cup matches this season, the game went straight to penalties where Leicester’s Christian Fuchs fired over, while James
Maddison and Caglar Soyuncu saw tame efforts saved by City keeper Arijanet Muric. “In the end the keeper helped us,” said De Bruyne. “He’s got veins of ice. He did what he had to do in the shootout.”City will be joined in the last four by Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion after the third-tier side shocked Championship (second-tier) team Middlesbrough with a goal from Jake Hesketh. Manchester City and Leicester fielded heavilychanged sides although the visitors looked far more potent on paper with Sergio Aguero and De Bruyne returning to the starting lineup, having only just returned to action after injury.
FIRST BLOW It was the Belgian playmaker De Bruyne who struck the first blow, showing delightful quick feet before firing a skidding shot from outside the area into the net at the near post. City had a great chance to extend their lead early in the second half when Riyad Mahrez played Aguero in behind the defence but the Argentine’s early shot was saved by Danny Ward. The visitors were made to pay in the 73rd minute when Albrighton controlled a superb pass from Wilfred Ndidi then thrashed his finish into the far corner. The Leicester fans had (Continued on page 33)
Leicester City players during the penalty shootout against Manchester City. (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley)
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Hetmyer, Paul & Rutherford get wonderful Christmas gift - New Guyanese Millionaires bought for 2019 IPL - Uncapped ‘nets’ bowler bought for $1,174,000 The Guyanese Trio of Shimron Hetmyer, Kemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford yesterday received a wonderful Christmas gift with the news that they were new Millionaires after being bought for lucrative sums at yesterday’ Indian Premier League (IPL) Draft for the 2019 tournament which starts on March 23. Seventy places were available from a pool of 351 players, with a maximum of 20 to be filled by overseas players at the auction which was held in Jaipur. The auction witnessed a rare sight when an uncapped Indian player became a million-dollar baby. The 26-yearold Varun Chakravarthy Tamil Nadu-born player became the shock entree of the IPL auction going for a final selling price of $1,174, 000 to Kings XI Punjab. Varun was once a professional architect and has been a part of Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings camps as a net bowler where he was the protégé of the mystery spinner Sunil Narine of KKR. Jaydev Unadkat got the highest bid among domestic players alongside uncapped Varun Chakravarthy while veteran Indian left-hander Yuvraj Singh remained unsold for the first time in an IPL auction. Unadkat was paid $1,176,000 as his old team Rajasthan Royals bought him back for the hefty sum as RR out-bided Delhi Capitals. Hetmyer, who turns 22 on
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Kaieteur News
Boxing Day, was bought for US$588,000 by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), while 20-year-old Rutherford collected $280,000 and Paul got US$70,000 as they were both bought by Deli Capitals. Hetmyer joins Indian Skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in a strong RCB batting line-up after enjoying an outstanding 2018 in International cricket. He blasted three ODI hundreds, including one on the recent tour of India where he amassed 259 runs in five matches and caught the eye of Indian off-spinner Harbajan Singh. The Berbician from Young Warriors in Canje was also the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ leading run scorer in the CPL with 440 runs, the third most in the tournament behind Colin Munro’s 567 and Glenn Phillips’ 457. Hetmyer also scored his maiden T20 hundred during that competition. The pugnacious Rutherford, from the East Coast Village of Enmore was surprisingly left out the Windies T20 side now in Bangladesh after making an impact in Canada’s Global T-20 League as the leading run-scorer for the Windies B team, with 230 runs in eight matches, including a murderous century. He played in the T10 in the UAE. The 20-year-old Paul is an all-rounder who hails from Saxacally in the Essequibo River before moving to Wakenaam when he was 11. Paul has played for
Guyana, West Indies and Guyana Amazon Warriors, and so far played two Tests, 11 ODIs and 11 T20I after making his International debut in all three formats this year. Paul plays for DCC in local cricket and will once again share the Deli Capitals dressing room with his DCC mate Rutherford. Among the other Caribbean players bought were Nicolas Pooran, the explosive Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper/batsman who was bought for $588,000, joins T20’s leading run scorer and century-maker Chris Gayle at Kings XI Punjab who was retained. Pooran, 23, also had a fantastic Hero CPL, scoring 267 runs in 10 games, at a strike rate of 144. He also struck 18 sixes in the tournament. In the recent T10 League, Pooran was the leading runs scorer with 324 runs in nine games. Fellow West Indian Carlos Brathwaite got a US$700,000 deal with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he will join Caribbean counterparts Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. The 21-year-old Jamaican pacer Oshane Thomas was also bought by Rajasthan Royals after playing four ODIs and a similar number of T20Is. West Indies captain Jason Holder and Trinidad and Tobago’s left-arm spinner Khary Pierre and Fabian Allen are among the group of unsold Windies players. (Sean Devers)
BCB/Ivan Madray Memorial 100 Balls Cricket Tournament
Young Warriors advance to Final, RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Tucber Park clash in Semis Young Warriors Cricket Club on Sunday last advanced to their third successive First Division Final after making a return to the level earlier this year. They easily defended Albion Community Centre Cricket Club in the second round, to draw the BYE into the Final of the Ivan Madray 100 Balls Tournament which is being sponsored by the Madray and Chintamani families in memory of the late West Indies Test Player. Powerhouse Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets crushed Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club by nine wickets to advance to the lone semifinal where they would face Tucber Park Cricket Club. At the Albion Ground, Young Warriors Cricket Club struggled to score quickly against the home team all spin bowling attack. They lost National Youth opener Alex Algoo bowled by left arm spinner Gourav for 12 while fellow opener Vishal Mohabir was also bowled by off spinner Mahendra Chaitnarine for 05. Young Warriors Cricket Club were eventually bowled out for 13 from 98 Balls with
former Guyana Under-19 allrounder Linden Austin, Mortimer Fraser 14 and Ishwar Singh 13 being the principal scorers. Bowling for Albion Community Centre, Beesham Surujnarine and Sharaz Ramcharran both took two wickets in an impressive bowling and fielding display. In reply Albion found themselves in deep trouble as left arm medium pacer Devindra Ramoutar claimed two wickets in two balls and then dismissed a careless Kandasammy Surujnarine as they slipped to 14 for 4. They never recovered and were eventually dismissed for 67 from 13.5 Overs with only Surujnarine and Devendra Latchman 22 reaching double figures. Ramoutar 5 for 9 and fellow medium pacer Suresh Dhanai 2 for 9 were the impressive bowlers for the visitors. In the second match at the venue, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club were bundled out for 48 as Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets continued to dominate the 2019 First Division Season. No Rose Hall Canje batsman reached double figures as left arm
Berbice Under-19 spinner Keith Simpson claimed 4 for 7 and received support from offspinners Junior Sinclair 2 for 8 and Eon Hooper 2 for 8. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets lost opener Kevin Sinclair caught at extra cover off the bowling of impressive Under-15 fast bowler Isaiah Thorne for 11. Junior Sinclair 18 not out and Vidal Crandon 13 not out then led their team to an easy nine wicket victory as they ended on 50 for 1 from 42 Balls. The lone semifinal and the final would be played on Sunday 23rd December, 2018, at the Port Mourant Ground. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and Tucber Park Cricket Club would clash at 09.30 hours, with the winner facing Young Warriors Cricket Club in the Final from 13:30hours. The Tournament is being played in memory of the late Ivan Madray, the third Berbician and member of the historic Port Mourant Cricket Club to play Test Cricket. The Madray and Chintamani families are sponsoring the tournament.
Lionel Messi: Barcelona forward wins record fifth Golden Shoe award
Director of Sport Christopher Jones congratulates Guyanese Director of Sport Christopher Jones congratulated Guyanese and West Indian players Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul who have been selected to play in the Indian Premier League 2019. Hetmyer was selected by Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rutherford and Paul were selected by Delhi Capitals in yesterday’s auction held in Jaipur, India.The Director of Sport also congratulated the three other West Indian players who were selected Carlos Brathwaite (Barbados), Nicholas Pooran (Trinidad and Tobago) and Oshane Thomas (Jamaica). “All of Guyana looks forward to exciting performances
from our trio in the marque tournament and we will be all glued to the broadcast as we follow their exploits,” Director Jones said.“We are assured that they will each represent our proud nation of world class cricketing pedigree and the Golden Arrowhead with dignity and pride,” Jones said. Other West Indian players who will play in IPL 2019 are: Dwayne Bravo (Trinidad and Tobago) - Chennai SuperKings Chris Gayle (Jamaica) - Kings XI Punjab Andre Russell (Jamaica) Kolkata Knight Riders Sunil Narine (Trinidad and Tobago) - Kolkata Knight RidersEvin Lewis (Trinidad and Tobago) Mumbai
Lionel Messi has won the Golden Shoe award five times (2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18). (Reuters)
Christopher Jones, Director of Sport IndiansKieron Pollard (Trinidad and Tobago) - Mumbai IndiansGuyanese who previously participated in the IPL include Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Christopher Barnwell.
BBC Sport - Barcelona forward Lionel Messi says he “never imagined having so much success” after being presented with a record fifth European Golden Shoe award. The Argentine scored 34 goals in 36 La Liga appearances in 2017-18, making him the highest goalscorer in Europe ahead of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (32).
Messi’s latest Golden Shoe award moves him one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won four in total. “The truth is I had no idea this would happen when I started,” said Messi. “I dreamt of playing professional football and enjoying success, I love the game, but I never imagined I would have so much.”
Tottenham’s Harry Kane finished third in the rankings with 30 Premier League goals, while former Real Madrid forward Ronaldo - now at Juventus - ended the season with 26 goals in 27 league matches. Messi currently leads Europe’s goalscoring charts once again, with 14 goals so far this term, as he targets a sixth Golden Shoe award.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Manchester United run out of patience and sack Mourinho after dire start LONDON (Reuters) Jose Mourinho’s relationship with Manchester United reached the point of irretrievable breakdown a long time ago but the club finally served the divorce papers yesterday as the world’s biggest club sacked the game’s most famous manager. The decision came as United laboured to their worst start for 28 years, playing dull, defensive football, with Mourinho cutting an everangrier figure after each setback, but Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Liverpool was one humiliation too far. After decades of being the biggest fish in the English soccer pond, United had just about come to terms with the fact that bottomless new funding had enabled Chelsea and then Manchester City to displace them in terms of spending power and trophy accumulation. But when Liverpool, in whose shadow United laboured for so long before Alex Ferguson finally “knocked them off their perch”, brushed them aside on Sunday like the mediocre mid-table team they have become, it was the end of the line for the Portuguese coach. “Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect,” the 20times English title winners said in a brief statement. That followed Sunday’s
defeat that left them 19 points behind Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool side in sixth place and 11 points off the Champions League places. The 29 goals they have conceded is their worst at this stage of a season for 56 years. For the current crop of United fans and officials who gorged on success during Alex Ferguson’s 26-year reign that is just not acceptable. Mourinho will point to the fact that after replacing Dutchman Louis van Gaal in May 2016 he won the Europa League and the League Cup in his first season, before guiding United to second place and a place in the FA Cup final, where they were beaten by Chelsea, in his second. His 58.33% win record is considerably better than that of David Moyes (52.94) and Van Gaal (52.43) and only marginally behind Ferguson’s 59.67. But those figures mask the fact that he has been poor against the other top-six teams, while his tactical approach has alienated just about everyone at the club. With every passing defeat he found new ways to blame the players while reminding his critics of his previous successes at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. If he had failed while trying to win with United’s customary panache he may have survived a little longer.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reacts. (REUTERS/Phil Noble) But while City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been thrilling fans with their swashbuckling approach, Mourinho has become the arch-proponent of “parking the bus” — a phrase he introduced to English football’s lexicon when complaining about teams packing their defence to foil his exciting Chelsea team. His fallout with 90 million pounds ($114.17 million) French midfielder Paul Pogba
Bermuda Cricket Board seeks new part-time national coach HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) is seeking a new national cricket coach “to create a winning culture” following the departure of Clay Smith. Bermuda cricket has been in the doldrums since the national team reached the World Cup in the Caribbean in 2007, coached by former West Indies Test batsman Gus Logie. Reflecting the country’s fall in the international rankings, the post will be a part-time one only. The BCB, hit by a series of resignations in recent months, said in a release that it is “seeking a visionary with a proven and progressive approach to modern day cricket”. Applications close on December 28. The BCB said the new coach would be required to report to the chairman of its high performance committee, the successful candidate being able to “deliver sustained success in all conditions and
Head coach Clay Smith … stood down in October. formats while creating a winning culture and team capable of playing competitive cricket on the world stage”. Smith, who took over from Arnold Manders in December 2015, stood down in October, three months after his contract expired on July 7. Bermuda dropped to the lowest rung of international cricket in Malaysia last spring when they were relegated – along with Vanuatu – to the World Cricket League Division Five.
Smith’s departure was followed by the resignation of the BCB’s chief executive Neil Speight after 13 years in the post. Vice-president Nyon Steede also handed in his resignation, while treasurer Gershon Gibbons stepped down earlier in the year. Meanwhile, having left the national team set-up, 47-yearold Smith has agreed to coach club side Flatts, newly promoted to the Premier Division, next season.
summed up his failure. Good enough to inspire France to win the World Cup this summer, Pogba has spent the last two weeks sitting on the bench, effectively punished for daring to suggest the team should be more attacking and play like the Wolverhampton Wanderers team who drew 1-1 at Old Trafford. Instead Mourinho has opted for the sturdier qualities of the likes of Nemanja
Matic and Marouane Fellaini. Mourinho, bucking the trend of “ultimate responsibility” has been ever-more critical of his players, accusing them of lacking technical expertise, mental fortitude and physical resilience. The smiling, charming Mourinho who arrived at Chelsea declaring himself “a special one” 14 years ago, has long been replaced by a surly, haggered-looking operator, dismissive of any and all questioning of his personal responsibility. PLAYER POWER However, a club insider close to the decision told Reuters on Tuesday the notion that “player power” had played any part in his sacking was simply untrue. “The decision had been entirely down to the way the club have been playing”, the source said, also claiming that Mourinho had been committed to the principle of fast, attacking, high-tempo football for which the club has long been famed. Mourinho has repeatedly said he cannot compete with the spending power of City and Liverpool, ignoring the fact that he has signed 400 million pounds of talent over the last two years. He broke the bank to acquire Pogba, yet has struggled to find a way to make best use of him. Romelu Lukaku came in from Everton and has had success in fits
and starts but Alexis Sanchez, who earns a reported mindnumbing 400,000 pounds a week, has been an unmitigated disaster. The defensive numbers also speak for themselves with Mourinho constantly changing his back four. Even inconsistent keeper David de Gea has not been able to patch over the holes. His selections and tactical approach brought a tsunami of frustrated criticism from former players-turned-pundits and it became a question of when, rather than if, he would go. “Liverpool are streets ahead,” said former United captain-turned pundit Garry Neville after Sunday’s loss. “I find it staggering. United were awful..it’s not good enough.” Liverpool fans certainly enjoyed it and their chant of “don’t sack Mourinho” must have made painful listening for the United board. United, who were drawn against Paris St Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League on Monday, have said they will appoint a caretaker manager within the next 48 hours while they presumably try to earn time to prize a big-name manager away from his current role. Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte are among the early bookmakers’ favourites to take over.
Dortmund stunned by Fortuna in first league loss this term DORTMUND, Germany (Reuters) - Bundesliga pacesetters Borussia Dortmund suffered a shock 21 loss at promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf yesterday that snapped their unbeaten league start and cut their lead to six points. Goals from Dodi Lukebakio and Jean Zimmer in either half secured an unexpected three points against the overwh e l m i n g t i t l e favourites Dortmund, who remain on 39 points. Second-placed B o r u s s i a Moenchengladbach moved to 33 points by beating Nuremberg 2-0, having missed a penalty. Champions Bayern Munich, third on 30, host RB Leipzig today. “I think we were missing the greed to want to win the game,” said Dortmund captain Marco Reus. “Overall the defeat was deserved because we did not deliver. We have to learn from this and be more determined.” “Now we must stand up
and dust off and on Friday we have the next game,” he added. Dortmund next face Gladbach with the chance to open a nine-point gap over their title rivals with a home victory before the Bundesliga heads into the winter break. As expected, Dortmund, who had only lost in the Champions League this term, had most possession, with some 75 percent in the first half, but Duesseldorf created the chances. The home side’s Belgian winger Lukebakio, who got a hat-trick against Bayern Munich last month, notched his seventh league goal this season after a quick break in the 22nd minute. There was more bad news for Dortmund at halftime with central defender Manuel Akanji staying in the dressing room with a muscle injury. Jean Zimmer then scored Duesseldorf’s second goal in the 56th with an unstoppable piledriver from 20 metres that gave keeper Roman Buerki no
chance. Dortmund, who face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League last 16 in February, increased the pressure and substitute Paco Alcacer headed home his 12th goal of the campaign — his 10th as a substitute — to cut the deficit in the 81st minute. But despite a one-sided finale, Dortmund could not find an equaliser and suffered their first loss of the league campaign. “They caught us on the break really well and we were a bit surprised by the first goal,” said Dortmund coach Lucien Favre after his first league loss on the club’s bench. “My team is still very, very young and we keep learning every day.”
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Wednesday December 19, 2018
Kaieteur News
Australia level series against India with 146-run victory PERTH (Reuters) - Australia cleaned up India’s lower order with a barrage of hostile bowling before lunch on the fifth day to secure a series-levelling, confidenceboosting 146-run victory in the second test yesterday. Having set India a daunting 287 runs to win on a menacing Perth Stadium pitch, Australia dismissed the tourists for 140 midway through the first session to win an engrossing, low-scoring contest. Australia’s wickets were shared around with Man of the Match Nathan Lyon (339), who is fast becoming something of a national hero, and quick Mitchell Starc (346) the pick of the bowlers. It was sweet revenge for Australia after a nail-biting 31-run defeat in the seriesopener at Adelaide Oval and ensured captain Tim Paine his first win in five tests as skipper. “As a group we’re relieved, it’s been hard work,” Paine told reporters. “The first two tests in this series have been tough. It’s been a bruising test match. To get a win like that against the number one test team is going to give us a huge boost of confidence.” India, looking for a first test series win in Australia, had pinned their faint hopes on Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant when they resumed on 112-5 but they all but evaporated when the former fell for 28 in the sixth over of the morning. When Pant miscued a slog off Lyon to be brilliant caught by a diving Peter Handscomb at mid-wicket for 30, India simply imploded, losing their last four wickets for just three runs. It was Australia’s first win since March 5 in Durban – before the damaging ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that rocked the nation.
Mitchell Starc celebrates a wicket, Australia v India, 2nd Test, Perth, 5th day, December 18, 2018 © Getty Images Wi t h o u t s u s p e n d e d former captain and vicecaptain, Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia’s shallow batting depth has been laid bare. This, though, was a much improved effort on a troublesome drop-in wicket and the 326 the hosts made in the first innings after Paine had won the toss and decided to bat first was instrumental in the victory. Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch and Travis Head each compiled half-centuries in the first innings and Usman Khawaja grabbed another as Australia tallied 243 in the second. India, by contrast, looked reliant on their talismanic captain Virat Kohli, who contributed 123 of India’s 283 runs in the first innings with the only century of the match. The tourists will regret their gamble at the selection table, playing without a specialist spinner in the absence of the injured Ravichandran Ashwin. Speedster Umesh Yadav was preferred over spinning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, but struggled with match figures of 2-139.
Nathan Lyon chuffed to have taken a wicket, Australia v India, 2nd Test, Perth, 5th day, December 18, 2018 © Getty Images
NO SPINNER India’s lengthy tail was also exposed on the grassy wicket with the four tailenders mustering just 11 runs between them for the match. Kohli defended the sel e c t i o n o f Ya d a v, w h o claimed 10 wickets in his last test against the West Indies in October, even though off-spinner Lyon dominated for Australia with 8-106 through his targeting of the expansive rough patches. “If you see the rough, it didn’t have much assistance. Just the pace on the ball that Lyon bowled with ... that’s how he got the wickets,” Kohli said. “We thought a fast bowler was going to be more productive and more helpful.” It was a tempestuous contest at times with both skippers at the centre of the tension with several heated exchanges conjuring images of ill-feeling from previous series between the cricketing superpowers. “Nothing compared to 2014,” said Kohli, who was part of a bitter feud with former quick Mitchell Johnson during the 2014-15
India’s Jasprit Bumrah walks as Australia’s players celebrate after they defeated India on day five of the second test match between Australia and India at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, December 18, 2018. (AAP/Dave Hunt/via REUTERS) series. “As long as there is no swearing and personal attacks then the line doesn’t get crossed. Australia played better cricket than us and deserved to win.” The test was the first at the new 60,000-seat stadium
located in Burswood after a 47-year run at the WACA but crowds were disappointing especially when fierce heat blighted the early part of the match. The series shifts to the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket
Ground followed by the finale in Sydney. Scores: Australia 326 (Harris 70, Head 58, Ishant 4-41) and 243 (Khawaja 72, Shami 6-56) beat India 283 (Kohli 123, Rahane 51, Lyon 5-67) and 140 (Lyon 3-39, Starc 3-46) by 146 runs.
UDFA Christmas Football Results
Murray doubles in Capital first win over Hi Stars 3-0, Topp XX beat Panthers 2-1 Capital FC earned their first ever win in competitive football as they coasted past Hi Stars 3-0 as guest player Andrew Murray netted twice, while Topp XX found their way past Amelia’s Ward Panthers winning 2-1 when the Upper Demerara Football Association 6th GT Beer football tournament continued at the tournament venue, the Mackenzie Sports Club ground Sunday night. Capital FC first took the lead through Emmanuel Atkins who netted the goal as the first half came to an end in the 45th minute. After play resumed McAllister was there to send a cross from the left to the middle where Andrew Murray collected and in a smooth finish tucked the ball into the back of the net in the 48th minute. Murray was there once for a penalty shot which came after McAllister was
brought down in the box trying a move towards the goal. Murray’s spot kick was taken in the 85th minute and even when a few chances came either way, it did not reflect on the score sheets as Capital FC would romp home winners by a 3-0 margin. The second game of the night was one that saw some big hitting from outside with the first recorded as in the first minute of play. It came from a ball that went from a corner taken by Topp XX where the Panthers defence got out but the experienced Travis Waterton would gather on the left side and up a powerful hit from beyond the 18 yard box that rocked the net and stunned the Panthers players to score. After that setback the Panthers would get a chance from about 20 yards out after a foul was taken by Keon Hall on a Panthers player. The resultant shot
taken by Akeem Caesar was rifled past the goalkeeper of Topp XX who could hardly get a hand to it as the scores were leveled 1-1 and a contest was on. That 23rd minute goal by Akeem Caesar would be cancelled out however, when in the 40th minute a neat buildup would see Keon Hall getting a feed to Ry a n N o e l w h o i n a controlled move would ease his way around two defenders on his right, and then taking a left foot ripper that rushed past the well beaten Panthers goalkeeper for a brilliant goal in the 40th minute. That lead would be taken into the final session and try as they would on both sides of play the Topp XX team would earn a 2-1 win and keep their hopes of advancing alive. Play would continue on Friday night with two more matches at the MSC ground.
rt o p S Sherfane Rutherford played a matchwinning knock, Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors, Qualifier 1, CPL 2018, Guyana ©CPL T20/ Getty Images
Shimron Hetmyer at a net session on the eve of the second ODI against India, Visakhapatnam, October 23, 2018 ©Associated Press
Keemo Paul in his delivery stride, Lord’s, May 31, 2018 ©Getty Images
Hetmyer, Paul & Rutherford get wonderful Christmas gift - New Guyanese Millionaires bought for 2019 IPL
- Uncapped ‘nets’ bowler bought for $1,174,000 KFC Goodwill Cup
Annai cruise past CWSS in easy 3-0 win 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.