Thursday December 22, 2016
GUYANA THEN and NOW: GUYANA NOW and THEN DEAR EDITOR, The provocative editorial (“Guyana Then and Now”, KN, 19/12/16) resonates very much with the sentiments that are triggered in me every time I visit Toronto as I am indeed currently doing. The bold editorial comparison between the status quo of pre- and post- independent Guyana is quite ironic when silhouetted against the picture of the obvious social, psychological, material and communal progress made by Guyanese who migrated to Canada (and elsewhere) during the same period. We must respect and applaud the resilience and ambition of our Guyanese compatriots who are able to make good in countries that are no more bountiful in natural resources, much less hospitable climatically (right now it is like living in a refrigerator here in Toronto!), but which continually provide extensive enabling political and cultural environments for all its multi-racial, multi-cultural citizens and residents. I am reminded of the old, but in this context misleading saying that “you can take a man out of the gutter but you cannot take the gutter out of him”. Guyanese ran away and continue to do so because of the steadily sliding standards
and elusive achievements in Guyana since Independence. They have proven beyond doubt that, whether it is England or the USA or Canada, they can be a progressive people when they are not subject to the ‘gutter politics’ and other demeaning circumstances which have been taking place. They therefore sought a more enabling environment for them to express themselves as intelligent, ambitious and progressive people and, by and large, they have succeeded in doing so for themselves and their families Let us hope and pray that our political leaders will, sooner than later, realize that the essential development of our dear land of Guyana depends very much on their creating an enabling environment for ALL GUYANESE. In this context we should also not lose sight of the fact that successful Guyanese in the diaspora are not averse to returning to assist with the development of our country, all things being equal, especially if they can be made to feel secure and free from the many societal biases that still plague us. The sum of Guyana’s parts will always be greater than any one part. Nowrang Persaud
The Minister and the taxpayer taxpayer; “I’m paying in conversation for The your degree and you DEAR EDITOR, I had a conversation in my head regarding the ministers using taxpayers’ money to get an education. It went like this. The taxpayer; “I want to see the minister right now concerning an urgent matter.” The minister; “I don’t have time right now I am studying for my degree.”
don’t have time to see me.” The minister; “I’m sorry but I must get back to my study.” The minister; “Let there be the “good life” in Guyana. And let it begin with me.” The minister; “I thank you very much taxpayers for paying for my degree, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.” Anthony Pantlitz
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A LETTER TO SANTA
DEAR EDITOR, Kindly publish my letter to Santa Claus. Dear Santa. It has become traditional for me to write to you at Christmas time with a “Wish List” for Guyana. We are thankful for the favourable responses you gave to some of last year’s requests and look forward to your positive and joyful support this year. Santa, the girls, boys, women and men in this land of hospitality, look forward to welcoming you and appreciate your kind and generous spirit. Santa, in accepting responsibility for your welfare when in Guyana, you need to be advised and guided in spite of your vast experience. Please do not display any sign of military training and experience. It will attract rec-
ognition and attention of administrators who may be inclined to recruit you. We prefer you to stay as Santa, sharing gifts and bringing joy to people. Santa, you would have observed the same pattern of military recruitment now emerging with the U.S President elect. Is it coincidental? Or are they learning from us? Santa, in the A B C of our vocabulary these days, certain words often surface. A - arbitrary, alienation and arrogance B - bureaucracy, bigotry and blame; C - confusion, contradiction and confrontation. Santa, you need to deemphasize those words and give prominence to A - accommodation, affinity and appreciation;
B - benevolence, bonuses and blessings; (we already have bicycles, bridges and buses) C -compromise, cohesion and civility. These gifts must be shared generously countrywide in Guyana where divisionary forces find fertile ground. Santa, please be generous with “unity” tablets to stultify the divisionary forces which undermine nation building. Santa, over the past year and a half, winds of speculation, information gathering, curiosity and a search for solutions to problem areas, led to the setting up of Forensic Audits and Commissions of Inquiry. Santa, give to the recipients of those reports a sense of urgency and confidence to make timely decisions and
recommendations on the way forward. Remind them that satisfying the expectations of everyone is impractical. Santa, politics continues to dominate most activities in our troubled world. In observing political developments and occurrences in certain countries regarded as pillars and symbols of democracy, Guyana seems to be on the same page. Aggressive and bitter political campaigning at the expense of divided a nation. Attractive pre-election promises, followed by facing the reality of managing many complex affairs of a country. With the rising disenchantment of voters in many lands with the status quo, small political parties in Guyana may recognize new opportunities. Santa, the gift of reconciliation between the major political parties in Guyana will Continued on page 6
Duncan offers an alternative to the parking meters DEAR EDITOR, The future Guyana is seeking happened years ago in some countries of the world. The fact remains that as a Third World country modern technologies available in other countries will arrive on our shores years from now clichéd; yet thanks to globalization we seem to be catching in some areas and yet hopelessly falling behind in others. We must never, ever surrender to a Third World mentality, however. Take Parking Meters for instance. Let’s take them as a necessary revenue stream in municipal development, we are not leading in any regard but instead play the game of catch up development. Where we have been introduced to parking meters as a physical cumbersome mechanism that is about to destroy the Dutch-FrenchEnglish colonial esthetics of our National Capital City, Georgetown, in other places of the world the term ‘parking meter’ is no longer associated with a physical object but a metaphor for a utility that ex-
acts a fee in exchange for the use of a particular space in a city. This utility can be represented by a smartphone app. Enter ‘Pango+’ Parking, one of thousands of parking apps available worldwide, used efficiently and effectively in countries like Israel. Pango+, according to literature available online, is “the most efficient, economical & technologically - advanced cellular phone parking system in the world, rendering it possible to pay for your parking time on street zones anywhere in Israel, using your cellular phone, a smartphone application or by dialing *4500. Registration is free and requires no membership.”Pango+ is not limited to on street parking but also caters for parking lots as well. “Pango+ enables you to pay at parking lots nationwide using the smartphone application or by sending a text message (SMS). The service offers many advantages, as there is no need to use cash or credit cards or search for a pay ma-
chine”, or does it need a card vendor. Our entire parking meter initiative is said to be a ten million USD investment, a sum that has been deemed to be bloated by experts and which could have been easily raised by local investors. I read with interest that, “The parking ‘pay by phone’ market is heating up in the US, with app developers closing deals with municipalities and counties all over the country for implementation of their parking solution. So far, based on market share, the leader is Israel’s Pango – and as a sign of investors’ faith in the company, and in the business model, Pango several weeks ago locked up an additional round of financing, raising an
additional $6.5 million that will enable it to expand its services to additional cities in the US and elsewhere.” (www.timesofisrael.com) Underline and bold there, “6.5 million”, “cities” and “elsewhere”. No doubt an app based service would be less costly, reducing infrastructure and other related costs. Additionally, I have every confidence that domestic start-up companies like IntellectStorm and others already have the capacity to produce the technology necessary for such a future now, and less costly than the current system demands. Sherod Avery Duncan, LLB, JP. Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown
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The increase toll on the harbour bridge is totally unacceptable DEAR EDITOR, It is very obvious that the successive governments in Guyana are bent on pauperizing Guyanese. This has become even clearer as the political, three card game (this you win, this you lose, trick), continues to be unleashed unabated on the hapless, weakened, demoralized and mentally weary, Guyanese people. Now the government will raise the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) toll. They are doubling it! We all know that this was coming because earlier this year Prime Minister and 1st Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo suggested it and remarked then, that it was a “slight” increase. Imagine they are doubling the fare across the only passage that thousands of persons must use to access their homes and work places, and they are terming it “Slight”. This is ridiculously unfair to the folks who live on the Westside and who have to commute across that bridge, on a daily basis. Now, in addition to the new taxes outlined in the budget, they are saddled with an unjustified, additional, doubled cost, that they are demanded to pay, only because of where they live or work. This cannot be right! However, what is even more laughable is the hypocritical appeal from the PPP. They are asking that the DHB fare increase be rescinded. This same PPP with whom the current government had to fight to lower the toll on the Berbice Bridge; this same PPP that said they are concerned with the folks in Berbice but fought to keep those exorbitant fares on the Berbice Bridge, is now pretending that they are concerned with matters relating to tolls. This is laughable. The Guyanese people are watching as these two major political parties yank us from side to side. Mr. Jagdeo and his cronies make enough
money to lower the cost for crossing the Berbice Bridge. They are all billionaires. Yet they will not lower those fares because of their intrinsic, colossal greed and total disregard for the Guyanese people. Finance Minister, Mr. Jordon, admitted that the coffers of the Consolidated Funds have grown significantly since the PNC/Coalition took office. He boasts also of the significant growth of the country’s $US reserves. If that is the case, why continue to squeeze the poor Guyanese people? This administration is making sure they take every cent they can from the people of Guyana. It is as if they do not want us to have any disposable income to spend as we please. It is as if making us and keeping us poor somehow satisfies the egos of these politicians. Those of us who have travelled to neighboring countries – Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana - would know that there are several bridges that link parts of those countries, yet not one of them has a toll. Even the bridge that spans Guyana and Brazil (that the Brazilians built) is free to traverse. Why is it that the people in the country with the poorest, hungriest, most underpaid workforce must be taxed so heavily? Why do successive governmental fat cats – those in the PPP and the PNC - seek to squeeze every penny out of us? And if these sacrificial responsibilities were shared we would be willing to understand. But all we see are the politicians, their family, friends and cronies becoming more wealthy, driving their fancy SUVs and living large, while the average Guyanese is made to saddle the rising costs, additional tolls and mounting taxes. This is not right! Dr. Vishnu Bandhu
Thursday December 22, 2016
Nandlall’s position is a recipe for parliamentary hooliganism DEAR EDITOR, This is my final letter on Mr Anil Nandlall’s rejection of the Speaker’s ruling against him. I thank you for publishing the previous letters. I can assure you this is my final word. I turn to his philosophical postulations. They are bizarre, startling and utter rubbish. It is a sure recipe for anarchy and parliamentary hooliganism. Where a proposition is illogical as being in defiance of the universality of rights and freedoms undifferentiatedly enjoyable by all members of the Assembly (which universality inheres in the opening words of article 171(1) viz “Any member ..”) such illogicality would suggest that the proposition is fallacious. Had Mr. Nandlall directed
his mind to, and reflected upon this universality (ie applicable to all equally) and this defiance, he might have appreciated the utter fallacy of his so called “my freedom” argument. For, in an acutely adversarial process as obtains in National Assembly debates etc, it cannot be permissible that each elected member (all 65 of them) was to be entitled to arrogate unto him/herself the limits of their own “freedom”. For plainly, if such freedom is Nandlall’s, it is equally the freedom of all the other 64 members. What kind of a Darwinite philosophy is that? I would ask Mr. Nandlall – whose is the authority or power to decide what is a “known, recog-
nized or legitimate rule, regulation, order ….” by which only your so called freedom can be taken away, abridged or limited? Yours or the Speaker’s? The Constitution – makers in their wisdom have created the regulatory – authoritative persona of a presiding Speaker (article 166). By the Speaker’s ruling, what is not hitherto a known, recognized, or legitimate rule, ipso facto and ipso jure becomes known and recognized and legitimate (I elaborated on this aspect in my previous letter). The Constitution itself has created the Speaker as Judge, Jury and executioner. Surely, as a practicing lawyer, Mr. Nandlall must be aware of what by law and practice alike, “presiding”
means, and its incidents. As a presiding Magistrate for some twelve years I, most certainly, am acutely aware. And I daresay, those twelve years has imbued in me virtues and facilities of legal analysis and articulation about which no training in “parliamentary matters” (whatever that is intended to mean and convey to your readership) can compare, or, could have prepared me, to research and give a considered opinion as to what the words “rules of procedure of the Assembly” embraces. Editor, obstinacy can be both a lawyer’s virtue, as it can be a vice. Mr. Nandlall has persisted in the error of his conclusion. It is lawyer to err; it is inexcusable to preserve in demonstrable error. These are my last words on this matter. Maxwell. E. Edwards
“wish list” this year, including functional telephones at every Police Station or Outpost; good radio communications; working motor vehicles and personnel at all stations for quick response. While on the subject of Police Station, please provide gifts of cameras with audio recording facilities at every Police Station or Outpost and in the interrogating rooms and holding cells. Santa, for decades, workers’ representation has been prominent. The Labour Unions and the workers they represent are asking you for the gift of a Ministry of Labour in the new year. Santa, the noise nuisance and dangerous driving of motor vehicles continue to cause suffering and grief to many persons. Provide gifts to alleviate those situations. In this regard, too many are suffering and hurting. Santa, I referred to the
ABC earlier. If I go to the letter ‘D’, it will deal with the word DEMOCRACY an overused and misunderstood word in many lands. Give to all Leaders, decision makers and those who impact on the lives of people the clear understanding that certification of national election being free and fair is not the end. It is only the beginning of that journey. VAT As a boy having a vat in the yard was necessary. Rainfall was collected from roof tops and stored for drinking, cooking, washing, etc. These days potable water is supplied to homes. But in the capital, water supply may not be available throughout the day. As you are aware, Guyana is the land of many waters. Santa, give to the people pressure pumps but do not drink our tap water. Please give to the thousands of children who are not assured of regular meals, something special at Christmas, such as love, goodies, toys, joy and hope. Vibert Parvatan
A LETTER TO SANTA From page 5 enhance nation building and give optimism to so many people who rightfully believe they deserve a better quality of life. Too much time and human energy are dissipated in attacks and counter-attacks rather than nation building. Santa, in the presentation of the Guyana National Budget for 2017 in Parliament earlier this month, there was sign language showing the Parliamentarians what was being said. It was a confirmation of the view expressed by most Guyanese that the members of Parliament are deaf. They do not hear the voices of the people. The same applies to some Municipalities and Regional Democratic Councils. Santa, kindly give to all elected and appointed Officers who are supposed to serve the People of this land, hearing aids, lie detectors and the human quality of respect
for the people they are supposed to serve with humility. Santa, the streets and stores are not as busy these days; the purchasing power may have diminished. You can bring large amounts of foreign exchange as gifts to improve the situation. Santa, Power Generation (not political but electrical) is again becoming a problem. Given the emphasis on a green economy, you may consider gifts of solar energy. Hydro power is still a dream with ongoing indecision. Santa, your gifts of crime kits, training and equipment last year has had positive results.The Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Force is once again solving crimes. This is commendable! Did you say Ho! Ho! Ho! Unfortunately, Santa we have a serious crime situation causing fear in the hearts of many persons. The Police have a long
Thursday December 22, 2016
Shipping outlet opens late to accommodate Christmas barrel rush With Christmas days away, hundreds of Guyanese are flocking the shipping outlets and wharfs to collect their packages from family and friends in the diaspora. And given the current rush by customers to collect
several thousand transactions daily and has extended its opening hours. Chintamani said that the Lombard Street location will be open every day until 7:00 pm to accommodate customers coming to collect their
cludes a combination of barrels and gift packages coming out of New York, Miami and Toronto. “Business is going pretty well and the staff is putting the extra hours to ensure that they process docu-
Larparkan Shipping is open late to facilitate Christmas barrel rush. these packages, a number of cargo outlets have made arrangements to ensure that the public is adequately satisfied. During a brief interview yesterday, Senior Vice President at Larparkan Shipping, Chandradat Chintamani, noted that as is customary, the flow of gift packages and barrels from the diaspora in North America to families and friends in Guyana has doubled for the festive season, when compared to the other months of the year. He said that Laparkan has definitely experienced an increase of customers due to the inflow of gift packages since early December. The company handles
packages. He noted that Laparkan opens to business at 07:30hrs daily and operates until 19:00hrs to satisfy those utlising the service, especially people who travel long distances. “As we are working into the night, we have made the necessary provisions in terms of security to ensure that company property, our staff and customers are safe while doing business,” Chintamani explained. Additionally, Kaieteur News understands that to facilitate the seasonal rush Laparkan’s cargo flights are increased each week, particularly flat rate boxes. The service offered in-
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Kaieteur News
ments in a timely manner and their packages are delivered in time for the holidays,” he added. At O.G shipping, a much smaller establishment located on Saffon Street, Charlestown, customers were also piling up to collect their cargo. The shipping company caters to persons doing online shopping in addition to providing other cargo service. Continued on page 10
Guyana’s ambassador to Kuwait still not accredited
Guyana’s ambassadordesignate to Kuwait, Dr. Shamir Ally has not yet been accredited according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge. The Minister made this known during the continued consideration of the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the 2017 budget in the Committee of Supply within the National Assembly, on Tuesday. At the time, Greenidge was being questioned by opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixiera, about an almost $200M increase in budgeted funds for the salaries of contracted employees under the programme Foreign Policy Promotion. Teixiera reminded Greenidge that one of the ambassadors had been criticized heavily in the public and that a decision was made to investigate the ambassador to Kuwait. She asked if Ally was still being paid while being investigated. Greenidge informed the House that Ally remains the ambassador designate to Kuwait even though he is yet to officially occupy the position. He added that the investigation which was launched into the allegations against Ally had been completed. As it was confirmed that Ally is not yet accredited, Teixiera posed the question how is it that the ambassador designate is maintaining himself, since he is not supposed to be receiving a salary. Greenidge said, “When an ambassador is appointed before he is accredited he would normally be given an
Dr. Shamir Ally advance because he has to establish himself before all those processes are completed; it’s no different for the ambassador in question. The process of sorting out the accreditation and having his documents presented to the Kuwaiti authorities is in train and that will be completed in due course.” However, Teixiera said that the accreditation of Ally is taking an inordinate length of time since his appointment has been a much publicised affair. This newspaper had published an article which said that Ally was convicted on March 4, 2003 by United States District Judge, Michael Baylson, for the dissemination of false fin a n c i a l i n f o r m a tion by Acrodyne Communications, Inc. in press releases and Commission filings in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Ally had come forward to defend his innocence denying liability in the charges which were brought against
the company he worked for by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Ally’s conviction was for violations of the antifraud and recordkeeping provisions in keeping with the United States Securities regulations. He was charged jointly in 2002 with A. Robert Mancuso and Ronald R. Lanchoney and was also fined US$10,000. His accomplices were fined US$50,000 and US$10,000 respectively. Ultimately, the judgement prevented Ally’s co-conspirators from acting as officers or directors of a public company. The Alliance for Change had come forward to defend Ally saying that he was employed by the company to help turn it around since it was in the process of preparing to manufacture Digital Television Transmitters for Television Stations, converting from analogue to digital systems. According to the party, Ally was terminated in July 2000 when the Technical Director Ostroff became the new President. When the Securities Exchange Commission charged the trio, Ally, instead of proceeding with a trial agreed to pay fines without admitting guilt. According to Ally, this was the best way to go since his termination in 2000 would have prevented him from accessing accounting records which would have enabled him to substantially rebut the Commission’s 2002 charge.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 22, 2016
Social Protection Ministry to plug $1B into High Street building The Ministry of Social Protection plans to occupy the High Street building which is replacing the former Guyana Broadcasting Corporation headquarters. The new structure was constructed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. The Committee of Supply of the National Assembly was informed of this move on Tuesday when the House was considering the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the 2017 budget for the Ministry. Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, was asked by opposition member Dr. Vindhya Persaud to provide clarity on the allocation of $200M to be spent on the provision of a building to improve administrative accommodation. Minister Lawrence said that the money is for the High Street building. She stated, “This $200M will be for the
$1B is expected to be spent on this structure to house offices of the Social Protection Ministry preparation of plans, drawings, corrections to the defective work that was done so
that we can move on to get the building ready for the ministry.”
Mother accused of stealing over $3M from Gafson Nickella Wong, 27, a former clerk at Gafson has been accused of stealing over $3M from the company. She was yesterday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with two counts of fraudulent embezzlement. She was granted $100,000 bail on each charge. The Grove, East Bank Demerara resident was
ordered to return to court on January 10. It is alleged that on August 25, at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, while being a clerk or servant of Gafson Industry Limited, she fraudulently embezzled $2,732,048. Wong, a mother of one, is also accused of fraudulently embezzling $1M from the company on August 26. She pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were
read to her in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The defendant’s lawyer, Folio Richards, told the court that her client has an unblemished criminal record and that she had been released on $100,000 station bail pending investigations. According to Folio, her client is not a flight risk and has been reporting to police regularly.
When asked how soon the building will be ready for occupation, Lawrence said, “We are anxious to get into this building and we are hoping that by the first week of January 2017 we can put out our ads in the newspaper and hopefully that within the first half of the year, all these works we have listed, can be completed.” Opposition member Juan Edghill questioned the minister further on the issue by referring to volume three of the estimates which shows that in total, the ministry expects to spend $1B on the project. Lawrence said that she cannot confirm whether $1B will be spent on the building. However, she said that the sum is the projected amount.
She was then asked to indicate how long the project is expected to be completed. To this, Minister Lawrence said the complete rehabilitation works should finish in 2018. She said that the money is needed to ensure that the building is safe not only for the employees but for the persons it intends to provide services to. According to Lawrence, if the $200M is not enough for 2017, she intends to approach the House for a supplementary allocation. Further, she said that works were done by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on the building which served to inform the Ministry’s request of such a large sum. Initially, $700M was spent to construct the building with the contract being awarded to Kishan Bacchus General Con-
tractors. The structure was intended to house offices for the then Ministry of Labour and the Guyana Forestry Commission. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, during a press conference in November had said that both the GGMC and the GFC had plugged $400M into the building’s construction. He said that the situation at the building is so bad that if tiles are placed on the first floor, the floor is expected to crumble because the support beams are not present. A forensic audit report had found that the building involved the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited and through its negligence wasted approximately $350M of taxpayer’s money.
Thursday December 22, 2016
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The dissolution of the Board of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation The non-renewal of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation may result in greater political influence over the management of the institution, the very thing that the incorporation of the hospital as a corporate body aggregate was intended to avoid. The life of the Board of the Hospital expired on November 30, 2016. The Board had only been appointed for one year. Instead of renewing that mandate, the government has dissolved the Board. There has been no report in the media or any public announcement otherwise that a new Board has been constituted or appointed. It is not unusual for the Board to be allowed to continue until such a time as a new Board is appointed where the life of a Board
comes to an end. In the case of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the life of the Board was not extended and the Chairperson was thanked for his service. The first Board for the hospital of the new APNU+AFC government was not given more than a year. The question is why. It is now public knowledge that the relations between the Chairperson of the Board and the Minister of Health were not the best. He has effectively been removed. He was thanked for his services and therefore is not likely to be returned. The fate of the other members of the Board is not known but they should refuse, given the manner in which they were treated, to sit again on any Board of that hospital. The purpose of establish-
ing a government corporation is to free that institution of political control by the Minister or by the ministry. The day to day management of the hospital is supposed to be carried out by a Chief Executive Officer who reports to the Board which is appointed by the government. Where there is a body corporate, administrative decisions are taken by a CEO and policy decisions are made by the Board. Cabinet has been a meddler in the affairs of the Board. Cabinet in the past has sought to grant its approval for contracts entered into by the hospital. And the present Cabinet has opted to order certain actions in relation to the Chief Executive Officer of that hospital. Cabinet should have no such role. It should try to dictate the tenure of any
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo pick six fuh Soulja Bai play wid Ever since he lef de office Jagdeo sit down and he planning how to get back in government. He put together all kind of plan. De first thing he do was to claim how GECOM and Surujbally thief de elections. He in power and he claim how GECOM rig de elections fuh de opposition. Dem boys seh that every time that particular party lose de elections dem always claim that it rig. Is that rigging mek Jagdeo and he crew pick pun Surujbally. Dem boys seh he fight down Surujbally to get de man to lef de wuk as Chairman of GECOM. Surujbally couldn’t tek it suh he tell de world that he gun lef de wuk. Jagdeo couldn’t hear a better word. Now Jimmy Carter did come and he lef a formula fuh appointment of de job Surujbally was doing. De formula was fuh Jagdeo to put up six names and fuh Soulja Bai to select one. Well dem boys seh that Jagdeo pick six names and if Soulja Bai only tek one of dem, is done dem done wid voting. Imagine Jagdeo
pick Chris Ram, a man who he does cuss all de time. He actually call Ram and talk to him. Dem boys seh that right away dem smell a rat, and a big one too. Jagdeo want somebody pun de GECOM who gun do wha he want dem to do. De last time he did ask a man to smuggle in fake statement of poll when GECOM was counting de vote. After de plan expose Jagdeo get vex because de commissioner he use get ketch. And Ram is not de only strange Jagdeo pick. He pick a woman who seh that she looking after she own race before she look after she country. Besides that, she and Jagdeo is buddy friends. If she expect Soulja Bai to pick, then de country got more stupid people than dem boys believe. And besides, Soulja Bai ain’t sharing out Christmas gifts yet. Moses give Jagdeo one –a red tie. And Dem boys see when Jagdeo tek it—wid a smile. Talk half and watch out fuh Jagdeo and more tricks.
CEO. This is the sole responsibility of the Board of Directors. This is what makes ominous the decision of the government to terminate the life of the Board of the hospital. Faced with a Chairman who was prepared to defend his statutory responsibility, the Ministry of Health found itself in public spats with the Board Chairman and the unthinkable decision of Cabinet taking decisions which are the rightful remit of the Board. The developments of the hospital are an indication that the APNU+AFC has an obsession with control. They wish to dominate that institution and to dictate who becomes the Chief Executive Officer, which is the function of the Board. There is obviously a political favourite for the position. APNU has made changes in almost every government agency since it came to
power. Some of the changes have been sweeping, others have been more measured. But nothing is as ominous as what has happened as the GPHC where there was constant friction between the CEO and the Minister of Health. Those professionals and other persons from civil society who have accepted positions on Boards of public corporations should carefully consider their future involvement with the APNU+AFC administration in light how
the Board of the GPHC was dissolved. If the government is obsessed with political control, then there can be no place for professionals and for the involvement of civil society. It is time for good men and women to withdraw from any involvement on government Boards as a means of protecting their credibility and integrity.
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Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
APNU-AFC mistakes played a big part in the biology of the PPP’s congress Mrs. Hilary Clinton has gone on record as officially saying that the FBI Head contributed to her electoral loss. He released a letter to Congress just before the elections, saying that there are more emails from Mrs. Clinton that had to be analyzed for violations of the law. She said, “…Our analysis is that Comey’s letter raising doubts … stopped our momentum.” What the letter did, it caused voters to reflect on the trustworthiness of Clinton. Trust is a huge factor in voting for a candidate. People do not give their ballots to men and women they don’t trust.
Politics is a relentless zero sum game in which the wolf is always at the gate and you have to always chase him away. The APNU-AFC Coalition would not attract the envy of any politician anywhere in the world. It came to power after 15 years of insane Jagdeo/Ramotar politics. The work to undo what the PPP has done to this country from 2001 to 2015 is frightening and daunting. How do you remove from strategic niches, PPP supporters put there by Messrs. Jagdeo and Ramotar without strengthening the PPP’s ties to its constituencies when they give off cries of witch-hunt?
How the hands. The Government Coalition has could have rebeen doing tained someone that daily. One like Khurshid of the essenSattaur? If I was tial strategies the Minister of for countering Finance, as the PPP was to soon as I was demonstrate sworn in, bean alternative fore the ink political culcould have ture. The dried on the APNU/AFC document, I has not done would have disthat even in missed Sattaur. small doses. Frederick Kissoon The new govThis lack of a ernment has inherited hun- transformative culture is causdreds like Sattaur. Political ing serious hemorrhaging in appointees during the PPP the PNC’s constituencies. tenure are refusing to resign. The AFC has lost its place You touch them, Jagdeo goes among rural Indians. to Port Mourant, cries ethnic There was still hope for cleaning, and PPP supporters the Coalition even if it demare energized. What can you onstrated that it was just ando? other ordinary government. The PPP is a ruthless ma- But it did worse than that. It chine. You don’t play into its made egregious mistakes that had depraved dimensions. The PPP began to jump so high with joy that Jagdeo actually caught some stars. Supporters of the Coalition Government should not fool themselves; the terrible behaviour of the Coalition Government has fuelled a sarcastic but galvanizing demagoguery of the PPP and it is persuading the PPP supporters and Indian Guyanese who did not vote for the PPP. The PPP is milking the atrocities of the ruling partnership and it showed up in the extensive exuberance seen at the PPP congress over the weekend. What is taking place in Guyana is identical to the FBI
letter. Just try to imagine what that letter did. Trump is on the back foot, Clinton is way ahead. Then the FBI tells the American people that it found more private e-mails from Mrs. Clinton and they have to check it to see if she broke the secrecy laws of the country. For many voters, the alternative to such a candidate was Trump. It is the same scenario playing out here. The PPP leadership goes to Indian enclaves and says with deadly persuasion that it was hounded down for acts of corruption by the PNC and AFC when they were in opposition but look at the bond scandal, Harmon China trip, the Durban Park fiasco. The PPP goes to Essequibo and Berbice and says that when in government they were accused of giving perks to their leaders but look the whopping sums some Ministers are getting for
scholarships, the money they are giving to Hamilton Green, the stupendous salary increase they gave themselves weeks after they came to power. Perhaps the blow below the belt that has floored the Coalition is VAT on electricity. Surely VAT on anything will never generate the anger in citizens as VAT on electricity. And why? Because blackout is part of life in Guyana. As an aside let me say since that announcement, blackout is in a Draculean mood where I live. If we had predicted that Jagdeo, Ramotar and the rest of the venal PPP army would have faded away after 2015, we were humiliatingly wrong. When the song book of Coalition wrong-doings was read out at that congress, euphoria swept the audience like a tsunami. PPP leadership knew they were reborn, reborn to take back power. I hope that never happens but it could.
Shipping outlet opens late to... From page 7 “What happens is that a lot of people shop online now for personlized items. They try to cash in on the Black Friday bargains; the after Thanksgiving Day Sale in the United States. Their packages would take a few weeks to arrive and therefore they would get caught up with the Christmas cargo.” Next door, a representative of Williams Shipping was busy going through a list of persons who were scheduled to pick up their packages. “During this season, cargo business is increased and so we have to double up to make sure that our customers are satisfied.” The company delivers cargo coming out of North America and various parts of the Caribbean.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Performance of State Owned Enterprises …
GuySuCo a strain on coffers, GPL is another trouble maker -But Guyoil lauded for performing “reasonably well” By Kiana Wilburg Of all the State Owned Enterprises (SOE), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) stands out as a major strain on the Government’s coffers. This is according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. He made this statement during his end of year press conference on Monday. The Finance Minister asked to provide an assessment of the performance of SOEs and their collective impact on the economy and those which pose a strain on the national purse, did not hesitate to mention GuySuCo. He recalled that from the time the coalition took office in May last year, it has shelled out some $23B into the sugar sector. He said that this does not include the debt it would have serviced for the company, particularly in the case of the Skeldon Sugar Estate which is said to be built at a whopping US$200M. The factory was deemed by international auditors to be in a deplorable state. “So we have a dead investment in Skeldon and it is producing little or nothing. Its future is pretty dark and it can’t generate the income to help repay the loans,” the Finance Minister asserted. Another worrying situation that is developing sees GuySuCo in the untenable position of not being able to meet its own wages bill. Jordan said, “If you couldn’t even meet your own wage bill, then the transfers we are making are not really adding value. They are helping to meet the payment of wages.” The Finance Minister noted that the other trouble maker is the Guyana Power
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan and Light (GPL). However that entity has benefitted from low oil prices and efficiency gains that allowed it to recover somewhat “in terms of the bottom-line”. The Finance Minister said that GPL has also been able to make some payments on the loans that the Government had made to the company. The on-lent arrangement is one whereby the Government obtains a loan; usually concessional financing from an international financial institution such as the World Bank or the Caribbean Development Bank, then passes on the loan principal to another entity, usually a State Owned
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Kaieteur News
Enterprise. The Finance Minister said that $500M was already received from GPL with another $500M is budgeted for transfer. “That gives us a total of $1B so it is glory hallelujah. It is a real turnaround from where we had to be giving them transfers, to one where they are retransferring,” Jordan stated. But in all the gloom regarding some state owned enterprises, Jordan lauded the efforts of Guyoil. He said that the entity has been performing reasonably well. The Finance Minister also stated that the company benefitted somewhat from price increases in the oil and as such, was able to make dividend payments in 2015 to the tune of $2B. He said that the money “came in handy”. He expressed satisfaction that Guyoil is poised to make another $1B. The economist said that the state owned enterprise is one which is showing its worth, “We need agencies like Guyoil to really give effect to policies of the government.” He lauded the company for always passing on to the consumers, Government’s measures which would see reduced oil prices.
Giftland Mall offers to sell power to GPL ...50 % cheaper than Wartsila During a press conference earlier this week, the Chief Executive Officer (Acting) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Renford Homer, stated that the entity had previously declined a proposal put forward by the Giftland Mall to sell electricity to the stateowned entity. Previous reports indicated that the Mall, which is located at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara is currently generating in excess of four megawatts of electricity of its demand is approximately 1.5 Megawatts (MW). It was the intention of the Giftland Mall to sell the excess power to the GPL. However, Homer said that the particulars of the proposal fell short in addressing the needs of the Power Company. He expounded that the time in which the Mall was desirous of supplying energy to GPL was ‘really not in keeping with the time that we would actually benefit from that excess energy’. The CEO stated that the establishment has proposed that it supply several neighbouring communities including Sophia with electricity between 10:00hrs and 13:00hrs. However, he noted that the demand for electricity is usually between 18:30hrs and
21:00hrs. Chairman of the Giftland Group, Roy Beepat, issued a statement yesterday refuting several assertions. Beepat stated that Giftland proposes to supply 2.5 MW throughout the day and four MW from 22:00hrs – 8:00hrs. With regards to cost, Beepat said that the Giftland Mall’s proposed US 12.5 cents per kwh is lower than current rates when considering and there is no maintenance and operations overhead, spares, or added fuel charges. “Therefore we are much cheaper than what they are presently purchasing at from Wartsila by at least 50%.” AREATO SUPPLY Beepat noted that the Mall’s proposal was to supply to the Grid and not specific areas/communities as stated. However he asserted that to protect the “Fragile GPL” Line network, his company can supply its own transmission lines to selected areas. “Giftland also proposed its power facilitates service to be tied in to the Grid to offer redundancy to the existing system since it is independent of the current power sources. “We had warned of sce-
Chairman of the Giftland Group, Roy Beepat narios such as which transpired with the cable and or Kingston breakdowns, and the importance of having an independent alternative energy which Giftland can provide” the statement read. Meanwhile, Beepat stated that the Mall’s proposal is currently at the office of the Minister of Infrastructure for consideration of a request made by University of Guyana for Power Supply. “For too long U.G has had to teach the Nation’s youths with the disadvantage of unreliable power, and it is now up to the Minister to either approve or deny our request.”
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Kaieteur News
Dynamic Airways operation in Guyana to be reviewed – GCAA Head
After flight delays and cancellations affected hundreds of passengers at both the John F Kennedy and Cheddi Jagan International Airports over the last weekend, the operations of Dynamic Airways in Guyana will be reviewed. This was according to the Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), Colonel (Retired), Egbert Field, during a media engagement at the Authority’s Headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown yesterday. The Director-General said that the GCCA is currently awaiting a report from the airline which will determine the way forward. During a recent press briefing hosted by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Roraima Airways,– “the face of Dynamic Airways” – Captain Gerry Gouveia, had stated that that one of Dynamic Airways’ aircrafts was damaged at the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, United States after a groundhandling truck reportedly ran into the engine casing while the other aircraft, developed mechanical problems from a defective flap.
Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), Colonel (Retired), Egbert Field. The GCCA Head said that the Authority will be conducting the review with an aim to ensuring that the inconvenience does not reoccur – especially during the holiday season. This publication previously reported that the setback saw angry passengers taking to social media to vent their frustration whilst many here at home, sought intervention from media outlets after claims of calls to Dynamic went
unanswered. The frustration intensified after the airlines’ representatives on the ground were reportedly unwilling to provide information to the stranded. “We are extremely sorry and apologise to the passengers for the delay and the cancellations. Both Dynamic Airways and Roraima Airways are committed to safety and we could not fly that aircraft until it was cleared by the maintenance team,” Captain Gouveia was quoted by this publication as saying. CARIBBEANAIRLINES, FLY JAMAICAINCIDENT STILL BEING INVESTIGATED M e a n w h i l e , investigations are still ongoing into the accident at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport where an incoming Caribbean Airlines aircraft had reportedly clipped the tail of a parked aircraft belonging to the Fly Jamaica fleet. The GCAA DirectorGeneral said that matter is still being investigated by the Accident Investigation Group and a report “ought to be submitted” to the Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson. Caribbean Airlines, back in November, had issued a statement saying that one of its planes, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating as BW 527, from JFK International, New York to CJIA, Guyana, was involved in an incident on the ramp. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Fly Jamaica Airways’ B767-300 was struck by the wing tip of the taxiing Caribbean Airlines aircraft.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Govt renews agreements for fuel, other concessions for miners Small and medium scale miners will continue to benefit from fuel, and concessions on mining equipment parts, as the contracts were renewed yesterday by the relevant ministries and associations.
duty-free concessions on imported equipment, and a 10 percent tax reduction on fuel. The agreement provides for eligible gold miners to be exempted from the payment of custom duties on fuel, matting, All Terrain Vehicles
Minister Trotman said that he was pleased to renew the contracts as per a commitment given by the Minister of Finance in 2015. Trotman added that while concessions are given, with every benefit comes respon-
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association, Terrence Adams shake hands after signing two agreements. Also in photo is Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (centre) The renewal would have come amidst deep worry by miners that the administration would contemplate pulling the fuel concessions. According to a Government release yesterday, the Ministries of Finance and Natural Resources, and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) renewed two contracts for concessions relating to the mining industry. “Small and medium-scale miners will now benefit from
(ATVs), jackhammer drills, flex hoses, expanding metals, pumps, pump housing, impellers, shaft and engines,” the statement said. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, said that the government is happy with gold declarations, and with the commitment of miners. He pointed out that the government has no desire to hinder, frustrate or even close down the industry as some would suggest.
sibility. “We expect better declarations; we still believe that despite the high declarations that an amount of our gold, a significant amount of our gold is not being declared. These two agreements will not be signed and implemented, simply because you are a miner you shall be entitled; with the entitlement comes some responsibilities, and one such responsibility is good stewardship of what Continued on page 23
Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
Multi-billion GPL contract award to Chinese contractor…
Bidder cites corruption; files appeal submitted; provide details of installation of over 25,000 with IDB all aspects of the evaluation smart meters and low and A multi-billion-dollar project that has been shrouded in controversy has run into major problems with one of the bidders this week filing a complaint with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and regulators of state contracts in Guyana. The appeal will likely halt disbursement of funds for the project until IDB, among others, complete the probe. Among other things, the bidder-- Colombian-owned, Enrique Lourido which is teaming up with local partner, Fix It Depot-— is claiming that the process of evaluation and subsequent reported award was highly irregular and appeared to be fixed in favour of Chinese-owned contractor, CMC. Among other things, the partners want IDB to investigate the selection process; engage an independent committee to analyze the bids
and provide an analysis as to why they were not selected. “We are requesting that before this project is given the go ahead by IDB, a transparent, professional and fair evaluation should be conducted,” the bidder said in their appeal. The appeal was sent to IDB’s independent investigative arm- the Office of Institutional Integrity- which is based in Washington, DC, US. At least one other bidder has signaled intentions to file complaints with IDB and the Government of Guyana over the “questionable” process used to choose CMC. The complaint has also reportedly been copied to President David Granger; a number of ministers and the recently established Public Procurement Commission (PPC). The project involved the
medium voltage lines along the coast stretching from East Bank Essequibo to East Berbice. The project has been generating unusual media attention not only because of the amount of money involved-US$18M- but because it took an unusually long time- nine months- before it was reportedly awarded. GPL had been largely silent, raising suspicions—”reportedly”- because Government has not officially announced an award to Chinese company, CMC, which will be paid over $1B over the engineer’s estimate. Rather, the details of the award only came out after questions last week by the Opposition to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson in the National Assembly, during the considerations of the national budget for 2017.
Logos Hope arrived in Georgetown yesterday
The Logos Hope arriving in Georgetown yesterday. The world’s largest floating book fair is finally here! The Logos Hope arrived in Georgetown around 9:00 hrs Tuesday morning. The vessel docked at the Guyana National Shipping, La Penitence Wharf.
Logos Hope is expected to have its official opening from today and will operate through January 8, 2017 at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation, La Penitence Wharf, Public Road Entrance.
UK bestows 'Lawyer of the Year'... From page 20 the title “Lawyer of the Year” as I am proud to serve this noble profession. With regards to what it means in respect of progression within the legal sector, I think that on the grounds of natural expectations, SJS Solicitors may experience an increased level of client activity, and
probably attract a more varied range of clientele likely to be involved in more complex areas of the law in which the firm is involved. The firm is likely to be exposed to a relatively wider audience publicly and it will experience an element of increased professional traffic. All of these expectations would be di-
vinely welcome by SJS Solicitors. The other goals that come readily to mind is the continuation with, and delivery of high levels of profession a l s t a n d a r ds and providing quality legal services to the public, in the absence of which neither my firm nor I, would be deserving of these awards.
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VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956 Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822
FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedroom top & bottom flat @ 261 Golden Grove E.B.D, top flat $40,000, bottom flat $35,000. Call: 233-5802/6411476/ 600-4984 Spacious one bedroom upper flat at 239 Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/ 601-0223/6459921
YEAR END SPECIAL: 2012 TOYOTA RACTIS -$2.6M, 2010 TOYOTA FIELDER $2.6M 4WD, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS -$2.6M. CALL: 6427295
One 2007 Toyota Allion, excellent condition, one Toyota Primo 2005, very clean. Call: 678-8035/ 6853924 Pearl white Raum -$850,000 negotiable, owner migrating. Ralph: 613-9390/ 662-5052 One 2009 Super GL Pitbull bus, just registered.Contact: 691-5086 1 AT 192 Carina and 1 Mitsubishi Dingo for sale. Call: 695-0704
TO LET VACANCY American Variety Store; 140 Regent & Light Street: Experienced & mature cashier apply in person with written application. 1 General Domestic, must be able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Nissan Dualis 2007 for sale $3M; sunroof, alloy wheel, 2WD, CD/DVD player, PVV series Call: 611-8121/695-9548
CHRISTMAS SALE: 2009 FIELDER $2.5M, 2009 RAUM -$2.3, 2009 NOAH $2.6M. CALL: 617-2891
Repairs to refrigerator, gas stove, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar
Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
Exist for 2 Real Estate agent & assistant, apply to gmerealestateagency@outlook. com or tex: 648-2345
1 Fully furnished apartment located in Eccles, E.B.D, Internet, parking, cable etc. Call:667-2536 Two and three bedrooms luxury apartments to rent fully furnished, long term and short term. Call: 665-3505 Rooms with bed to let $20,000 & $25,000 per month. Call: 223-9677 8am-5pm Two bedroom house, tiled kitchen, tiled bathroom, parking. Call Joy: 649-9059/ 621-1088
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044 Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Drop Cords for Christmas lighting. Call: 225-3480 Taxi Service for sale (Georgetown) Prime location, including 16 radio sets. Call: 695-0704 1 Stem bow boat and engine 200HP with power steering kit -$2M negotiable. Call: 6585299/ 638-7748
LAND FOR SALE Plot of land use to cultivate rice, Plantation Betterhope Essequibo Coast, Size 33.14 Acres Tel: 625-1514 Land at Lot 432 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Plantation Great Diamond, E.B. Demerara – Call: 718-598-7149 Lot 12 Mon Repos ECD, First Street. Call: 220-7330/ 6024105 House lot at Herstelling. Call:614-2377 La Parfait Harmonie (front) 50X100 -$2.5M , Diamond 21st Street (transported), Land of Canaan with water & light 6.5 per acre. Call: 2312199/ 618-7483 Diamond – Grove Area $1.8M, La Parfait Harmonie (upfront, Graded, Clean)$1.6M- Call: 611-7223
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Nintendo DS Lite -$8,000, Samsung Galaxy Note $55,000, I-Phone5 16BG $23,000, I-phone6 Plus 64GB. Call: 621-9604/ 694-1748 I-pad2 – 16GB 9.7Inch, Samsung Galaxy Tab4 $19,000, Dell Inspiron 700m laptop, Dell Zino HD mini desktop PC. Call:621-9604/ 694-1748 Dredge mining operation: excavator, dredge, camp, truck, ATV bike, welding set with gas bottle. Call: 676-7943 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
WANTED 1 Offset Printer to operator AB Dick machine. Inter services Enterprise. Call:2261877/641-3687 (attractive salary) Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15 Need immediately dry cow mold 400 bags, preferably from Berbice Area. Call: 6437193 One live in waittress $70,000$80,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free, 18-30yrs. Call: 610-3974 One live in couple to work as domestic and clean yard, in Mahaicony River. Call: 6446905/655-9419 We are buying land in Eccles, Herstelling, Bartica, La Parfait Harmonie, Farm, Zeelugt, Utivlugt. Call: 611-7223
One kitchen assitant . Call: 621-7862/ 225-3700
House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274
The #1 Plant Shop, sale staff and general maintenance and sales persons 20-30yrs. Call: 643-7193
Two buildings on lot at180 Charolotte Street Bourda (W30XL120). (Price negotiable). Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183
One experienced computer legal clerk. Call: 624-7087/ 2580213/ email:husainsaphier@ yahoo.com
Cambellville 2 storey house -$31M, $45M, South Ruimveldt -$17.5M, $25M, 32M, Grove -$9M, East $12M. Call Shawn: 231-2199/ 618-7483
EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage, certificate training course in Jan 2017, Register & get 50% discount for Christmas. Call: 694-8322/671-9603
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AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished apartments and rooms, ideal for overseas visitors from $6,000 per night. Call: 6680306/ 218-1400/ 694-7817 Fully furnished air condition apartment for local and overseas visitors -$4,000 & $5,000 per night. Call: 2230994
Charlestown woman jailed, fined for throwing ganja through window A 43-year-old woman now has to spend Christmas in jail after she was convicted and jailed for three years for possession of cannabis for trafficking, yesterday by Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The woman, Andrea Pamela Vigilance, of Evans Street, Charlestown, Georgetown was caught by police ranks throwing a bag containing the illicit substance through her apartment window. On August 6, ranks from the Police Narcotic Branch went to the woman’s home after receiving certain information. On arrival at the premises, Vigilance was seen by the officers throwing a black plastic bag along with some transparent Ziploc bags containing something through the window. The bags were retrieved and it was discovered that cannabis sativa (marijuana) was concealed inside. The drug was weighed and amounted to 120 grams. When caution by police, Vigilance said that a woman had given her the bag. The two women were apprehended by police and when questioned, they denied giving the accused the bag. In addition to the jail sentence, Vigilance was ordered to pay a fine of $180,000. This matter was prosecuted by Police Corporal Bharat Mangru.
Thursday December 22, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Tragedy strikes: East Canje man decomposed body found two days after son drowns Tragedy struck an East Canje family not once but twice after losing two family members in a two day span. The bereavement hit when 40-year-old Isbarran Bhognarine, called “Gaga”, was discovered lying face down in a canal behind the Cumberland, East Canje ball field. According to reports the man left his home on Monday morning at 9:00hrs to catch fish but never returned. His body was discovered at 16:00hrs the same afternoon. His niece spotted his body floating in the canal and rushed to inform her relatives. His mother, Meenwattie Persaud, known as “Nando” said that she last saw her eldest son on Monday morning after making his breakfast. Persaud added that later that afternoon, his brother informed her that he had succumbed. ”Me binna sleep and he buddy wake me up and tell me seh that he drown in de canal ah back. Me run and me see he wid he head down in de
water,”, she recalled in tears. The grieving woman told Kaieteur News that her son struggled with epilepsy and suggested, that may have caused him to have an attack and to fall head first into the water, since the canal was not deep. ”He does always catch fits so it look like he catch fits right deh and fall in.” A post mortem conducted yesterday confirmed that Bhognarine died from drowning. Death struck once more soon after. The family received news of the demise of the dead man’s father. His father’s decomposed body was discovered at his Reliance, East Canje home by relatives who had not seen him since Monday. When Kaieteur News visited the scene, his body was being removed by undertakers. According to Ravin Persaud, he last draw his uncle alive and well on Monday. ”He come and help meh
pen up cow Monday night and he tell me seh, he neck back hurting so me seh go home and rest. And he go.” That was the last time he saw his uncle alive He told Kaieteur News that after he did not see his uncle for the past days, he sent a relative to go check on him. ”I sent he cousin to go see way he deh, and when de boy go in de yard and push de door, he see he lay down on de ground, swell up”. His nephew noted that since no family member informed the older Persaud of his son’s demise, he could not ascertain the cause of the man’s death. ”Me nah know if somebody tell he or wah and he heart give up. Nobody nah tell am when Gaga dead so he mussie hear and tek on.” Isbarran Persaud lived alone and was a frequent imbiber. A post mortem is expected to be conducted tomorrow to determine the cause of death.
Grieving mother: Meenwattie Persaud known as ‘Nando’
Drowned son: Isbarran Bhognarine called ‘Gaga’
Decomposed body found: Isbarran Persaud
National Assembly approves 2017 budget After weeks of debate, yesterday the National Assembly approved the 2017 $250B Budget. For the Office of the Prime Minister, $882M was approved; Parliament will get $1.5B for 2017 while the Ministry of Presidency will receive $6B. The Ministry of Social Cohesion has been allocated
$90.1M while Ministry of Public Infrastructure has secured $34.6B. Prior to the adjournment of the House to January 5, Prime Minster Moses Nagamootoo thanked at length, all those who helped to make the moment possible. The Leader of Government business in the House
said he noticed that the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, had cause to use his gavel more often than any other Speaker during the budget debates. The Prime Minister also extended well wishes to his colleagues in Government and in the political opposition. He Continued on page 24
Govt renews agreements for fuel, other... From page 12 you have been given,” Minister Trotman explained. The Minister added that the country is transitioning into a green economy, so unsafe mining, unhealthy and bad environmental practices will not be condoned. Additionally, Minister Trotman said that the Government will not overlook miners who demand from the government and do not give back (taxes). “Roads have to be built, security has to be provided, airstrips have to be maintained and these require costs that Government bears,” Minister Trotman noted. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in brief remarks said that the agreements will be valid for one year. He said that the gold industry is supporting the economy at the moment and that the Government of Guyana will continue to assist it in any way it can. The Finance Minister said, “We are committed to give you a level of comfort and concessions in the industry to see the industry grow, to see the industry develop
in a responsible, environmentally friendly manner, to make sure household incomes are grown, and that we can prosper. We are about the ‘good life; for Guyanese,” Minister Jordan said. Minister Jordan said that the government will never be interested in killing any industry. The Finance Minister added that the Government is giving substantial concessions and believes that it is reaping benefits from the concessions. “Taxes are very important to a country; we all use the roads, whether you are a miner, farmer or public servant, we all use the roads. We use the lights, we use electricity. If we don’t want to pay our taxes, then a small section of society will forever be burdened with the taxes, and this is not something that the Government will countenance, and this is something that the Government will not shy away from, ensuring that everybody pays their fair share of taxes,” Jordan said. President of the GGDMA,
Terrence Adams, expressed gratitude to the Government for keeping its promise to the miners and renewing the contracts. Highlighting that there is a lot of work to be done in executing the contracts, Adams said that the association will be working along with the ministries in the coming year to ensure that relevant persons pay their taxes. The GGDMA’s president said that he is hoping that a meeting can be held before the year ends or early next year, so that a consensus can be reached, to ensure that the small and medium scale miners pay taxes. The tax exemption to small and medium scale miners was part the A Partnership for National Unity- Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition promise in its 100-day Action Plan, the Government statement said. Other officials present at the renewal of the contracts were representatives from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Undertakers removing the decomposed body of Isbarran Persaud
2016 Best Cop wants colleagues to... From page 16 policeman for the past 14 years, received $400,000 along with a trophy and a plaque from the Force. He also received trips to New York, Kaieteur Falls and Arrow Point for himself and immediate family from Gerry Gouveia, head of Roraima Group of Companies. Having received the prizes, Narine thanked the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, Seelall Persaud and head of the Major Crimes Unit, Mitchell Caesar for providing good leadership. “I remember last week you (Persaud) said that when Blanhum took over as crime chief, we have seen a difference. Indeed, that is true, Sir, but I must add that just about the same time you took over as Commissioner and what I have recognized is that management in the force from then to now has been something of a difference,” Narine said. “I think one of the reasons why we have so much success is good management in terms of the Force's administration. From good management there is good leadership.” Narine also commended his immediate boss, Caesar, for displaying good leadership. The Best Cop, who is cur-
rently doing a Masters Degree in Business Administration at the Nations University, noted that he alone did not do all the work but it was in fact with the assistance of his colleagues, Inspector Suraj Singh, Lance Corporal Laundry, Sergeant Lowe, Sergeant Ramotar and Eastman. Some of the cases the best cop worked on: On February 15, 2008 – 76 year-old businessman Habidoodeen was brutally attacked and beaten at his Ruby, East Bank Essequibo home before a hit man brutally ended his life on the orders of a disgruntled woman, who had coveted the old man's assets. It was only when Narine and his team took over that charges were laid against two persons, the hit man and Habidoodeen's daughter. Narine also played a major role in solving the Berbice triple murder, in which two adults and a teenage boy were shot dead in the Cookrite Backdam at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, last July. The Corporal's investigative work also contributed to the solving of the murder of fisherman Faiyaz Narinedatt, who was beaten and dumped on the Number 70 Village, Corentyne roadway. He also turned down $4M when the mother of the alleged
mastermind, Marcus Brian Bisram and a relative of one of the suspects tried to bribe him to have the case dismissed. He also headed investigations into the solving of two cold cases; namely, the murder of a father and his two daughters, who were burnt to death in a Robb Street hotel in 2014, and the 2012 murder of truck driver Jadesh Dass, who was shot dead and dumped on a Mahaica roadway. He also played a leading role in the investigation where four persons were charged on Tuesday for the murder of rice farming couple, Mohamed Munir and his wife Bibi Jamila who were burnt to death in their home in April, last during a robbery. Narine once again showed his commitment to the Force in August, last, when he turned down $400,000 which was offered to him by the General Manager of a city hotel, Veersammy Narine to suppress evidence in the murder of Shameer Ali Mursalin. Mursalin, a trader, was formerly of Grant 1805 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne was fatally shot to the head on October 24, 2015. The hotel owner's relative is one of three suspects charged for the murder of Mursalin.
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Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
“GCAA moving to better skies” – Director-General
Guyanese group successful at Air Traffic Control training in Jamaica By Suraj Narine After successfully completing Air Traffic Control Training in Jamaica, eight students from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)’s Air Traffic Services Division are back on home soil. The batch graduated on December 8 from the Civil Aviation Authority Training Institute of Jamaica – an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) TrainAIR Plus certified school – after 14 weeks of rigorous training. The training which commenced on September 5 exposed the trainees to theoretical and practical exercises. All of the students’ average score was greater than 90 with the valedictorian, Davendra Kissoon, scoring 99 percent. The other returnees are Yogeshwar Bedyadhar, Karen Budhoo, Safina Lutchman, David Sundar, Joann Lall, Devindra Kissoon, Conny Wills, and Tyrone Persaud. Moving to better skies With the Cheddi Jagan International Airport currently being transformed to accommodate larger aircrafts and the emerging Oil and Gas Industry, it is a truly a remarkable time for the local aviation sector and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to be moving apace to keep up with these developments, says the Director-General of the entity, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), Egbert Field. Col. Fields was at the time addressing the returnees at the GCAA’s Headquarters in High Street, Kingston yesterday amongst agency officials and members of the media. He commended the group for its ‘glorious’ representation of Guyana abroad. He read excerpts from a report that was submitted to the Authority by the Principal of
From left: Yogeshwar Bedyadhar, Karen Budhoo, Safina Latchman, David Sundar, Joann Lall, Devindra Kissoon (Valedictorian), Conny Wills, and Tyrone Persaud. Civil Aviation Authority Training Institute of Jamaica, Coral Mc Laren. “The students were not just outstanding in their class work but also in their deportment and attendance, respectful and attentive during classes...( I commend) the Guyanese officials in their selection of these trainee controllers and wish them all the best in their endeavour.” The Director-General continued that for long there have been negative remarks levelled at the GCAA. ‘’I can guarantee you, to the people, and the Government of Guyana, that we will be moving this authority to better skies.” Col. Field said that the future for the aviation fraternity holds great promise and the task now, is to develop the local industry. “What better way to go than to develop the aviation industry? This 83,000 square miles that we have, (only) four to five percent is populated
and the rest is forest, savannah; The rivers are not navigable, there aren’t roads leading to places that need to be developed and the only way that we can develop the country is by air. “So with the aviation industry expanding, we are going to use it to develop the country so that the future generation can benefit... We are on the roll and will continue to improve the (Guyana) Civil Aviation Authority,” Selection process Meanwhile, GCAA’s Senior Training Officer, Courtney Frank, when quizzed on the Authority’s choice of Institute, stated that the Institute in Jamaica was chosen because it was the most competitively priced entity at the time, and could have conducted training at the time the authority required. He said that the ICAO had started a drive some time during the period 2013 to 2014, which stipulated that all air
National Assembly approves 2017... From page 23 even brought the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo a red tie for Christmas. His gesture was roundly applauded. Jagdeo did not accept the tie in the House. The First Vice President stressed that the way forward must see patriotism strengthening the relationship between the Government and the Opposition so that both can work towards the betterment of the nation. Also sharing similar sentiments on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition was PPP member, Juan Edghill. The former Junior Finance Minister extended hearty thanks to staff of the National Assembly, Members of Parliament and the media. Edghill said that Christ-
mas is a special time of the year. He said that with all of the additions and embellishments that the festivity brings, the core message remains the same. He said that that message is one of bringing hope to mankind. “We in the opposition continue to commit ourselves to work in that spirit to ensure we keep hope alive in our nation and our people are not left without representation; and their voices are heard,” said Edghill. He said, “We will work in their best interest and ensure that suffering is alleviated and that their lives become better. In this season of Christmas where there is a lot of celebration, we also pause to think of the many Guyanese who would have liked to be celebrating but because of
their present circumstances there is no real joy around the table on Christmas day.” In this regard, the Parliamentarian said that the Opposition empathizes with them. He sought to give the assurance to those people that the PPP would not disappoint them and that this time of gloom will also come to past. Edghill said that at the appropriate time, there will be joy and singing again in the streets of Georgetown. The Speaker of the House closed off the proceedings by reminding the Opposition and the Government that Christmas is a time for giving and loving and particularly; a time for togetherness not separation. “I wish that for all of us,” he concluded.
traffic control training be standardised and delivered in what they call an “ICO TrainAir Plus facility.” “We in Guyana are working assiduously in achieving that status and whilst we are not at that status, the air traffic control training has to be done in such an environment.” He spoke also, about the candidates’ selection process. “This group was part of a larger intake that comprised of 14 persons, and the eight (that were chosen) were those that were successful and were progressing through the system as a batch. So we selected this batch because we felt that they were ready; they had the competencies that we needed; and we needed to have persons trained...The training is a bit rigorous” Not the end Rickford Samaroo, Director of Navigations Works (Acting) also congratulated the batch and told them it was not the end. He said the several phases that still remain before the students are able to practise fulltime. “(The trainees) are yet to receive their certificates and
the next phase will be for them to obtain their licences to practice. To that, we will have to supplement the training with some local procedures which we already started (to do) this week. In the New Year, they will embark on their actual control of live traffic, under supervision which will last for a minimum of three months. Thereafter, a recommendation will be made to the licence section so that they can be issued with their licence to practise as fulltime air traffic controllers,” Samaroo said. Purchase of simulator Government has also approved the purchase of a brand new state of the art simulator, Samaroo said. The simulator will not only be available to new students but also used in recurrent or testing of new procedures; developments in the air space. “We will be able to do all of that through a simulator and tested before we put it into practice. Those are some of the exciting things happening for air navigation services in Guyana and in the new year the authority will focus a lot
on developing its human capacity; both in quantity and quality.” Meanwhile, the GCAA has embarked on a programme where for the first time in the history of Guyana - as far as the Authority is aware of – 35 persons are being trained in air traffic control assistance locally. The training commenced on the December 5 and will conclude on the March 29.
GCAA Senior Training Officer, Courtney Frank.
Director-General of the GCAA, Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd), Egbert Field (Right) and Rickford Samaroo, Director of Navigations Works (Actg) during the meeting yesterday in Georgetown.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
Chris Ram, Norman McLean, four others proposed as GECOM’s chair
Christopher Ram
Major General (retd) Norman McLean
Ramesh Dookhoo
Dr. James Rose
Ryhaan Shah
Lawrence Latchmansingh
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has submitted a list of six names, among them a prominent critic and former army chief, to be considered as possible chairpersons of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The list, which includes one woman, was dispatched yesterday in a letter to President David Granger for him to decide whether he will accept them. The submissions are Major General (retd) Norman McLean; private sector official and executive at Banks DIH, Ramesh Dookoo; accountant and lawyer, Christopher Ram and Dr. James Rose, a former lecturer of the University of Guyana lecturer and Director of the Department of Culture; and the lone female, Ryhaan Shah, an author from Berbice, Guyana who is said to also be the President of the Guyanese Indian Heritage Association and a columnist. She worked briefly as the General Manager of the then Guyana state television station, GTV. The list also includes Lawrence Latchmansingh, who has done consultancy works for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The names would have come after weeks
of public and internal consultations of the Opposition- the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) with civil society, including religious and other groups. It would also come after the announced resignation of current GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, who has been there for over a decade and a half. Surujbally’s resignation was touted to be effective November 30, 2016. However, he remains on the job, but on leave. President Granger could either accept or reject the list which means that the Opposition will have to submit a fresh one. GECOM has been under pressure this year after shocking revelations that its spending, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars breached established procurement procedures. State auditors were called in and from initial assessments found significant breaches. Under arrangements brokered by former US President, Jimmy Carter, who had played a pivotal role in helping to bring free and fair elections, the Opposition has to propose, to the President, names for the GECOM’s Chairperson’s position, to allay later fears of possible bias.
Barbados will no longer give BCG vaccine to all children BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados yesterday announced that it would no longer provide the Bacilla Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine routinely to all children in the country. The Ministry of Health said that effective January next year, the BCG vaccine will now be administered to children who may be at risk of exposure to tuberculosis (TB) disease before the age of five. “The BCG vaccine protects children under five years of age from complications of tuberculosis disease and is most effective if administered to children under one year of age, who live or frequent areas with a high burden of tuberculosis disease,” the
Ministry of Health said in a statement. According to the statement, since Barbados is a low-burdened tuberculosis country, the risk of children coming into contact with persons with pulmonary TB is extremely low. This, it said, is borne out by an annual number of reported cases of less than five per 100,000 population. The decision, the Ministry stated, is based on international best practices, extensive research and recommendations made by the World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation.
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Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
Turkish prosecutors probing why Russian envoy’s killer not taken alive: state media
Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov lies on the ground after he was shot by Mevlut Mert Altintas at an art gallery in Ankara on Monday. (Hasim Kilic/Hurriyet via REUTERS) (Reuters) - Turkish prosecutors are investigating why the off-duty policeman who shot dead Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was not captured alive, state media said yesterday, as the number of people arrested over the killing rose to 11. Ambassador Andrei Karlov was gunned down from behind while delivering a speech in an Ankara art gallery on Monday. His killer was identified by Turkish authorities as Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, who shouted “Don’t forget Aleppo” and “Allahu Akbar” - Arabic for “God is greatest” - as he fired the shots. Russian and Turkey both cast the attack as an attempt to ruin a recent thawing of relations chilled by the civil war in Syria, where they back opposing sides. The war reached a po-
tential turning point last week when Russian-backed Syrian forces ended rebel resistance in the northern city of Aleppo. The state-run Anadolu Agency said prosecutors were investigating why Turkish special forces, who stormed the gallery after the killing, did not take Altintas alive. Initial findings suggest he continued to fire at police officers, shouting: “You cannot capture me alive!” Anadolu said. The officers shot Altintas in the legs, but he continued to return fire while crawling on the ground, it said. President Ta y y i p Erdogan defended the police actions. “There is some speculation about why he wasn’t captured alive. Look what happened in Besiktas when they tried to capture an attacker alive,” Erdogan told
reporters, referring to twin bombings this month outside the stadium of Istanbul’s Besiktas soccer team. Forty-four people, mostly policemen, were killed and more than 150 wounded in the dual bombing, the second of which saw a suicide bomber detonating explosives while surrounded by police. A Reuters cameraman at the scene of Monday’s killing of the Russian envoy said he heard shooting from inside the art gallery for some minutes after special forces stormed the building. Anadolu also said the number of people detained in connection with the killing had risen to 11. Security sources told Reuters on Tuesday that six people including A l t i n t a s ’s mother, father, sister and flatmate - were in custody.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 22, 2016
Brazilian firms to pay record $3.5 billion penalty in corruption case (Reuters) - Brazil-based construction colossus Odebrecht SA and affiliated petrochemical company Braskem SA agreed yesterday to pay at least $3.5 billion, the largest penalty ever in a foreign bribery case, to resolve international charges involving payoffs to Brazil’s state oil company and others. Odebrecht and Braskem pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in Brooklyn to conspiring to violate a U.S. foreign bribery law after an investigation involving political kickbacks at Brazil’s Petrobras unearthed the bribery scheme. The huge penalty was negotiated as part of a broad settlement with U.S., Brazilian and Swiss authorities. Some of the hundreds of millions of dollars used in bribes to secure lucrative business deals flowed through the American banking system and some of the schemes were planned in the United States, enabling U.S. authorities to claim jurisdiction in the case. Odebrecht is Latin America’s biggest engineering firm. Braskem, the region’s biggest petrochemical producer, is jointly owned
Adriano Sa De Seixas Maia, an assistant general counsel at Odebrecht, exits federal court after it was agreed that Odebrecht and petrochemical company Braskem would pay a settlement with the Justice Department in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S., yesterday. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly) by Odebrecht and Petrobras. Their guilty pleas were the first in the United States following a nearly three-year investigation in Brazil dubbed “Operation Car Wash” into corruption at Petrobras, which has led to dozens of arrests and
political upheaval in Brazil. The total fines a n d penalties to be paid out by the companies exceeded a 2008 agreement in which German engineering company Siemens paid $1.6 billion to U.S. and European authorities for
paying bribes to win government contracts. Odebrecht and Braskem were charged with conspiring to violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which is aimed at deterring companies from bribing officials overseas.
“Odebrecht and Braskem used a hidden but fully functioning Odebrecht business unit - a ‘Department of Bribery,’ so to speak - that systematically paid hundreds of millions of dollars to corrupt government officials in countries on three continents,” U.S. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Suh said in a statement. From 2001 to 2016, Odebrecht paid approximately $788 million in bribes in association with 100 projects in 12 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela, according to the U.S. charging papers. The companies hid the bribes through carefully disguised payments routed through a network of shell companies as well as suitcases of cash left at preset locations, Suh said. The U.S. Justice Department said the penalty to be paid by the two companies amounted to at least $3.5 billion, including $2.6 billion from Odebrecht and $957 million from Braskem. Brazilian authorities gave a lower figure for the overall deal but did not explain the
discrepancy. U.S. officials said most of the money would go to Brazilian authorities. Both companies also agreed to continue to cooperate with authorities, implement compliance improvements and become subject to oversight by external monitors. O d e b r e c h t ’s f o r m e r CEO Marcelo Odebrecht is already serving a 19-year sentence after being found guilty on corruption charges last year in Brazil, Latin America’s biggest country. He turned state’s witness and is expected to be freed by the end of 2017. ‘TURNING THE PAGE’ “The company is glad to be turning the page and focusing on its future,” William Burck of U.S. law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, which represented Odebrecht, said in a statement. Fernando Musa, Braskem CEO since May, said his company also was pleased to be settling the matter. “We are implementing more robust practices, policies and processes across the organization,” Musa said in a statement.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Du Plessis loses appeal against ball-tampering conviction (Reuters) – South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has lost his appeal against a ball-tampering conviction, but will be free to play in the first test against Sri Lanka starting on Boxing Day. Du Plessis was found guilty by match referee Andy Pycroft of changing the condition of the ball after appearing to use saliva tainted by a mint in his mouth to shine it during the second test against Australia in Hobart last month. South Africa won the test and the series 2-1, but the victory was overshadowed by what Du Plessis felt was an unjust targeting of him. The skipper was fined his entire match fee and had three demerit points added to his record. If a player accumulates
four-to-seven demerit points within a two-year period they are converted into two suspension points, which brings a ban for one test or two oneday internationals or Twenty20s. Du Plessis appealed against his punishment on Monday, questioning whether his actions changed the condition of the ball at all. The Chair of the ICC’s Code of Conduct Commission, Michael Beloff, upheld the verdict, but stopped short of increasing the sanction to an automatic one-match ban which would have been within his remit. International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive officer Dave Richardson welcomed the decision. “It is the duty of the ICC
to ensure fair play on the cricket field,” he said in a statement yesterday. “Although it was not picked up by the umpires at the time, when the incident came to our attention subsequently, we felt it was our responsibility to lay a charge in this case because the ICC can’t let such an obvious breach of this Law pass without taking any action. “We are pleased that both the match referee and Mr Beloff QC have agreed with our interpretation of the Laws and hope that this serves as a deterrent to all players not to engage in this sort of unfair practise in the future.” Du Plessis, 32, was last week confirmed as South Africa’s new permanent captain after AB de Villiers re-
Thursday December 22, 2016 (Mar. 21- April 20) Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. You can't do everything on your own. Don't forget that your budget is limited right now.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Try to spend more time with children and relatives. You may become rundown if you take on too much. Pamper yourself today.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Work diligently and you will get ahead today. Read some books on self awareness. You have to take hold of your life and make some crucial decisions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't be too quick to judge your loved ones. Older family members will make demands on your time. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Unexpected bills will be impossible for you to pay. Past partners are likely to reappear. Changes at home will be necessary.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You are in a high energy, get it all done, mood and you'll have little patience with those who are slacking off.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Frustrations and limitations could cause anxiety today. Over spending or unexpected bills could set you back. Lowered vitality could affect your work. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can make changes to your living quarters that should please family members. You may be looking through rose colored glasses. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You're not your usual self today. Romance and social activity will be a prom ising combination.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your involvement with groups will raise your self esteem. Stick to travel or do things in conjunction with groups. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Watch your weight gain due to water retention. You may find that you can be the recipient of valuable information if you're willing to be a good listener. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Loans will be attainable and legal matters easily taken care of. Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively.
South Africa’s cricket captain Faf du Plessis (R) listens to Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat during a news conference before the third cricket test against Australia in Adelaide. (REUTERS/Jason Reed) signed having missed three test series in a row due to an elbow injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) accepted the decision. “We are satisfied with the matter being given due consideration,” it said.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday December 22, 2016
7th Annual Atkinson Brothers 5-a-side Football Tournament
Reigning champs open with contrasting results - More matches were scheduled for last evening
Participating teams assemble shortly after the March Past on Tuesday. Part of the action between defending champions Silver Sands and Vendetta on Tuesday evening at the Kumaka Recreational ground, in Region 1. By Rawle Welch The 7th Annual Atkinson Brothers 5-a-side Football Tournament got off to an exciting start with the defending men’s champion escaping with a narrow win, while the reigning women’s champion was held to a draw on Tuesday evening at the Kumaka Recreational ground, in Region 1. Playing in the third game of six, defending champions Silver Sands were held to a 11 draw in their pulsating encounter against Vendetta. The challengers took the lead very early through an
alert Kate Campbell, who took full advantage of a mix-up between the goalkeeper and a defender to tap the ball into an empty goal in the second minute. Seeing themselves fall behind so soon forced the champs to raise their level of play and two minutes later found the equaliser when Renessa Boyal raced on to a long ball, weaved past the advancing goalkeeper, before firing into the goal. The half came with the scoreline deadlocked at 1-1 and everyone sensing a bruising final period and it,
but the only thing missing was goals as both goalkeepers produced some magnificent saves to keep the encounter even until the final whistle sounded. They each earned a point in the round robin phase. In the Men’s division which is being played on a knockout basis, Paloma led by a goal each from Ronald Da Silva, who netted in the 5th minute and Fazal Refino’s 19th minute strike squeezed past Sheba 2-1 to earn full points. On target for the losers was Kester La Rose whose 12th minute effort had levelled the proceedings. The reigning champions stated their intentions very
early when a shot from Refino slammed on to the left upright and rebounded into play only to see the lurking Da Silva receive a squared pass from inside the box meet him on the right side and he nonchalantly poked home after five minutes. However, that result brought instant reaction from Sheba and they came close to netting the equaliser, but excellent goalkeeping nullified the chance. Playing with purpose and searching for the leveller, Sheba was rewarded in fortuitous manner when the opposing goalkeeper in his quest to pass the ball to a teammate only succeeded in hitting it straight at the attacking op-
position striker and the ball ricochet off his foot and darted over the line much to the dismay of the keeper. It occurred in the 12th minute of play and the scores remained level at the break. Four minutes into the second period, Refino fired low past the Sheba goalkeeper to regain the lead and they defended superbly until the final whistle sounded. In other results: Under-15, Nike Warriors beat Adventurers ‘A’ 1-0; Kamwatta beat Veterans 3-1 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 22 with Edmond Rodrigues netting a brace for Kamwatta, while Michael Atkinson duplicated his effort for the Veterans.
Shortly before the start of play, there were remarks made by Toshao Sherwin Abrams, while Ingrid Atkinson gave a brief synopsis of the tournament’s history. In the men’s category, the winners will receive $200,000 and the winning trophy, while the runner-up take home $75,000, while in the women’s segment the champions will cart off $100,000 and runnerup $40,000. The tournament is set to conclude on Boxing Day, at the same venue. Meanwhile, among the sponsors on board are Peanut & Sons Speed Boat Service, Trophy Stall, Ivor Domingo and Clement La Cruz.
Yassin’s marathon run as GOA President continues -re-elected unopposed for what can be final term By Edison Jefford The marathon run of K.A Juman Yassin as President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) will continue for another four years after the former Chief Magistrate was re-elected unopposed to the position following
yesterday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Elections at its new Headquarters that is under construction at Lilliendaal. Kaieteur Sport was reliably informed that the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President, Aubrey Hutson nominated
Yassin for the post, while General Secretary of Guyana’s Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Linden Johnson seconded the nomination. There were six candidates for the three Vice-President positions, including Dr. Karen Pilgrim, Charles Corbin, Godfrey Munroe, Robin Singh, Steve Ninvalle and Noel Adonis. Following the voting process, Pilgrim, Corbin and Munroe emerged victorious. GTTA President, Munroe is the only newcomer among the Vice-Presidents, beating out Adonis, who previously served in that position. Hector Edwards was re-elected General Secretary, while Garfield Wiltshire will also continue as Treasurer. A motion was passed to
divide the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer position into two positions that resulted in Deion Nurse being elected Assistant Secretary and Guyana Hockey Board’s Secretary Tricia Fiedtkou as Assistant Treasurer. Both candidates defeated Badminton’s Gokarn Ramdhani, who contested both posts, but did not find favour among the electorate. The motion to divide the positions was one of three motions at the AGM that succeeded in being passed. The other motions were imposing a three-term limit on the Presidency of the Olympic body and changing the financial year of the GOA from December to November to January to December in keeping with other major international sports organisations. The three-term limit on the Presidency means that this could obviously be Yassin’s final hoorah as President of the GOA since he has
been there for 20 odd years now that amounts to about five terms already served. The Guyana Squash Association tabled the motions. In the presentation of the audited financial statements, one aspect jumped out at our source; that was when it was stated that for the period GOA was given $41 million for preparation and training of athletes for the Olympic and Pan American Games. However, only $3 million plus of the sum was expended. “Of course no one asked any questions, including Mr. Hutson, who I felt that would have been his business since he is President of the AAG, which is one of the main associations. However, nothing was said about it,” our insider indicated. Yassin has been in recent times under intense pressure from the media about his performance in the time he has been President.
The issues raised included Guyana’s failure to procure Olympics and other noteworthy medals during his tenure; the general secrecy that surrounds his travels on GOA business; the non-publication of the list of athletes whom may have benefitted from grants from the International Olympic Committee for training etc; how much is the IOC grant to GOA and how much has been expended todate on an Olympic Headquarters at Lilliendaal. Those among a general structure to tangibly support athletes’ development as was demonstrated with the Kadecia Baird vs Shaunae Miller case, had been the focus of the media leading up to the AGM and Elections. However, sport associations, most notably the AAG has ensured that Yassin prevail unopposed.
Thursday December 22, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Guinness winners receive prizes Sparta Boss, who successfully defended their Georgetown Zone title by beating Tucville in the final recently, officially received their prizes during a simple ceremony that was held at the Banks DIH Sports Club. The champs, who’re also the current national champions took away the top prize of $500,000 and the winning trophy, while Tucville received the runners-up prize of $200,000 and a trophy. Also collecting prizes for their efforts were Back Circle, who collected $150,000 and a trophy after beating Broad Street that took home $75,000 and a trophy. In brief remarks, Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste thanked all the teams for participating in the event and improving the overall quality of the event, disclosing that the top four finishers will represent the zone, at the National Championship in 2017. According to Baptiste, the discipline of teams needs to be improved, noting that acts of indiscipline will be
punished with immediate disqualification. Also, Creanna Damon, representative of sponsor Colours Boutique thanked the spectators and the players for their support in making the tournament a continued success. Director of Sports Christopher Jones lauded Banks DIH Limited on behalf of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their continued support of the event, adding it’s important that the corporate sector lend their support to the government towards the advancement of sport. He informed that the NSC is in consultation with the Ministry of Finance to provide benefits in the form of “tax breaks and waivers” to corporate entities that invest in sport, so that other businesses will be encouraged to assist sports. Jones further added that the NSC will continue to support the event in any capacity going forward. The next stop is the West Demerara Zone which will commence next month.
Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (2nd right) and Director of Sport Chris Jones (2nd left) pose with officials and teams representatives on Tuesday.
Metro Office and Computer Supplies partners with KMTC for XMAS meet Metro Office and Computer Supplies has thrown its support behind the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) for the staging of its XMAS race meet which is set for December 26 at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. Chief Executive Officer o f M e t r o Av i a L i n d i e handed over a cheque for the sum of G$1.2m to Chairman of the KMTC Cecil Kennard at a simple ceremony held yesterday at the entity’s location 127 A Quamina Street, Georgetown. The prize will be given the winner of the feature B and Lower event. Lindie said they are happy to partner with the KMTC once again adding that this is the 11th year they are on board. Ms. Lindie stated that her company and KMTC shared a fruitful relationship for the past 38 years and she is looking forward to a suc-
Chairman of the KMTC Cecil Kennard (centre) accepts the cheque from CEO of Metro Office and Computer Supplies Avia Lindie (4th from right) while other staff members share the moment. cessful event. Mr. Kennard expressed gratitude to the sponsor and said he is looking forward to their continued support. He related that turfites will be in for a treat since most of the country’s top horses are
slated to take part. Kennard indicated that eight races have been confirmed and the track is in fine shape. He also thanked the media for the continued backing. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Downes/Andrews win first time... From page 31 strategy and stopped playing defense,” Resaul expressed. This was evident in second set. Resaul/Beaton found their rhythm and challenged the seniors. This proved fruitful with the set neck and neck up to 5/5. Downes did not enjoy this challenge and dropped a service game with well placed serves to take a 6/5 lead. Resaul then served hoping to take the match into a tie breaker. But after looking very confident and saving two match points, the team again made a few unforced errors and was
unable to deliver. Downes/Andrews clenched their first Trophy Stall Doubles title with their 6/2, 7/5 win but together this is their 4th title having never lost a set. It is also clear that their young opponents are poised to have a bright future ahead and they have already sounded a warning bell to the champions. The tournament will close with the final Men’s Over 35 match between top B e r b i c i a n s G o d f r e y L o w d e n / To n y Ameerally against Sandeep Chand/Alex Almeida.
2nd Annual Petra Organization / Limacol... From page 30 Riddim Squad, Eagles FC (Linden), Den Amstel, Pouderoyen and Uitvlugt. The winning team will take home $500,000 and a trophy, while the second, third and fourth placed teams will collect $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively. Meanwhile, Petra Organization Co-Director Troy Mendonca, speaking at the Launch told the gathering that the plan is to create a tournament parallel to the Elite League and will feature the teams not participating in that competition. According to Mendonca, “This is our input at the senior level and hopefully the
GFF recognizes the event in the future to use for the promotion and relegation to the Elite League”. He added that while the management of football can be difficult, the onus is on administrators to rise above the challenges since their role is integral and usually impacts the lives of players. Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde stated that his Administration has always paid close attention to the work being done by the Petra Organization in coordinating football at every level, adding that the expansion of the event from its original 12 teams is “indicative of the
model of the GFF and is part and parcel of their vision”. He further mentioned that the Petra Organization is an example of what is needed in football development, the sport be played on the field and not be politicized, assuring that the GFF is willing to support the Organisation in any way and the door is always open to the entity. Also, New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (NPC) Financial Manager Duane Lovell speaking on behalf of the company said they are proud to be a part of the event, adding that he is looking forward to the games being played within the rules and may the best team win.
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Kaieteur News
STAG Nations Cup KO Football – Grove Playfield host today
Grove Hi Tech face NA United; Ann’s Grove battle Den Amstel The final day of round-of16 action in the STAG Nations Cup knock-out football championship is set for the Grove Playfield today with what is anticipated to be a fierce double header kicking off from 18:00hrs. Home team Grove Hi Tech, winners of the three-association format of the what was the STAG Super 16 in 2014/15 and 2015/16 will be matching skills with Berbice’ New Amsterdam United for the final quarter final spot that would be up for grabs. This feature clash will no doubt be keen as both teams will want to be in the reckoning for the top prize of 2 Million dollars and they are also the only teams left standing form their association’s quota of three and four teams, respectively. Already walking the plank for the East Bank FA are Kuru Kururu Warriors and Herstelling Raiders, while for Berbice FA, Mahaicony Thunders, Cougars and Rosignol United were booted which makes this match a must win for either side and a must see for the fans. What the sides also share in common is that they are both the #1 clubs in their respective associations. NA United won an intense and nerve racking playoff match 4-3 on sudden death kicks from the penalty mark against Golden Stars to get into the round-of-16. Their coach revealed that it was the first real competitive match of the year for the club and it is left to be seen how they will stand up to the challenge of taking on the pride of the East Bank. They will again bank on the services of Captain Adrian Adams, Leonardo Adams, Jason Drakes, Quinn Hazel, Rei Joseph, Delroy Dean, Jamal Butts, Jeremy Samuels, Dexter Allen, Julian Success, Garfield Millington, Shkeel Grant, Ron Lyken, Omari Bentham, Jovano Dos Santos, Keon Williams, Dwayne Alleyne, Graham
Trevor JonesGrove Hi Tech FC
Nicholai Matthews Grove Hi Tech FC
Thomas, Joshua Wilson, Ray Reddock, Sion Bacchus and Steffon Boucher to bring another win their way as well as a quarter final berth. Grove Hi Tech is hoping to, apart from home advantage, bank on the experience and collective on-field skills of Teshawn Blackman, Dexter Archer, Seon Thompson, Orson Francois, Sherman Doris, Trevor Jones, Clive Matthews, Kevin Padmore, Akel Forde, Delroy Dodson, Moses Fraser, Shane Singh, Antony Stanton, Nicholai Matthews, Denzil Crawford, Joel Dick, Mervin Squires, Devon Joseph, Akeem James, Alwyn Haynes, Jermaine Benjamin and Ronaldo Romelho to take them one step closer to the top prize and a possible third title. Today’s opening clash will be just as intriguing with East Demerara’s Ann’s Grove locking horns with the West Side’s Den Amstel. Like Grove Hi Tech, this will be Ann’s Grove’s first match of the championship and they will be hopeful of stepping over this first hurdle as they have done successfully in the past two tournaments. Winning this match will be important to the East Coast unit as they have succumbed in the past two finals
to Grove Hi Tech and would want to set that right this time around but would first have to get past a tough Den Amstel which won their playoff match aga i n s t K u r u Kururu Warriors, 4-2. G a vin Graham and Kevaughn Ward, who netted a double each for Den Amstel in their win over KK Warriors, would be aiming to transfer that form into today’s match to produce another win for their team. They will have support from Maurice Charles, Kerwin Ward, Clevon Pryce, Travis Hilliman, Akimbo Henry, Joseph Payne, Wycliff Simon, Derron Wilson, Alista Lynch, Keon Marcus, Ryan Hunte, Prince Payne, Kevin Murray, Colin Benn, Jamal Perreira, Kerry Harvey, Welton Jordon and Anton Jackman. Ann’s Grove will be featuring, Ryan Seales, Quincy Barry, Quincy Johnson, Antonia Jackson, Anil Hernandez, Steve Francis, Daniel Francis, Kevon Barry, Daniel Pellew,Andri Francis, Phillip Williams, Levon Adams, Jermaine Clarke, Mervin Hardy, Gerald Sobers, Odel Gulliver, Travis Allen, Maxton Adams, Navado Denny, Oswald Duke, Nickose Denny and Jamain Rogers as they go after win number one, this year.
Amy Grant wins Gold and sets two... From page 30 pool. Grant faced a series of illness since August last year and has not had a good two months of training since then. Due to limited training time Grant could not have tapered as other swimmers, so doing personal best times in such circumstances is not expected. However, Grant has shown that determination and hard work can allow a person to achieve the unexpected. Grant’s only wish now is that she doesn’t face the same fate of illness in the New Year so that she can put in quality training and prepare for the Goodwill
2017 Games. Grant is thankful for sponsorship from her uncle, Guyanese International Superstar, Mr. Eddy Grant for making it possible to achieve these accomplishments. Amy Grant would also like to thank the Masters Swim Club, Amanda Richards, Ewin Enmore, Lifeguard Association, Stephanie Fraser, Dorado Speed Swim Club and Dr. Rohan Jabour as they have also played an integral part in her continued progress. The young swimmer is extending best wishes to them all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Disciplinary committee to rule on misconduct allegation PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Officials said on Tuesday a case of misconduct by a national coach will be referred to the disciplinary committee of the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board. It follows a report by a player of misconduct against the coach during a regional age group tournament earlier this year. A two-member panel of the TTCB was instructed to investigate the matter and chief executive officer Suruj Ragoonath said its findings were serious enough to forward to the disciplinary committee to make a ruling. “Concluding the initial enquiry by the committee, the [TTCB] sought legal advice and was instructed accordingly…,” said Ragoonath during a media conference called to discuss the matter which has gained national attention in recent weeks following complaints from local officials. “…to immediately refer the matter with all the findings to the TTCB National Disciplinary Committee for further investigation in keeping with the provisions of the TTCB Constitution, principles of
Suruj Ragoonath natural justice and respect for due process.” The TTCB Disciplinary Committee is headed by former police officer William Jeffrey and includes former police officer Ingrid Maxwell, business executive Don Asgarali, former national team manager Noel Robinson, attorney-at-law Ajay Maharaj and magistrate Erica Ramkissoon. Ragoonath was flanked by high-ranking officials of the TTCB – President Azim Bassarath, First Vice President Dr. Allen Sammy, Second
Vice President Lalman Kowlessar and Third Vice President Patrick Rampersad at the media conference, staged at the National Cricket Centre. The officials did not take questions from the Media, but Ragoonath said the TTCB had received a letter of complaint in late August from a national team manager alleging “improper conduct” by a team official and dealt with the matter in a professional manner. He said the manner in which the TTCB had dealt with the complaint was done to safeguard the reputation of the parties involved, as well as their respective families, and reassured parents and other stakeholders that the governing body is serious about child protection. “Our development officer has been engaged in providing coaches at schools (primary and secondary), along with all other coaches in our system with Child Protection Certification and Training,” he said. In addition, he said it is now mandatory for all coaches to present a Certificate of Character from the police prior to being hired by the TTCB.
Dwayne Smith returns home to Tridents from Amazon Warriors The Barbados Tridents have announced the transfer of prolific Barbadian opening batsman Dwayne Smith from the Guyana Amazon Warriors. In his one season with Guyana, Smith was the third highest scorer with 279 runs (best of 62) and helped the Warriors reach the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final where they lost to Jamaica Tallawahs. Smith returns home to the Tridents, where he was a member in the first three editions of the Hero CPL and was instrumental in the Tridents winning the 2014 championship and making the finals in 2015. In 2014 Smith had his best season in the Hero CPL, amassing 353 runs at an average 44.12, highlighted by two memorable centuries at Kensington Oval, against St. Lucia Zouks (110*) and the Amazon Warriors (104*). Commenting on his return Smith said, “It’s great to be back with the Tridents. I’m sure the fans will be also. Let’s hope the runs are plenty like 2014.” In 29 matches as a member of the Tridents, Smith has
Dwayne Smith bats for the Guyana Amazon Warriors during CPL 2016 ©CPL/Sportsfile scored 782 runs at an average of 30.07. “It is great to have Dwayne back with us,” said Tridents Captain Kieron Pollard. Smith’s return will not only boost the already stacked Tridents batting line up which includes Pakistan’s
Shoaib Malik, rising star Nicholas Pooran and Pollard, but his presence is expected to bring fans back to Kensington Oval. Pollard said, “Dwayne has been instrumental in our best performances and he will be crucial in our plans to win the championship in 2017.”
Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kvitova won’t return for six months, surgeon says (Reuters) Two-time Wimbledon tennis champion Petra Kvitova faces around six months out of the sport while her playing hand, wounded in a knife attack, recovers its strength, the surgeon who operated on her said yesterday. Kvitova was injured on Tuesday when she fought off an intruder in her apartment in the Czech Republic. “When we talk about (competitive) pressure on the hand, we are talking about a period of around six months (before that is possible),” Radek Kebrle said in a televised news conference. “She is a young athlete, healthy... but it still is a relatively massive injury,” he said, adding that all the fingers on Kvitova’s left hand were hurt as she grabbed the attacker’s knife. Her spokesman, Karel Tejkal, earlier described Tuesday’s near four-hour operation as a success and said Kvitova’s mood was optimistic. But both he and the
Wo m e n ’s Te n n i s Association suggested her future in the sport was uncertain. “There will be several weeks of waiting with a splint and then, gradually, slowly she will be able to put the hand to work,” Tejkal told Czech public television. But any return to competitive tennis for the Czech world number 11 was “weeks and months” away, he said. The WTA, the umbrella o rg a n i z a t i o n f o r t h e women’s professional game, said it regretted her absence from the circuit. “It’s unclear if or when Kvitova will be back on the court, and the start of 2017 won’t be the same without her unique power and competitive spirit,” the association said on its website . Aged 26, the hardhitting left-hander rose to world number two in 2011 when she won the first of her two Wimbledon singles titles, and has been a mainstay of the top ten virtually ever since. She slipped in the
Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova smiles during the draw for the Fed Cup final in Prague November 13, 2015. (REUTERS/David W Cerny/File Photo)
rankings this year but showed improved form in recent months, winning the Wuhan Open title in October and the seasonending WTA Elite trophy in November. Czech police were still searching for her attacker, public television reported.
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Thursday December 22, 2016
ASATT Invitational Swim Meet 2016 2nd Annual Petra Organization Amy Grant wins Gold and /Limacol Football Competition launched sets two National Records
Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca (right) receives the sponsorship cheque from New GPC Finance Manager Duane Lovell in the presence of GFF President Wayne Forde on Tuesday. The 2nd Annual Petra Organization/Limacol Football Competition was officially launched on Tuesday evening, during a simple ceremony that was conducted, at the Brandsville Hotel in Prashad Nagar. The competition, which is anticipated to run from January 15th-February 26th, will see sixteen teams battle
for cash prizes and trophies in excess of $2million. The event will be contested in a round-robin format initially, before the knockout phase commences. Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers will progress to the quarterfinal round. Similarly, the winner of each group will receive $100,000, while the respective
finishers will pocket $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 apiece. The competing teams are defending champ Milerock, Winners Connection, Ann’s Grove, New Amsterdam United, Grove Hi-Tech, Mahaica Determinators, Western Tigers, Camptown, Guyana Police Force, Northern Rangers, Santos, (Continued on page 27)
Amy Grant bagged a Gold medal swimming in the Girls 13-14 age group at the ASATT Invitational Swim Meet 2016 which ended on Sunday last at the National Aquatic Centre, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago. The long course competition commenced on Thursday, December 15th with the 1500 meter Freestyle and the multi talented Grant stated off in fine style as she claimed Gold in a time of 22.35.55. She had a major time drop cutting her time by more than half a minute and eclipsing her old time of 23.57.34, in the process, setting a National Record. Two days later Grant swam in the 11 and Over 800 Meter Freestyle where she got a 5th place ribbon with a time of 11.48.82 to break her old record of 11.51.12 and setting another National record in the Girls 13-14 Long Course 800m Freestyle. Grant put in more good performances in the 50m Breaststroke which she has not swam in over two years. She entered with a time of 50.47 and swam a personal best time of 45.29. Grant also did personal best times in the 400m Freestyle and 50m Freestyle. Grant did not represent Silver Sharks Aquatic Swim Club this year at the ASATT
Amy Grant receiving token from a representative of Republic Bank Trinidad one of the major sponsors of ASATT. Competition since she has recently resigned from the club. The athlete swam
Unattached with better than expected performances in the (Continued on page 28)
Thursday December 22, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Downes/Andrews win first time Trophy Stall Doubles Champions in straight sets The Men’s Open Doubles final was a one-sided affair in the first set. Anthony Downes and Jason Andrews unleashed a plethora of serves and volleys that quickly pushed the junior team of Heimraj Resaul/Jordan Beaton to the breaking point of 5/0. That fast approaching bagel unnerved the juniors who tactfully set up a few points to create a slight opening. Resaul/Beaton’s flat forehands penetrated the net play of the
Anthony Downes (right) and Jason Andrews.
agile seniors, rewarding them with a service and a break to go up two games. But the seniors regrouped, cleaned up their act and took the first set 6/2.
“I think we settled in and we were able to play better. We started to apply more pressure and started our offensive (Continued on page 27)
t r o Sp 7th Annual Atkinson Brothers 5-a-side Football Tournament
Reigning champs open with contrasting results - More matches were scheduled for last evening
Action in the clash that featured Nike Warriors and Adventurers on Tuesday evening in Region 1.
Yassin’s marathon run as GOA President continues -re-elected unopposed for what can be final term
GOA executive - GOA President, K.A Juman Yassin (left) poses with the new Executive yesterday at the Headquarters at Lilliendaal. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210