Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR Energy Head warns Saturday Edition NEWS about unrealistic

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

December 21, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 50

local content expectations

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

ahead of Elections

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 116,794

Guyana is officially - President producing oil David Granger Law governing Natural Resource Fund “remarkably complicated - Guyana's systems not mature enough and vague” to ensure effective monitoring - Datadin No less than $85,000 in backpay for each soldier There was a festive atmosphere at Base Camp Ayanganna yesterday at the Annual Soldiers Day

- Granger Guyana's Oil and Gas Sector must be protected from Int'l Financial Crimes - Attorney General

Thieves brutalise Grove shop owner during robbery

The injured Ramesh

Cops on abduction, felonious wounding charges granted bail

Isaiah Bernard

Daniel Bernard

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

Cops on abduction, felonious wounding charges granted bail

By Trishan Craig

I

saiah Bernard, 26, and Daniel Bernard, 24, the Police Constables who are accused of pouring hot water on 17year-old Ashkay Budhiram, after they allegedly snatched him from a betting shop, were yesterday released on a total of $400,000 bail each, for the charges of abduction and felonious wounding.

The men, who are brothers, appeared in the Leonora Magistrate's Court to have the charges read to them by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul.

It was alleged that on December 16, 2019, at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, the brothers abducted Ashkay Budhiram with the intent to wrongfully confine him. Also it was alleged that they unlawfully and maliciously wounded the victim with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

The defendants both pleaded not guilty to the joint charges. They were represented by attorney-atlaw Dexter Todd, who stated that the men both reside at 1092 38th Street, La Parfaite Harmonie. The lawyer further mentioned that the men are still performing their duties in the Force as they were not served with any indictment.

Budhiram was able to

Energy Head warns about unrealistic local content expectations ahead of Elections

A

Daniel Bernard

Isaiah Bernard make a court appearance. He was accompanied by his relatives. He was silent for the majority of the hearing.

The court heard that on the day in question, at about 11:30hrs, the victim was at a Superbet outlet when two men, said to be the brothers, in company of six others, approached him and allegedly started to beat him.

They reportedly did this with a baseball bat and crowbar.

Budhiram was reportedly accused by the brothers of breaking into their home. They then allegedly handcuffed him

The injuries sustained by the victim

and forced him into a car where they took him to a location and reportedly threw a hot substance on him.

Furthermore, it is alleged that the defendants left, which gave the victim the opportunity to escape. He immediately headed to La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station where the matter was reported.

Isaiah and Daniel Bernard were contacted by the police, told of the allegation against them, and arrested The police prosecutor had no objections to bail being granted to the defendants. However, he asked for conditions to be attached to same.

Hence, the defendants received bail to the tune of $200,000 for each of the two charges. The condition of the bail is that they report to the Leonora Police Station every Friday pending the outcome of the matters.

They were also instructed to lodge their passports with the clerk of court. The matter was then transferred to the Wales Magistrate's Court until the next court date on January 30, 2020.

PAGE 03

s G u y a n a approaches General and Regional Elections, Head of the Energy Department; Dr. Mark Bynoe said the department is fully aware of all the unrealistic expectations as regards local content policy.

At the Guyana Manufacturing and Services A s s o c i a t i o n Aw a r d s Presentation and Dinner held at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday night, Dr. Bynoe stated “the decision whether to give into such expectations and pressures is particularly relevant in our national elections when popular promises tend to overrule realistic outcomes.”

“One of the most difficult tasks that policy makers have to tackle is designing and setting local content goals at the right level for Guyana's circumstances.

However the task is made difficult because of the industrial capacity which is usually low and the socio economic expectation, often resulting in political pressure demanding quick success from local content measures,” Dr. Bynoe asserted.

“Persons are deceived in this way; hypocrisy and double speaks are tools they

use to endorse manipulation of public ignorance. The Department of Energy will not toggle down that road.”

Dr. Bynoe said that the department has taken a “considered, if not popular approach” to properly assess and scrutinise the relevant barriers to local development in Guyana, and has therefore sought to design a fit-forpurpose Local Content Policy with necessary applicable measures to monitor and effects of such policy implementation”.

He further warned that the more unrealistic a goal and the more painful the penalty will be for not achieving it, the stronger the incentive will be among investors to get around that goal.

“The unrealistic goal is something that requires more energy, skills, talents, and time than you have available in order to achieve it, therefore investors will demand more money, such grants to attract and combine with capital; and will introduce the “stronger incentive” towards better performance,” Dr. Bynoe concluded.

During a prior engagement, the Energy Head had stated that the goal to have the local content policy by the end of the year

Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe remains. The third draft of the Local Content Policy was released earlier this year for consultation and comments by various organizations.

He then took the opportunity to update those present on the progress made with local content policy thus far. According to Dr. Bynoe, over 1700 Guyanese are employed in the oil industry, representing a 29% increase over the same period in 2018.

The pool of local vendors being utilised in the industry is expanding, he said, with 485 being used in the third quarter of the year and some 70 joint ventures established since the formation of the Centre for Local Business Development.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday December 21, 2019

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

Crime everywhere; we cannot go on like this There have been reports of what prevails immediately outside the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). No sooner than the ink on those reports had dried, there came news of the need for increased security inside the GPHC itself, because of what is going on inside there.

What is happening in there is that when sick, hurting, and helpless citizens turn up for the relief of some urgent professional medical attention, they encounter the unbelievable. During the hours approximately on either side of midnight, when people traffic is less, everyday watchfulness lower, and helping hands are scarcer, that is when patients are vulnerable, and given a relief of a different kind: of valuables, of any nerves remaining, and any remaining faith in this society.

The facts are: patients in the emergency area of the GPHC around midnight have some bodily affliction that cries out for help. But now in the confines of the largest public facility in this nation, they are being robbed. Where is safe in this monstrous society?

From earlier reports, once untouched areas, such as doctor’s offices are attacked; and so, too, are houses of worship, ‘wake’ houses, and alehouses, all once considered off-limits. The troubling reality is that ordinary, law-abiding men and women can go nowhere without fear; or without the probability of becoming a victim of crime. We pray and we are attacked; we mourn our dead and we are made to grieve further; and we sit down to have a social drink and the criminal spirits visit to remind all of whom is in charge here.

Given environment and circumstances of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), there is some empathy. It is not in a good place to bring overwhelming, or credible, presence to the crucial points of criminal concert. It does not have the people power nor sufficiency of ethical power nor the comprehensive power to combat local terrors. For here it is, that people walk with the barebones cash requirements for their travels and they are waylaid. It can be anywhere that the transportation system carries. Citizens huddle in clusters for protection and it is to no avail, because they still come in their brigades of banditry.

Since the GPF is hard pressed to deliver and cannot be in all the places (not even a majority of the sensitive ones) where they are desperately needed, perhaps a radical step should be considered. It may be past the time for making it easier for all citizens, who are capable, to obtain firearms. It is a radical step, which is not uttered lightly; and which is sure to provoke interminable recoiling.

Still, the thinking is that this could rebalance the scales somewhat and make the criminally reckless and dangerous pause and consider a change of career options. For there is a deterrent present and pedestrians and patients, commuters and citizens, and shoppers and sporting aficionados, and all the rest unaccounted for, would be in a position either to take appropriate action, and with that well known and well understood facility relative to all that it represents.

Naturally, there is awareness that this may create more problems than they address, and of an increasingly imperiling character. Still, there is persistence, as crime of all kinds are no longer a daily phenomenon, but now a bona fide hourly, if not momentary, reality.

It is believed that the possible results may justify the risks.

The peoples of this society cannot go on like this, where every step that they take is the equivalent of an unnavigable minefield and full-fledged warzone. We are - all of us - going out into the world (many times in our own homes too) like sitting ducks waiting to be picked off at random, or with calculated and ruthless efficiency. Something has to give; something must be made available to level the fields of felony.

Since the manpower and presence of state power are simply not there, then the suggestion is that the people so desirous be given the power to possess the power necessary to protect themselves. It is the very least that they are asking and what should be made available to them. There is regret at having to come to this point.

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.

NICIL sleeps while the country suffers DEAR EDITOR, It has now been two years since more than 7,000 of our brothers and sisters collected their final pay cheque from the four closed Sugar estates in Guyana. Further it has been two years of punishment and misery for many families in rural Guyana. While many has sought and found employment elsewhere, others continue to suffer. On a pure business perspective it was a good economic decision to close the estates and divest them since sugar is a dead business.

I supported the thought from the beginning and even today I still believe it was the correct thing to do. My concern is that after two years not a single estate has seen significant business.

Not a single individual or company has closed a deal with the SPU other than at Wales. I kept asking myself why? After much thought I decided to investigate. My finding is as unpalatable as my loss of confidence in NICIL, SPU and its sidekick PriceWaterhouse Coopers.

Before I describe then, let me share with you some of my findings. i) NICIL is steadfastly holding the interested parties to plant cane and produce sugar while NICIL itself through SPU has moved away from sugar at Wales and is now

planting rice and coconuts, among other things. If they themselves do not see the economic advantage of sugarcane production how can they force the investors into cane production?

Further, when I researched the sugar industry worldwide, it is quite evident that sugar is a dead business under the Guyana scenario.

The Indians have closed down 13 factories in the last two years, Jamaica closed down one, Malaysia has closed down seven. The Chinese have stopped buying sugar from the Indians causing millions of tons of sugar to be stockpiled in warehouses across the world and now forcing the world market price down to under 254 USD per ton and NICIL is still holding on to sugar. ii) NICIL is asking for an exorbitant premium to be paid up front.

For what? Scrap tractors and factories that are falling apart? This leaves me to wonder which investor will

be so stupid to want to make that premium upfront and be saddled with refurbishing an entire estate at close to100 M USD in five years under the current sugar prices and quota limitations. iii) NICIL refuses to allow the Investors to use the assets of the estate as collateral. Well this one blew me away especially since they are only leasing the land for 25 years without mortgage rights. iv) To top it all off the investor is not allowed to compete in any market that GuySuCo is selling its sugar.

These are only but a few that I have highlighted for space and readers comfort.

There are a number of other issues attached to this SPU privatisation scenario but the whole divestment business has shifted my focus to NICIL itself, which I think is the real problem.

When I took a closer look at them, I cannot come across a single divestment that they have concluded in the last

five years. The estates are running down further while our people suffer, GNSC is falling apart while scores of companies are banging down its doors to invest, LINMINE is dead, SEI is limping while GPL is struggling to supply power to the grid, Guysuco is in a Judo Lock with the 30 billion dollars and Colvin Heath London is having a blast at all the estate clubs and Watooka House among others while the Guyanese people suffer. And as a little diversion, why is it that NICIL’s only consultant is PriceWaterhouseCoopers?

It is critical to note that it was the PPP who brought London to Guyana at the behest of Jagdeo and the opposition is deafeningly silent on the ills of NICIL. Further at this juncture when the government needs to attract every vote it would seem that London has done everything within his powers to drive them away. I wonder why?

Sincerely, George Louis

Climate change and our economic systems DEAR EDITOR, The annual average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas, increased to 405 and 408 parts per million (ppm) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The total

concentration of all greenhouse gases, including cooling aerosols, reached a value of 454 ppm in CO2 equivalents in 2019 — an increase of more than 4 ppm compared with 2016, and 37 ppm more than 10 years ago.

The concentration of

carbon dioxide in the atmosphere before 1960 was less 300 parts million. Now it is over 400 part per million (National Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration). This is a concentration not seen since (Continued on page 5)

Saturday December 21, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Does anyone believe Jagdeo’s threats? Ignorance and/or disrespect by road users can lead to carnage Dear Editor, Does anyone really believe Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s threats anymore? Just this week he warned that if his party returns to government it will exclude the company which concludes an agreement with the current administration to buy Guyana’s first oil from “any and all open tenders”.

One wonders how that will work if Exxon, Hess or CNOOC are one of the chosen bidders?

We don’t think any of the bidders are paying him in any mind because these Thursday threat sessions are nothing new. On October 4 he ranted, “Let me say to the international organizations …for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and all the others who insist on disbursing funds and approving contracts now that…they cannot claim that they have not been warned.

It will have implications for repayments.” He was referring to a US$2.5M contract for a 150kW hydropower plant on the Chiung River, at Kato Village.

There are two issues here: 1) This was a grant so if he wishes to withhold repayments he can go right ahead and 2) He would prefer Amerindians go without electricity in his bid to delay projects and score cheap political points.

On July 9 he threatened to pull out of talks with President David Granger if there was bad faith in negotiations for the choosing of a new GECOM Chairman. (He didn’t). On February 16 he warned if the party wins the elections it will seek to institute civil procedures against contractors. “The Accountant General may face personal liabilities for the disbursement of any money in that period. Contractors and

others who persist in dealing with an illegal government could face civil recovery procedures for money that they receive on contracts.”

And no one is beneath his threats as poor Tyrell Tull learnt when taking cricket star Chris Gayle to a PNCR event in Linden.

All of this unhinged behaviour would be amusing if it were not for this very dangerous threat he uttered last year: “If they think they can rig the elections and have the kind of peace we have now they are wrong very, very wrong.

I hope they are not thinking that in their calculation. I’m making it clear about that and it’s not coded language...the nature of the struggle changes.”

What should be very clear by now, except to Jagdeo, is that Granger don’t take bluff.

Yours sincerely Albert Russell

DEAR EDITOR, The carnage on our roads is because of either ignorance or disrespect or both by road users: Here are a few examples: 1) At intersections between what is known as major roads and secondary roads motorists do not stop to allow vehicles on the major roads to pass, they are in the habit of either driving halfway onto the major road causing oncoming traffic to stop to allow them to continue driving or they simply drive non-stop over onto the other side of the road. THERE IS NEED TO PLACE STOP SIGNS OR TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR MORE SPEED BUMPS at those intersections to put an end to this nonsense by the ROAD BULLIES! 2) At similar intersections, some irresponsible motorists,

Climate change and our economic...

From page 4 at least 3 million years ago long before human existed.

This environment degradation was produced by communism, capitalism and socialism.

The scientific evidence suggests that if this continues, it will make the earth uninhabitable to human in about 100 years. The earth has had five mass extinction event all linked to climate change whether cause by asteroids or natural phenomenon.

This situation was created by the philosophy of profit (maintain the system) over people. This is common in socialist, communist and capitalist economic models.

We cannot stop the global economic system because about 80% of the world’s population depends directly on it. Before the industrial revolution of the 17th century the situation was reverse. We cannot continue with any present economic model; we can only tame the capitalist

version with government regulation and the socialist with more individual rights.

The new economic system will have to insure that all human can live without struggle for material survival which breeds crime and disorder. The socialist myopia is to think that government official will not become the 1% that oppresses the people especially the poor. Private property is important but not owned by only the few. All present economic system creates a Pareto distribution where 80% of the wealth is

owned or controlled by 20% of the population. This is not by talent alone.

Whether it’s Huawei (Chinese technology company) or Google (US technology company) government support made them successful by diverting resources from the many to give to the few. An

economic system must be kind which come from the word kin (relative) - treat everyone as a blood relative. It is never just to let children go hungry or to let talented people not develop because they’re not connected.

Yours truly, Brian Ellis Plummer

without due regard to traffic moving in an opposite direction, stop in the box which indicates that no vehicle is to stop there. THE BOXES (prohibition signs) ARE THERE TO ALLOW FOR THE SMOOTH, UNHINDERED FLOW OF TRAFFIC. 3) Motorists at the afore said intersections do not stop to look left nor right for oncoming traffic, instead they turn immediately without stopping onto the road causing road accidents.

MORE SLEEPING POLICEMEN/HUMPS ARE NEEDED AT THESE INTERSECTIONS TO ENSURE THAT MOTORISTS STOP BEFORE PROCEEDING STRAIGHT AHEAD OR TO TURN ONTO A MAIN ROAD; 4) Speeding continues to

be the major hazard and reasons for accidents on our roads. PASSENGERS IN MINI-BUSES MUST DEMAND DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN! 5) Few motorists are aware of what is known as the 5 C’s: CARE, COURTESY, C O N S I D E R AT I O N , CAUTION, COMMON SENSE, if they are aware of these 5 C’s then they either ignore it or disrespect other road users. THEY ARE ROAD BULLIES! Clement James Rohee

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Kaieteur News

We cannot become aliens in our own country DEAR EDITOR, It strikes as no surprise that some stores operated by non-nationals are now openly barring Guyanese from shopping there.

One does not have to be paranoid to observe the attitude of some foreigners who come here towards Guyanese.

I have been highlighting this issue for months now, but the authorities such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Public Security, et al, have obviously viewed the practice by those foreign merchants as frivolous and have paid little heed. They will wait for Guyana to be

overrun before taking remedial action.

A recent television report about the spate and prevalence of this practice further reveals the growing tenacity of some of those foreigners who seem to be trampling upon our native hospitality.

Several months ago it could be recounted that Guyanese shoppers were even physically abused, in separate incidents, by nonnationals of Asian descent for suspected and alleged shoplifting.

About a week ago, I entered a certain store on Regent Street and was pricing a toy when the attendant

oblivious of my ability to understand Spanish told the proprietor that I am Guyanese and quoted me a different price.

The same nonsense has been happening at the Georgetown Public Hospital Out-Patient’s clinic with the Hispanics.

Recently on a visit to Region#8, I had cause to upbraid an unruly Venezuelan national, who struck me and didn’t feel he owed me any apology. He got off lightly since I was attending to more important matters that day.

Ironically, certain individuals and media houses, for their own ulterior motives, have been

imprudently seeking to vilify a select migrant group that pose no real threat nor inconvenience to this country while seemingly complicit or comfortable embracing those who would chew and spit them out.

Guyanese should not become hostile nor xenophobic towards foreigners, but synchronously resist any attempt by non-nationals to treat ourselves with contempt or become aliens in our own country. This is our turf. We cannot go anywhere else in the world and pull such ridiculous stunts.

Yours faithfully, Orette Cutting (Mr.)

Our leaders should focus on bringing betterment to our people DEAR EDITOR, I recently saw a piece written by Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, the Presidential candidate of ANUG entitled Governance Reform of Saturday November 30, 2019.

While it was a mediocre piece of political rhetoric on Guyana, it outlines briefly the Development Plan as stated by the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, and sought to applaud the Georgetown

Chamber of Commerce for such a Plan.

I wish to comment briefly.

Mr. Ramkarran feels that our country needs a governance system that has a good chance of breaking the cycle of political illegalities, violence and competition for ethnic supremacy which are the core political problems in Guyana, which he argues is responsible for our economic under-development,

corruption, continuing poverty, crime and political instability.

I sincerely think that it is the actors who sit in the key seats of power who are actually the root cause of our country’s problems, not the system, necessarily.

Guyana is where it is at today with respect to its electoral system, for instance, mainly due to the likes and dislikes of the people who were making decisions for us

An open letter to Bharrat Jagdeo Bharrat, I have been politically conscious longer than your age in life. To be precise, I have been in active politics for more than 65 years, not as a member, supporter or well-wisher but as an “Activist” in a “Political Party” that once had seven Ministers in a Coalition government. The leader of my “party” at that time was the Minister of Finance. In that “Coalition” one of the Ministries we held was the Ministry of Hydraulics and Works, that Minister was Mohamed Kasim.

Bharrat, like myself I

admire your dedication and I even am sometimes at wits ends with my fellow “Street Politicians” when I defend your attitude, by publicly saying that you “Bharrat” are an astute politician who knows and accept that we must always try to keep our political opponents, adversaries “on the defensive”. I have seen and observed this attitude of yours for many years. I could remember you as Finance Minister challenging President Desmond Hoyte to a debate but reading your party’s newspaper dated

Sunday December 15, 2019, when you got into Queens, New York and claimed that “We Guyanese are Hungry” and have become “Hungry” since you “lost power in 2015” has convinced me that you have “stepped out of line”. You seem desperate, you seem to be out of control, you seem to be one who would use anything at your disposal to regain power.

Bharrat after you said what you said in Queens, you were not criticising politicians like yourself, you were insulting our people, you (Continued on page 24)

for a long time now, most of whom, I may suggest, were all near sighted and narrowminded.

Now, on January 10, 2020, there will be about 13 political parties contesting, among which numbers there are two serious contenders, and several dark horses. The time has now dawned for the leaders of these parties to focus on bringing betterment to our people, as we all know already that it will be a minority government when the results are tabulated, which I posit does not, for one moment mean, Guyana would reach the status quo of it being in a state of affairs of a political system of people monkeying around, and ultimately heading straight to a weak government in office from 2020 to 2025.

Right now, Guyana can’t solve any military incursions because of serious division in its rank and file. Guyana faces acute problems, I quite agree, but it the human resources it has at its hand-reach and they being placed in key positions, at the helm of such a minority government is where the solution to the problem really lie.

Yours truly, Shabeer Zafar

Saturday December 21, 2019

Matters of concern DEAR EDITOR, It has been quite some time since I wrote an article to your newspaper. Today I shall write briefly on certain topics which may be of interest to the People of Guyana. These subjects concern the following: 1] Elections 2] The Presidency 3] The future development of Guyana 4] The Judicial System 1] Elections. I am indeed very happy and comfortable that elections will be held sometime in March of next year.

At least this demonstrates that Guyana is still a democratic country, where the people of the country have the right to exercise their voting rights.

Also, not to mention the number of political parties fighting to rule the country for the next five years. This is true democracy at work.

2] The Presidency. It continually appears that in the political parties there are several candidates to be President. However, a President must possess certain qualities that go beyond simply speaking well and good economic policies.

A president must have true humanitarian qualities which must emanate from within and set an example for the rest of the society to aspire to. A] These include taking care of the weakest in society such as vulnerable infants, elderly suffering from illnesses, single mothers, abused women, etc. By taking care of the weakest in society we strengthen the overall social and moral fabric of society and this should definitely come from the President who should lead by example. B] The President must advocate for education to be free for all from nursery straight through to University level. In this way Guyana will produce a work force that is capable of continually developing the growth of the Guyanese economy.

C] As our Founder leader, the late Hon. Linden Forbes Burnham said, “we must be able to feed, clothe and house the nation. It is my disgust to see people walking the streets, half naked, looking for something to eat from bins and sleeping on pavements.

One shudders to think what occurs when it rains.”

While there may be such a person in Guyana or in the Political parties, I cannot tell the voting public whom they can choose. It is their choice.

Vote with your mind and spirit.

3] The Development of Guyana. Every day I have read about the oil industry and its benefits. These benefits are of course welcome but whilst there are so many obvious flaws in the oil contracts and

as yet legislation to protect the local economy against foreign exploitation through various loopholes in the contracts which have yet to be closed should we not also focus on the existing industries of this country which must be further developed. Diversification of the economy is essential to buffer against any crashes in the oil prices in the future.

These crashes are of course inevitable as oil operates in the boom and bust economic model and also is vulnerable to continuing passing legislation which continues to move the world economy away from fossil fuel dependency. For example in Germany there will be no more production of combustion engines after 2030.

These other industries include agriculture, gold, bauxite, manganese, uranium, tin, zinc, copper and a further plethora of as yet undeveloped industries.

Agriculture for example if fully developed can supply the Caricom and also further afield. While the government was and still should be criticized for closing the sugar factories and estates no one takes into account the depreciation factor. When it was nationalized, this government and the last one took more equipment which had outlasted its usefulness or close to being worn out.

The result was a fall in sugar production as the figures show. In my humble opinion the land from these closed estates should be formed into cooperatives where other crops can be cultivated. One must also look at the cost of production and the price of these other crops. This is where competent experts are needed. Not one square inch of land should be left uncultivated.

Due to the continuing evolution of the car industry from combustion to electric we should also look to diversify our power source in Guyana to Hydro, solar and even wind.

Another issue with over reliance on oil is that the price is subject to fluctuation and this can adversely affect an undiversified economy therefore it is critical we move our energy source to alternatives as fast as possible.

4] The judicial system.

Many people including politicians believe this system favours the ruling government.

Nothing is further from the truth.

Our system is as close to free and fair as any developing country around the world. Then we can always go to the C.C.J for a final ruling on matters.

To all Guyanese have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Anthony Kissoon

Saturday December 21, 2019

Law governing Natural Resource Fund “remarkably complicated and vague” -Says Guyanas systems not mature - Datadin

A

s the coalition ad ministration con tinues efforts to set up the account for the Natural Resource Fund at the United States Federal Reserve Bank, Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin says he already foresees trouble on the horizon for the nation.

In this regard, the lawyer noted that the legislation that outlines how the Fund is to receive money, how that money is to be spent and how that spending is reported on is “remarkably complicated and vague.”

During an interview on Kaieteur Radios programme, Guyanas Oil and You, the lawyer reminded that the Fund will not only hold oil money, but also excess revenue from forestry and mining. In his eyes, the lumping of those revenues only complicates matters.

He also noted that there are various tiers of investments, according to the Act, which would be determined by an Investment Committee.

According to the Act, “The Fund shall only be invested in eligible asset classes which shall be limited to - (a) eligible bank deposits which are bank deposits held in United States Dollars with foreign financial institutions that have a long-term bank deposit rating in a category which is equal to, or the equivalent of, or above

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Kaieteur News

No less than $85,000 in backpay for each soldier - Granger

enough to ensure effective monitoring from at least two of the following institutions - (i) Fitch; (ii) Moody’s and (iii) Standard and Poor’s, or an account held at the Bank in Guyana Dollars or United States Dollars; (b) eligible treasury bills which are treasury bills issued by a sovereign in their domestic currency where the domestic currency of the sovereign is a basket currency of the Special Drawing Rights and the sovereign has a long-term credit rating for their domestic currency which is equal to, or the equivalent of, ...- (i) Fitch; (ii) Moody’s and (iii) Standard and Poor’s;...”

Datadin argued that in light of the aforementioned, which is just a small subset of the section in the Act, Guyanas immature systems and capacity would not allow for the effective monitoring of same when it is implemented.

The lawyer said, “We dont have that capacity and when you do complicated legislation like that you need mature government services.

We just dont have that.

We cant even monitor and implement the rules we have now....We need legislation that is simple, legislation which gives us proper reports and dissemination of proper information...”

Datadin was also questioning of the legality of the

Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin Natural Resource Fund as he pointed out that its legislation was passed after the No-Confidence Motion was heard on December 21, 2018.

He was also critical of the fact that it was passed in the absence of the Opposition which represents half of the population.

The lawyer said, “...The reality is that it is never good business when only one side of the political divide passes laws that will be about the future of my children, your children and our grandchildren...We have not had any proper debate or consultation on it, and that is the first problem with it.”

President David Granger serves lunch to one of the female ranks Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger yesterday attended the Guyana Defence Force’s Base Camp Ayanganna Annual Soldiers Day, where he served lunch and spent time with the soldiers.

President Granger, in brief remarks, said that the day is set aside annually to honour the soldiers and the contributions they make to Guyana and the Guyanese people, according to the Department of Public Information.

The Head of State said that even the lowest serving soldier will be taking home at least $85,000 this month in retroactive payment in addition to their monthly salary.

He noted that when the Government assumed office in 2015, soldiers were taking home $54,400 a month. Now, soldiers are being paid $86,130, a raise of over $31,730 within the last four years.“You deserve it. You have worked for it. This has been a good year for the Force,” he said. (DPI)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

Alleged counterfeit scamp lands in Guyana’s Oil and Gas Sector must be court again protected from Int’l Financial Crimes – Attorney General

Thirty-six-year old Dexter Thompson, of 101 Parfaite Harmonie West Bank Demerara, yesterday made his way back to the Georgetown Magistrates Courts to have yet another fraud charge read to him in relation to the trade of counterfeit currencies.

This time around, it was alleged that on January 26, 2019, at Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, with the intent to defraud, Thompson uttered to Deokumarie Sampson a total of $650 United States (US) Dollars, knowing same to be forged.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that on the day in question, Thompson went to the victims flower shop and purchased a bouquet of flowers which he paid for with a US $50 note.

While there, he asked Sampson to change US$600 to Guyana currency. Sampson complied and then Thompson left.

However, based on her observation, Sampson later realized the currencies were not genuine. As a result, the woman reported the incident to the police.An investigation was launched, and on December 19, last, Sampson received certain information as it related to the whereabouts of Thompson. He was arrested while attending another court hearing within the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

Prosecutor Mansfield objected to bail based on the fact that Thompson was previ-

Remanded: Dexter Thompson ously charged with matters of the similar nature. Hence, the defendant was remanded to prison until his next court date on January 17, 2020.In May of this year, Thompson, and two other individuals were slapped with 10 counts of fraud charges in total after the police smashed what they suspected was a US currency counterfeit ring.

The first charge alleged that on January 23, last, at Quail Optical, Lot 289 Thomas Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he (Thompson) uttered to Clement Cumberbatch, the sum of US$1,800 knowing same to be forged. It was also alleged that on May 14, last, at East Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Rookmin Del Toro a total of US$2,500 knowing same to be forged. He had denied the both charges made out against him.

As bribery and corruption risks become an increasing concern for Guyana, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has said that the countrys Oil and Gas industry must be protected from international financial crimes under the regime of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Williams made this assertion during the opening of the National Risk Assessment (NRA) Seminar on AntiMoney Laundering and Countering Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT). He emphasised that Guyana has been removed from the blacklist as a result of a lot of “hard work” and therefore, measures should be put in place to ensure that the countrys emerging oil and gas sector is free from international financial crime.

He asserted that it is of vital importance that Guyana remains off the “blacklist” because the CFATF and FATF requirements to protect the international financial economy are strict. According to him, efforts have to be made to “insulate the countrys oil and gas industry”, especially as Guyana

Attorney General Basil Williams prepares for oil wealth. The CFATF is an organization of states and territories of the Caribbean Basin that work towards the implementation of common counter-measures against money laundering and terrorism financing.

Whereas, the FATF is an inter-governmental body that promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing.

Meanwhile, NRA Coordinator attached to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Alicia Williams, said that a

synopsis of the first risk assessment which was conducted over a 12-month period from 2016 to 2017 indicated that Guyana had been tagged as “high risk”. She highlighted that the major factor for the high level rating was as a result of little to no regulations and supervision for AML/CFT purposes within the various sectors.

She further emphasised that the NRA is fully committed to identifying any emerging new terrorist financing threats and money laundering such as oil and gas sector dealings among others.

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Manslaughter convict files appeal R

ajen Dindial who was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for the September 03, 2017, murder of Alston Henry, is asking the court to intervene. Dindial was convicted of the lesser offence manslaughter by a jury on November 13. The sentence was imposed by trial Judge Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court in Demerara.

Dindial, of Section C Block Y, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, killed Henry, called “Boy”, at Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara. It was reported that Dindial and Henry were at a wedding celebration at a house when an argument ensued between them after Henry pushed down a portable toilet and refused to pick it up.

The court was told that Dindial became annoyed and armed himself with a paddle

and dealt the victim several lashes about his body.

The court heard that Henry fell unconscious and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed some time after. Dindials lawyer, Nigel Hughes, has gone to the Court of Appeal, where he is arguing that the trial judge erred in law and fact when she failed to direct the jury to completely disregard the contents of the confession statement by Dindial, after it had been read to the jury and subsequently withdrawn from them.

According to Hughes, “The trial judge failed to address and/or adequately address the jury on several contradictory statements by the sole eyewitness and the manifest unreliability of the testimony of the sole eyewitness.”

Further, the lawyer argues that the trial judge erred in law when she failed to withdraw the case from the jury after reversing her decision to permit the caution statement into evidence and the only remaining implicatory evidence was manifestly unreliable.

Hughes also argues that the trial judge failed to direct the jury or adequately direct the jury on the contradictions between the testimony of the eyewitness and post mortem report, and that the trial judge erred in law in allowing the case to be put to the jury due to the manifestly unreliable evidence of the sole prosecution witness.

The lawyer contends, “The trial judge failed to explain or adequately explain the consequences of her decision to exclude the caution statement. The judge

Dem boys seh ...

Soulja Bai soft fuh women Some criminals only praying fuh de holidays because dem know that Soulja Bai gun pardon some of dem. This thing start couple years ago. At one time de people use to get pardon when is some big holidays.

At one time he pardon some young men. Of course dem boys talk because dem suspect that some of dem young ones, no matter how nice you treat dem is always back to crime.

So said; so done. One of de men kill somebody and Soulja Bai get criticize. Since then he don’t even look in dem men direction. Is sheer women he does grant pardon.

Dem boys remember de one woman who kill she friend because de friend get pregnant before she. Soulja Bai pardon her. This year he

pardon two more women because he always does seh that Christmas is a time when women should deh home wid dem children.

De truth is that he got a softness fuh women. Dem boys seh he really soft. Is only time before he let out all dem women from de jail.

Then dem got all this talk bout oil.

One of Soulja Bai people talk how Guyana got to guard de oil wealth from de international criminals. From de time dem hear de word criminal dem boys blink. Guyana always had criminal.

Dem even getting important till dem endorsing political parties. Two men endorse a political party and Badal party people was happy. Is when de headline come out that two fraudsters supporting Badal party that de shame

start. Badal seh that is two endorsement he don’t want.

And is not that Badal party don’t want endorsement. Is just that it can’t find no reasonable person these days. De result is that people got to tek any Lagubagu.

That is a low life person who don’t even worth de clothes he wearing.

Everybody know that Jagdeo had some lowlife in he party and government when he was president. Dem boys used to call him de king of lowlife. But he not alone.

When he lef de government dem boys think de lowlife thing was over.

Now dem see how Soulja Bai got he own lowlife people. Dem boys seh Soulja Bai lowlife copy from Jagdeo.

Talk half and keep away from lowlife people.

also misdirected the jury on the burden of proof in relation to the testimony of the pathologist.”

Apart from these, Hughes is also challenging the 12year jail sentence impose on his client, saying that it is manifestly excessive.

During the States case, which was presented by State Counsel Shawnette Austin, and State Counsel Sarah Martin, an eyewitness to the

beating, Kemis Harris, said that around 11:30hrs, he was walking through a street where the wedding was being held when he saw Henry push down a portable toilet.

He said that the portable toilet was a few feet away from the wedding house at the intersection of the street.

According to the witness, several persons rushed up to Henry and one of them, a (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 9

Rajen Dindial

Miner comes out of bush, remanded on robbery charge A 31-year-old miner was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, after being arrested and charged for snatching a womans bag and her cell phone while she was standing on the road.

Delroy Boyce of 48 High and Barrack Streets, Kingston, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the charge which stated that on December 17, 2019, at Brickdam, he stole from Amanda Dunne, one Samsung cell phone, a red haversack and $25,000 cash.

According to the facts of the charge, on the day in question, Dunne was standing on the southern side of the road with her bag and her cell phone in her hand, when Boyce walked up to her, snatched the items, and ran towards South Road.The alleged victim raised an alarm and police that were on duty in the area apprehended the suspect with the items in his possession. He was taken into custody and later charged for the offence.

Dunne was remanded and is expected to make his next court appearance on January 3, 2020.

PAGE 10

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===Fre

Guyana: The poverty of journalism; journalism’s poverty Mr. Glenn Lall, the publisher of Kaieteur News, called me on Friday morning to request that I send him a list of journalism’s unattended curiosities that were mentioned in my column yesterday.

I quote the section that caught Mr. Lall’s eyes; “Guyana’s journalism is poor and I don’t see any improvement in the near future.

The role of the media is to inform the society about what takes place right in their midst. Guyana’s media is not even halfway there. This columnist can name more than a dozen stories that need in-

vestigating and that in any country the media would be like flies on ointment, but not Guyana”.

Mr. Lall called while I was driving. On arrival home, I began to type the list when it occurred to me to make the list public so not only Lall would see it, but all those who read this column, in and out of the land. I sincerely believe in my heart that in comparison with the Caribbean region and the rest of the world, Guyana’s journalism is the poorest.

This doesn’t mean there aren’t outstanding journalists

in Guyana; there are. I would be dishonest not to mention Leonard Gildarie and I don’t give a damn who says I have cited him because he works for Kaieteur News, the paper I write for.

Gildarie had the testicular fortitude (Lincoln Lewis’ favourite combination of words - the usage of which President Granger says he finds unacceptable) to followup on a shocking revelation made in February 2017 by the then leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman.

Speaking at the AFC’s head office, Trotman told the

media that President Granger was over-generous to the AFC, that in addition to the Cabinet seats that the AFC were assigned under the Cummingsburg Accord, Granger selected three more including his own son-in-law, Dominic Gaskin, and he, Raphael Trotman.

Gildarie was the only journalist with the intellectual foresight to see the significance of that revelation and to seek a comment from Joe Harmon. The man whom the satirical column “Dem Boys Seh” refers to as “Joe Shanlin”, instead of answering Gildarie, attacked me, the messenger.

“Joe Shanlin” said not one word about what Trotman uttered. Dominic Gaskin referred to me as stupid. Many of the politicians that rule tragic Guyana are asinine people. I merely reported on what Trotman said, and Harmon and Gaskin attacked me.

Trust me when I say that Trump, Boris Johnson and Bolsonaro in Brazil are billions of times better leaders than some of the asinine characters that reign in Guyana.

Here is the list Mr. Lall requested. These are crucial subjects that all Guyanese need to know, their signifi-

cance in any other country would have been pursued by the journalistic community 1 – APNU and AFC have concluded their renewal of the Cummingsburg Accord.

Granger and Ramjattan have not announced officially or unofficially who has been selected for the PM slot. Has Ramjattan being chosen, if yes, why was Nagamootoo bypassed?

2- Moses Nagamootoo has the portfolio for the entire state media. He has not uttered even half a word as to if he has approved or disapproved of the Chronicle dropping Lincoln Lewis and David Hinds as columnists.

3- Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman stated that he signed the one percent royalty agreement because he was told to. In no other country would Trotman have been left alone if he did not disclose who forced him to accept one percent.

4- President Granger said one of the most dangerous things any Guyanese head of government could have mouthed off, yet he has not been pursued by the media on his incredibly misplaced belief. He said the media should be allocated state advertisements based on the fairness

Frederick Kissoon of its coverage. Two dimensions of this emanation should be attended to – what is fairness; who measures it, and is the Chronicle reporting fairly on what takes place in Guyana?

5- The APNU+AFC coalition won the election by a margin of point three percent.

Granger as head of APNU, Trotman as head of the AFC between 2017 and 2019, Ramjattan as head of the AFC since June 2019 and Nagamootoo as Prime Minister, have not been asked by the media if such an infinitesimal margin constitutes a moral mandate to rule Guyana by themselves, and if because of that coat of varnish that separated their triumph over the PPP, should they not run Guyana by widely consulting, with examples offered like the editorial direction of the Chronicle and contents of NCN broadcasts?

6- The Police Commissioner said the investigation into Charrandass Persaud involves national security. How is that angle going?

7- Winston Jordan exclaimed “war break.” Is the war still going on?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday December 21, 2019

Energy Dept.'s 'unusual practices' heighten suspicions over first oil sales - GAWU

By Gary Eleazar

T

he unusual practices recently highlighted by a Bloomberg publication with regard to the process used for Guyana's sale of its first three shipments of crude oil, “opens the door for further and heightened suspicions.”

As such, “…anxieties have been raised as questions abound about whether the correct decisions and approaches are taken.”

This is according to one of

Guyana's largest and oldest workers' representative bodies, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU), which in a public missive yesterday warned that “despite the potential for transformational changes and much improvement in our people's quality of life, something we all hope for, it is our firm view that we remain woefully unprepared for whatever may come our way.

The union—in condemnation of the Energy

Department's decision to invite selected companies to bid on the first three shipments of the country's e n t i t l e m e n t o f crude—reminded that “we lack even the legislative, as well as the institutional framework to adequately address oil production and the associated issues”.

The agreement regarding oil production, GAWU said, “has been widely criticised and it has been disclosed to be among the poorest arrangements in the world,”

and “as a small, developing nation, with so many pressing issues which needs to be addressed it is upsetting that our people's resources are not being satisfactorily managed.”

The existing petroleum legislation in Guyana was promulgated in 1986 while the Bureau of Standards' statutes were enacted in 1981.

According to the union, there are also the ongoing concerns regarding the absence of any real local content policy. It questioned

“what are the actual jobs undertaken by locals” GAWU in its missive noted that “magnificent pictures have been painted about the richness that will accrue to our nation; this could well be the case, but we remind that for the few properlymanaged oil nations, there is a litany of bad ones.

Oil in many countries has exacerbated inequity, and created rather than alleviated

social and economic challenges.”

According to GAWU, this year during an engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), “we shared views about the possibility of inequality between the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy and its ramifications for wider societal issues…This, the IMF team said, was a concern they had as well.”

President Granger pardons two female inmates for Christmas

The two female inmates, Sheryann Marks (left) and Simone Williams, who were pardoned

P

resident David Granger has made Christmas celebrations possible for two female inmates after he pardoned them as part of his custom of forgiveness around the holiday season.

The Presidential Pardon pursuant to Articles 188, 189 and 190 of the Constitution takes effect on December 23, 2019.

The inmates to be released are 19-year-old Sherryann Marks, who was charged with larceny of items and sentenced to six months in prison and 33-year-old Simone Williams, who was charged with making use of threatening language and sentenced to six months as well. Last December, the Head of State granted Presidential Pardon to three women who were serving sentences for non-violent, non-narcotic offences.

Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution states that, “The President may grant to any person concerned in or convicted of any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions”.

The conditions outlined in the Constitution were met and the Head of State had the requisite consultations with the Minister of Public Security.

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Two Guyanese in historic Mount Roraima climb T

wo Guyanese, of Amerindian descent, have been lauded in a historic climb of Mount Roraima earlier this month.

On Wednesday, the Guyana Tourism Authority, along with Minister of State, Dawn HastingsWilliams, and Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Sydney Allicock hosted a press conference at the Guyana Marriott Hotel honouring what is being described as an amazing feat.

Leo Houlding, an international climber, his team - Ann Taylor, Wa l d o E t h e r i n g t o n , Wi l s o n Cutbirth, Dan Howard and Matt Pycroft - along with Guyanese locals from the Indigenous village of Phillipai, Troy Henry and Edward Jameson, completed the 600-metre climb to Mount Roraima's prow on December 3.

Henry and Jameson are the first two Guyanese to be recorded to ever complete this incredible journey, according to government.

“I have a mind to climb it. I just want to see the view from the top,” said 59-year-old Jameson who, along with Henry, simply wanted the experience. The team completed a 53km trek through pristine, untracked jungle towards their

Troy Henry starting point. Following the same route as the British expedition of 1973 led by Joe Brown and Don Whillans, the team reached “Tarantula Terrace” and forged a new route along virgin territory.

Wi t h l o o s e r o c k , h u g e overhangs, and unpredictable weather, the team free-climbed their way to the prow.

The fearlessness and determination of the two locals was solidified by Troy Henry, as he gave his remarks at the press conference via translator Loraine George, “he is a human and I am a human too. If he could do it, I could do it too.”

Edward Jameson Minister Hastings-Williams expressed her gratitude to Houlding and his team for taking up this challenge and allowing Henry and Jameson the opportunity to experience this national wonder. She urged them to “encourage other young people in [their] communities,” to recognize that “this is the beginning of a very special community tourism activity.”

Echoing her sentiments, Minister Allicock congratulated the team on their achievement.

“The knowledge of our (continued on page 19)

Saturday December 21, 2019

Hanging high: Safety harness and all, the climbers taking a break during the historic climb.

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Thieves brutalise Grove shop owner during robbery The shop where the robbery occurred

gushing from a head wound he sustained due to the beating. He was rushed to the hospital to receive medical attention. The men reportedly carted off one iPhone and an undisclosed amount of local currency.

While the traumatized man relayed that this is first time that his shop was robbed, other neighbours who had gathered at the scene, said that other persons in the area had been robbed days before the incident occurred.

Ramesh displaying the head injury he sustained during the robbery

A

resident of Grove, East Bank Demerara was left in a bloody mess after two armed men stormed his home at around 4:50am yesterday.

The man, who operates a small grocery store at his Lot 50 First Street, Grove Squatting Area home was visibly shaken from the incident that left him with minor head injuries.

Ramesh (only name given) disclosed that he woke up and headed straight for the bathroom. On his way back, he stopped in the kitchen for a glass of water when he was accosted by the two masked intruders.

“When I push de kitchen door, dem rush in and shove me down on the floor and one start beat me in meh head with de gun.”

According to the shopkeeper, one of the men was armed with a handgun while the other carried a cutlass. He explained that it appears as if the men were stuck in the kitchen throughout the night, only

being released and making their move when he opened the kitchen door.

“When me go upstairs from the shop, it look like dem been in the kitchen hiding and me lock the door and de grill and dey try prizing it out, suh after me come in, me lock dem up and is when me wake up fuh drink me water and come in de kitchen, dem get fuh attack.”

Ramesh, determined to survive the ordeal, began screaming for help. This attracted the attention of his next door neighbours and spooked the men who went into the man's small shop, and later made good their escape.

“He (the thief with the cutlass) start lash me over and over and den when me start scream, the one who did holding the gun wanted to shoot me, but meh beg dem seh 'ayo nah kill me' and he partner pull he into the shop and leff meh pon de ground.”

Concerned neighbours who later rushed to the man's aid met him with blood

Two Guyanese in historic Mount Roraima climb From page 16 Indigenous People is key to any venture of this kind. The forest is our backyard, the eco systems demand our respect and that is what we treat it with.”

Ve t e r a n c l i m b e r Houlding expressed his fascination with the way Jameson and Henry handled themselves throughout the

expedition.

He remarked at their ability to quickly adapt in an activity that they have never done before.

Jameson and Henry, equipped only with cassava bread, water and their skills introduced the climbers to an authentic Indigenous way of life that will forever be embedded in their memories.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

Saturday December 21, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Sugar production falls to 80-year low

GAWU officials at the press conference yesterday

-no funding for turnaround plan Sugar production this year will not reach 100,000 tonnes and will be the lowest production of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in its now 43-year history.

“In fact, when we checked our records which go back to 1940, it is the lowest production ever,” the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) said at its year-end press conference.

Present at the event were President, Komal Chand, and General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, among others.

GAWU, the largest sugar union, is battling a huge chunk of its membership dues being sliced in an industry that has been contracting rapidly in the last decade.

Aging estates and poor agriculture combined with low prices have been contributing to the situation which led to the Coalition Government closing four estates in the last four years.

“During the year, our union too, on several occasions, expressed concern about the level of production.

With production coming to an end this weekend, it is apparent that the sugar corporation will not even be able to realize the revised production we had estimated.”

The smaller-sized GuySuCo targeted 109,706 tonnes for the year but has managed only 93,875 tonnes.

“It is an unfortunate turn of events for the industry which has the possibilities to record much higher levels of production,” the union disclosed.

The production, especially in the second crop, was affected by the poor reliability of the industrys factories.

“Apart from the nonachievement of the target, large quantities of canes earmarked to be harvested will have to be carried-over into the first crop of 2020. At Albion, 950 hectares of canes are expected to stand unharvested when the crop ends, at Blairmont nearly 615 hectares are estimated to be left back and at Uitvlugt 135 hectares were not harvested. By the time the canes are harvested next year they will be over-matured.”

Regarding the breakdown of the factories, the union reminded that $30B has been borrowed in GuySuCos name to address issues at the three remaining factories - Albion, Uitvlugt and Blairmont.

“We further note that the breakdowns are occurring when a number of retired personnel had been recruited, which makes us wonder whether they are up to their responsibilities.”

Making its case for the industry, GAWU stressed that GuySuCo plays an indispensible role in contributions to the social and eco-

nomic life in rural Guyana. It pointed out that it was the president, David Granger, who had anticipated within three to five years the industry would be economically viable. The union was critical of the fact there is has been no pay increase for a number of years for the 10,000-plus sugar workers.

“Today brings us to 1,814 days since sugar workers pay rates have remained stagnated. Over the last few weeks, the workers and the Union have heightened their call for a pay rise. A petition supported by thousands of workers to President Granger remains unanswered though the President has committed to providing a response after he heard from the sugar company.”

According to GAWU, workers and their families continue to suffer.

The union complained of being sidelined from even being aware of what the GuySuCo and the Government had in mind for the industry. “While some tidbits were shared here and there, our union demanded, rightly

we believe, that the corporation engages us on its plan.

Our continued insistence paid-off when the corporation at last, on November 20, invited us to share some details of its plan. From our interaction with GuySuCo, we learnt that the corporation is intent on improving field productivity, going into further mechanization and rehabilitating its factories. Apart from those investments, the Corporation aims to construct a white sugar plant and a cogeneration plant at Albion. There is also a plan to establish a cogeneration facility at Blairmont and to expand that estates packaging plant.”

At Uitvlugt, GuySuCo

plans to improve its facilities to produce more bagged sugar and is examining the establishment of a distillery at that location as well.

“Our Union has sought a copy of the plan to examine it more carefully and to determine the reliability of the assumptions and conclusions.

The Corporation did commit to sharing with us the document after it had completed some updating. So far, our request remains unfulfilled and we must wonder whether it will take us another year before we get the document.”

GAWU said it is still unclear on financing.

The union was also critical of the conflict between

NICIL-SPU and GuySuCo. “The disagreement between these two state-operated agencies became very heated and the animosities spilt over into the media. As we conclude 2019, it appears to us, that while the public spats may have abated, at least for now, the conflict is no closer to being resolved.

The continued withholding of sugar bond financing from the GuySuCo indicates that all is not well and relations between the bodies have not healed.”According to the union, the entire imbroglio that is unfolding, is yet another manifestation of the administrations (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 22

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Sugar production...

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From page 21 “mis-adventure” and, undoubtedly, poor policy-making regarding the sugar industry. The union also highlighted the divestment process of four closed sugar estates. “Those plans have all but been abandoned and NICIL-SPU has begun the disposal of several movable assets. We had learnt earlier this year, that tractors, motorcycles and agricultural implements were sold at what could be deemed basement prices.

It was opined that the assets disposed could have obtained far higher prices.

Also, there were concerns regarding whether the sale prices resembled the valuation that was carried out.

Then, of course, we recall concerns being raised about the sale of so-called scrap iron from the closed estates.

That sale, we understand, brought in a large sum, and again it was felt that higher prices could have been obtained. In fact, our Union was made to understand, that one buyer who purchased the scrap iron at the Wales factory made a hefty profit from the deal.”

VACANCY One (1) Clerk for TSI Eccles Industrial Site Office, English1 Mathematics -2, Quickbooks. Call: 615-9132 Commercial truck driver instructor. One security guard to work in Georgetown Call: 227-1717 Vacancy exist for Experienced Pharmacy assistants to work @ reputable pharmacy in G/ town. Interested persons call #696-5098 between 8am-4pm Vacancy for One (1) Experienced Driver/Salesman @ Humphrey Bakery & Farm Products Tel# 225- 7864 /2278607 One female cleaner, Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda

VACANCY

Experienced Sales girl, Apply in person, Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda Experienced Lorry Driver, Apply in person, Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street

07 BMW MSport Edition, less than 87,000km, drives great, 2.9M neg, for more information call: 648-6567/ Facebook.com/AriaImports

Experienced Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529

Person to assemble bicycle, apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda

TOURS

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132

Room attendant, Desk Staff, 25-50 yrs, 233 South Road, Lacytown. #225-0198

Suriname- Old years firework celebration tour trip 12-292019 - 01-03-2020.Call/ Whatsapp #639-2663/6732348/665-5171

Employment workshops- free of charge, now till January 5th.

Contact# 233-6997/622-1957 Ages 16-36

Prestige Tours Guyana, River Tour, White water falls, Kykover-al, Arawai Resort. Tel# 630-3636 Stephen

Housekeeper- day shift at Aagman Restaurant, Sheriff St. TIN, NIS & Police Clearance mandatory. Call: 219-0158

1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956

Office Assistant- Applications with CV & References to Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, Maraj Building, Charlotte & King St, G/town- by 3 Jan, 2020 Vacancies exists for Truck Drivers and Loader Operator.

Contact - 621-5282

Saturday December 21, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Teen who lost her arm, other victims coping with injuries after deadly Mahaicony crash “I already lost my left hand due to the accident; all I have to do now is adjust myself, so that I will still be able to work and continue schooling using the remaining one.

I don’t think losing an arm will have a bad impact on my life and future. And most importantly, I have my family around to assist me.”

These were the words of 15-year-old Angela Jacobs of Moraikobai, Mahaicony River, one of the survivors of last week’s deadly accident at Mahaicony in which five persons lost their lives. The aspiring medical technician who is at present a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, recounted that she was seated behind the conductor’s seat with her father.

The teen’s father, David Jacobs was however treated for minor injuries - a fractured leg and arm.

Due to the accident the teenager’s left hand was severed and there are multiple cuts and bruises on her body.

Nevertheless, she continues to smile.

Also coping with his injuries is father of six, Cecil Gordon, 46, of Farm, Mahaicony.

Although he was discharged from the medical facility, Gordon stated that he is still feeling pains in his back and left eye.

“I don’t know what exactly happened to my eye, but every time I blink I am feeling something boring me in the eye. The doctors told me that they believe that particles got in my eye due to the collision.

All I know is that it hurting me real bad.”

Injured: David Jacobs

Injured: Cecil Gordon

Sod turned at UG for $120M Early Childhood Centre of Excellence

An injured Angela Jacobs as she was being carried into the hospital According to the injured man, on the day of the accident he was on his way to the city to meet some friends.

However things did not go as planned.

Gordon related that before the accident he worked as a carpenter. However he is unsure if he will be able to continue his trade as normal, as he is experiencing immense pain in his lower back.

“At this point in time I am just glad to be alive; but there

were others that were not as lucky as me. The driver was speeding but no one said anything to him; No one believed that this would have happened.”

When contacted, a doctor at the hospital explained that it is likely that the survivors will be undergoing counseling and therapy sessions, so that they will be able to cope with their injuries along their road to recovery.

Yesterday morning, representatives of the University of Guyana (UG) in collaboration with the Basic Needs Trust Fund Implementing Agency (BNTF IA) Guyana and UNICEF, turned the sod at its Turkeyen campus, for the construction of a $120M Early Childhood Centre of Excellence which will offer child care, teaching and research services.

The facility is jointly funded by the Guyana Government and Caribbean Development Bank.

In the photo, from left are University of Guyanas Al Creighton and Dr Paloma Mohamed, UNICEF Country Representative Sylvie Fouet and Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during the ceremonial sod-turning exercise.

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Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Guyana is officially producing Energy Dept. vows to be cautious, oil -President David Granger utilize best practices to secure value After months of preparation, the moment all Guyanese have been waiting for is finally here. Last evening, President, David Granger officially announced that Guyana has entered oil producing mode.

In his address to the nation, the President specifically stated, “I have been advised that petroleum production is about to commence – three months ahead of the original schedule. Guyana has become a petroleum-producing state.”

To remember this auspicious day, the Head of State disclosed that he will issue a proclamation declaring December 20, as ‘National Petroleum Day.’ The President said that the proclamation will serve to remind citizens of their duty to protect the country’s patrimony and to ensure the sustainable management of the finite hydrocarbon resources.

Granger also said that petroleum production will be a transformative process in the country’s economic development, while noting that the sector will serve to stimulate increased employment and expand services.

To ensure that the resources benefit the people, Granger said that his Government will unveil a ‘Decade of Development, 2020-2029.’ He said that it would be aimed at ensuring that the petroleum resources will be utilized to provide the ‘good life’ for all.

The President said that the ‘Decade’ is a 10-year plan to intensify development and improve citizens’ quality of life. He said that every Guyanese will benefit from

for Guyanas oil

President, David Granger

petroleum production.

Granger stressed that “no one will be left behind.”

Furthermore, the President reminded of the steps the government has taken steps to safeguard the national interest. In this respect, he noted that the Department of Energy was established to manage the country’s hydrocarbon resources. He said that it is seeking the best advice, and is using international best practices as it builds the institutional, legislative and regulatory capability to manage this sector effectively and efficiently.

Granger also reminded of the Government’s establishment of the Natural Resource Fund Act which was passed by the National Assembly in January 2019.

The President said that the legislation provides for ensuring that the country’s resource wealth “…benefits both current and future generations…”; it incorporates oversight, accounting, reporting and auditing mechanisms to promote prudent, transparent and accountable management of oil revenues.

The President said, “Guyanese, I assure that your Government will manage petroleum revenues prudently to ensure fiscal discipline, financial sector stability, sustainable levels of public debt and low inflation.”

Granger added, “Withdrawals from the ‘Fund’ will follow a balanced approach, prioritising investment in public education, public health, public infrastructure, public security, social protection and other social services and will support private sector development.”

Additionally, the President said that Petroleum production has brought the prospects of a higher quality of life closer to all households and neighbourhoods. He stressed that it is a momentous event which all should commemorate for perpetuity.

“Guyana’s future is brighter with the beginning of ‘first oil’. The ‘good life’ for everyone beckons. Let us work together to build a happy and prosperous country for the present and future generations,” the President concluded.

Following the announcement that Guyana is officially a petro-State, the Energy Department has vowed that it will continue to act in the nations best interest. Specifically making this statement last night via a missive to the media was Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

Dr. Bynoe said, “This historic development for the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (CRG) is a culmination of substantial investments, perseverance, dedication, ingenuity, and the establishment of the appropriate policy environment that has the capacity to propel our nation towards sustained development.”

He added, “Guyanas future is bright, but we can only secure that future by strengthening legislation, conducting due diligence, emphasizing education, following a balanced development paradigm and utilizing the best skills in the industry through partnerships.”

Further to this, the official said it is imperative that Guyanese begin to appreciate that the direct and indirect benefits from this sector will go far beyond anything seen to date. He said that the Department of Energy, therefore, will continue to utilize prudence and best practices to ensure that it extracts the best value for the citizenry.

Dr. Bynoe further explained that production from the first phase of the Liza field, located in the Stabroek Block, is expected to reach full capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day in coming months with the first cargo set to be sold sometime in January 2020.

The Liza Phase One development project features the Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel moored

Energy Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe 190 kilometres offshore Guyana, and four subsea drill centres supporting 17 wells.

The Liza Unity, a second FPSO with a capacity to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day is being constructed to support the Liza Phase 2 development. Front-end engineering design is underway for a potential third FPSO, the Prosperity which is geared at developing the Payara field upon Government and regulatory approvals.

The current discovered recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block is more than 6 billion oil equivalent barrels. It is anticipated that by 2025 there would be at least five FPSOs producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil daily from the Stabroek Block.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 per cent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

Vatican official pleased with work being done regarding Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The regional coordinator of the Migrants and Refugee Section of the Vatican for Integral Human Development, Father Robert Stark, left here on Friday after praising the local authorities for the work being done regarding Venezuelan migrants.Father Stark says he intends to communicate with the Vatican the work being done here after holding discussions with various stakeholders on the Venezuelan

migration issue.Thousands of Venezuelans have been granted permits allowing them to live here for six months in the first instance. The registration cards contain security features including a photograph, personal identification number, security seal, bar code, holograms and permit number.Speaking at a news conference prior to his departure, Father Stark told reporters he intends to write to the Vatican on the registration process that could be used as

An open letter to Bharrat...

From page 6 were giving investors the opinion that our people are starving and would bend down and devour the crumbs that are dropping from the Master’s table.

Bharrat I have a wife and son and have never been hungry during your time in office and we have never been hungry during this present Government’s four years in office.I grew up being the eldest of 13 children during my early childhood. There were times when things were “brown” but my siblings and I survived. People go hungry when they don’t spend wisely, it’s not only in Guyana alone but universal. What do you expect to gain politically both locally and universally

by making these degrading statements? I am not PPP but where is the young man who attained presidency at a young age that I admired because of his radicalism.

Bharrat, you have now become an infinitesimal man who is grabbing at any and everything.Where is Bharrat Jagdeo, the professional, the astute politician...you have embarrassed me, my family and all Guyanese. You are giving them the thinking that we are contended with whatever is offered. Bharrat you came out of indentureship, my people came out of slavery and we fought for our freedom. Yes Bharrat, you have let me down.

Murtland “Slugger” Williams

a template worldwide.

“We are extremely pleased as to what’s happening here,” he said, noting the role being played by the Roman Catholic Church in collaboration with the public sector in the registration process.

He said the registration process “allows for people to live in a way that can get them into a new beginning”.

Archbishop of Port of Spain, Jason Gordon said he has been made aware of reports indicating that the international level of funding for the Venezuelan migrant crisis “is way way low by when you look at Syria, when you look at all the other migrant crises that have happened around the world.“It is very low internationally. So this one (here) has been very under funding even when you look at what happened in the first year, what happened in the second, what happened in the third year in internationally with other crisesHe said in terms of funding with the government here “we have not pushed on the funding as yet”.Venezuelans have been fleeing their homeland to escape the socio-political situation in the South American country where United States is pushing for the removal of President Nicholas Maduro from office.

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Manslaughter convict files...

From page 9 man, whom he described as a stranger to the community and a friend of Dindial, lashed him to his face with a bottle that broke as a result. In retaliation, he said Henry picked up a case of empty beer bottles and threw it at the mans face, but missed. It was then, he said, that Dindial armed himself with a paddle which he used to lash Henry to his neck. The witness added, “When Boy [Henry] get that chop lash… Dindial kept on lashing Boy until he cant move…on his face and on his chest.” Harris added that Dindials brother, who is only known by the call name, “Doggy”, kicked Henry to his face as the injured man lay on the ground. He added that he only reported what he saw to the police after he heard that Henry had died. The witness related that when he visited the police station, he identified Dindial as the beat man.

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Kaieteur News

Coach ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers making a mark in the...

From page 31 while the one in Santa Rosa is the Morucia Pocket Rocket Gym, which is named after his Gym in Victory Valley in Wismar, Linden.

Rogers has coached several of this country’s top Amateur pugilists among them Desmond Amsterdam, Joel and Richard Williamson and their brother Jamal Eastman.

Julius Kesney, Omar Pollard, Duel Augstin and female fighters Akea Lamazion and Jelisia Rodney from Lethem are other known Boxers he has also coached. Rogers has also Coached Guyana Super Middleweight Champion Derrick Richmond.

Thursday Coach Rogers provided an update of what he has been doing as 2019 comes to a close.

“Well from the time I was appointed as Hinterland Box-

ing Coach I am satisfied with the work done in the Hinterland Regions and Riverain areas along with help from the Cohesion Ministry and Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton and NSC and Director of Sports Christopher Jones,” Rogers said.

He said he was pleased with the work at this point since Gyms have been opened in regions 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10 and riverain areas like Orealla and Siparuta in the Corentyne River. Boxing Gyms in all the areas except region 7 and region 8 have been completed.

“But come 2020 for sure you will see lots more being done in the sport, thanks to the Government of Guyana for doing such a great job in the hinterland regions.”

Rogers stated, that at the moment in region 1 there is

the Morucia Power Right Boxing Gym, which won five gold medals and seven silver medals and a Youth Best Boxer Award in region 8. Then there is the Hands in Gloves Boxing Gym which won seven gold medals and four silver medals.

In region 9 there is the Savannah Boxing Gym which won four gold medals and seven silver medals and also have a three-time female Best Boxer coming out of that gym.

“So far we had done two exchange Boxing Programmes with Brazil and it was a great venture. It was in that Championship that our female Boxer from Region 9 got the Best Boxer Award after beating her Brazilian opponent.

In the Riverain area, those are the two recently opened Gyms, Siparuta has done well so far also with one gold and

Saturday December 21, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Capitalize on the boisterous energy present today. This is a wonderful time to express yourself in a powerful manner. You may go to extremes on this level, so be careful how you wield your power.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Activity around you is picking up and you should add your energy to the group.

Don't feel like you need to get expensive accoutrements to be part of the crowd.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't get too emotionally attached to your work today.

You'll have greater success when you distance yourself from what it is you're trying to achieve.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Finding out the truth in a situation is key for you. Today you may want to take things to a higher level and loftier vantage point.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Keep things light and uplifting today. If you're open to new ways of doing things, revolutionary thoughts may come to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't get overwhelmed by the intense energy of the day. Instead of cowering from it, use it as fuel to keep your internal power strong.

Your inner being has a tremendous amount of appeal that can lead the masses.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your emotions are going to be intense. There's a great deal of strength in your words. Let the fire burn red hot. The energy is contagious. Once the fire gets burning, it will continue raging for a long time.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Things may be happening all around you today. You could feel like a spectator watching a foreign theater production.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Imagine yourself as part of a magnificent choir today.

Your role is to sing beautifully but be aware of the other voices, too. Make sure your song isn't drowning out anyone else.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you've reached an emotional climax. This feeling may be extra powerful. Great transformations are possible under this current trend.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) What you can't find in one place, you'll be able to find in another. Don't give up until you find what you're looking for.

The key today is to take the power of your fiery emotions and put it to good use.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It would be best to do some deep meditation today. Connection with your inner space is incredibly valuable. Realize that great transformation comes when you release control.

one silver medal, while Orealla is yet to come out and compete.

“We are doing great in the sport and that’s why the Government choose to operate in those areas because if we look at the type of persons who are the ‘power house’ in boxing around the world it’s persons like the ones from the same Hinterland regions,” Rogers declared.

“In our Country the only sports that brings the most glory to Guyana apart from

Cricket, is Boxing. We have an Olympic Bronze medallist in Mike Parris and seven World Boxing Champions,” added the Berbician.

Rogers said that 2020 we will see much more Boxers coming to compete from all areas of the hinterland and Riverain areas. We are hoping to open more gyms in places like Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Matthew’s Ridge, Charity, Anna Regina, Queenstown, Supernaam, Dartmouth, Waramadong,

Kurratobo and at Three miles.

“We already opened a Gym in Kato and we will now look at PK, Wipa, Tuessening, St Ignatius, Annai, Kwakwani and Ituni.

We will also open more gyms in Linden instead of the two that we had planned. We can have about five in Berbice and will open six in the West Coast of Berbice and another six or more in East Berbice.

We will also target East and West Coast also East and West Bank of Demerara.

Four-team 10/10 fund raiser cricket...

From page 29 Balgobin included in their team.

Meten-Meer-Zorg Future Youths will be led by the impressive all rounder Jermain Maxwell and the inform Sheldon Alexander supported by Trevin Imlach.

The West Bank Demerara based Mc Gill side will be led by former Guyana U19 Captain Travis Persaud and include left hander Daniel Basdeo and veteran Sudesh Persaud.

The West Coast Warriors will comprise of Anil Sookdeo, Mandlall Doodnarine, Azaad Azeez, Jetendra Kishore and Ganesh Narine.

Trophies are being sponsored by Supreme Petroleum and family members of the late Jean Barker of Meten-

Meer-Zorg West.

Teams; Mc Gill Super Stars- Sudesh Persaud (C), Travis Persaud, Troy Persaud, Kheshram Seyhodan, Abdul Razack, Ganesh Puran, Prahalad Singh, Daniel Basdeo, Balram Aron, Diquan Murray, Azar Deen, Shafiek Deen, Mahadeo Ramotar, Trevor Lawrie, Ranjiv Khusial and Elian White.

Meten- Meer- Zorg Future Youths; Jermaine Maxwell (C ), Tevin Imlach, O. Hill, Sheldon Alexander, R. Lindore, Seymour Evans, C. Mc Ewan, Dexter George, N Gaindalall, Deonarine

Seenarine and Rabindra Dasrat.

Zeeburg (probably) Ricardo Renee (C ), Balbinder Shivperaud, Malcolm Hubbard, Urshardeva Balgobin, Sachin Balgobin, Andre Seepersaud, Nick Mustafa, Yetesh Dhanpaul, Damon Alleyne, Janol Gomes, L. Seeram and M. Dhanpaul.

West Coast Warriors; Anil Sookdeo, Vickash Dhaniram, Cornelius Jansing, Zamal Khan, Ricardo Adams, Ganesh Narine, Madanlall Doodnarine, Azad Azeez, Ameer Singh, Kevin Christian, Richie Looknauth, Leavroy Miggins.

PAGE 30

Cottrell “thankful and humbled” after landing million-dollar deal CUTTACK, India, CMC – West Indies speedster Sheldon Cottrell says he is anxiously looking forward to his first stint in the highprofile Indian Premier League, after landing a lucrative million-dollar deal with Kings XI Punjab.

The 30-year-old was the subject of an intense bidding war at Thursday’s auction in Kolkata, before Kings XI secured the deal for his services in the campaign bowling off next April.

“I’m really looking forward [to] that,” the Jamaican left-armer said following the auction.

“I am very thankful and humbled at the same time, and just to play alongside Chris (Gayle) and Nicholas (Pooran), KL Rahul – just some of the names – I’m very elated.”

Cottrell entered the draft at a base price of US$70,400 but fierce competition for his services from Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Kings XI saw his value vault to US$1.2 million.

The deal came against the backdrop of an excellent year for Cottrell internationally, where he picked up 30 wickets from 23 One-Day Internationals and 14 scalps from 12 T20 Internationals.

He was one of the few West Indies players to emerge

GFF Super 16 Cup

Bartica and Essequibo in the spotlight tonight

Flamboyant West Indies speedster Sheldon Cottrell. from the ICC World Cup in England with reputation intact, finishing with 12 wickets in an otherwise wretched campaign by the Caribbean side.

Cottrell said he owed his latest IPL achievement to his West Indies teammates who had been key to his success this year.

“Without my teammates [and] West Indies, I wouldn’t have made it here in my personal view,” he pointed out. “They have backed me 100 per cent and I just want to tell them thanks.” Lefthander Shimron Hetmyer, who was snapped up by Capitals for US$1.1 million, said he also owed a debt of gratitude to West Indies.

“I wasn’t really looking too far ahead about it

(auction). Really and truly I was just thinking all about the West Indies,” the Guyanese stroke-maker said.

“They have brought me [here] and made me the person I am today so all thanks to the West Indies for just giving me the chance to represent [them]. I just do my thing and it’s all for the team.”

Hetmyer was discarded by Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Banglalore after just one season at the end of the 2019 campaign but a sparkling hundred in the opening ODI last week helped to renew his chances of a lucrative contact.

Both Cottrell and Hetmyer are with the West Indies team preparing for the decisive final ODI of the three-match series against India.

Lodge end Hindu boys’ win...

From page 27 Guyanese a 3-0 win via kicks from the penalty mark after full and extra-time had finished 0-0.

In the opening semifinal which was most subscribed, Annai Secondary of region nine (Upper Takatu - Upper Essequibo) edged DC Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary of region seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) 2-1 to book their place in tomorrow’s final that will be played at 19:00hrs at the same MOE venue on Carifesta Avenue.

Annai’s Vito Cambridge found the back of the net in the first minute of play to send the crowd that consisted mainly of out of town fans into a frenzy.

Waramadong, who entered the match with an unbeaten record in this year’s competition, weren’t going to go down without a fight and Ovid Andrews equalised for his team eight minutes later. The evenly matched game between the two sides that travelled

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Coach Wayne Dover working with the Rivers View players.

Fans in the Bartica and Essequibo areas would have an opportunity to witness first hand, action in the 2019/2020 edition of the GFF Super League when their respective top teams welcome Elite League sides in their quest to move into the quarter finals.

It would be the third night of rivalry in this y e a r ’s t o u r n a m e n t , l a s t night it all unfolded at the BV Ground on the East Coast after kicking off on Sunday last at the Police Sports Club Ground Eve Leary in the City.

Two more teams would have walked the plank and two more would be following suit after t o n i g h t ’s p l a y a t t h e Bartica Community Centre Ground and Queenstown Ground on the Essequibo Coast.

Rivers View FC, the top team in Bartica would have been going through their paces in preparation for

Lodge Secondary’s custodian Rashad ‘Shadow’ Roberts helped his side to victory over Shiva boys’ via kicks from the penalty mark route. some distance continued with some enterprising plays but it wasn’t until the second half, in the 65th minute that Raul Sway banged in the decisive goal from open play for Annai.

Tomorrow’s final and third

place playoff, which will feature Shiva boys’ and Waramadong at 17:00hrs, are sure to be some mouth water clashes that with culminate with a new champion being crowned in the KFC schools’ Goodwill tournament.

Curtez Kellman Western Tigers FC

Andel Norton – Rivers View FC

Delwin Fraser – GDF FC

their clash against Western Tigers from 20:30hrs and fans in the gateway to El Dorado would be combining support to ensure that their team can spring a huge surprise in downing the Tigers which will no doubt, be thinking otherwise.

H e a d C o a c h Wa y n e ‘Wiggy’ Dover has been putting in a lot of work with his charges to bring them up to the level that would be required to contain a Western Tigers unit that is expected to be harsh on their opponents.

Dover along with his Assistant, Aloysius Edwards, Ansel Edwards, Andrew Simmons, Andel Norton, Godfrey Norton, Eon Adams, Mark Richards, Ry a n A n d r i e s , G e o rg e Mentis, Travis Burnette along with Dwayne Blake, Romario James and Shaquille Hopkinson the three guest players would hope to deliver a win for the

home team.

We s t e r n Ti g e r s ’ challenge from a tactical perspective would have been in the hands of former national players, Patrice Ram (Head Coach) and his Assistant, Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard. On field execution will come from the likes of Andrew Murray, Phillip Rowley, Randolph Wagner, Curtez Kellman, elder statesman Anthony Abrams, Kwadjo Garnett, Jamal Pedro and guest players, Kendolph Lewis, Clive Nobrega and Sheldon Holder.

In Essequibo, the GDF FC’s quest for an opening win will be led by the Fraser brothers, Delwin and Delroy, Olvis Mitchell, Benjamin Opara, Eusi Phillips, Shawn Arthur, A m o s R a m s e y, C o l i n Nelson, Kevin Layne, Tr a v i s H e n r y, J e r o m e Richardson, Sherwin Caesar and Ryan Searles, the lone guest player.

Saturday December 21, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Marics and Co. Ltd. sponsors Dragon Stout Street-ball for GFF Super 16 Cup MVP ‘Community Cup’ semis decided Motorcycle The Most Valuable Association champions.

Sparta Boss will oppose Leopold Street, while Bent Street tackle Rio All-Stars in the semifinal round of the inaugural Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’, following quarterfinal wins on Thursday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

According to a brief comment from the Dragon Stout Brand Manager Jamal Baird, “We have now arrived at the final stage of the competition. The four teams that have progressed to semifinal stage are undoubtedly the best exponents of the format at the moment. Sparta Boss, Bent Street and Leopold Street are traditional heavyweights, while Rio All-Stars are an emerging force which set up an exciting narrative for the final night.”

He further said, “The fans have witnessed exciting and thrilling action since the inception and I expect that trend to continue and be surpassed as we aim to end 2019 on a monumental note by crowning the inaugural Dragon Stout Community Cup champion.”

Sparta Boss bested Future Stars 4-2 in extra time.

Ryan Hackett recorded a hattrick in the 19th, 23rd and 36th minutes. Adding a goal in the 37th minute was Deon Alfred.

For the loser, Selwyn Williams and Rondel Bowman scored in the third and 17th

minutes respectively.

Their impending opponent Leopold Street edged arch rival Gold is Money 3-2 on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time ended 1-1.

Prior to the penalty shootout, Stephon McLean handed Gold is Money the lead in the 16th minute, while Okeene Fraser equalized in the 24th minute.

On the other hand, Bent Street overcame Festival City 2-1. Daniel Wilson and Colin Nelson scored in the eighth and ninth minute respectively. For the loser, Simeon Moore scored in the second minute.

Meanwhile, newcomer Rio All-Stars trampled Avocado Ballers 7-1. Trayon Bobb bagged a hat-trick in the 20th, 21st and 27th minutes.

Assisting with a double in the 13th and 25th was Kelsey Benjamin, while Jermin Junior and Andrew Murray scored goals in the 11th and 29th minutes each.

For the loser, Sherwin Caesar netted in the 12th minute.

Winner of the tournament will pocket $300,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runner-up will collect $150,000.

Meanwhile, the third and fourth place finisher will receive $75,000 and $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

Below list the complete

fixtures and results for the previous match day.

Semifinal Matches December 28th Sparta Boss vs Leopold St Rio All-Stars vs Bent St Complete Results Game-1 Bent St-2 vs Festival City1 Bent St Scorers Daniel Wilson-8th Colin Nelson-9th Festival City Scorer Simeon Moore-2nd Game-2 Rio All-Stars-7 vs Avocado Ballers-1 Rio Scorers Trayon Bobb-20th, 21st and 27th Kelsey Benjamin-13th and 25th Jermin Junior-11th Andrew Murray-29th Avocado Scorer Sherwin Caesar-12th Game-3 Gold is Money-1 vs Leopold St-1 Leopold St won 3-2 on penalty kicks Leopold Scorer Okeene Fraser-24th Gold is Money Scorer Stephon McLean-16th Game-4 Sparta Boss-4 vs Future Stars-2 Sparta Scorers Ryan Hackett-19th, 23rd and 36th Deon Alfred-37th Future Scorers Selwyn Williams-3rd Rondel Bowman-17th

Player (MVP) of the 2019/ 2020 GFF Super 16 Cup knockout Football championship would be riding away with a brand new Honda 125CC Motorcycle, compliments of Marics and Company Limited, located at Charlotte and Oronoque Streets in the City.

Yesterday, the company through its Marketing Manager, Ms. Anji Hackett handed over their letter of commitment whilst showing off the brand new machine the lucky player would be riding off with.

In brief remarks at the presentation attended by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President, Wayne Forde, Ms. Hackett congratulated the Federation for once again hosting this competition which involves a total of sixteen (16) teams, the top eight (8) GFF Elite League clubs along with eight (8) Regional Members

“We’re excited to be a part of this big tournament, we know that teams from all across Guyana are involved and we wish everybody well.

This Super Honda bike is for the best player, so come on guys, go and do your best.”

President Forde in his remarks stated that Marics and Co. Ltd. has been a very good and enduring partner of the GFF and have been supporting the Elite League among other ventures of the Federation.

“We are very happy to welcome them on board for this year’s GFF Super 16 Cup, the bike is going to be the prize for the Most Valuable Player and we are happy and heartened to partner with Marics to present this valuable gift to one of our most fortunate and gifted players who will emerge at the end of the GFF Super 16 Cup 2019/2020 tournament.”

This year’s edition of the tournament, which kicked off

last Sunday, saw night two action last evening at the BV Ground on the East Coast of Demerara and will continue this evening at two venues.

The Bartica Community Centre Ground would host a match between home team Rivers View and the visiting Western Tigers from 20:30hrs, while over at the Queenstown Ground in the Cinderella County of Essequibo from 21:00hrs, Mainstay Gold Stars, the home team would hope to turn back the challenge of the Guyana Defence Force.

Tomorrow, the action will hit the West Demerara to unfold at the Leonora Track and Field Facility when defending champions and home team Den Amstel open the defence of their title against Riddim Squad in the feature match, the curtain raiser brings together Santos FC and Eagles Football Club of Stewartville from 18:30hrs.

KFC schools’ Goodwill football tourney

Lodge end Hindu boys’ win streak

Trophy Stall backs Guyana Dominoes League Christmas festival

Mark Wiltshire (left) accepts the trophy from Terrence Breeze.

The Guyana Dominoes League (GDL) has gained the backing of Trophy Stall for the staging of its Christmas Dominoes festival which is set for Sunday at R and R Dominoes Club 76 Meadowbrook Gardens.

The competition is set to commence at 14:00hrs and entrance fee is $10,000. At a simple ceremony held yesterday at Trophy Stall, Bourda Market the entity presented the first place trophy to Senior Organising Secretary of the GDL Mark Wiltshire.

Wiltshire expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Trophy Stall and informed that a minimum $100,000 will be

added to the prizes.

Wiltshire said that a keen competition is expected since some of the top city teams are expected to take part, among them are; Mix Up, Gold is Money, All Season’s Racing Service, All Season’s Racing Service Angels, Spartons, TNT, Gangster, Players, Turning Point, OPKO, Killers, Black Gold, Fresh Cash, F and H, Big Boss, Lions, Providence and Under Cover.

Terrence Breeze of Trophy Stall said they are pleased to be given the opportunity to be associated with Dominoes once again and wished the teams well.

Annai Secondary (on the ball) got a hard fought 2-1 victory over DC Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary last evening to book their place in the final of the KFC Goodwill tourney against Lodge Secondary.

By Calvin Chapman Lodge Secondary ran defending champions Shiva boys’ Hindu College of Trinidad & Tobago ragged last evening to eventually win their semifinal match via kicks from the penalty mark to ascend to the final of the second annual KFC under-18 schools’ Goodwill football tournament.

The match kicked off at 19:00hrs at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue and it was

fast paced from the first whistle with the Trinidadians occupying Lodge’s half for long spells but lacking the final dangerous touch.

As Lodge piled 10 players behind the ball, wary of the attacking treat of the visitors who had won all their previous games in the history of the tournament, target man and skipper Dorwin George lead numerous counterattacks that fizzled out to nothing in the presence of the sturdy back line of Shiva

boys’.

Both teams looked ominous from set pieces and both teams could have gone ahead from such plays but both keepers were on top of their game.

Lodge’s custodian, Rashad ‘Shadow’ Roberts came out as the hero of the match and despite sustaining a lot of licks between the uprights from the physical Trinidadians, he saved a penalty, while Shiva boys’ missed three to give the (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 32

Saturday December 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

ITF expert Coach Bill Adams pays visit to the NRC - To conduct Coaching clinic today at Le Ressouvenir Courts

By Sean Devers International Tennis Federation (ITF) expert, Coach Bill Adams, paid a short four-day visit to Guyana after spending four days in St Vincent and Suriname respectively.

The fit looking 69-yearold Guyanese who migrated to North America in 1969, arrived here on Wednesday Evening and departs early tomorrow morning.

During his short trip to his homeland he met with executives of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) on Thursday, visited the National Racquet Centre on Woodford Avenue yesterday and is scheduled to meet with Parents and Coaches at 10:00hrs at the National Racquet Centre today.

The Director of the Bill Adams International Tennis Academy, which was inaugurated in 1997, will then conduct coaching at the Tennis Court at residence of GTA President, Essequibian Sam Barakat at Le Ressouvenir on the East Coast of Demerara.

Sessions for the U-12s will be done from 12:30hrs and from 15:00hrs to 17:00hrs for U-19s.

In addition to the Coaching sessions and meetings, the USA based Guyanese is looking at Tennis

facilities.

Tennis Facilities is also a challenge locally with just about four functioning Courts in Demerara, including the Racquet Centre.

Local Coach Shelly DalyRamdyhan said the GTA is looking for a plot of Land to construct a Court but Adams said they have to get the Land first in order to get possible financial help from the ITF. “You have to begin the project to show the ITF that you are doing something.

They help those who help themselves and the Government could make that possible for they are the ones with the authority disburse land,” Adams said.

A Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) certified teaching professional and a United States Tennis Association (USTA) highperformance coach, Adams says the Geography of the Caribbean is a challenge.

“Moving between the Caribbean Islands and Guyana and Suriname it’s very expensive and is one of the challenges of really developing the Sport in the Region.

This prevents the staging of more regional tournament and nations being able to get a lot of players which inadvertently prevents young players from getting

Coach Bill Adams (middle) with some young Tennis players at the Nat Racquet Centre yesterday. overseas exposure and experience,” Adams said.

“We need to motivate and encourage the young Tennis players to stay in the game and show them the benefits of staying in Tennis.

Most of the good young local players give up competitive play after they turn 16 and we want to do things to encourage them,” explained Adams.

Adams, who since 1980 has directed the operations of tennis facilities and tennis programmes in Germany and Italy, besides Arizona,

Coach Bill Adams talks to the youngsters yesterday.

Table Tennis action set for this weekend at MSC Junior and Senior National Table Tennis players would be involved in a two-day tournament this weekend at the Malteenoes Sports Club.

The initiative will see one junior player paired with a senior. Pairs will be dived into two groups of five and will contest on a round-robin format to advance to the

knockout rounds.

It will be the best three of five matches and the top three teams will be rewarded with prizes in the form of hampers and trophies.

The Juniors players are: Kaysan Ninvalle, Terrence Rausch, Johnathan VanLange, Colin Wong, Isaiah Layne, Niran Bissu, Dhanesh Persaud, Curtis

McRae, Thuria Thomas and Linden’s top junior southpaw Joshua Lucas Seniors will come from Christopher Franklin, Shemar Britton, Joel Alleyne, Nigel Bryan, Orin Hickerson, Devon Richmond, Warren Hackshaw, Elishaba Johnson, Johnathan Sankar and Natalie Cummings.

The entreance fee is $2,000 per team. Action on Saturday is from 15:00hrs, while on Sunday it is from 16:00hrs.

Michigan, Pennsylvania and Florida, says one way of encouraging them is providing Scholarships.

“To qualify they must have a good standard of play and must be good in academics. However, the Tennis is more important

since the Coaches could lose their jobs if the College is not competitive,” Adams said.

Adams coached International Tennis champion Naomi Osaka in her early years, and has trained coaches in Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Italy and

Germany.

Adams has worked with players on the professional tour like Venus and Serena Williams and Mary Pierce.

Now he is helping to train some of the top high school players in the area at the school he started in 1997.

Inaugural 4 x 4 Under-18 Basketball at MSC tonight

Invasion of Kwakwani, New Amsterdam and Georgetown teams to face Linden’s best The Kings Basketball Club in association with the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) will stage the preliminary round of its first ever Under-18 4 x 4 basketball championship today from 18:00hrs at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

The innovation comes from President of the Kings Basketball Club Gary Stephens, who is based in the United States, and came up with the idea that while there is the FIBA approved 3 x 3 basketball format, which is one of the fastest formats being undertaken by the world governing body; the Kings aim is to include the female basketball players in the playing of the game locally.

This is why this 4 x 4 basketball championship is headed where one female player has to be on the basketball court at all times.

The new format will be one that should stir up interest among female payers and tonight’s preliminary round play with the final’s set for next Saturday, should spark interest in the game.

However, the female

Kobe Tappin

Emmanuel La Rose

players are open to any age range, while the males must be 18 or under to compete.

Among the teams that have been invited to play in this new version of the game are: two from Kwakwani where Coach Ann Gordon and her successful Youth Basketball Guyana players would invade the Mackenzie Sports Club court with the aim of taking top honours starting tonight.

At the same time another team from Aroaima up the Berbice River will for the first time also be in Linden to compete.

Stephens said, having Kwakwani with their outstanding female and male players in the youth categories of basketball in

Guyana is a welcome sign, but not to be outdone will be the National 3 x 3 Under-18 players inclusive of Kobe Tappin and Emmanuel La Rose who won the title representing Victory Valley Royals recently, but the inclusion of a female player would also be of interest.

Not to be outdone will be two teams from Georgetown and they will be hoping to make their mark in this inaugural tournament as well, while there have been interest from two other teams coming from New Amsterdam, while the home teams will be the two leading side with Kings and one from Victory Valley Royals representing Linden.

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

PAGE 33

Cummings Lodge Secondary School students involved in volleyball sessions

M

embers of the Cummings L o d g e Secondary School male and female cricket teams were recently involved in a volleyball session at the National Gymnasium. The sessions were conducted by Sports Officer Alistair Munroe who informed that the sport will be played within schools in Demerara in 2020.

“What I observed is that students have a lot of

potential and I want to ensure that these talents are being harnessed properly so we did some work on serving the ball and play over the net,” said Munroe.

He noted that in Berbice there are school programmes being conducted by GVB President Levi Nedd and there are also plans to develop the sport in Essequibo.

“While I was with the students, I recalled when myself, Claude Maison and

Tyrone Fields, who was as a part time volleyball coach at the Ministry of Education National Sports Development Council (NSDC), were actively involved in organising games, we also put together the first IGG team which defeated Suriname. So the young players here need to equip themselves with the technicalities of the sport and once given the exposure I am sure they will go places.”

Four-team 10/10 fund raiser cricket tourney set for West MMZ Host Meten- Meer- Zorg Future Youths, Zeeburg Cricket Club, Mc Gill Sports Club and West Coast Warriors will vie for supremacy in a 10/10 cricket competition on Sunday starting at 09:15hrs.

This event is being held for a charitable cause raising funds to help cover medical expenses for one of West Meten-Meer-Zorg cricket club players close family member.

According to former Club President Troy Khan, he is aware of the individual’s condition and is asking all past and present members to contribute either by visiting the club or make contact with Club’s Captain Jermain Maxwell on 677-8393 or Rabindra Dasrat on 691-4038. The

Daniel Basdeo club will also be holding a Bar-B-que on the same day where all proceeds will be diverted towards the same cause.

Odyssey Sightseeing Tours has come on board with this event by donating two (2) tickets (Day Tour).

Bar-B-que ticket holders are asked to write their names and contact numbers at the back of the tickets for a

Keshram Seyhodan chance to win this exciting trip.

The fans can expect some exciting action as power house Zeeburg, who lost to the host Meten-MeerZorg Future Youths last Sunday, will come stronger this time around with the likes of Andre Seepersaud, Malcolm Hubbard, Ricardo Poloram and Ushardeve (Continued on page 25)

Players in action during one of the training sessions at the National Gymnasium.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Saturday December 21, 2019

Cricketzone USA outfits ECCCC youth teams

C

ricketzone USA has continued to aid in the development of the young cricketers as part of its corporate responsibility.

At a presentation ceremony held at the

Enmore Community Centre yesterday, proprietor of Cricketzone USA, Ravi Etwaroo, presented over 26 sets of uniforms along with other cricket gears to Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC).

The club’s chairman, Bheemraj Ramkelawan, was loud in praise of Mr. Etwaroo who has consistently supported the club over the years without hesitation.

Ramhelawan further stated that, the uniforms and other

cricket equipment provided by the sponsor, was timely since the club has expanded its player’s base with several new youths who will be better equipped to play cricket.

In an invited comment, Mr. Etwaroo informed the

youths that he is pleased with the progress Enmore CCCC has been making and being a past club member, it gives him great pleasure in contributing towards the development of the youths.

He further encouraged the young cricketers to remain in

school and at all times uphold the club’s motto “discipline is the pillar of success”. Enmore CCCC participates in cricket tournaments organised by the East Coast Cricket Committee.

Proprietor of Cricketzone USA Ravi Etwaroo (right) making the donation to ECCCC U-19 captain Chaitram Balgobin.

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 21, 2019

Girls & Boys in training at one of Boxing Gyms in the Hinterland.

Coach ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers making a mark in the hinterland

Coach ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers with his students.

By Sean Devers Coach of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym, 44year-old Orland Rogers, was appointed in January of this year as Hinterland Boxing Coach after a meeting with Sports Minister Dr. George Norton, Director of Sports Christopher Jones and President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle.

The appointment, an initiative of Dr. Norton, will see the Coach also being mandated to train Coaches in the hinterland and scouting the area to unearth Boxing talent.

Rogers who has been a

Coach for the past 19 years, and had already opened two Gyms in Region 1 (Mabaruma and Santa Rosa) and another in Region 9 (Lethem) at the time of his appointment.

“I will spend about two weeks in each area and when I am not there I have trained a few young men to Coach.

The youngsters, mainly Amerindians, are very talented and are willing to learn the skills of Boxing,” Coach Rogers disclosed when he was appointed.

According to Rogers, the Gym in Lethem is called the Savannahs Boxing Gym, (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 35

rt Spo

The action was exciting on Thursday evening during the quarterfinals and the semifinals promises to be explosive.

Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’ semis decided Marics and Co. Ltd. sponsors Motorcycle for GFF Super 16 Cup MVP Marics and Co. Ltd Marketing Manager, Ms. Anji Hackett hands over the letter of commitment to GFF President Wayne Forde.

Bartica and Essequibo in the spotlight tonight 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.