Friday December 30, 2016
IN PRAISE OF CUBAN EDUCATION DEAR EDITOR, Fidel Castro expired on November 25, at the age of 90, but whatever may be said of his achievements or disappointments that followed the revolution of 1959 it is difficult to dispute the success of the educational system that produces a literacy rate of 99.7%. Cuban doctors served in many countries while foreign students received scholarships for training in Cuban universities then return to serve their respective nations. Both Fidel and Argentinean born revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara were well educated and shared the dream of Jose Marti dream to link their destiny to the poor in the world. I was fortunate to see this plan in action as Cuba in one of my many visits when we went off the beaten path away from the beaches and the luxury hotels. Our trip was promoted as an opportunity to sleep under the stars on the Sierra Maestra mountains in the Province of Santiago de Cuba. I could not miss an opportunity to visit the historic area where the first shots of the 1959 revolution were fired. We started out from the lowest point at a camp on the Caribbean Sea and walked up hill for about 2 hours sometimes on a dry, rocky, river bed that left one of my companions with a sprained ankle. During the entire trip only one man on horseback and a few cattle crossed our path. We finally reached a farmhouse and next door was a school with only 3 children of different ages. The teacher lived in a small room in the same building. She told us this system
reaches every child in the country no matter how remote and then they move on to another school. How was this country able to achieve this despite decades of US embargo? The answer is not in any political system. Communism, Dictatorship, Capitalism, Socialism or Liberal Democracy exist all over the world but fail miserably in educating their population. The most powerful or wealthy nations in the world cannot boast of a similar achievement. Why is this now not possible in Guyana a country with less than a million people and a historical literacy rate that was once the envy of its Caribbean neighbours? Generous Guyanese abroad who would like to see their schools and villages improve. There was a groundswell of goodwill particularly after 1992 elections. The late Dr. Dale Bisnauth when he was Minister of Education had given his blessings to the “Adopt A School Program” but over the years the enthusiasm faded. The schools that received more help generally had an active Parents Teachers Association which keeps in constant contact with their donors abroad. With proper coordination we may one day see every school, temple, mosque, or any other religious or social organisation with a wellstocked library with books and materials supplied by those who care not which political party forms the government. Aside from developing the country an educated population will also encourage more tourism an area that is still in its infancy. Ramnarine Sahadeo Brampton, ontario
This man’s work shop is blocking my entrance DEAR EDITOR, For some time now an incident has been going on in Pike Street Kitty, between Railway Line and Lamaha Street, and despite several complaints to City Hall, it continues and is growing. A gentleman rented his downstairs flat to a mechanic shop and this has led to vehicles parked for months on the parapet - not just in front of his lot but several lots including mine. In many instances the narrow road is blocked as they take in additional work that is done on the road way. No one can park where they live since all the space is
taken up by the mechanic shop. Speaking to the property owner is a futile exercise as he made me to understand that a big one in power is his friend and he pays taxes. As mentioned before, this matter was taken to City Hall but to date its growing. Be grateful if this issue can be highlighted and the relevant authorities bring some ease to citizens of Pike Street, Kitty. Stan Gouveia
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Guyana-Venezuela territory dispute; the war of public opinion DEAR EDITOR, The President’s recent message to the army “you are there to back us up aren’t you?” is indeed reminiscent of the popular Tradewinds song “Not a B l a d e O ’ Grass”. President Granger’s subtly reminded the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) that the protection of Guyana’s territorial integrity is central to the army’s defence mandate. He was reacting to outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s decision to continue the Good Offices Process for one more year with strengthened mediation on the Guyana-Venezuela territorial controversy. The case would be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if no progress is made. Foreign Minister Greenidge’s message a few days earlier called on all Guyanese to support the process. When compared to the territorial threat of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, one may argue that the times and local contexts have changed with our fellow Guyanese being more pre-occupied with matters of the budget, social problems, and other modes of survival.
The fact remains that Guyana had in the past succeeded in mobilizing local public and international opinion in its favor through the creation of the Guyana National Service (G.N.S) and People’s Militia, while other organizations such as the Guyana Committee of Solidarity and Peace (GCSP) lobbied the support of CARICOM and Commonwealth countries. Based on the recent UN decision, I wonder what the average Guyanese know about this territorial dispute. The Venezuelans, on the other hand, are on top of their game after actively teaching the subject matter in every educational institution and mapping Essequibo as their “ Zone in Reclamation” when they made their claim prior to our independence in 1966. Why did the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), which Guyana recently join in 2016, choose to include this ‘Zone in Reclamation” on its official map? Venezuela’s strategy was always a proactive one. President Hugo Chavez sought to influence our CARICOM neighbours through the PetroCaribe trade and cash arrangements. So far, we have failed to
teach or prepare our children about this significant problem that has so many implications for their lives. If Guyana cannot make every citizen a soldier, it should aspire to make every citizen an ambassador to this cause through our existing educational institutions and curricula where this subject matter is glaringly absent. A good starting point would be the production of curriculum materials based on a core set of writings by eminent Guyanese in the field. Such core resources should include the Guyana Chronicle’s editorial of December 16, 2016 titled “Border Controversy”, the more elaborate Ministry of Foreign Affairs booklet (on line) titled “The New Conquistadors: The Venezuela Challenge to Guyana’s Sovereignty” and the Ministry’s recommended readings listed on its website, Dr. Odeen Ishmael’s voluminous writings in “The Trail of Diplomacy”, Sir Shridath Ramphal’s fiftieth anniversary book “Guyana in the World…”, and Pres. Granger’s booklet “The Security of Small States…”. The US State de p a r t m e n t d e classified documents would also help Guyanese to understand that this problem is rooted in
the Cold War politics of blocking Communism in Cuba and empowering surrogate Venezuela to take territory if a Communist government gained independence in Guyana. The Geneva Convention of 1966 was nothing more than an insurance policy against Communism which our leaders were inveigled to sign. Venezuela’s education of its people to believe that Essequibo indeed belongs to them has paid off. Their present government and opposition have a unanimous position on claiming the rights over the Essequibo. It is included in a five point pact brokered by the Vatican and published by UNASUR. On Guyana’s part, since Britain has access to all of the documents involving this controversy, it would seem necessary to establish a joint forum to bolster its case until it is finally resolved by the International Court of Justice. Meanwhile, as Guyana’s population is outnumbered by Venezuela by a ratio of 1:40, the education option is logical. I would therefore concur with Thomas Jefferson that, “A nation’s best defense is an educated citizenry”. Max Wallerson
Keep the sugar industry until an alternative is found DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me some space in your very informative newspaper to vent my concern on the closing of our sugar industry. First we must consider SUGAR as our Mother because she brought Africans, Chinese, Portuguese and East Indians here from our mother countries where we were living under very, very, poor and in some cases inhumane conditions. We must be grateful to Mother Sugar and we should put our shoulders together and save our Mother until we find some suitable alternative means of sustenance especially for the poor who’s only means of survival is to nurse from the breast of MOTHER SUGAR.
Can anyone imagine what Guyana would be like if the sugar industry closes its doors and our rulers do not create any other means of production and employment for the citizens of this country? When I read in the press what the Prime Minister said, to put money in Guysuco is like raiding the coffers, tears came to my eyes. I wonder if this is the same person I was supporting during the 2011 election campaign when he said if the PPP decides close Guysuco, he is going to light a CANDLE for the sugar workers. During the 2015 election campaign he was very critical of the PPP for mismanagement of Guysuco but today he is enjoying palatial life with fat
salaries and allowances, driving in very expensive vehicles and touring the world all compliments of taxpayers,(sugar workers included) He forgot what brought his ancestors here, and he forgot the feelings he had for the sugar workers when he did not have POWER. The Prime Minister should remember how much development was done with monies from the sugar levies in this country. I ask our Prime Minister to ask himself the following; to spend taxpayers’monies on the drug bond and the D’Urban Park is not raiding the Coffers? To purchase a twenty odd million dollars vehicle for a Prime Minister is not raiding the coffers?
During the late 50’s and early 60s when Dr. Jagan was Premier of British Guiana, one person use to hold dual ministerial post. I can remember when Mrs.Janet Jagan was Minister of Labour,Health and Housing and we used to see and receive quality service, and she served very efficiently. Today we have ministers within the ministries and everything is going backwards and downwards. Is’nt this raiding the coffers Mister P M? I would like to ask President Granger to come to the citizens of this country and have consultations on the way forward because together we can save this great country of ours. Harri P. Beharry
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This contractor did not perform; why retain him? DEAR EDITOR, I have sent this letter to Minister Harmon and copied to minister Raphael Trotman.. Kindly reproduce it. A few weeks ago I wrote to you Minister Harmon letter regarding the wastage of taxpayers’ dollars on the old GBC High Street property and the fact that the engineer – Jermain Dummet who piloted the project on behalf of NICIL and Brassington, is still employed by the state at the Guyana Forestry Commission an agency under Minister Trotman. Low and behold as faith would have it, this matter was part of the debate in Parliament, our highest decision making forum during the 2017 budget debate. Please see coverage of the news item in Kaieteur News dated Dec 22, 2016. KN reported on what transpired in our Parliament and discussion on this building. Some of the very facts and concerns were contained in my letter namely: NICIL (Dumment) was responsible for the construction, the contract was awarded to Kishan Bacchus for a whopping $ 350M, the building requires substantial work and monies to make it suitable for occupancy and above all the building was poorly constructed and a wastage of tax payers monies. The budget is taking $1B to fix this mess created by NICIL. Monies that could
have been better spent on our children, while the engineer Mr. Jermain Dummet enjoys the pleasure of still being employed and paid by the state by tax payers’ dollars, how this can be fair to other hard working and honest Guyanese who gave their sweat and blood fighting for a change from the corrupt PPP and NICIL headed by the then controversial Brassington and Marcia Sharma. Mr. Dumment reported to Brassington and Ms. Sharma and was directly involved in the supervision of this property. Minister you and all our government knows that this property is a national embarrassment and reeks of questionable things by officials of NICIL. Mr. Dumment and Mr. Brassington are responsible for the construction. My point is that those responsible for this building like Mr. Dumment and Mr. Brassignton should be not go uninvestigated. So why do we still have Dumment employed at the GFC, a state body and paid by taxpayers monies. Our government promise on taking office to part with the service of people who did not perform corruption and corrupt officers. The public is waiting on this. Aggrieved Contractor/ Supplier
Friday December 30, 2016
New Year’s letter to my country DEAR EDITOR, This is a letter I have penned to my fellow Guyanese citizens. Kindly publish. The letter follows: Dear Guyana, Happy New Year! I know that you are worried about what is inside the envelope. Please understand this is in no way, shape, or form an ambush. I am writing you because I love you and will always do. I am certain that the melancholy look on the faces of everyone around is making you believe that the envelope contains bad news. Do not worry, you’re Guyana and there is always bad news. Yes, there has been some disasters and scandals recently, the controversial trip to China, the drug bond scheme, the D’Urban Park fiasco, and now the granting of scholarships to two Ministers and I know that you heard the unbelievable reports regarding the recent flooding, and how so far this year the Treasurer’s Department has expended in excess of $ 155M, but again that is not the reason why I have written to you. I have written to you because I need to confront you regarding your recent behavior. I have been concerned about you for a while, but in the past year especially since May 2015, it is apparent that you have struck rock bottom. I want you to get better! Heavenly Father knows I need you to be better. Guyana this is your intervention. I have never seen you this low. Granted you have always had an erratic spirit, but as you grew older especially since May 26, 2015, I watched you evolve from the forced labour camp, and alleged cultural subjugation of women to giving them power in their hands again through the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshops. What happened to you, Guyana? You were doing so well! You appear to have come to
your senses, and were trying to improve the healthcare of your citizens like every other civilized country. Finally you had a leader, who had charm, could as everyone thought do the country no harm, and who could handle the kick-turn part of the Electric Slide. Things were looking so promising! The last time I saw you, you were trying to figure out if possible how to give people free education. You were on your way to becoming great. The next thing I know, you were on the television, ranting about the increasing crime rate especially among youths, the vehicular homicides, and people not able to walk down the streets without being robbed. That’s when I knew you had relapsed. It broke my heart to see you revert to your ancient roots, stumbling around like a lost soul trying to encourage people to do the right thing. I really thought you were past that part of your life. I don’t know why you relapsed. Maybe it is my fault. Maybe I let you forget that we had to take this day by day. Maybe I saw Cathy Hughes, Moses Nagamootoo, and George Norton and figured that we were living in a post-racial Guyana. I sometimes forget that racism and sexism is embedded in your DNA, and they will never go away or be eradicated. I probably should have kept a better eye on you.
Maybe I was too busy trying to get the latest communication technology, listening to the newest albums, or fighting against the newest grave injustices—Bai Shan Lin and the violation of their investment agreements, installation of parking meters etc.—to notice that you had started getting high again. I should have recognized the signs. You started hanging with all the wrong people. I knew you had been talking to Dilma Rousseff, but I didn’t think you’d ever really become friends with her I figured you’d eventually recognize her lack of policy, and end your friendship. I never thought you’d let it get so far as to allow her to influence you. “Birds of a feather …,” but I never imagined, after all your progress, that you’d gravitate to a bird that finally had her wings clipped and removed from the nest. . Come on, Guyana, you know better than that! I don’t like to interfere in anyone’s relationship, but I knew she was bad news Why couldn’t you hang with the people I introduced you to? I know there is some bad blood between you and Nicolas Maduro, but he was not the ideal person to befriend at this time, not with his economic policy, which has caused his oil rich economy to fall into recession. Fidel was a little old, and outside the box, but he wouldn’t have made you relapse. His country trained most of your medical team anyway,
so I figured he was good for you to kick it with. Too late now; he has already secured tertiary accommodation. I would even have been cool with Keith Rowley, but you said he was “too low energy.” When I ran into you in October when you delivered an address to the members of Parliament I could tell you were not yourself. As soon as you started ranting about recovering stolen state assets and pursuing a green agenda I knew that you were not yourself and somehow out of synch with reality. What do I want from you Guyana? I want you to enroll in a 12-step programme. I want you to stop using racism and fear, and go back to being the same country, that produced world class cricketers, actors, musicians, playwrights, and innovators etc., the same country whose secondary school graduates following graduation could enter foreign universities. Remember, I love you and always will. I just want to set you thinking straight again. I have arranged for you to go through a treatment program because you are clearly at rock bottom. It is a combination of detox, therapy and self-reflection. I will evaluate your progress in May 2020. Hopefully you can conquer your demons, but if we get to the 2020 election and I have to choose between a shyster and a fraudster then I know that treatment has not worked. Love always, Yvonne Sam
Region 5 RDC must be commended From page 4 work there in 2016. What could not have been achieved in the past decades has been achieved by the department. It will soon be a reality for the children in Perth village and surrounding areas, as the department secures a piece of land for a brand new nursery school in 2017.
Allow me to say to the REDO, Mr. Pollard and all his staff within the Department of Education, Region 5, thanks for a job well done towards improving the education sector. I know that 2017 will be better for our children and teachers under the department work programs. In Region 5 the works department has been doing a very good job for the past several months. Several village roads and bridges were constructed and some rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the villagers. Works on drains and canals have been high on the agenda so as to avoid major flooding in the region. I must commend the regional engineer, Mr. Sukha and team for a job well done for 2016 and do look forward for more and better success in 2017. The agriculture sector has seen vast improvement. We all know that Region 5 is a
heavy agricultural area. Drains have been cleared, so as to get water to the cash crop farmers. Outreaches were done with organisations such as NAREI and the Ministry of Agriculture so as to benefit the people. One of the much anticipated project that we all look forward to is the agricultural farm that is now being put in place by the Region 5 administration at Forth Wellington. I know that the project will be of tremendous help to the cash crop farmers of the region and more over the youths of the region. The project is intended to see youths involved in agriculture more than before. I must commend the REO for his vision of that project and do look forward in 2017 to see the blooming of it. Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councilor Region 5
Friday December 30, 2016
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High-level meeting tomorrow on Wales Estate future A high- level meeting will take place tomorrow to decide the way forward as it relates to the Wales sugar estate. This was disclosed yesterday by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder at the Ministry’s Boardroom, Regent Street and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jadgeo; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, as well as union representatives from the Guyana Labour Union, (GLU), Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) will be
present at the meeting. Meanwhile, an estimated 100 workers from the 1000strong work force there at present including the senior staff, will be absorbed into the diversification project at the Wales estate. This is according Finance Director of GuySuCo, Paul Bhim. It was also pointed out that several workers have opted for severance and have already been paid. The question was asked what will happen to the other workers as of January 2017, to which Bhim replied that the factory workers will remain for another month because the factory needs a lot of cleaning. Government had announced the closure of the century-old factory by the end of this year, saying it is no longer sustainable and would lose $2B this year. Bhim further explained that the cane harvesters will
Government is set to host a high level meeting tomorrow with stakeholders to decide on the way forward for Wales Estate.
be transferred to other estates. He added that workers will also be offered jobs at the
Five bodies to be exhumed as GPHC misplaces dead In what is being described as a confusing and disturbing state of affairs, five bodies are to be exhumed after mortuary attendants at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) mistakenly buried the body of a 43-year-old fisherman among those that had to be given poor burial. Surujpaul Dindyal, a father of three of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was killed in an accident on December 9, last at Buxton. He was taken to the GPHC as an unidentified body. The following day, Dindyal’s untagged remains was removed from a freezer at the mortuary and buried at Le Repentir cemetery, along with four other remains believed to be that of destitutes. Two bodies were reportedly buried in one hole while three remains were buried in another. It was some two weeks after the accident that the fisherman’s relatives were
Dead: Surujpaul Dindyal informed that he had been killed. Initially, they thought that he had gone to sea but after days passed and he did not make contact with his family, a missing person report was made. It was after a traffic cop saw Dindyal’s photograph on the news, that he contacted the man’s family and informed them of the accident.
On December 21, last, the dead man’s family along with the police went to the hospital mortuary but could not have located the body. They searched the other mortuaries around the city but still could not locate the remains. It was on Wednesday last when they returned to GPHC that they were informed that the body was mistakenly handed over to the undertakers who buried the bodies of less fortunate on December 10, last—a day after the fisherman’s body was taken there. The dead man’s sister, Annie Bharrat, is of the view that the individual who struck and killed her sibling had something to do with the mixed-up at the mortuary since if there is no body, he cannot be charged for causing death. No Post mortem examination was done on the fisherman’s remains. A source from the hospital (Continued on page 27)
Wales location as part of the rice paddy project which has already begun. The Finance Director told media operatives that the rice paddy project will occupy some 220 acres of land at the Wales estate; while several other acres need to be ploughed. Hundreds of families on the West Bank of Demerara where the estate is located have been against the closure, saying that it will drastically
affect the way of life there and create unemployment. It was highlighted that an aquaculture project is also in the making for the estate, however, this project has not yet been confirmed. The Finance Director said that a pre-feasibility study was done and a report was given, while the official feasibility study will take place in January of 2017. There were also questions as to whether the LBI Estate
is up for sale, to which the Finance Director replied in the negative. Minister Holder explained that the Wales factory is the oldest in the country, and it is inefficient, hence, the decision to convert it into a viable alternative. The ministry had earlier stated that the factory would require tremendous amounts of investments to rehabilitate it, investments which the government could not afford.
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Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
President orders revocation of Red House lease to PPP officials - occupants told to remove by tomorrow - Site to house The National Trust of Guyana
Red House, Kingston
President David Granger
Former President Donald Ramotar
President David Granger yesterday ordered that the lease for the building known as The Red House to the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) be revoked and that the occupants vacate the property by December 31, 2016. The Head of State handed down these instructions yesterday in a letter to Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, more than one year after the Coalition Government had engaged the CJRCI on the matter of the lease. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, this engagement included negotiations for The Red House to provide a national service by housing information on all of the Presidents of Guyana. Those negotiations proved futile and in an invited comment, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said that after discussions broke down, he sought to determine the legality of the lease agreement. “Having carefully considered the advice of the Minister of Legal Affairs, President Granger has concluded that
According to the Ministry of the Presidency, The Red House is established in The National Trust of Guyana Monuments Register as a Public Building/National Monument/Heritage Site. The Trust was established under The National Trust Act Chapter 20:03 Laws of Guyana, which is an “Act to make provision for the preservation of monuments, sites, places and objects of historic interest or national importance”. Its main responsibility is the preservation of all monuments of Guyana, which under the Act includes “any building, structure or object or other work of man…” The National Trust also “shall not transfer, mortgage, lease, charge or dispose of any land without the approval of the Minister,” according to its webpage. “The Attorney General maintains that all the parties knew that The Red House “at all material times was a heritage site, both building and lands under the National Trust Act Chapter 20:03”. Further, the CL&S is the custodian of all Government Lands…”that is why there must be evidence of the President approving leases under Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01".” On August 21, 2015, Minister Harmon, in his Budget debate, told the Parliament that the PPP/C had privatised the CJRCI and had been leasing the property for a mere $1,000 per month. The Minister had also noted that while in government, the PPP/C Administration had spent large sums renovating The Red House, a property of the state until 2012, then renamed it CJRCI. Minister Harmon had also said that all the sitting executives of the CJRCI are all connected to the PPP/C party and that discussions between the government and the CJRCI and others on the matter had been futile.
it would be in the public’s interest for the lease issued to the CJRCI to be revoked and has also directed the Minister of State that the building be assigned to house “The National Trust of Guyana, its staff, stores and equipment”, currently housed in the Valerie Rodway Building on Carmichael Street, with effect from January 1, 2017, where it would be better able to fulfil its mandate to preserve Guyana’s national patrimony and to promote an appreciation for the nation’s heritage,” the ministry said yesterday. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Minister Williams said his investigations revealed that the lease held by the CJRCI is invalid on several grounds, including that there is no evidence that
the President of the day, Donald Ramotar, had sanctioned it. “On March 30, 2012 The Red House lease agreement was initiated without the approval of either the President of the day or The National Trust of Guyana, which is in contravention of Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01, rendering it void.” The statement also said that on March 21, 2000, the CJRCI was incorporated as “a not-for-profit company” by late former President Janet Jagan, her daughter Ms. Nadira Jagan-Brancier and former President Donald Ramotar, who was then the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), with the aim of establishing a library and re-
search facility to contain the works and documents owned by the late President Cheddi Jagan. In that same year, the lease agreement among the parties; the Government of Guyana, The National Trust of Guyana and the CJRCI was drawn up but not executed. The Attorney General further said that on May 3, 2006, Ramotar applied to the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys (CL&S) for a lease of the property, which comprises Lots 65, 66 and 67 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, on behalf of the CJRCI but although a file had been opened in the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), approval had not been granted. “The application was then re-submitted on August 30,
2010, on a revised schedule, to the then Office of the President. On January 11, 2011, the resubmitted application was also not approved as there is no evidence of any signature of the President of the Day on the purported schedule, only those of Mr. Doorga Persaud, the then CL&S, and the Manager of Land Administration, Mr. Enrique Monize.” However, on March 30, 2012, a lease entered by the CL&S on behalf of the Government of Guyana, and by Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, S.C., on behalf of the CJRCI, was issued under Section 10 of the Lands Department Act, Chapter 59:01 for property with a duration of 99 years, commencing on January 1, 2012 at an annual rental of $12,000 for the first three years, and with the proviso that the Government could revise the annual rent payable at the end of every three years. In the statement, the Attorney General said that the 99-year lease “was not executed in the manner of a transport, that is advertised and passed before the Court, nor was it filed as of record and annotation made against the Property by the Registrar of Deeds.” The statement further noted that Section 4 of the State Lands Act Chapter 62:01 said that State Lands can only be converted into Government Lands with the sanction of the President of the Day and on the terms and conditions determined by this office bearer and there is no formal evidence of sanction or approval by the then President.
Friday December 30, 2016
Govt. to establish office in Geneva Switzerland
Paying for what you do not enjoy? The last impression of a country is often the most enduring. Tourists who have a horrid experience at a country’s airport when leaving are not likely to return to suggest to their friends and family that they visit that country. Many countries throughout the world have recognized this face. This is why many countries have abolished the direct payment of security and departure taxes. These countries do not wish to put tourists though the hassle of joining one line to check-in, then another line to pay the taxes, then another line for immigration controls, then another line for security checks. They have abolished the direct payment of security and departure taxes and have instead built these in to the general taxes on airline tickets. Guyana is not learning from the rest of the world. Instead of moving forward we are stepping backwards. On top of the decision to increase the toll for crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge, now comes the announcement that the security taxes will be increased at the airport. This means that persons leav-
ing our airport now have to find an additional one thousand dollar to pay an increased security taxes. This is not the departing experience you want for tourists. You want people to spend their monies in the country where they can derive a benefit. To ask tourists to pay a tax at the airport is a disincentive towards promoting tourism. The payment of these taxes at the airport should be abolished and instead other ways found to finance the operations of the airport. Hundreds of passengers pass through our airports each day. They are met by hundreds more. They are sent off by hundreds more, all of whom have to be peeking through the glass walls of the departure area to see what is going on inside. Guyana is the only airport in the world where persons going to see others off are separated at the check-in area. In all other airports of the world, the separation is at the security check in or immigration area. The hundreds of persons who traffic our departure terminal each day represent a
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revenue stream which could be tapped to help finance the operations of the airport. But Guyana has a better option, tax the hell out of departing passengers. Guyana cannot be serious about developing its tourism product if this is the final experience it gives to passengers. To ask a passenger to fork out an additional $25 or more US just to pass through a scanner at the airport and for a departure tax is unconscionable and exploitative. Guyana has to do better. It can do better. Guyana is no security threat to the world. It is not as if hundreds of persons are passing through our airport with weapons or drugs. The number of persons caught committing crimes at our airport each month can be counted on your hands. Why then increase the security taxes? Increasing the tax punishes the innocent more than it does those who commit crimes at the airport. The majority of passengers have to now pay an increased security tax so that a handful of criminals can be better intercepted.
...to promote Foreign Trade policy The better option would be to increase the penalties for those caught violating the laws of the country while passing through the airport. The revenues collected from such penalties can then be channeled to the airport authorities. The increases in the security tax follows closely on the heels on an increase in parking fees at the airport. Yet even with this increase in parking fees, there is no visible sign of increased security in the parking lot. Is this increase in the security fees therefore really about security? Or is it about increasing revenues to meet the administrative costs of the airport. What services does the airport provide for persons at the airport? The viewing gallery gives a spectacular view … of the roof of the lower canopy of the airport. The area is not well patronized because you can hardly give your kids the experience of seeing an aircraft lift off or land. But this is Guyana. You pay for things you never get.
The area of trade is expected to be the primary focus of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the New Year, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge. He added that his ministry will be moving to set up an office in Geneva, Switzerland to specifically deal with matters of international trade. During his ministry’s end of year press conference, yesterday, Greenidge said that in light of the recent initiatives to create trade blocs in the Pacific, the controversy taking place in the trade bloc of the European Union and the impact of new policies by the President designate of the United States, Donald Trump, international and regional trade agreements will be the focus of some of the international economic diplomacy during the course of 2017. “We have a section which is responsible for this; we are trying to build up that section and as part of that undertaking, you would know that we have agreed to establish an office in Geneva, because Geneva actually is the city other than New York which has the largest number of international bodies.” Greenidge said Geneva is
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge an important location since it has the headquarters of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). “The WTO is the major international institution that has responsibility for defining and enforcing rules on trade. “So if countries put up illegal trade barriers or are seeking to deepen trade relations amongst themselves that initiative has to be consistent with the rules as agreed in the WTO.” Continued on page 31
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Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
When consultation becomes a one-way street The African Cultural and Development Association that is nationally known by the acronym ACDA, has publicly chastised Bharrat Jagdeo for his convenient method of consulting Guyanese stakeholders. ACDA says Mr. Jagdeo omitted to talk to it as an African-rights body and an African cultural entity. The obvious response to that is Jagdeo could not dialogue with all the stakeholders; some had to be left out. As a counter to this, those in support of ACDA’s position, and this columnist is one, could counter-argue that context is everything. In the context of the importance of the office of
Chairman of the Elections Commission, and in the context of Guyana being a deeply ethnically divided country for the past umpteen years stretching back to the origins of colonial subjugation, some sections of Guyanese society are required to be contacted for their views and beliefs on crucial niches in the public physiology of a peculiar nation like Guyana. I would have left out the birdwatchers’ association of which I am a member or the Boys’ Scouts Association, but if I were Mr. Jagdeo I certainly would have spoken with the Hindu, Muslim, Christian churches, Amerindian and African and other ethnic organizations.
Put yourself in the leadership of ACDA. Mr. Jagdeo did not consult them but included on his list Ms. Ryhaan Shah who created a semantic pyrotechnic when she uttered the following words in a letter in the newspapers; “Citizenships can change. I can be Guyanese, or American or Canadian, etc., if I cared to be. But how does one deny or change one’s essential being? I would never negate my Indian self. It is my DNA. It is my history, my legacy, my traditions, my culture. It is my spiritual home. If I ever deny any of it, that would be the real dishonor.” ACDA went further and asked for the list of entities Jagdeo consulted. That is a fair request. To avoid accusations of egregious conspiracies Jagdeo should comply. So far from Jagdeo he acknowledged talking with the PSC, FITUG and TUC. Surely, there must have been more. With regards to the TUC, for the purpose of this article here I asked Lincoln Lewis if he can be quoted; he agreed. My question was if he didn’t feel he had an obligation to ask for an apology from Mr.
Jagdeo for wrong things done especially during the 2015 election campaign, when he told his supporters if the PNC wins their homes would be invaded, and they would be robbed and raped. Here is Lincoln Lewis’s reply. I hope I have quoted him correctly. First he said he did not feel he had that obligation because Jagdeo is the Leader of the Opposition. It is a constitutional office and he accorded Jagdeo a dialogue within the confines of that role. He specifically said he was talking to Jagdeo in the capacity of the constitutional office he possesses. Secondly, he told me that his position on Jagdeo when he was President is very well known so he did not have to bring that up. Shortly after, he called me to say that the government recognizes Jagdeo’s constitu-
tional office, the government increased the Budget for Jagdeo’s office and the President speaks to Jagdeo in Jagdeo’s capacity as Leader of the Opposition. To that, I replied that Lincoln Lewis should be guided by Lincoln Lewis and not by what others do. I did indicate that I hold a contrary opinion to the explanation he offered but the respect for each other’s opinion was mutual. I think Lewis has a point which is universally accepted but I beg to differ. John Jones wins an election as the Mayor. You never liked him because he is corrupt but he holds a legal office. The country has to live with that. I am not sure that the episode of Jagdeo consulting the TUC is the same analogy. In the context of Jagdeo going to Lewis, there is an existentialist choice. One can say to Jagdeo that I do not
Frederick Kissoon want to talk to you because I think you are guilty of crimes against my country. There is a choice there. In the case of the Mayor, there is no choice. You have to relate to the office. Your business and residential arrangements dictate that you have to interface with the Mayor. If I was Lewis I would have said to Jagdeo, I have no interest in having a discussion with you. Lewis’ contention is that Jagdeo was acting out of his constitutional office. But Lewis was under no compulsion to adhere to Jagdeo’s authority. There was a choice there.
Dem boys seh...
Soulja Bai flex he muscle on Red House Soulja Bai flexing he muscle. He always look fit but he muscles look weak. Some clothes he wear de muscles don’t show. Dem boys can tell you he is not a Steve Urkel although he may look and sound like Urkel. He flex he muscle wid Red House. Basil de Soft Willie tell Soulja Bai that de agreement between de State and de Pee Pee Pee for Red House was not proper and as such was not legal. But de Chat-3 wha tun Number 3 seh de Soft Willie didn’t know what he was talking about. De thing is that Soulja Bai tek Soft Willie advice. He want to know how come de Pee Pee Pee can tek over three prime property in Kingston fuh Cheddi alone and call it de
Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. He want to know how come dem didn’t name it after all dem ex Presidents. Soulja Bai even want know how come nobody mention he name. That is why he get vex and flex he muscle to tek it away from that scamp Jagdeo and that fat crook Brassy who draw up de contract. Dem boys seh he should also flex he muscle on de Sanata Complex among several others and not on de Red House alone. Dem boys hope when he wake up in de morning and he see de headline “President orders revocation of Red House lease” he don’t tun to Sandra and seh, “Girl, did I do daaat?” Talk half and leave Urkel alone
Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Early childhood care facilities get inaugural certification With its passage in the National Assembly and subsequent enactment a few months ago, the Childcare and Development Services Act is one that will seek to ensure that all Childcare Centres operate and meet, at least, the minimum service standards for children in their care. It was against this background that the Ministry has embarked on a mission to certify the operations of childcare facilities throughout the country. Yesterday, 13 of the 200 odd existing facilities that offer early childhood care were for the first time issued with operational licenses by Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence. The facilities that are now certified are Tryangle Day Care, Sun Flower Day Care and Play Group, Unique’s Play Group and Day Care, Green Acres Play Group, Little Angels Day Care and Play School, Precious Lambs Day Care and Play Group, Margaret Rose Arthur Day Care, ISA Islamic School Day Care, Alcleo Day Care and Play Group, the Canadian School of Arts and Science Play Group, A - Z Play Group and Day Care, Blessed Children Day Care and Play Group and First Prep Day Care and Play Group. “I wish to congratulate you for taking the necessary steps to provide such a facility and urge you to maintain and further improve the quality of service that you offer to our young potentials...I would like to congratulate all of you who are involved in the care and nurture of our young minds and encourage you to uphold high standards of practice and service. “You have a crucial and pivotal role to play in laying the foundation for future generations,” said Minister Lawrence. She however, cautioned the representatives of the facilities that “the Ministry will be constantly monitoring our early childhood service and as such, the licensing of childcare facilities will be done annually.” As she deliberated further at yesterday’s forum, Minister Lawrence shared her conviction that “today marks an exceptional and significant day in the calendar of early childhood care for we are on the threshold of putting a stamp of respect and standardisation on our Early Childhood Care Centres.” According to the Minister, one of the dramatic changes in society over the years has been the increased participation of toddlers and young children in early childhood settings. This demand for non-parent care, she added, has risen as a result of more women joining the labour force. Consequently,
-urged to maintain and improve quality of service
Social Protection Minister, Ms. Volda Lawrence (ninth from left), is flanked by her officers – Manager, Early Childhood Development, Ms. Concheeta Gray (on Minister’s right) and Executive Officer, Early Childhood Development, Ms Lavern Thorne (on Minister’s left) – and the certificate-holding representatives of the newly licensed facilities. Also in photo is Food and Nutrition Specialist, Ms. Ninian Blair (second from left). the Minister observed, provision for childcare services during the day as well as the night increased so that parents could execute their jobs without having to worry over the protection of their children. “We have therefore witnessed a mushrooming of centres to which parents, irrespective of their employment status, entrust their children so that they can experience the social and educational enrichment that such facilities provide,” Minister Lawrence explained. She pointed out that her Ministry in its mandate of ensuring the well-being of its children recognised that the Early Childhood Centres needed to all provide the same quality service and care. It was against this background that Minister Lawrence took to the National Assembly the Childcare and Development Services Bill which was passed on May 4, 2016 and subsequently enacted on July 6, 2016. The Act is one that governs the operation of childcare facilities and aims to ensure that all such facilities follow the best practices that are paramount for their efficient function. It is the expectation of the Minister that with the enforcement of the Act by the Ministry the fears of parents who are apprehensive about using early childcare facilities will be effectively allayed. According to Minister Lawrence yesterday “irrespective of where they are, they can be confident that their children will receive the same socialisation and educational exposure in a childContinued on page 30
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 30, 2016
Cabinet green-lights US$500M onshore oil facility at Berbice
- Sovereign Wealth Fund, Petroleum Commission targeted for next year Government has greenlighted plans to build a US$500M onshore oil and gas facility at Crab Island, as the country moves to capitalize on opportunities that will present itself. Crab Island is located in the Berbice River. Speaking yesterday during the end-of-year report to media houses, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, disclosed that the Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday gave its ‘no objection’ to the establishment of an onshore industrial site to service the off-shore exploration and production activities of the oil companies. The base, he said, will be located in the area of Crab Island, Berbice, and will be established through the joint efforts of the Ministries of Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure and Business. Crab Island is on the mouth of the Berbice River, east of the Berbice River Bridge.
“Construction will commence in 2017 and the investments from the private sector, and Government’s infrastructural work and support will be equivalent to USD$500,000,000, which will lead to the creation of approximately 600 direct
jobs,” Trotman disclosed yesterday. With a host of services and facilities to be in demand, the onshore site is expected to provide an array of services including heliports, supplies, maintenance and transportation.
In early September, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced its intention to establish an onshore oil and gas logistics and supplies facility in Guyana. According to Trotman, it is believed that the facility is a needed one and is part of the raft of measures intended to ensure that Guyana keeps on the right trajectory in the development of the oil and gas sector. “Interviews with a significant number of both local and international interested parties were held at the end of October and early November 2016,” he disclosed. The developments would come after major news last
year that US-owned ExxonMobil discovered oil in its offshore concessions last May. Since then, more drilling confirmed that the deposits hold in excess of one billion barrels of oil. Guyana has since been ramping up efforts to build capacity to prepare for oil, with training and a host of other activities. Exxon-Mobil has signed contracts to build a facility and start production by 2020. According to Trotman, yesterday, on Wednesday, Cabinet green-lighted several initiatives to be undertaken by the Ministry of Natural Resources in 2017 as the country prepares for the petroleum industry in general and oil in particular.
“To this end Cabinet approved the Ministry’s plans and projects, which includes its policy and legislative agenda comprising: 1) The Upstream Oil and Gas Policy, Revised Petroleum Act and Regulations, 3) Local Content Policy and Regulations, 4) Petroleum Commission Bill, 5) Petroleum Taxation and Fiscal Legislation, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Regulations and a Bill to provide for Sovereign We a l t h / G e n e r a t i o n a l Savings, Stabilization, Infrastructural Social Welfare and Citizens Participation Fund. Of these, the draft Petroleum Commission Bill was shared in early December (Continued on page 13)
Friday December 30, 2016
GGMC plugging $100M into UG to boost oil and gas training The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has earmarked $100M for the University of Guyana (UG) over the next five years to improve training for technicians in the oil and gas sector. The issue of raising capacity in the sector was discussed Tuesday in the Cabinet on steps the country is taking to ready for oil. According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, yesterday, the $100M from GGMC will be released over the next five years and will address more scholarships for students interested in oil and gas. Additionally, Government is looking to raise the levels at the technical institutes in all three regions to cater for the emerging sector. Already, there have been proposals from colleges abroad to help with the possibilities of pairing with local institutes in Guyana, Trotman disclosed. Meanwhile, with regards to training and building capacity, Trotman said that Guyana is being proactive in its approach to this emerging sector to ensure that all mechanisms necessary for the effective management and the best outcomes for its people are in place before the first barrel of oil is produced. “The Government of Guyana, with support from our many partners, seeks to build the capacity of our policy makers, officers, technicians, private sector professionals and all stakeholders on the issues and challenges surrounding this emerging sector. The Government of Guyana
recognizes the need for a highly skilled workforce in this sector and as such, we will be investing in building the capacity of our professionals and technicians.” Some of the external partners involved in the capacity building efforts are the oil companies, the Mexican Embassy which is providing scholarship opportunities, the US Government, the Commonwealth and Chatham House. “The Ministry is also building its capacity as technical officers are given the opportunity to attend capacity building workshops, seminars, mentoring exchanges and conferences in Kenya, Uganda, Trinidad & Tobago, and the US to name a few. In the new year even greater emphasis will be placed on this aspect of preparation for the oil and gas industry.” The minister also said that Government intends to keep the stakeholders, including the parliamentary opposition, and the populace, informed and engaged at every stage of the development of the oil and gas sector. “As such, the Government will in late January 2017 be embarking on a nationwide and diaspora three-month outreach programme to enlighten citizens on the implications and to present proposed policies and legislation pertaining to the various aspects of the evolving oil and gas industry; along with updates on other natural resource industries.”
Cabinet green-lights... (From page 12) with stakeholders.” In relation to the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund which will hold proceeds of the extractive sector and be used to strategically develop Guyana, the Minister explained that it is the idea that the benefits accrued from the natural resources sector must reach every Guyanese for generations to come. The framework for a Sovereign Wealth Fund will be developed in 2017. “This fund will enable us to protect the economy from the volatile nature of natural resource revenues, help grow and modernize the sustainable non-extractive sectors of the economy, and further enhance the capacity of our people. The draft framework for this fund will now be presented to the National Assembly in early 2017.” Next year as the focus continues to build capacity to prepare Guyana, moves will be made to create a Petroleum Commission. “As such, the Petroleum Commission’s Bill 3 has been drafted and is ready to be tabled in Parliament. The Bill has been shared with a wide range of stakeholders including, civil society, the private sector and the parliamentary opposition. The Bill paves the way for the establishment of the Petroleum Commission which will become the regulatory body for the oil and gas sector. The Ministry is currently concluding a logo competition for the representative symbol for this Commission. The winner will be announced by midJanuary, 2017.”
Kaieteur News
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Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
From 2000-2016... GuySuCo lost over 1.1 million man-days due to strikes - Holder Amidst challenges being faced by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) which is seemingly on its knees – the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, has identified another area which has for the past 16 years, negatively impacted the Corporation. The Minister reported, during his Ministry’s End-ofyear Review yesterday, that the adversarial industrial relations environment has resulted in the Corporation losing 1,179,366 man-days due to strikes between January 2000 and the end of September 2016. The Minister stated that the strikes would have ‘no doubt’ significantly impacted negatively on the health and performance of the industry and the morale of the management team. From 2005 to 2015, there were 2,019 strikes with an average of 150 per year. The Minister said that not much was done over the past few years, by way of securing the future of both the industry and the wellbeing of its employees. “Opportunities existed in the past to reorganize and modernize the industry but these were not pursued. Reference is made here to better sugar prices, funding from the EU (European Union); accompanying measures following the reform of the EU sugar price
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder (Centre head table) and Heads of the agencies that come under the Ministry of Agriculture, yesterday during the End-of-Year Review. regime; access to appropriate levels of skills and experience, etc.” The Coalition Government, he pointed out, inherited a sugar corporation and industry that were “badly run down”. “Indeed, the first approach by the then management of GuySuCo was for support from Government amounting to $16.9 billion, excluding capital investment, to finance the operations for 2015. The magnitude of the request came as a great shock to the Government and it was only after the appointment of the new Board of Directors and Interim Management Team did this Government begun to appreciate the extent of the decline of our sugar industry.”
While the onset of the El Nino weather phenomenon or drought would have had a very ‘favourable’ impact on harvesting during the second crop of 2015 as a result of excellent ripening and harvesting conditions, it took its toll on the production this year, Holder said. The Minister said that 2016 has been plagued by poor labour turnout, lack of spares, equipment shortages in particular cane punts, and factory breakdowns. He added that the shortage of skills and experience together with the serious underinvestment in the industry are taking their toll. While the 2016 second crop started late as a result of the wet conditions which
succeeded the drought and canes yields are higher than forecasted, the Corporation would be unable to harvest all its canes before the end of the year. It is estimated that some 153,300 tonnes of cane would be carried over into 2017 which, he said, is equivalent to some 11,300 tonnes of sugar. “The El Nino or drought has resulted in a drop in world production of sugar over the
previous season of over 13 million tonnes. Production declines were experienced by producers in Central America, the Caribbean, Cuba, China, India, Philippines, and Thailand to name a few. Guyana was not unique in this regard,” Minister Holder said. Meanwhile, as the regime continues to push for diversification, a group of Ministers is expected to meet with members of the Main Parliamentary Opposition –
the Peoples’ Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C), later this week to discuss the way forward as it relates to the ailing sugar industry. Expected to be a part of these discussions are The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural and the Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) as the sugar workers’ representatives.
Elections at Kwakwani NDC tied again Following the first internal elections of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council for the position of Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the NDC held a second round of voting on Wednesday which also resulted in a tie. According to one councillor, Charles Thom, at this point the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, would have to intervene and appoint persons to fill the two posts. Thom, who is a member of the Kwakwani United for Progress (KUFP) group contesting the elections, said yesterday, that his councillors voiced their objection to the second vote involving just the councillors, but decided to vote nonetheless to ensure the positions were not hijacked by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change members. Thom told this publication that based on previous ties the Minister would use the results of the votes at the village level to inform his decision as to which group or party should occupy one of the seats on the NDC. When asked what the results were after the Local Government Elections held in March of this year, Thom said that the KUFP gained 328
…Communities Minister expected to intervene votes while the APNU+AFC got 422 votes and the People’s Progressive Party Civic, 56. In a previous article published by this newspaper, there was a matter of interpretation affecting the NDC as it relates to a provision in the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02. Thom’s argument is that Section 28(6) requires that for the second vote, the residents of the community should be made to vote for their choice of Chairman and Vice-Chairman and should not involve the 12 councillors. The section states, “If more councillors than one are nominated for the office of chairman, the overseer shall forthwith proceed to take the votes of the councillors present and the councillor securing the greatest number of votes shall forthwith be declared to be elected as chairman. “But if there is no election on account of an equality of votes, the overseer shall immediately fix a day within the last ten days of the year for the election, by the registered voters, of a chairman from the councillors
receiving the greatest number of equal votes, and the election shall be held and conducted and a return or election made in all respects in the same manner as provided for the election of village councillors.” According to Thom, the tie occurred since one of the APNU+AFC councillors voted in favour of the KUFP group when the position of chairman was being contested. He said that the one APNU+AFC councillor had expressed his displeasure at how the NDC was being run and decided to vote outside party lines. There are seven APNU+AFC and five KUFP councillors on the NDC. The PPP/C received no seats. Two APNU+AFC councillors tied for the ViceChairman position. They were Carl Liverpool and Kelvin Daly. Competing for the Chairmanship were Merna Adrian of the APNU+AFC and Juanita Leacock of the KUFP. Based on the differing interpretations of the law, the KUFP were calling on the prominent legal minds in and out of government to assist in providing advice on what the Section really means.
Friday December 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
AG’s contentions about Red House Speeding, driving under the influence lease rooted in ignorance of the law account for increase in fatalities Attorney General, Basil Williams’s contention that the lease held by Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) for use of the Red House is invalid, is extremely flawed and rooted in ignorance of the law. So said former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall as he sought to validate what some call a “hijacking” by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). Recently, Williams said that the arrangement is invalid and the President of Guyana, David Granger, can revoke the lease. Some reasoning put forward by Williams included the fact that the then President Donald Ramotar did not sanction the lease. Nandlall took issue with that and other reasons established by Williams. The former AG said that the contention that the lease is invalid because the President “did not ‘sanction’ it, is an argument that is manifestly wrong.” Nandlall said that any person who has but a fleeting familiarity with the State Lands Act and the Regulations made there under, as well as the Land Department Act, the MMA/ ADA Act and similar type legislation, would know that although the 5power to lease, sell or grant licenses in relation to lands which fall under these legislation, resides with the President, the legislation provides for the President to delegate such authority to the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, the Commissioner of Forestry or the Commissioner of Geology and Mines or the Manager of the MMA/DA, this would depend on the nature of the land and the purpose for which it is to be used. The former Attorney General said that the practice of delegating these responsibilities to subordinate functionaries is one that started since the tenure of President Arthur Chung, and has continued on to this day. “So, while the President’s name may appear on the face of a lease in relation to State Lands, the President’s signature is not at the end of the lease. Instead, some authorized public officer signs for the President. I have seen leases, for State land issued by President Granger which does not bear his signature and I can make one public at any time.” Nandlall said that these authorizations are normally published in the Official Gazette. “I recall, not so long ago such authorization was published, authorizing the current Commissioner of Lands and Surveys to sign
- Nandlall
Former AG, Anil Nandlall such documents on behalf of President Granger. The same thing was done in relation to President Ramotar and the then Commissioner of Lands, Mr. Doorga Persaud.” Nandlall pointed out that this authority also authorizes the Commissioner of Lands and Survey to enter into leases on behalf of the Government in relation to Government lands. The Red House Lease, falls into this category. The argument therefore, that the President did not sanction it, is hopelessly wrong. The former Attorney General pointed to another argument advanced by Williams which is that the Red House Lease was not executed before a Court or Judge and filed, as of record, in the Deeds Registry as is required by Section 13 of the Deeds Registry Act, and therefore, it is invalid. He said, “The author of that opinion either
deliberately, or through inadvertence, failed to disclose that Section 13 of the Deeds Registry Act, contains a proviso, which states that the Section does not apply to leases for State lands (and Government lands). Thousands of persons who hold leases for State lands, including rice farmers, loggers and those who hold leases for land for other agricultural purposes will confirm that, they never appeared before a Court of Judge when they received their leases, and that their leases were never filed at the Deeds Registry. This is so because there is no such legal requirement.” According to Nandlall, the other arguments advanced by Williams hold no weight in law and are even more frivolous. Accordingly, they are unworthy of a response. The PPP/C administration had spent tens of millions of dollars to renovate the building which remained state property until 2012. In that year, the land and the building were leased by the PPP government to the company. The lease agreement has duration of 99 years at a cost of only $1000 monthly. This will add up to $12,000 per year and $1,188,000 over the 99-year period. This will not be even a quarter of what was spent to build, renovate and maintain the building over the years.
As the year comes to an end, the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Traffic Department has recorded 127 deaths as compared to 123 last year. This was revealed at a press conference held by the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) and the police at Traffic Headquarters in Eve Leary yesterday. According to Traffic Chief, Dion Moore, among the highest number of fatalities this year was pedestrians who numbered 32, followed by motorcyclists 23. Twelve children lost their lives this year compared to 15 in 2015. Chairman of the GNRSC, Dennis Pompey, said that speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol account for the majority of fatalities. He also indicated that young drivers also play a role in the increased number of road accidents. Reflecting on GNRSC’s achievement for the year, he said that they were able to set up councils in the upper and Lower Corentyne and in Region Ten. The council was able to establish a road safety
Traffic Chief, Dion Moore and Chairman of the GNRSC, Dennis Pompey magazine and their training programmes throughout the country were successful. “In 2017, we are looking forward to host more drivers’ seminars because we realize we have a problem with driving in this country where we realize that persons are not adhering to the safety rules
as it relates to driving,” Pompey said. He pointed out that there will be an increase in lectures being held in schools, community road projects and workshops. Also, councils will be set up in Bartica and Lethem in the New Year.
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Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Gov’t eyes reduced trading role for Gold - declarations expected to break Board after $9B deficit record 700,000 ounces today Gold declarations are continuing their excellent run, expecting to surge pass an unprecedented 700,000 ounces declarations today with 690,000 ounces recorded as of yesterday morning. According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, for the year 2016, the Ministry of Finance had projected a gold declaration target of 550,000 ounces, an increase of 21.8% of the previous year’s target. “However, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) and the Guyana Gold Board, privately worked towards a different target which was 650,000,” Trotman said yesterday during his ministry’s end-ofyear press conference. “Today, I am ecstatic to announce that declarations stand at an unprecedented and whopping 690,000 – the
highest gold declaration figure in any calendar year in the history of gold mining in Guyana.” And it is not over yet. With one day left- today- the declarations are expected to push that figure beyond the 700,000 ounces mark. One major dealer, Mohamed’s Enterprise of Lombard Street, is expected to push in more than 7,000 ounces today with El Dorado Trading and other dealers expected to chip in with the rest. Mohamed’s Enterprise is running neck to neck with large-scale producer, Guyana Goldfields, with each expected to declare an accumulated 150,000 ounces by the end of today. With Aussie-owned Troy Resources expected to chalk up 90,000 ounces by the end of today, it would mean that declarations from small and
Minister Raphael Trotman medium scale miners would account for over 60 percent of the declarations-- a heartening effort, Trotman said. “We again wish to recognise the small and medium scale miners who delivered the majority of this gold and as well the two larger
companies Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources, who have demonstrated good stewardship of the resources and 70% of the gold declared.” Next year, the industry is looking at a similar target- a total declaration of 700,000 ounces. “I take this opportunity to personally congratulate the miners, the two large companies (Troy and Guyana Goldfields) and the dealers for their good performances,” the minister said. Meanwhile, with regards to the management and regulation of the gold industry, the minister was clear that changes are necessary to move it forward. This was after it had been found that the Guyana Gold Board had racked up a treasury deficit of over $9B. “In 2015, upon assuming office, the coalition government recognised that the Guyana Gold Board had over a number of years amassed a deficit of more than $9B. This was an untenable situation which cannot be allowed to continue.” According to the minister, a comprehensive review of the 35-year-old organization recommended that the board has to transition into the role of regulator and reduce its role as a purchaser of gold. “In a few weeks we will be meeting with miners, miners associations, and gold dealers to define the way forward. The Ministry of Natural Resources has fought tirelessly for the continued existence of the Guyana Gold Board because the Ministry believes that there is merit in having the organisation function as a regulator to monitor gold dealers and notes the raised voices of many miners within gold mining districts for an increased presence of the Gold Board in those areas.” According to Trotman, the government will continue
to look at best practices both regionally and further afield, with a view to making the Guyana Gold Board a more vibrant, effective and viable entity vital for national development. “Early 2017 will see some significant changes in the way the board does business,” he promised. Gold board is charged with not only buying gold but monitoring and licensing dealers and traders. Trotman did not rule out the Gold Board still making purchases as there are other considerations too-like the absence of dealers in critical areas, like Lethem, Region Nine. He said that a number of options for the future of Gold Board is being examined. After prices fell more than three years ago following record prices on the world market, the Gold Board had been left holding on to huge inventory and losses. It was forced to sell off a little at a time, bring down the deficit to within $2B. Yesterday, questioned about smuggling of gold, a major issue earlier this year
that sparked an inter-agency probe, Trotman said that it would be foolhardy to claim that the problem has been eradicated. Rather, he credited enhanced monitoring activities with the Ministry of Public Security spearheading the anti-smuggling effort. With indications that gold was making its way illegally across the border to neighbouring Suriname, Trotman disclosed that next month Guyanese authorities are expected to have discussions with their counterparts there. The agencies tackling the instance of smuggling include the Ministry of Public Security, police and Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Meanwhile, a proposal to charge a three percent commission on prices paid to miners to offset losses by dealers and traders, is still very much in the air, the Minister said. It is the plan to meet with dealers and other stakeholders to decide on the way forward in the New Year.
Guyana Girl Guides Association to host first fund-raiser for 2017 The Guyana Girl Guides Association with headquarters at 106 Brickdam, Georgetown, prides itself in providing ways and opportunities for young girls in society. The young girls are integral to this nongovernmental and non-profit organisation. They benefit from developmental skills and training programmes among them art and craft, English Language, and Mathematics. These activities are supported through fund raisers. The funds from these ventures are used for defraying expenses of the Association’s national camps and local training of members
within the organisation. One such fund raiser is a 12th Night Dance scheduled for January 6, 2017 on the grounds of the Guyana Girl Guides Association. The event is expected to commence at 20:00 hrs. Music will be provided for by ‘Blue Ribbon’ and ‘Stichie One Man Band’. Local foods will also be on sale at very affordable prices. The Guyana Girl Guides Association is inviting everyone to be a part of their first fund raiser for the year 2017 in aid of training programmes for girls and young women development.
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Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Son finds Father’s decomposed body
The home where the decomposed body of Robert Hercules, 65, was discovered. The badly decomposed body of 65-year-old Robert Hercules was discovered on Thursday by his son at his home Lot 42 Paul Stewart Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice. The man was greeted by the gruesome sight after neighbours reported that his father was not seen since Monday. According to Steven Hercules, he last saw his father alive on Christmas Eve. He told Kaieteur News that neighbours made contact with him, after they had not seen his father since Monday. “They called me and I
called his phone and he ain’t answer. So I come and call at the house and the place was very quiet, so I break down the door and right away the smell hit me. When I go in I see he on the bed”. Police were immediately summoned to the scene and the body was removed. Steven noted that his father had no history of ailments and could not ascertain what may have caused his demise. “He never was sick. No high blood pressure, sugar nothing, nothing. Last time I talk to him, he was fine.”
Son: Steven Hercules An investigation has since been launched.
Dredge owner accused of killing unidentified man As Police seek assistance with identifying a man who died at the Bartica Hospital last Friday after he was assaulted, a 43-year-old man was yesterday remanded to prison on a murder charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The man, Fidel Spencer, of Sand Creek, South Rupununi is alleged to have murdered ‘Dougla’, only name given for the unidentified man, between December 23 and December 24 at Iguana Sand, Cuyuni River. An unrepresented Spencer was not required to plead to the indictable charge read to him in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The Chief Magistrate
Do you know this man? instructed the accused to return to court on January 13, at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. Police on Wednesday issued a statement seeking the public’s assistance with identifying the dead man. According to police his corpse was at the Memorial
Gardens Funeral Home and Crematorium. Anyone with information that may lead to his identification is asked to contact police on telephone numbers 455-2238, 455-2241, 225-6411, 227-1152, 227-2272, 227-1270, 911 or the nearest Police Station.
Friday December 30, 2016
Man gets hit in face for talking too much - Court hears Frank Farrell, yesterday, made an appearance before Magistrate Leslie Benjamin to answer to the charge of unlawful and malicious wounding. The charge read that on December 15, last, at the Night Shelter, East La Penitence, Georgetown, he assaulted Aneil Sukhoo. Farrell pleaded guilty but asked to explain after the charge was read to him by the Magistrate at a sitting of the night court in the Georgetown Magistrates ‘Court. The father of four told the court, “Madam yuh see what happen is that we had karaoke the night and he drink alcohol whole night and behave bad. So the morning I was standing in the line to collect my breakfast and he
was behind me talking a lot, so I turn around and told him to stop talking because he was being very annoying and he did not, so we had a small scuffle and the cup that was in my hand came out and hit him in the face.” Based on his explanation the court entered a not guilty plea. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh did not object to bail but asked the defendant and Sukhoo be placed on a bond to keep the peace until the completion of the trial. The prosecutor stated that on the day in question the defendant and the Sukhoo were waiting in a line to collect breakfast when Farrell told him not to talk because he was talking too much. Sukhoo in turn told him
he cannot stop him from talking so Farrell then took the cup that was in his hand and dealt Sukhoo two lashes across his right jaw. The Virtual Complainant then made a report to the East La Penitence Police Station. The defendant was arrested and told of the offence to which he admitted and was later charged. The 53-year-old was placed on $40,000 bail and he will make his next court appearance on January 5. Upon hearing the amount of bail he was placed on the defendant told the court, “Madam, kindly tell me where on earth will I find that money to pay. Like you ain’t hear I does live at the Night Shelter. God knows this court thing ain’t fair.”
Duo charged with attempted murder over Christmas night brawl A man is still hospitalized after he was chopped several times about his body during an altercation with two men on Christmas n i g h t a t St a t i o n St r e e t , K i t t y, Georgetown. Mohamed Nasir Edun, 28, and Muhamed Ameer Edun, both of Lot 16 James Street, Albouystown, are accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounded Terrence Ally, with intent to murder him. The duo represented by Attorney Darren Wade was not required to plead to the charge, after they appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts ye sterday. They were each ordered to post $175,000 bail. According to Police
Muhamed Ameer Edun
Mohamed Nasir Edun
Prosecutor, Simone Payne, the two accused and the Ally were involved in a heated argument around 21:00hrs, on the day in question during which Mohamed Nazir Edun
chopped him to the head and elbow with the cutlass. The prosecutor pointed out that the altercation stemmed after Muhamed Ameer Edun accused Ally of looking at him “too strong.” However, Attorney Wade told the court that his clients were merely defending themselves after Ally attempted to rob them. He said that the cutlass belonged to the injured man. They will make their next court appearance on January 20.
Five bodies to be... (From page 7) explained that the attendant, who took the body to the mortuary, placed it in an empty freezer so the following day, when the undertakers went to the mortuary to remove the bodies for poor burial, they mistakenly took the fisherman’s remains too. Yesterday, an upset Bharrat said that the police told her that they now have to get a court order before they can exhume the bodies. “No one is helping us. The police pushing us around and now we don’t know when we are going to get this court order. Dindyal has two small children,” the woman lamented. She explained that the man who struck and killed her brother was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol, but when they inquired about whether he would be charged for causing death, they were told that he cannot be charged if the body cannot be located. The family is calling for a thorough investigation to be done once the body is located.
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Kaieteur News
Georgetown Key Club raised $11.5M in aid of cancer treatment for children
Key Club presentation The Georgetown International Academy Key Club on October 15, last, hosted a Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk under the theme: “Children walking for children –help us fight cancer NOW!” The walk was in aid of children in Guyana who are battling various forms of cancer especially those children from the hinterland regions of Guyana and all others who are in need of screening and assistance for cancer treatment. The club was able to raise $11.5M through this initiative. The Key Club is proud to be able to contribute to the lives of children in Guyana that are suffering from the various forms of cancer,. Members of the Key Club handed over their pledges that were received and a quantity of Juviton Multivitamin syrup, compliments of Twins Manufacturing Chemists. The items were handed over to the Giving Hope Foundation which is a nonprofit organization led by Dr. Latoya Gooding and a core group of professionals along with other civic minded residents of Guyana who volunteer their time, effort
and means to serve in their communities. One of the primary goals of this organization is rendering assistance to children who are diagnosed with cancer. It is the hope of the Key Club that with these donations those children who are suffering with Leukemia and other forms of cancer would be able to receive treatment. Also those persons that are eligible for more advanced treatment that would help to improve the longevity of their lives, will now be able to access support for such treatment through the Giving Hope Foundation. The Key Club applauded the Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence for joining with the members to show support for the families of the children who are victims of cancer. Key Club is about service and the teenaged members will continue to seek out novel ways in which they can support children, the elderly
and the less fortunate in their community. Recently, at the closing of school for Christmas vacation, the Key Club completed the construction and handing over of a small hydroponics shade house for vegetable gardening at the Dharm Shala in Albouystown. In addition, at this thoughtful presentation, members of the Key Club continued their annual tradition of donating personalized gift bags of toiletries to each resident and decorated the Christmas tree in time for the Dharm Shala annual children’s Christmas party. Come 2017, the Key Club will be looking forward to more projects and partnerships especially in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central in their Cancer Care project scheduled to commence on the observance of World Cancer Day on February 4, 2017.
PAGE 28
16-year-old charged with manslaughter in orphanage accident The 16-year-old who was behind the wheels of the motor car when it slammed into a stump wall on Christmas Eve Day and killed eight-year-old Nina Blair in the compound of the Alpha Children’s Home, has been charged with Manslaughter The child a fifth form student of a secondary school in New Amsterdam has been living at the Alpha Children’s home since he was a toddler. He appeared on Thursday before Magistrate Mauricia Mittleholzer in the New Amsterdam Magistrate court. He is accused of causing the death of Blair who died on Christmas Day. This was after the car being driven by the errant teen crashed into a stump wall at the home at Lot 34 Gay Park where they were
both residents. The teen was represented by an attorney provided by the legal aid department and retained by the Ministry of Social Protection. He was granted bail in the sum of $350.000. Police Prosecutor Inspector Orin Joseph did not object to bail, but asked that it be substantial. The teen will have to return to court on February 27, next, at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court. Blair was playing in the front yard of the orphanage some time around 14:00 hrs (2 p.m.) on Saturday, December 24, last when the teen entered the car belonging to the Alpha Home, without anyone’s permission, and attempted to drive it. The lad failed to ap-
ply brakes and instead accelerated hitting a stump wall that fell on Blair who was behind it at the time. An alarm was raised and the child who suffered severe head injuries was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she eventually succumbed. Nina Blair and her two sisters were placed in the Alpha Children’s Home after the intervention of authorities. Their mother was incarcerated a few months ago following child neglect charges. Blair, her two sisters and their baby brother were removed from their mother’s home after they were found on a seawall at Edinburgh Village.
Minister Norton visits family of murdered Psychiatric hospital staffer By Malisa Playter Harry With Berbice still coming to grips with the brutal murder of a young Cosmetologist, Lonnette NicholsonPrince attached to the National Psychiatric Hospital in New Amsterdam the Minister of Public Health pays a visit to the grieving relatives of the dead woman. During an interview with the Minister he disclosed that measures are already being put in place at the hospital to deal with the after effects of the tragedy as also to prevent it from reoccurring. According to Minister Dr.George Norton, “Already a team from the mental health unit is in the area with the councillors, psychologists and social workers on board”. He stated that very shortly the Ministry of Social Protection will also play their part. It was his view that the measures that were previously put in place have now been deemed unacceptable. “This whole idea, the fear of authority when one is growing up is no longer. The capi-
tal punishment has been deemed illegal; one should not allow things to go unmonitored in terms of disciplinary action against children”. He noted that discipline starts at a young age and everyone should be taught to be their brother’s keeper. He stressed that domestic violence is the leading cause of death in the country. Minister Norton posited, “It is amazing that when all is said and done someone can turn up at a police station with a lawyer, it sends a clear message that we can do anything and there is still hope”. He noted that measures will be put in place to change the outlook on values and the family tree on a whole. The Minister also met with staffers at the National Psychiatric Hospital during his visit. The Director of Health, Berbice, CEO of New Amsterdam Hospital were all present during the visit. Lonnette NicholsonPrince, 22, of Angoy’s Avenue New Amsterdam was brutally stabbed to death at her work
place, the National Psychiatric Hospital after her enraged husband of five years barged in the room she was working in and fatally stabbed her multiple times to the upper chest of her body. The suspect who has since turned himself into authorities with his attorney Mursaline Bacchus is Sheldon Prince, 30, a Prison Warder attached to the Mazaruni Prison. He allegedly waited for the perfect opportunity to commit the act after her father dropped her off at her work place at approximately 8:30 hrs on Wednesday. The Prison Warder and the Cosmetologist were involved in a rocky relationship during the five years after he was accused of physically, emotionally and verbally abusing the young woman. He was also placed before the courts for Domestic Violence committed on the now dead woman approximately two months ago. The attacker is expected to be charged shortly as investigations continue.
Brazil police believe body found in Rio is missing Greek ambassador: Globo (Reuters) - Brazilian police suspect a body discovered inside a charred vehicle in Rio de Janeiro is Greece’s ambassador to Brazil who went missing three days ago, television channel Globo reported yesterday. A police spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment. Ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis, 59, was last seen Monday evening leaving the home of friends of his Brazilian wife in a poor and violent suburb of Rio’s metropolitan
Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
area, police had said earlier yesterday. A Rio state police official said the ambassador’s wife reported him as missing on Wednesday. Globo showed images of the burned-out white car in the Nova Iguacu neighborhood where the ambassador went missing. The station reported that the license plates on the car matched those of Amiridis’ rental vehicle. An official at the Greek Embassy in Brasilia would not
confirm the ambassador was missing, saying only that he was on vacation in Rio and expected to return to Brasilia on Jan. 9. Rio police inspector Evaristo Pontes had earlier told the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper that he did not believe the ambassador was kidnapped. “We’re following some leads, but not that one. If it had been (a kidnapping), those who took him would have made contact by now,” he said.
Antiguan diplomat to repay money – denies accepting bribe
Casroy James ST.JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Casroy James, Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomat to the United Arab Emirates, has denied being involved in corrupt activities related to the Brazilian multinational, Odebrecht S. A. and the energy company, Petrobras. The twin island state became embroiled in the scandal after court documents revealed that a high-level government official accepted millions of dollars in bribes. The revelation was made as investigation continues into corruption at global construction conglomerate, Odebrecht, based in Brazil, the same company which court documents show acquired Meinl Bank Antigua in 2010 On Wednesday Prime Minister Gaston Browne dismissed Honorary Consul to Brazil Luis Franca and also asked James to explain his involvement in the scandal. According to court documents – “In or about mid-2015, Odebrecht Employee 4 attended a meeting in Miami, Florida, with a consular official from Antigua and an intermediary to a high-level government official, in Antigua, in order to conceal Odebrecht’s corrupt activities.” The revelation was made as investigation continues into corruption at global construction conglomerate, Odebrecht, based in Brazil, the same company which court documents show acquired Meinl Bank Antigua in 2010. In a press statement, James admitted to receiving payments from Meinl Bank but said this was based on his work as an independent consultant. He also denied knowing that his client was involved in any alleged illegal activity “nor did I have reason to believe, that Meinl Bank was in any way affiliated to Odebrecht.”
Odebrecht, reportedly, purchased Meinl Bank allegedly to pay bribes to government officials in about a dozen countries. James who said that he is the sole principal of Global residence and Advisory Services Ltd as well as an authorized and licensed CIP agent, said he attended a meeting in Miami in that capacity and “not as an agent of the Antigua and Barbuda Government or an agent for any Antiguan government official. I attended the Miami meeting in a personal and professional capacity. He said that attended a meeting with Luis Franca, who was Antigua & Barbuda’s Honorary Consul to Brazil for more than 10 years, on a matter relating to Meinl Bank’s involvement with a CIP ( Citizenship by Investment Programme) project. “As an outcome of that meeting, my company entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Meinl Bank (Antigua) Ltd, in which my company would act as an agent and advisor for the purposes of processing CIP applications associated with Meinl Bank Ltd’s CIP project…..this agreement was made on 1st October 2015,” the release stated. James said that pursuant to that agreement, professional consultancy services were provided by his company and certain advance payments were also made. He said that the last payment was made in December 2015. James was officially appointed as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in July 2016. He said that based on the allegations made by the US Government in court papers he has agreement to repay money paid to him for independent consultancy work. “So as to ensure that the
integrity of my office as Ambassador is in no way compromised (and by extension the good name of Antigua and Barbuda), and in discussion with my attorney, I have instructed that 100 per cent of the custodial funds being held on account for the stated CIP purpose be immediately returned to the remitter.” He added that the funds received by his company were pursuant to a business agreement entered into with good faith. “Despite by best efforts to carry out my services under the consultancy contract, the application process stalled partly due to lack of compete due diligence information from the potential applicants. The agreement was not part of any scheme whereby my company or I agreed to do anything unlawful, including withholding banking information relating to illicit bribery payments.” The statement from the Ambassador was issued only hours after Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the dismissal of the honorary consul. On Wednesday, during a news conference, Browne, threatened to dismiss James, insisting that his administration was not aware of the court case in the United States or the allegations made by a witness in the case until a regional newspaper journalist contacted his office. Browne said he had dismissed Honorary Consul Luis Franca and asked James, for an explanation. “In fact I have taken the decision to relieve Mr. Luis Franca of his position as Honorary Consul immediately and I have actually taken the position that if Ambassador Casroy James is unable to provide a satisfactory explanation as to why, if any money has been paid to him, that he too, will be relieved of his position”. While Browne was not specific in his reasons for dismissing the Honorary Consul or asking the diplomat for an explanation, last week, the government issued a statement indicating that it was intent on getting “to the bottom of this story since it alleges involvement by persons claiming to be intermediaries for, or officials of, the government. “If these allegations are substantiated, I will act immediately and appropriately against any such persons”, Prime Minister Browne was quoted as saying in the statement.
Friday December 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Syria ceasefire begins, but U.S. evicts Russians for spying, imposes sanctions after election hacks is shaky with early clashes
A guard screens cars entering the Russian embassy on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, U.S. yesterday. REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan (Reuters) - President Barack Obama yesterday ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian suspected spies and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies over their involvement in hacking U.S. political groups in the 2016 presidential election. The measures, taken during the last days of Obama’s presidency, mark a new postCold War low in U.S.-Russian ties, which have deteriorated over differences about Syria and Ukraine. Allegations by U.S. intelligence agencies that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally directed efforts to intervene in the U.S. election process by hacking mostly Democrats have made relations even worse. “These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behavior,” Obama said in a statement from vacation in Hawaii. “All Americans should be alarmed by Russia’s actions,” he said. It was not clear whether President-elect Donald Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin and nominated people seen as friendly toward Moscow to senior administration posts, would seek to roll back the measures once he takes office on Jan. 20. Trump has brushed aside allegations from the CIA and other intelligence agencies that Russia was behind the cyber attacks but yesterday he said he would meet with intelligence officials soon. “It’s time for our country to move on to bigger and better things,” Trump said in a statement. “Nevertheless, in the interest of our country
and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation,” he said, without mentioning Russia. The Kremlin, which denounced the sanctions as unlawful and promised “adequate” retaliation, questioned whether Trump approved of the new sanctions. Moscow denies the hacking allegations. U.S. intelligence agencies say Russia was behind hacks into Democratic Party organizations and operatives ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election. U.S. intelligence officials also say that the Russian cyber attacks were aimed at helping Trump, a Republican, defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. Should Trump seek to overturn Obama’s measures, he would likely encounter wide bipartisan Congressional opposition. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, said Russia “has consistently sought to undermine” U.S. interests and the sanctions were overdue. Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said they intended to lead effort in Congress to “impose stronger sanctions on Russia.” Opposition from Trump could generate bipartisan discord early in his administration. “This is going to be a key source of tension postinauguration,” said Eric Lorber, a senior associate at the Financial Integrity Network, which advises banks on sanctions. SPIES AND SANCTIONS Obama put sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies, the GRU and the FSB, four GRU officers and three companies “that pro-
vided material support to the GRU’s cyber operations. He said the State Department declared as “persona non grata” 35 Russian intelligence operatives and is closing two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland that were used by Russian personnel for “intelligencerelated purposes”. The State Department originally said the 35 were diplomats. The 45-acre complex in Maryland includes a Georgian-style brick mansion, swimming pool, tennis courts, and cottages for embassy staff. A senior U.S. official told Reuters the expulsions would come from the Russian embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco. The Russian embassy declined to comment. The Russians have 72 hours to leave the United States, the official said. Access to the two compounds will be denied to all Russian officials as of noon today. The State Department has long complained that Russian security agents and traffic police have harassed U.S. diplomats in Moscow, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has raised the issue with Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. The U.S. official declined to name the Russian diplomats who would be affected, although it is understood that Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Sergei Kislyak, will not be one of those expelled. Obama said the actions announced yesterday were just the beginning. “These actions are not the sum total of our response to Russia’s aggressive activities. We will continue to take a variety of actions at a time and place of our choosing, some of which will not be publicized,” Obama said.
(Reuters) - A nationwide ceasefire in Syria, brokered by Russia and Turkey which back opposing sides in the conflict, got off to a shaky start after midnight today (2200 GMT yesterday) in the latest attempt to end nearly six years of bloodshed. Russian President Vladimir Putin, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar alAssad, announced the ceasefire yesterday after forging the agreement with Turkey, a longtime backer of the opposition. Monitors and a rebel official reported clashes between insurgents and government forces along the provincial boundary between Idlib and Hama, and isolated incidents of gunfire further south less than two hours after the truce began. Warring sides appeared to have stopped firing in many other areas, however. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the United States could join the peace process once President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. He also wanted Egypt to join, together with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and the United Nations. A number of rebel groups have signed the agreement, Russia’s Defence Ministry said. Several rebel officials acknowledged the deal, and a spokesman for the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a loose alliance of insurgent groups, said it would abide by the truce. One FSA commander was optimistic about the truce deal, the third serious attempt this year at a nationwide ceasefire. “This time I have confidence in its seriousness. There is new international input,” Colonel Fares alBayoush said without elaborating. Syria’s civil war, which began when a peaceful uprising descended into violence in 2011, has resulted in more than 300,000 deaths and displaced over 11 million people, half its pre-war population. The ceasefire, in the waning days of President Barack Obama’s administration, was the first major international diplomatic initiative in the Middle East in decades not to involve the United States. PREVIOUS COLLAPSES The previous two Syria ceasefires, brokered by Cold War foes Washington and Moscow, took effect in February and September but both collapsed within weeks as warring sides accused
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Sputnik/ Michael Klimentyev/Kremlin/via REUTERS) each other of truce violations and fighting intensified. Putin said the parties were also prepared to start peace talks intended to take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Syrian state media said late on Thursday that these talks would take place “soon”. The Syrian government will be negotiating from a strong position after its army and their allies, including Shi’ite militias supported by Iran, along with Russian air power, routed rebels in their last major urban stronghold of Aleppo this month. Moscow’s air campaign since September last year has turned the civil war in Assad’s favor, and the last rebels left Aleppo for areas that are still under rebel control to the west of the city, including the province of Idlib. Before talks can take place, the ceasefire will have to hold. In a sign that the latest truce could be as challenging to maintain as its predecessors, there was confusion over which rebel groups would be covered by the ceasefire. The Syrian army said the agreement did not include the radical Islamist group Islamic State, fighters affiliated to al Qaeda’s former branch the Nusra Front, or any factions linked to those jihadist groups. But several rebel officials said the agreement did include the former Nusra Front - now known as Jabhat Fateh alSham - which announced in July that it was severing ties with al Qaeda. The powerful Islamist insurgent group Ahrar al-Sham meanwhile said it had not signed the ceasefire agreement because of “reservations”, which it would make clear in due course. ASSAD IN STRONG POSITION The deal also follows a
thaw in ties between Russia and Turkey. Talks on the latest truce picked up momentum after Russia, Iran and Turkey last week said they were ready to back a peace deal and adopted a declaration setting out principles for an agreement Putin said opposition groups and the Syrian government had signed a number of documents, including the ceasefire, measures to monitor the truce, and a statement on readiness to start peace talks. While Ankara has been a big sponsor of the rebellion, Assad’s removal has become a secondary concern to fighting the expansion of Kurdish influence in northern Syria. The chances of Assad’s opponents forcing him from power now seem more remote than at any point in the war. The United States has been sidelined in recent negotiations and is not due to attend the next round of peace talks in Kazakhstan, a key Russian ally. Its exclusion reflects growing frustration from both Turkey and Russia over Washington’s policy on Syria, officials have said. Washington said the news of a ceasefire was a positive. “We hope it will be implemented fully and respected by all parties,” U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said. James Dobbins, a former senior U.S. diplomat, said the lack of American involvement in the talks between Russia, Iran and Turkey did not preclude the United States being a major player in the region. In this case, it was frozen out because Obama leaves office in less than a month and because Turkey and Russia are at odds with the United States over its Syria policy and other issues, said Dobbins, a fellow at RAND, a research organization.
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Kaieteur News
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One skilled arc/acetylene welder, experienced in fabrication. Call: 227-1830
Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
Driver with minibus license for contract job. Living in G/ town. Call: 664-0802 Need dry cow mold average 400bags –call: 643-7193
MX 2000, 1500, 1000 Bass, MID horn, tweeter, EQ, Mixer, Juggler ETC and 1 Jacuzzi. Call: 2533070/ 654-2732 Communication towers, Guy towers, self supporting. Call: 602-6706 Milking cow with calves and breeding bull for sale. Call Faizad: 265-4333/ 654-0507 German Shepherd pups for sale -$100,000 7 weeks old, fully vaccinated with clinic card. Call: 699-6006 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 PALMS: Any variety, all sizes, we deliver and plant anywhere. Call: 643-7193
LAND FOR SALE House lot at Herstelling. Call:614-2377 Land at Eccles and Diamond, Cheap. Call:609-7766 50X198 located in Friendship E.B.D –price $4.5M (negotiable). Call: 645-6498
Early childhood care facilities...
Gold & Diamond mining block in Puruni, Ekereku, Siparuni area. Call: 668-3100
From page 11 friendly and enriching environment.” Currently there are some 7,000 children between the ages of three months and five years who are the recipients of early childhood care service, which according to Minister Lawrence, includes home-based care, day and night care, after school care and playgroup services. “It is imperative therefore that our Centres operate with minimum standards and that rigorous assessments of buildings, public health and fire facilities as well as childcare education are done to ascertain that our centres meet all the requirements.”
Female Accounts clerk, 4 years experience, apply in person with written application @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL
Hakesha Moe yesterday appeared before Magistrate Leslie Benjamin to answer to the charge of assault. The charge read that on December 8 at East Ruimveldt Front Road Georgetown, she unlawfully assaulted Looknauth Pereira, 43. Moe pleaded guilty at a sitting of the Night Court in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. She told the Court that she and Pereira had shared a relationship while her fiancé was in prison and she ended that relationship when her fiancé was released from prison. Moe further stated that on the day in question she told Pereira that she can no longer be in a relationship with him and he started to use abusive language towards her. She said she became annoyed and threw a bucket of water on him. Based on her explanation the court entered a not guilty plea. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh told the court that on the day in question Pereira was riding his bicycle along the East Ruimveldt South Road when the defendant saw him and threw a bucket of water on him. The victim of the assault then made a report to the East La Penitence Police Station where an investigation was carried out and the defendant was charged. The 22-year-old was released on her own recognizance (self bail) and she will make her next court appearance on January 5.
80X160 located in Bank’s Park, looking for 20% down payment, asking price $33M negotiable. Call: 645-6498
1 Male janitor to clean and take care of dogs. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. 1 Nanny to look after a one year old boy, must be able to feed, teach & care for a baby. Call: 641-8144
Pregnant mother of three charged for assaulting ex-lover
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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
Friday December 30, 2016
Williamsburg man reportedly beaten to death A domestic worker was yesterday found dead at Williamsburg Village, Corentyne, Berbice by children in the area. Dead is Mohan Ball, 49, who is said to be a well known individual around the village. Sister of the deceased, Raywattie Fraser, commonly known as Annie, said that she received the dreadful news at just about 14:00 hrs yesterday. “A li’l bai come and ask my husband for me. When I come the li’l bai seh how Rocky and Andy kill uncle Ball and throw him in the trench”. She related that her husband then ventured to the location where the body was allegedly located to confirm what was told to him. His worst fears were confirmed when he saw his brother-inlaw’s body partially in the trench on his back, dead. According to the man, Ball’s body bore visible marks of violence. The police were summoned to the scene and investigators commenced their investigation. Fraser, aka Annie, told
Sister, Raywattie Fraser this publication that her brother had black and blue marks on his entire back and other parts of his body. It was also swollen and
bleeding. Next to the body, she stated, was a picket which she is assuming is the instrument used to beat her brother to death. Mohan Ball was allegedly imbibing in alcohol with the two men (Rocky and Andy) but an argument broke out which led to both men putting a beating on him that ended his life. The source also told Kaieteur News that the men have been threatening to kill the domestic worker for some time now. They are also known characters in the area. Neighbours reportedly heard that the man was being beaten but were too scared to venture out to inquire. Ball was last seen Wednesday night by the persons home where he was imbibing with the two men. He was described as a funny, hardworking man in the village and leaves to mourn his three children, siblings, other relatives and friends. No-one has since been arrested as investigations continue.
Govt. to establish office in Geneva... From page 9 The Minister said that for Guyana, a member of the WTO, to ensure it is living within the rules it has agreed to, there is a need for staff that have the competence which understand the rules which have become increasingly complicated. Greenidge said that in addition to economists there is now a need for lawyers. “International trade was at one stage, almost the sole purview of economists who would have international trade, international monetary economics. Today you will find a large number of lawyers amongst any group of international trade, simply because there are so many agreements and so many principles enshrined in those trading agreements.” Greenidge said that in addition to having the government’s team properly constituted it must be prop-
erly located. He said that Guyana was once the regional representative on international trade matters but there was no officer in Geneva where discussions were taking place. He said that this placed a burden on the government to send a representative stationed in Brussels, Belgium or Georgetown and those individuals never learned the system as they should. “So we have decided to assign officers there in an Embassy, you already have an ambassador there, Ambassador Deep Ford, with extensive international experience particularly in the area of agriculture and agricultural trade. One of our officers from Washington has been assigned there to look at political matters.” To further enhance trade, Greenidge said that his ministry has been working along with other bilateral partners
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within the Caribbean and Latin America region. He said that this is important for encouraging investment. These measures include visa arrangements and visa waivers for persons travelling. According to the Minister, this is important since the development of Guyana will not solely depend on locals but the input of others who wish to enter the country. He said that if Guyana plans to survive mainly on the basis of its numbers, the country will not get very far and this therefore calls for economic integration.
No reported water borne diseases after flooding – G/Town M&CC With all that has happened relating to the flooding last Friday in Georgetown due to heavy rainfall, there has been no report so far about any increase in water borne diseases of diarrhoea and vomiting, but persons still have to be on the alert. The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown held their final statutory meeting for the year on Wednesday, at City Hall on Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic. The Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia ChaseGreen, said that they would have to start doing some public awareness as it regards containers in yards that would have accumulated water which would then lead to the breeding of mosquitoes. Chase-Green said that the council is appealing to the Public Relations Sector to do its work in promoting public awareness and putting out alerts for the zika and other mosquito borne diseases. The Mayor said that over the weekend, there have been lots of persons who have taken the opportunity to do illegal construction. “It was a long weekend and I hope that those reports that were sent to the Engineer’s department would be acted upon as early as possible. In some cases we would avoid some disasters. If we leave those illegal structures up you know what happens”. For 2017 the council agreed that all hair dressers, barbershops and cosmetologists must register with the Town Clerk’s office. So far, only one barber and one hairdresser would have registered; this is according to the Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green. The Mayor further said, “and
Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green there will be no cosmetology done on the streets of Georgetown”. “There will be no selling on the civic square, this decision of the Council still remains. Persons at the Parliament View mall have up until 31 December 2016, to be removed,” Chase-Green said. A meeting is still to be conducted for the way forward for the vendors. Persons would have agreed that while they are being allowed to sell right now in some areas that were not permitted, they will be replaced in other areas. The Council also made a decision to have the cosmetologists removed from the Merriman’s Mall; “I don’t know how many of them would have done anything for themselves,” Chase-Green said. The Mayor went on to say that the Merriman’s mall is like a “shanty-town”. According to Councillor Yvonne Ferguson who report-
edly had a discussion with the cosmetologists at Merriman’s Mall, said that they (cosmetologists) are willing to pay a weekly or monthly fee to maybe construct a permanent area where they can all still continue their businesses. However, the Mayor said that this will have to be determined by the Market Public Health Committee, and they will also have to be working in collaboration with the Engineer department to determine what type of structure the vendors would need. “Also you will have to look at sanitary facilities to be added to the area also, but again it is a proposal coming from you (Yvonne Ferguson) and not from them (cosmetologists). They (cosmetologists) have said nothing to the Council since we would have made our decision but if they are desirous about any other decision, they need to write or do a petition to the Town Clerk,” the Mayor further said.
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Kaieteur News
Friday December 30, 2016
Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Argentine court revives bombing cover-up case against Fernandez An Argentine appeals court yesterday revived a case accusing former President Christina Fernandez of trying to cover up Iran’s alleged role in the bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish center in 1994. The prosecutor who first brought the allegation, Alberto Nisman, died mysteriously in January 2015, and a judge later threw the case out for lack of evidence. But that ruling was revoked yesterday, opening Fernandez to prosecution. “The evidence does not allow for a clear dismissal of the possible commission of illicit acts,” the country’s official CIJ Judicial Information Center said in a statement. “The accusations must be weighed in advance of dismissal.” Argentine courts have accused Iran of sponsoring the attack, which killed 85 people at the AMIA Jewish community center. Nisman was found in his home shot through the head days after accusing Fernandez of trying to derail
the bombing investigation as part of a plan to close the country’s energy gap by trading Argentine grains for Iranian oil. She dismisses the charge as absurd. Nisman’s death was initially classified as a suicide, but an official investigating the case said early this year that the evidence pointed to homicide. The hard-charging prosecutor was just hours away from a scheduled appearance in Congress to brief lawmakers on his accusations against Fernandez when his body was found on the floor of his
apartment, a 22-caliber pistol by his side. Iran has repeatedly denied any link to the bombing, and an Argentine judge in February 2015 dismissed Nisman’s accusations as baseless. A review panel later agreed by a 2-1 vote, finding insufficient evidence to formally investigate Fernandez. She has faced several criminal charges since leaving office a year ago. She was indicted this week on charges arising from allegations she and top officials from her administration skimmed money intended for public works projects.
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Friday December 30, 2016
Friday December 30, 2016
Haiti postpones release official election results
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC - Electoral officials in Haiti have delayed the publication of the final, certified results of last month’s disputed presidential election Late Wednesday the authorities announced that they will release the results on January 3. A preliminary tally gave a big victory to Jovenel Moise, the candidate backed by Haiti’s previous president. He topped his closest challenger by more than 385,000 votes in the election. Only 21 per cent of Haiti’s voters participated in the election, which was called after an October 2015 election was annulled when a special commission reported finding what appeared to be significant fraud and misconduct. Moise also
finished first in that vote count. Officials said the results of legislative races will be published starting yesterday. Last week, the Electoral Court ordered a review of the preliminary results of the elections, handing a lifeline to three political parties that have been challenging the victory of businessman Jovenelle Moise. President of the Chamber of Deputies, Cholzer Chancy, then called on the CEP to publish the final results of the presidential election on 29 December as scheduled on the electoral calendar. Deputy of Delmas Gary Bodeau, who is also the Quaestor of the Office of the Lower House, said the strategy of dragging the electoral
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process beyond the 7th of February to prevent the installation of the Presidentelect is undemocratic. The Electoral Court in its ruling ordered that 12 per cent of randomly drawn presidential minutes be verified and that the verification exercise be carried out in the presence of the parties concerned and the national and international electoral observation organizations. The court had set no deadline for completing the process. Haiti has been without an elected head of state ever since Michel Martelly left office in February. The country is being run by Interim President Jocelerme Privert, who has called on all parties to accept the results of the poll.
Someone once said that division is caused more by impatience than by a conflict in creed.
UN says 2016 filled with challenges, milestones for the C’bean, int’l community UNITED NATIONS, CMC – The United Nations says 2016 was filled with challenges and milestones for the Caribbean and the international community in general. On Wednesday, in its End-of-Year Report, the UN said while 2016 marked the hottest year on record, there were “critical breakthroughs, such as the historic Paris Agreement on climate change, entering into force faster than any other UN treaty.” The UN noted that governments, as well as stakeholders from the private sector, agreed in 2016 on a plan to control carbon dioxide emissions from international avia-
tion. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also came into force this year, with calls for greater efforts towards their implementation. Also this year, which marks his last at the helm of the United Nations, SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon apologized to the people of Haiti for the world body’s role in failing to properly address the cholera epidemic that has claimed the lives of at least 9,000 Haitians since 2010. In addition, Ban announced a US$400 million two-track plan to stem the outbreak of cholera in Haiti and provide long-term support for
those affected. Yet, the UN said “serious challenges remain on the international community’s agenda” – especially in Syria, South Sudan and Yemen – “with Secretary-General Ban calling for unity and consensus among UN Member States in order to resolve these and other conflicts around the world.” Meanwhile, at the United Nations, the former Prime Minister of Portugal and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, was selected as the new UN SecretaryGeneral. He pledged to “move away from fear and focus on rebuilding trust globally.”
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Friday December 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Woods worth $740 million, Loose dismissals harm Sri Lanka in.. end. His 58 had displayed a South Africa took the new page 35) Jordan a billionaire says Forbes (From a back-foot whip off vast range of shots - notable ball as soon as it was due, and
Golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and former NBA player Michael Jordan are among the 20 wealthiest American celebrities, Forbes reported on Wednesday. Woods, 40, is the youngest person on the Forbes top-20 list, with a net worth estimated at $740 million. The 14-times major champion, who trails only Jack Nicklaus (18 majors) on the all-time list, recently launched a competitive comeback after being sidelined for more than 15 months while recovering from back surgery. Woods who went through a costly divorce in 2010 and lost several sponsors after revelations of multiple infidelity, is seventh on the list, while Mickelson is 18th, with an estimated worth of $375 million. Jordan, 53, who retired in 2003 with the mantle of arguably the greatest basketballer, is worth $1.2 billion accord-
Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan yells at an official in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center. Jeremy BrevardUSA TODAY Sports ing to the magazine, good for fourth on the list, which is topped by filmmaker George Lucas ($4.6 billion). Forbes says eligibility for the list was limited to United States citizens who are rich
because of their fame, rather than famous because they are rich. According to Forbes, President-elect Donald Trump belongs in the latter category. (Reuters)
Agar’s last-ball six seals... (From page 34) to begin the stall; his four overs cost just 25, and he had White caught at deep midwicket. A tale of two brothers - A fine night for Mitchell, but not so much for Shaun, as both
look to hustle their way back into the Australian squad for the final Test of the summer, which will be named on Friday. Shaun has fond memories of this ground, having put on 171 with Klinger last year to seal that 10-wicket win.
The pair extended their unbeaten run to 207, but Shaun struggled on Thursday. His tortuous seven took 14 balls, with just three of them resulting in runs. There was one lovely slash through point for four and drive through mid-off for two; the rest was a tale of ugly timing. Mitchell had a much better night. The allrounder kicked things off with a fine spell of bowling, hammering away at a length for four overs, and picking up a wicket - Ferguson, the man who very briefly replaced him in the Test side - with his final ball. He took two fine catches - on the fence at third man to see off Tom Cooper, and at deep square leg where he was picked out by Peter Nevill - to boot. Mitchell’s brutal knock took the Scorchers to within seven runs of a win, before he dragged himself from the field having holed out. Fortunately for him, Agar saved his blushes. (ESPNCricinfo)
Maharaj took him to 25 off 27 balls. Then, with Vernon Philander returning to the attack, Mathews made a strategic retreat, scoring only six runs off the next 29 balls he faced. He was perhaps mindful that he needed to be at the crease when the second new ball became available on a pitch where the old ball was doing almost nothing. By then, though, Silva had fallen to the daftest of shots, taking on the returning Rabada’s aroundthe-wicket attack by making himself room and looking to ramp over the slips. All he managed was an edge to the keeper. Mendis’ innings had always promised that sort of
among them an off-drive off Philander and a number of sweeps off Maharaj - but also a tinge of impetuosity. In the over before his dismissal, he had run down the track to Maharaj and looked to hit him over midon, mistimed his shot horribly, and fortuitously managed to hit the fielder on the bounce. Chandimal didn’t learn from Mendis’ close shave against Maharaj. Having already been dropped once while going after the left-arm spinner - Dean Elgar putting him down at short extra-cover - he tried it again, with the new ball 2.4 overs away, and spooned the ball straight to mid-on.
came very close very early. Abbott, starting the 82nd over of Sri Lanka’s innings, caught Dhananjaya de Silva shuffling too far across his stumps, and Bruce Oxenford upheld his lbw appeal immediately. De Silva reviewed perhaps more in desperation than any real hope of getting the decision overturned - and ball-tracking saved him, suggesting the ball would have carried on to miss leg stump. Sri Lanka 205 and 240 for 5 (Mendis 58, Mathews 58*) need another 248 runs to beat South Africa 286 and 406 for 6 dec (Cook 117, de Kock 69, du Plessis 67*, Elgar 52) (ESPNCricinfo)
Friday December, 30 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can get your point across if you don't beat around the bush. You can make adjustments in your domestic scene today. Organize social events or family gatherings.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's time to reevaluate your own motives and make changes to yourself first. Talk to your emotional partner about your intentions. Snap out of it.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You have a real need to be vocal. Opportunities to get involved in self improvement projects will be rewarding. You will have a little more energy than usual.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Do not blow situations out of proportion. Socializing or travel will lead to partnerships. Be sure to question any detail that you feel could leave you in a precarious position at a later date.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't second guess yourself, just go to it. Don't let emotional upset force you into the poorhouse. You'll find love and you'll get into tiptop shape at the same time. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Real estate investments could be to your advantage. You will have an inaccurate assessment of your status in society. Cultural activities will prove to be quite enlightening for everyone. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will be quite excitable today. Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to. A lot can be accomplished if you organize your time. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you move. Your boss may be pushy. You can expect sorrow to evolve from the information you discover.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Take precautions while traveling; you don't have to get anywhere that fast. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Deception is probable if you don't use discrimination. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Residential moves will also be advantageous for all concerned. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your ability to talk circles around your colleagues will help you forge ahead in the workforce. Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof. You may get upset with peers or relatives. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Try to be reasonable. Uncertainties about your home may cause tension. Opportunities for romance may develop through dealing with groups that have a purpose.
Friday December 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Barcelona star Neymar takes part in charity match in Brazil as he prepares to return from winter break Neymar (right) goes around 40-year-old former goalkeeper Gleguer at the Maracana
The 24-year-old (left) and Marinho help pick up Zico during the Rio de Janeiro fixture
Neymar took to the Maracana Stadium pitch once again yesterday as he partook in charity match ‘The Game of the Stars’ in Rio de Janeiro. The Barcelona attacker lined-up alongside the likes of ex-Brazil icon Zico in the light-hearted fixture in honour of the Chapecoense players who died in an
aeroplane crash on N o v e m b e r 2 8 . A chartered plane was carrying Chapecoense to the opening match in the Copa Sudamericana tournament’s finals when it crashed outside Medellin, Colombia, killing 71 of the 77 people on board. During the match, Neymar was pictured
performing a dance routine celebration alongside teammate for the day, Marinho - a 26-year-old attacking midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A side, Vitoria. Neymar had earlier in the day uploaded a candid photograph to Instagram as he continues to enjoy his winter break in Mangaratiba,
Costa Verde. Posing topless, wearing a matching bucket hat and swimming shorts combo, the 24-year-old looked deep in thought, perhaps plotting Barca’s way back to the top of La Liga. Luis Enrique’s men are currently sitting in second place in the domestic table, three points behind archrivals Real Madrid, having
also played a game more. Neymar does not have long left of his holiday before the Blaugrana return to action, with their first game back a Copa del Rey round of 16 fixture against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium on Thursday, January 5. Brazilian maestro Neymar has endured a mixed season in
which his discipline has been called into question, having accumulated eight yellow cards in just 18 appearances in all competitions. Neymar has scored six goals in total but has failed to find the back of the net in his past nine games, so will be hoping to end that drought if picked in Bilbao. (MailOnline)
Qatar World Cup construction workers to get ‘cooling’ hats Migrant workers building soccer stadiums in Qatar’s desert heat are to be given ‘cooling’ hard hats to reduce their body temperature and risk of suffering heat stroke, tournament organisers said. Scientists at Qatar University designed the solar-powered hard hats to improve conditions for 2022 World Cup laborers who rights groups say have suffered abuses. A fan in the top of the helmet blows air over a cold pack onto the person’s face reducing skin temperature by up to 10 degrees centigrade, said Saud Ghani, an engineering professor at Qatar University. ”Our objective was to reduce heat stress and heat strokes for workers in Qatar and the region,” said Ghani. About 5,100 construction workers from Nepal, India and Bangladesh are building stadiums in the wealthy Gulf Arab state which has drawn charges by human rights groups of labor abuse, including poor safety at work and squalid living conditions. Summer temperatures in Qatar can reach 50 degrees
Migrant labourers work at a construction site at the Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar, March 26, 2016. REUTERS/Naseem Zeitoon/File Photo and Doha enforces a ban on outdoor work for several hours a day during the hottest months of the year. But migrant workers have complained about heat exhaustion and dehyrdration while working in summer.
Around 260 migrant workers from India died in the whole of Qatar in 2015, according to figures from the Indian embassy in Doha seen by Reuters. In May an Indian laborer died of a heart attack while performing steel work
on a World Cup stadium in Doha in an incident officials denied was caused by working conditions. The helmets, which can provide cooling in hot temperatures for up to four hours, will be introduced at all
World Cup building sites next summer, said an official from Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the body overseeing the tournament’s organisation. American athletes have used body-based cooling
technology including “ice hats” to improve their performance but this would be the first time the technology has been used on a widescale basis in construction. (Reuters)
Kaieteur News
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Friday December 30, 2016
Agar’s last-ball six seals thriller for Scorchers Perth Scorchers have played Melbourne Renegades six times, and won the lot. Last year, in this very fixture, they recorded the BBL’s first ever 10wicket win. This time, they won, but it was not that simple. It required a swatted six from Ashton Agar with the game’s final ball, a full toss bowled by Aaron Finch (yes, you read that right). Scorchers required nine from the final over, and Finch dismissed the set man
Mitchell Marsh, caught at long-on off another full toss, and Adam Voges, run out by a direct hit trying to pinch a single. Agar, who had faced just two balls, required three off the last, and smote high and handsome over cow corner for six. It was a remarkable conclusion. Klinging in the rain One of the great joys of the BBL is that it has made household names of the likes of Michael Klinger, who rightly or wrongly - has
never played international cricket. Klinger, the BBL’s most prolific batsmen ever, has been the Man of the Match (with 105 then 91, both unbeaten) in the Scorchers’ last three wins over the Renegades and, with rain falling outside and the roof on, played the game’s defining hand here. His 72 was a triumph of functionality and calmness as he set Scorchers up to cruise home with overs to spare; alas, it was not that easy. He found the boundary
Warriors spoil DeRozan’s record achievement
Ashton Agar celebrates with Sam Whiteman after smashing a six off the last ball © Cricket Australia/Getty Images with ease, not least when he launched Brad Hogg over long-off for a six that took him to 50 and nonchalantly flicked Nathan Rimmington over fine leg with the same result. Everyone in the stadium was surprised when his leading edge floated back to Sunil Narine with victory in sight. The Renegades had finally dismissed Klinger after 173 balls. Why on earth was Aaron Finch bowling the final over? The Renegades’ best laid plans went to waste when Dwayne Bravo
suffered a game-ending - and perhaps worse? - hamstring injury fielding in the 11th over of the Scorchers’ chase. At that stage they were one down and needed 81 off 57. Bravo had bowled just one over; the loss of his three overs meant the misfiring Nathan Rimmington had to be bowled out (at a cost of 45) and Finch had to bowl two. Briefly, remarkably, it looked like they might have got away with it. Tu r n e r ’ s t u r n Offspinner Ashton Turner’s name is as fine a case of nominative determinism as
cricket can currently offer. A n y w a y, s p i n h a s historically played a big role at Docklands Stadium, and his excellent performance set the path for the rest of the game. Turner’s first over only fuelled the Renegades’ excellent start, as Marcus Harris thumped him for two fours. Adam Voges persisted with Turner, and that paid dividends when Harris topedged a sweep to deep midwicket. After Cameron White and Callum Ferguson put on 50, back came Turner (Continued on page 32)
Anthony ejected for flagrant foul as Knicks fall to Hawks Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23). Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The Sports Xchange Klay Thompson scored 12 of his 21 points in Golden State’s 42-point first quarter o n We d n e s d a y, w h i c h propelled the Warriors to a 121-111 victory over the To r o n t o R a p t o r s . Despite seeing a seven-game road winning streak end, the Raptors experienced a historic moment when DeMar DeRozan became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Chris Bosh with the 15th of his team-high 29 points. DeRozan, currently in his eighth NBA season, finished the game with 10,290 career points, 15 more than Bosh, who played his first seven seasons for Toronto. Kyle Lowry recorded a 27-point, 11-assist double-double, and Terrence Ross dropped in 24
points off the bench, but it was not nearly enough firepower. Kevin Durant had a 22point, 17-rebound doubledouble, and Stephen Curry poured in 28 points for the Warriors, who were coming off a 109-108 loss at Cleveland on Dec. 25. Draymond Green had 14 points and 10 assists for Golden State. Durant added seven assists and six blocked shots. The Warriors’ win was never seriously in doubt after they buried nine of their first 10 shots en route to a 224 lead just 4:41 into the game. Thompson connected on a pair of three-pointers and eight points in all during the burst. Durant and Curry also hit three-pointers in the flurry.
The Raptors rallied within five in the second quarter on the strength of 13 points from Lowry and 12 from Ross. Golden State countered with a 14-2 run to finish the half, getting a pair of threepointers from Durant while pushing the advantage back to 72-55 before the i n t e r m i s s i o n . Toronto closed within 10 in the third quarter and then to 114-109 with 3:01 to play with a 15-2 run capped by a DeMarre Carroll layup. However, Carroll and Ross misfired on three-pointers with a chance to cut the deficit to two, and Curry, fouled after grabbing an offensive rebound, hit a pair of free throws with 2:04 to go, extending the lead to 116-109.
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to shoot while guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Malcolm Delaney (5). Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports N e w Yo r k K n i c k s forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected for a flagrant foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday as tempers flared again in the National Basketball Association. The nine-times All-Star was given his marching orders in the second quarter for hitting Atlanta’s Thabo Sefolosha in
the head with his right hand as they jostled anticipating a rebound. Anthony did not speak to the media afterwards, but Sefolosha pulled no metaphorical punches. ”He punched me,” the Swiss said, according to ESPN. “That was a fist right to my face.” The Hawks beat the Knicks 102-98 in
overtime. It was the second ejection this season for Anthony, the previous coming against the Boston C e l t i c s o n N o v. 1 1 . Anthony’s ejection came after a spiteful game on Tuesday between Houston and Dallas finished with eight flagrant fouls called. (Reuters)
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Smith hits ton, Australia take lead, rain comes down A u s t r a l i a ’s c a p t a i n Steven Smith beat encroaching bad weather by a matter of minutes to post his 17th Test hundred before a monsoonal downpour all but ensured a drawn Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Moments after Smith reached his 100, the umpires suspended play, a decision followed soon after by a deluge that was more tropical Brisbane than Melbourne’s more typical southerly climate. It would take a pair of highly imaginative declarations from here to manufacture a result, with the hosts likely to be happy to sit on their 1-0 series lead. Smith’s ease at the crease contrasted with two more low scores for Nic Maddinson and Matthew Wade, neither of whom can be sure of their places in the
XI, and made life difficult for the visitors who were also inconvenienced when Azhar Ali was helped from the field after suffering a stunning blow to the helmet when fielding at short leg. Usman Khawaja fell three runs short of a century for the second time this summer but the emerging No. 5 Peter Handscomb also made a useful contribution in Smith’s company before the monsoonal rain arrived. Whether either side is inclined to creativity to set-up a final-day run chase from here is a matter for conjecture As he had done in the Perth Test against South Africa, Khawaja made it to 97 before being dismissed, this time trying to cover drive Wahab Riaz and edging through to Sarfraz Ahmed. He had shelved the stroke when making an excellent
century against South Africa under lights in Adelaide. That wicket brought the Victorian Handscomb to the crease on his home ground, and he showed plenty of attacking intent to outpace Smith and close the gap with the visitors’ total. On a pitch offering precious little to the bowlers, Pakistan reverted largely to a short-pitched angle of attack with a legside field. Neither Handscomb nor Smith had too many awkward moments before the second new ball was taken, the former passing 50 for the third time in as many Te s t s . H o w e v e r i n Mohammad Amir’s first over with the fresh projectile, Handscomb was beaten by one delivery then, next ball, pushed a difficult return catch back to the bowler, who dropped it.
While Amir continued to bowl well, it was Sohail Khan who claimed the wicket, when Handscomb sliced an attempted drive to backward point. Maddinson accompanied Smith to lunch and made it as far as 22 after it, before yorking himself when dancing down the wicket to Yasir Shah to be bowled. Wade connected with several meaty blows, one of which felled the double-centurion Azhar at bad pad, before he edged Sohail Khan to depart for another underwhelming score. It was around this time that the weather began to close in on the ground, and the umpires conferred over the matter of bad light before Smith forced one through an off-side gap for three runs to go to his
Steven Smith raises his bat after reaching his century © Getty Images second century in as many Tests. That, then, was more or less that. A further 42 scheduled overs were lost from the match, meaning a more
optimistic weather forecast for day five is most probably a m o o t p o i n t . Australia 6 for 465 (Smith 1 0 0 * , S t a rc 7 * ) l e a d Pakistan 9 for 443 dec by 22 runs
Loose dismissals harm Sri Lanka in 488 chase A succession of soft dismissals left Sri Lanka in danger of a big defeat in the first Test despite their batsmen, almost without exception, looking comfortable at the crease in their pursuit of 488. No team has successfully chased more than 418 to win a Test match, but Sri Lanka suggested they were capable of giving South Africa a serious scare only to gift away four of the five wickets they lost on day four. Angelo Mathews, who witnessed two of these gifted wickets from the nonstriker’s end, was batting on 58 at stumps, and with him was Dhananjaya de Silva on 9. A mix-up between Dimuth Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva ended an 87-run stand for the first wicket, while a moment of overconfidence cost Kusal Mendis his wicket after he had added 75 for the fourth wicket with Mathews. Kusal Perera and Dinesh Chandimal frittered away their wickets as well, and at stumps, 248 adrift of their target, Sri Lanka were left counting what-ifs, with an entire day remaining on a pitch that seemed to have flattened out entirely after starting out as a green seamer. South Africa declared 10.5 overs into the morning session, after Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada leap around in joy after Kusal Mendis’ wicket © AFP and Quinton de Kock had completed half-centuries and stretched their overnight partnership to 129. The declaration arrived when Rangana Herath had de Kock lbw for 69, missing a sweep against a ball that was probably too full and too close to off stump to play the shot against safely. Both Sri Lankan openers missed out on half-centuries, but showed they had worked on the weaknesses that had
caused their first-innings dismissals. Silva was eventually lbw for the second time in the match when Rabada nipped one into him after tea, but had till then shown improved balance and alignment while dealing w i t h S o u t h A f r i c a ’s concerted effort to attack his stumps, and had looked particularly good while driving straight. Rabada’s extra pace and
bounce had discomfited him a couple of times before that. Before lunch, he had gloved a rising ball, managing to drop his bottom hand and keep the ball down in front of Quinton de Kock diving to his right behind the stumps. Then, in the second session, he had taken a blow to the shoulder while ducking into a bouncer delivered from wide of the crease. Karunaratne, apart from a couple of moments when
he lost concentration, was alive to the danger of playing away from his body. The seamers looked to get him nibbling with the angle across him, and then tried to go around the wicket as well, but he handled both lines well, making sure his hands didn’t follow the ball when he was beaten. He was just getting into stride when he was dismissed, having moved from 20 off 90 balls to 43 off 113.
He had hit three fours in that period of acceleration, including a sweetly-timed flick off Philander and a reverse-sweep off Maharaj immediately after the leftarm spinner had got one to spit at him out of the rough. The opening stand ended when Silva pushed Maharaj into the covers and set off immediately. Karunaratne responded after a moment’s hesitation, and that little stutter was enough to find him short of his crease when he dived to beat JP Duminy’s t h r o w t o t h e k e e p e r. Then Perera, his place at No. 3 in question after his dismissal to a wild slash in the first innings, fell to another injudicious stroke, top-edging a cut against the turn off Maharaj when he was getting consistent turn and bounce out of the rough. When Mathews walked in, Sri Lanka had lost three wickets for 31 runs either side of tea, but he immediately showed the positive intent of a man with a fourth-innings average of 69.37, rotating the strike comfortably at the start before stepping out to his 17th ball and drilling Keshav Maharaj back past him for four. Rabada fed him a wide long-hop and a full-toss in the next over, and he put both away to the boundary, before (Continued on page 32)
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Friday December 30, 2016
GFF Head wants sponsorship to overlap 4-Year Term Pleased with men’s senior team and Youth Development work by TD GFF President Wayne Forde (2nd right) shares the head table at yesterday’s yearend Media brief with from right, Dion Inniss, Keith Ojeer and Debra Francis.
By Sean Devers The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) held its year-end press conference at their Headquarters in Section K Campbellville yesterday morning with President Wayne Forde, Communications Officer Debra Francis and Executives Dion Inniss and Keith Ojeer giving a review of local Football in 2016 and fielding questions from the Media. Forde informed that the GFF/NAMILO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Intra Association U-17 tournament which engaged youths across Guyana in active weekly competition and was used to select players for CFU U-17 Men’s tournament attracted a sponsorship deal worth $30 Million over a five year period. ”We are looking for long term sponsorship which will overlap the four-year term of office, so even if there is a change of administration the new body will not have to disrupt the game since they will have money for one year” said Forde, who described 2016 as breathtaking for Football despite challenging circumstances at times. NAMILCO is the first sponsor to ink such a deal but there were a few hiccups including Referees and the condition of some venues. Forde said the tournament was a success since the GFF is now more equipped to deal with the short comings encountered this year. The GFF top man disclosed that he was not completely
satisfied with the way the NAMICLO leagues were ran by the Associations. ”It’s very likely that the GFF will take control of all youth football sanctioned by GFF. All Associations have completed the first phase of the tournament while the second phase will start in February” Forde informed. Forde, who thanked the Media, Sponsors and Government for their support in 2016, said that another pleasing aspect for this year was the Senior Men’s Team and Youth Development work by new Technical Director (TD), Englishman Ian Greenwood. Tw o I n t e r n a t i o n a l Friendly matches were played while the National Men’s team rose by 27 places in the FIFA/CocaCola ranking, moving from 161st in January to 132nd at t h e e n d o f t h e y e a r. The 31-year-old Greenwood, who replaced Claude Bolton after he resigned earlier this year, is on a four-year contract and is in charge of all aspects of Guyana’s football but has placed emphasis on youth development which is his forte. Forde noted the biggest disappointment for him during the year was the issue following the addition of two teams to the Stag Elite League (SEL), which resulted in the pulling out of four teams including the top two, reducing the number of teams to six. Forde said fundamental changes are needed if Guyana’s football is to rise, adding that Coaching is very
important since the GFF’s goal is to qualify for the World Cup. According to the GFF Head, there are two views of how to revive the local game. One is to do more promotion and attract bigger crowds with off the field entertainment while the other is to invest in the product which is the players. ”I believe that while creating an atmosphere with big crowds inspires the players, my view is that if we invest in building a quality product by raising the standard of
play with better coaching and facilities then the fans will come out if they know they will see quality Football,” Forde opined. He reveled that in 2017 a new model for the senior Men’s team will be seen along with the integration of the overseas female players with the ones living here since the GFF has to take deliberate steps to focus on the local girls. Forde was high in praise for Amerindian Affairs Minister Valarie Lowe who has played a major role in
The Golden Jaguars starting X1 against Jamaica on October 12, 2016
getting players from the Hinterland to the City for Camps which saves the GFF a lot of money. Francis informed that in June ‘Reds’ Perrier held a short Media workshop with football reporters as the GFF tried to improve every aspect of the game including reporting on it. All Key positions will be advertised while the new General Secretary will be announced on January 2 after several applications were revived. It was also disclosed that the position of National
Coach, left vacant by the d e p a r t u r e Tr i n i d a d i a n Jamaal Shabazz, will be filled in the second quarter of the New Year with the Assistant Coach working with team in the meantime. The GFF touched on several areas of achievements for 2016 including Capacity Building, Tournaments, Game Management, Community Relations , Partner Engagements, Participation in Conferences and National Football engagements.
Friday December 30, 2016
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Nicaragua edge T&T T&T in friendly Managua, Nicaragua – Nicaragua scored a goal in each half to earn a 2-1 win over visiting Trinidad & Tobago in an international friendly on Tuesday night at the Estadio Nacional de Futbol. It was the host’s firstever win over the Caribbean power in four attempts. The sides will meet again at the same venue today. Luis Peralta gave Nicaragua a 1-0 in the third minute, when he headed Manuel Rosas’ leftsided cross into the right side of the net. Two minutes into the second half, Daniel Cadena doubled the advantage with a stunning left-footed, halfvolley from 35-yards out that sailed over the head of goalkeeper Adrian Foncette. T&T, playing its first match under new head coach Tom Saintfiet, became more cohesive and nearly cut into the deficit, but a Nathan Lewis free kick skimmed off t h e c r o s s b a r .
Hashim Arcia got the Soca Warriors on the scoreboard in the 75th minute, firing a low, 20-yard diagonal shot beyond right-diving goalkeeper Justo Lorente. ”As a coach you don’t like to lose,” said Saintfiet. “I am disappointed with the result but I can’t be too disappointed in the performance of the team. Nicaragua were full strength and naturally we missed a lot of players. We gave some opportunities for players to make their debuts with a lot of young players in the squad and it was the first game after only two weeks in training together.” Nicaragua is using the twomatch series as preparation f o r t h e C o p a Centroamericana, while T&T is getting ready the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup fifthp l a c e p l a y o ff . Both competitions take place next month. (CONCACAF)
WICB pays tribute to Sir Dwight Venner Sir K. Dwight Venner
St John”s, Antigua – The Board of Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) would like to pay tribute to the late Sir K Dwight Venner, the former Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. He died last Thursday (December 22) in St Lucia. Sir Dwight could be described as “the quintessential supporter of West Indies Cricket. He loved the sport and often admitted that to become a member of the West Indies Cricket Team was one of his childhood dreams. He appreciated the challenges of the West Indies Cricket Board especially because he was such a dedicated regionalist,” said one Director, who worked
closely with him. ”He was an eternal optimist focusing on what’s next to improve the lives and livelihoods of our West Indian society. He was most of all a humble, caring, and very generous man. His unparalleled contributions in his field would prove to set many challenging standards for many decades t o c o m e . ” The entire Board of Directors agree that “this region has lost a great leader but the anchor of his irrefutable legacy will forever hold in the annals of West Indian history.” The Board wishes to extend sympathies to his immediate and extended family. (WICB)
Action in the Trinidad & Tobago and Nicaragua international friendly on last Tuesday in Managua. (Photo: TTFF Media)
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Friday December 30, 2016
Revlon Lake opens Boxing gym in Wakenaam By Zaheer Mohamed Sports play an integral role in the development of society and as such adequate facilitates are needed. It is a fact that some of the most talented athletes hail from rural areas, but due to the lack of suitable facilities, some have no choice but to develop their trade in the city. This is the main reason Guyanese Lightweight boxer Revlon Lake decided to open a boxing in the Essequibo River island of Wakenaam. With the help of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council, the gym was officially opened on Tuesday last in the village of Maria Johanna where Lake was born. Already the gym has attracted a number of youths both male and female and the 37-year old Lake told Kaieteur Sport that he is confident they can develop into excellent boxers. ”I am impressed with the talent of the youths here; they have shown a special interest in the sport and my aim is to give them an opportunity to hone their skills,” he said. Lake who attended the
Revlon Lake and overseas based Guyanese Molly Lee share a moment in the gym.
A young boxer tries his hands at the punching bag. Essequibo Islands Secondary School in Wakenaam, started his professional career in April 2005 at the Guyana Defence Force gym. He has a record of 26 fights, 15 losses, 9 wins 1 KO and 2 draws. His last victory on local soil came against Miguel Antoine of Barbados in February at the Giftland Mall while his last success overseas came against Anthony Woods of the Bahamas in March in Jamaica. Lake stated that while he will register the gym with the
Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), he will also look at the possibility of having coaches conducting training sessions on the island adding that the response from the public has been encouraging. ”One of our objectives is to compete in national junior tournaments and with the help of the boxing fraternity I am hoping to do so as early as possible,” he posited. Lake pointed out that a number of residents of Wakenaam have engaged him in staging a card there and he is hoping that they
can pull it off in the near future. The still active boxer expressed gratitude to Director of Sport Christopher Jones and the Wakenaam NDC for their support and is looking forward to their continued backing as well as support from the business community. Overseas based Guyanese Molly Lee who also hails from the community said she is happy to see Lake giving back to the community. “This is a wonderful initiative; it will keep the youths
meaningfully occupied which will help them to become rounded individuals,” she related. Councilor Eric Lake who is also a member of the gym stated that this initiative will be of tremendous benefit the community. “The youths here are excited about the initiative and once we get the cooperation from the boxing fraternity, I am confident they will do us proud,” he said. Among the sports persons that hail from the island are former track stars Yuvraj and Yougeshwar
Jaichand, powerlifter Mark Richard Seymour, current national sprint queen Alita Moore, Nkosi Dezzell who currently holds the national schools record for the Under-12 200m and 400m, National Schools Under-14 (cycle) champion girl Cyanna Retemiah, former national schools javelin and shot-put champion Kleon S p e l l e n , f o r m e r Te s t cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ricardo Adams, West Indies Under-19 World Cup winning Vice Captain Keemo Paul and former Karate champion, Freddy Coates.
Friday December 30, 2016
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Bakewell Christmas Village/Christmas Charity Programme deemed a success
Many of the children that attended the multi-million dollar charity programme.
The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth And Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Sunday last signed off their most productive year with the completion of the 2nd annual Bakewell Christmas Village and 26th annual Christmas Charity Programme. The teams: Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division along with their parent body – the RHTY&SC, M.S created a new Club record of successfully hosting 453 activities/projects during 2016 which represents a total of 153 more than original t a r g e t o f 3 0 0 . The Bakewell Christmas Village was held in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School from December 21 to the early morning of Christmas Day. Heavy rains on Friday
December 23rd forced the organisers to close the Vi l l a g e o n t h a t d a y. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster described the event as a resounding success as thousands of excited children and their parents visited the Christmas Village over the three day period. The entire school compound was transformed into a fairyland with fairy lights along with blow up Christmas Characters among other amenities. Foster informed that the Christmas Village achieved all of its objectives which were promoting the tradition of Christmas, promote social cohesion among residents, providing clean and safe entertainment for families, attract tourists/visitors to the township and promoting the Club’s Say NO/Say Yes M e s s a g e . The event was sponsored by Bakery giants Bakewell along with support from Mohindra Persaud of Nand Persaud Co. Ltd, Surendra
Ganesh of NPG, The Nero Family of the USA, Balram Shane General Store, Guysuco Training Centre, Ministry of Education, Guyana Beverage Company, Republic Bank and LRTVS CH 10. The Guyana Prison Service also assisted in the preparation of the Village. Meanwhile, the club’s cricket teams also hosted their annual multi-million dollar charity programme for youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Among the programmes held were the F e e d i n g o f t h e P o o r, distribution of hampers to senior citizens, distribution of clothing and footwear, sharing our of toys to hundreds of children, children get together and assisting sixteen NGO’s/Churches with toys and food hampers. The main objectives of the programme are to spread goodwill among residents, to get the club’s players to fulfil their duties as role-models and to make sure that no
person goes lonely, hungry or clothes less during the festive season. The is expressing gratitude to the following companies and individuals for their support of the cricket teams Charity Programme: Office of the First Lady, Bakewell, Farfan and Mendes, Ansa McAl, Bounty Farm Ltd, Cirkel Distribution, Toucan Industries, DDL,
NAMILCO, WR Enterprise, Sterling Products Ltd, Ministry of Social Protection, Bank of Nova Scotia, Woodpecker Sports, F&H Printery, AM Khan Hardware, Kanhai Electrical Agency, Sheik Mohammed, N a j a b Tr a d i n g , P a u l Persaud, A. Ally & Sons, Massy Industries, Guyana Lottery Company, Guyana Beverage Company, Sonia
Noel, Bush Lot United Cricket Club, Big B Restaurant, Angela Haniff, Food for the Poor, Lewison General Store, Corlette Grocery, Len Craft, The Gft Centre, John Lewis Styles, Starr Computers, China Tr a d i n g , G i z m o s a n d Gadgets, Kings Jewellery World and the business community of Rose Hall Town.
t r o Sp
Revlon Lake opens Boxing gym in Wakenaam
Some members of the Wakenaam Boxing Gym with Revlon Lake (stooping right) at the gym following its opening.
GFF Head wants sponsorship to overlap 4-Year Term Pleased with men’s senior team and Youth Development work by TD
The National Under-15 Squad in French Guiana in December 2016
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