Kaieteur News

Thursday December 08, 2016

Accused of writing a letter that I did not DEAR EDITOR, My late mother, Sybil Annetta Francis Sealey nee Lachnish, formerly a staunch Catholic; Social Worker, providing voluntary service to charitable organizations; also, previously served as Chairperson of the Police Wives Association. Additionally, she was also a caterer, par excellence blessed with a safe pair of hands, indulging in the culinary delights of pastry making (unlike what is obtained today); baking and icing of wedding cakes; along with ham production on a small scale; just to name a few (more on this later). However, despite her inability to pursue a high school education, her ability to read, write and conduct intellectual conversations was phenomenal. Never was she inclined to idle gossip, cussing down and foul language (unlike myself). Since she would always say’ “Don’t hate a war, but adore in a riot”. In relation to social injustice/degradation, blasphemy and wrong-doings, her philosophical words were: “The mill of God, grinds slowly, but exceedingly fine”. While on my own record may I add: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” As a consequence kudos

are extended, along with my profound gratitude to the concerned resident of Henry Street, due to the individual’s public expression of concern by way of letter in KN of Nov. 15th, captioned “These two teenage girls have been abandoned by their mother”. Editor, it’s out of extreme concern that I’ve decided to pen this letter, to clear up any misguided conception. Any English Dictionary would define the word “resident” as one, who “resides”. So, in actuality and factually, how can I the undersigned, a “non-resident” be accused of writing the letter? Suffice it to say, that it’s a great pity for the resident readership to display a basic lack of understanding, which indeed is sad, towards proper parental upbringing and edification. More so, my penmanship though not frequent, had listed Henry Street, among numerous others in Georgetown, in dire need of urgent road repairs that was subsequently done, along with First and Cross Streets, Alexander Village. Prior to that publication, apart from football issues, in June 2016, a letter pertaining to Philbert London’s use of the term “Pope” was outlined Continued on page 6

I love my city and I try to maintain optimism but …. DEAR EDITOR, Statistics will show that a vast majority of APNU+AFC supporters are registered voters of the municipalities of Linden and Georgetown. With that in mind the central administration should pay serious attention to local administration in the said municipalities, especially the City of Georgetown, because of the size of the population, and hence the number of voters/ supporters. The city is currently managed absolutely by members of the APNU+AFC, in particular APNU. As such whatever is reflected by City Hall is a representation of central government. The public opinion of City Hall is somewhat mixed and in some cases skewed. The diversity of opinion includes: 1. The city is looking better than before. (A view that hinges on the poor standard set by the previous council which included some of the same APNU members currently in City Hall) 2. The city is being mismanaged and failing to live up to its potential as the ‘Garden City’.

3. Give the new council and the new government more time ‘deh trying.’ My focus here is on the last view. I believe that central government must intervene in the current state of City Hall, and I say this from a knowledgeable standpoint. The intervention by central government need not only be in the form of bailouts, but by audits, reorganizing and revamping the current system. It is time for genuine opposition, accountability and transparency in City Hall. Article 72 of the Guyana Constitution talks about local government being a vital aspect of democracy, and as such the system was created with the supporting legislation. Our population was and continues to be swayed by this very notion and of course the whims of our draftsmen. The system was designed to maintain the control of central government while bluffing the democratically oriented minds. For example, the council is democratically elected, however it is the Town Clerk – for Continued on page 6

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PPP wants APNU+AFC to offer what it failed to give since 1992 DEAR EDITOR, In Guyana during the period of the ‘60s and ‘70s, budget day was a major event in the lives of the masses. Hundreds of citizens usually gathered around Parliament Building to hear the presentation and, as they waited on the Minister of Finance to deliver his speech, they would often discuss possible measures to be included in the budget. However, in the last four decades, people’s interest in budget day had waned considerably, the reason being that in their opinion the budget did not address measures which advanced their lives. The end result was that on budget days people would generally proceed with their lives and left the parliamentarians alone. It is clear that since the advent of the APNU+AFC coalition citizens of Guyana are paying greater attention to budget presentations. If I am asked to say why there has been such a profound negative development in the Guyanese political culture in response to budget presentations, I would venture to say that the answer lies in the fact that over the last 40 years many of the budgetary measures have fallen short of the masses’ expectations, and in many cases have impacted them negatively.

It is in this context that we have to understand the initial/ reflex responses of many people to the 2017 Budget. Given the destruction of the economy over the decades it is clear that the days when a finance minister in Guyana has many ‘goodies’ to offer the people in terms of financial relief, are long gone. The situation has been reduced to whether or not the minister is able to present a budget, given the available resources at the disposal of the government and in the present difficult circumstances both international and internal, that meets the concerns of all and sundry. Another relevant question for consideration is how the budget allocates resources, and which classes or groups are the major beneficiaries. Added to the above we have the problems of a weak Guyana dollar, low wages/ salaries, high cost of living, high unemployment and under employment. And to make matters worse we have to contend with the issue of dirty money from the underground economy, which under the PPP/C regime became injections of funds into the economy, and which inflated the economic growth rate. All these problems are not new;

they were inherited from the PPP/C regime. Since coming to office the present government’s budgetary measures have been directed to the realigning of the economy to have sound and sustainable development. This approach has resulted in the reduction of dirty money in the economy, which has impacted negatively on the economic growth rate a necessary price we have to pay, in the short term, for getting the economy on a sound economic base. Over the last two decades, the criminal state with its underground economy has produced an elite with a lifestyle of wealth and prosperity. This small group has become very influential in the society, their way of life based on the get rich fast syndrome, has a pervasive impact on the consciousness of the masses. Thus they exercise influence far larger than their numbers. Objectively, oil production will create some political space for the government, since it opens the door for real transformation of the economy and, if managed properly, will significantly improve the lives of the people. Mr Jagdeo and the PPP are well aware of the transformative effects of oil on the economic, social and political

situation in the country. Mr Jagdeo and the other PPP leaders are aware that if this development occurs under the present coalition government it represents a political nightmare for them in the PPP. The opposition’s strategy on the budget is aimed at creating hysteria shouting doomsday for the country knowing fully well that this is far from the truth. What they are trying to do is to exploit the masses’ feeling of insecurity and at the same time fool the nation that when they left office the country and the economy were buoyant and that the APNU+AFC government is unable to govern and manage the economy. Mr Jagdeo’s pompous offer of cooperation on the budget if the President withdraws it, is nothing but political opportunism, showmanship and deception to win political points. The opposition party’s rhetoric on the economic, financial and social measures in the budget, when analyzed carefully, is in most cases devoid of sound economic reasoning but strong on propaganda. However, it will not be easy sailing for the opposition, because during the budget debate the government side will strip the opposition naked and expose their antipeople anti-national intentions as they bring clarity on Continued on page 6

Questions about the Childcare and Protection Agency DEAR EDITOR, This is the third of our letters to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence. The Childcare & Protection Agency (CPA), which has responsibility for overall protection of children and whose mandate requires that cases of child abuse be reported to them, lacks the human and financial resources to adequately respond to the number of child abuse cases reported to them. While there have been many consultations and promises of collaboration between the CPA and NGOs such as Help & Shelter, this has not materialized except for a few referrals, usually to our shel-

ter. Prior to the setting up of the CPA, Help & Shelter offered successful psycho-social counselling and court support services to hundreds of child survivors of abuse, including survivors of sexual violence, and that our faceto-face and court support counselling services are not being fully utilized by the agency is hard to understand. In keeping with the Protection of Children Act and related legislation, we refer all cases of child abuse to the CPA and follow up on cases we refer. As such, we are well aware of the deficiencies and absence of an effective, inclusive, transparent and well-

publicised national child protection policy, plan and system. The UNICEF situational analysis reports that only around 100 social workers, child protection officers and school welfare officers are employed in the entire country. This number is wholly inadequate and it is imperative that it be increased and that the skills and services available in the NGO and civil society sector be utilized for the prevention of, protection from and the safety and well-being of victims and survivors of all forms of gender based violence. We welcome the provision in the budget for

parenting programmes and agree wholeheartedly that all child protection programmes have a duty and responsibility to not only address the needs of children, but also work with parents and guardians in the best interest of children and their families. This is a step in the right direction but not enough. Danuta Radzik Selina Lepps Colin Marks Desiree Ramdeen For Help & Shelter

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I love my city and I try... From page 5 the moment a political appointee who has the executive powers of the council. I can go on and on about the hypocrisies of the system and the fetters central government has over local government. So where we have Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) that are dominated by councillors of the opposition party in Parliament, there will be a government party person as a Regional Executive Officer (REO). While central government may appreciate our system of governance, it goes both ways; that is, when a local area authority is failing the government will be blamed. A classic example is Georgetown under the previous administration. The city council had a golden excuse for blaming the then Town Clerk Carol Sooba, a PPP political appointee, for inefficiencies, amongst other things, and to cast aspersions on the PPP government. While the accusations may or may not have much justification, at the end of the day the central government was held accountable. As such some councillors were given a renewed opportunity under the current central government and new Town Clerk. Should there be

a failure of the current council, the golden question will be: Who is to be blamed now? I love my city and I try to maintain optimism, but not when it is an affront to common sense. City Hall is currently operating on an overdraft, according to the last reported updated bank statement of approximately $383M, with approximately $50M being added within the last two months. The debt to contractors is approximately $300M (Ministry of Communities to give $176M towards payment of this debt) and there is a variance of $844M in the 2017 budget estimates. Consider, those figures together with the current state of affairs that we are aware of; I reckon that City Hall is on dismal path approaching abyss. The time for real change is now; there should be a positive change in the way things are done and in our politics. We must have more accountability, transparency, a balance of power with genuine opposition and inclusive politics. If the central government does not take action now, they can lose much needed votes from the City of Georgetown come 2020. Selwyn Odavo Smartt Councillor, Georgetown City Council

Accused of writing a letter... From page 5 as being illegal and immoral, in defiance of Catholicism was done by me. Further, no less than 8 letters all bearing my signature were publicized in relation to a judicial issue. Were they ever read by the clique? So why would I not put my name to a letter I wrote? However, the absence of the “highly touted judicial reform” after 18 months of governance by the APNU & AFC Coalition Government, which was a campaign pledge, being unfulfilled with no sem-

blance of becoming a “front burner” issue, have placed me to be judged unjustly, “in the relevant congregation of the ungodly and unrighteous”. Half-Truths, lies, slander, defamation of character and unprofessionalism both in the realm of distributive justice are clear indications that in relation to the contents of the letter in question, things are palpably wrong with our judicial system. But this is Guyana, where the impossible steadfastly becomes possible. Lester Sealey

Thursday December 08, 2016

BUDGET 2017: Another sign that sugar’s demise... From page 4 sugar and rum and animal stockfeed. Diversification plans were for sugar-based products, not a reckless foray into non-sugar products, like rice. In fact, with the PPP strategy, GUYSUCO would have returned to profitability in 2017. By 2015, there were ample signals that the plan was working, with even APNU+AFC trying to take credit. In stark contrast, APNU+AFC has radically different intentions, exactly the opposite of the PPP - kill sugar, starting with immediate estate closures. They abandoned the PPP’s plan and embarked on a reckless path with a premeditated plan to end sugar. The difference in approach to sugar is like night and day. As APNU+AFC prepares

the ground for closure, let us remember that since the disastrous 1991 production of 129,900 tons, in the last 24 years, GUYSUCO has produced more than 300,000 tons of sugar 3 times, more than 250,000 tons 13 times and has dropped below 200,000 tons only twice, 2013 (186,000 tons) and this year is estimated to be around 180,000 tons. In spite of the many difficulties, GUYSUCO continues to show it has the capacity to overcome its difficulties. After 1990, GUYSUCO recovered and for a period of about 18 years, performed credibly and profitably. After some difficult weather conditions and the arbitrary reduction of price for sugar exported into Europe, GUYSUCO has struggled in the last 6 years. These difficulties are not

unusual for an industry that has continuously operated for more than 300 years. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries short periods of difficulties did result in the call for closure, just as we are experiencing today. In the end, those in charge were not seduced by the doomsday predictions for sugar and time has absolved them. Just as sugar recovered after the 1980s and many times before in its 300-years history, sugar has an indisputable resiliency record. APNU+AFC choose to disregard this long history. Besides almost 20,000 direct jobs, 70,000 to 100,000 people depend on the sugar industry for their livelihood. There are others who indirectly, through the multiplier effect of sugar, depend on this industry, manufacturers, vendors, taxi drivers etc.

All told more than 125,000 people will be affected by closure. APNU+AFC continues to expose its cluelessness about our economy when it disregards that sugar workers account for more than $22B in taxable income. APNU+AFC is ignoring that sugar attracts about $4B directly (about 5% of total direct investment in Guyana) and about $5B indirectly. Nothing in the budget takes into consideration the vital role sugar plays in our economy and everyday lives. Budget 2017 threateningly points to closure of sugar, but has no plans on post-sugar Guyana. Just shoving the largest single employer in Guyana to a corner is not an economic plan. Either APNU+AFC are clueless or vile and wicked. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

The Attorney-General continues his unconstitutional... From page 4 concerned, and if that person or authority, having reconsidered the original advice or recommendation, as the case may be, the President “shall” act in accordance therewith; but save aforesaid he or he “shall” act in accordance with the original advice or recommendation” 128(1) “The Judges, other than the Chancellor and the Chief Justice, “shall” be appointed by the President who “shall” act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.” Any first year law student would know that, “shall”, in Articles 128(1) and 111(2) impose upon the President mandatory obligations. As regards to Article 111(2), it will be observed that both “may” and “shall” are used. It is also equally clear that where “may” is used, the President has a discretion and where “shall” is used it is imperative and the President has no discretion. The cumulative effect of Articles 128(1) and 111(2) can be summarized thus: when the President receives a recom-

mendation from the JSC for the first time he “may” refer it back for reconsideration. If that is done and the JSC reconsiders it and sends it back to the President, the President must act in accordance with the new recommendation. If the President does not send it back to the JSC for reconsideration, then he must act in accordance with the original advice or recommendation of the JSC. One thing is certain, the Constitution does not contemplate noneaction from the President. These mandatory obligations upon the President which Article 128(1) and 111(2) impose were intentionally effected by the multi-partisan Constitutional Reform Commission in 1999-2001. These amendments enjoyed unanimous support in the National Assembly. In fact, the PNC played a major role, both in the CRC and in the National Assembly, in support of these changes. The 1980 Constitution which was amended conferred a discretion on the President to properly refuse to act upon

the JSC’s advice and recommendation. Thus, President Forbes Burnham refused to appoint Mr. Miles Fitzpatrick as a judge in defiance of a recommendation of the JSC. The CRC intentionally recommended the change, in order to remove such a power from the President. This change received the unanimous support of the National Assembly. Messrs Haslyn Parris, Derrick Bernard and Winston Murray, all of whom played a pivotal role in the CRC, must be turning in their graves at how their efforts are now being spat on by their own Attorney General. Sadly, political loyalty has destroyed the revolutionary spirit of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. He played a significant role, as well, in this process. Today, he has become mute as his scholarly contributions are being desecrated by the uninitiated, who now advances the ludicrous proposition that Article 128 is ‘ultra-vires’ the Constitution. To argue that an article of the Constitution is ‘ultra-vires’ the Constitution is the height of lunacy.

It is interesting how the Attorney General purports to justify the President’s failure/ refusal to discharge positive mandatory obligations which the Constitution devolve upon him, by clumsily arguing that an Executive President cannot be compelled. One would recall the hue and cry which erupted when President Donald Ramotar withheld his assent from Bills passed by the Joint Opposition in the Tenth Parliament. In that instance, President Ramotar was exercising a power expressly conferred upon him by the Constitution. In President Granger’s case, he is simply ignoring a constitutional mandate. If this state of affairs continues, legal proceedings will be launched to remedy the flagrant violations of the Constitution. But this is not the only option to which we may resort. Article 180 of the Constitution provides for a process to be activated in the National Assembly for the removal of the President for violating the Constitution. Anil Nandlall

PPP wants APNU+AFC to... From page 5 the budgetary measures. Now in opposition the PPP is offering the nation what it failed to deliver in 23 years in office. The opposition is behaving like the three cards man, who shows you the wining card, but once you put your money in you will never find the correct card. Mr Edghill and company are playing the role as accomplices in the con game. In concluding I want to say that I expect the govern-

ment side in parliament to fire on all cylinders. The government’s public relations departments have their work cut out, since the debate on this budget, as far as the PPP is concerned, is not about the soundness of the measures announced in the budget, but a propaganda war which they are convinced that they can win. It is now up to the regime’s arguments and its public relations professionals to ensure that this does not happen. Tacuma Ogunseye

Thursday December 08, 2016

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Schoolboy dies in Medicines among crucial need at Mahdia hospital Diamond road accident …Minister Cummings to intervene

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings Before the Mahdia Hospital can adequately serve the people in its environs, there is need for a great deal to be done to improve its operation. This observation was made by Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, who recently visited the facility. There is an existing need for the hospital to not only be furnished with equipment but also medical supplies and medicines in order for it to become fully operational and be better able to serve the people of Mahdia and the surrounding communities. Minister within the Min-

istry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, during a recent visit to the facility, was briefed by the Regional Health Officer, Dr. Mario Kanhai; Doctor in Charge, Dr. Marvin Wilson, and other members of the Region Eight administration. The officers were able to enlighten Minister Cummings on some of the key issues affecting the optimal functioning of the hospital. A paucity of human resources has been identified as one of the main impediments affecting the hospital administration. The ill-timed

Broomes apologises to Jordan on behalf of all miners …says budget 2017 will benefit extractive industries In an effort to sweeten the somewhat soured relationship between miners and the government, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, apologised yesterday to Minister of Finance Winston Jordan for recent statements made by mining groups against the proposed three per cent lower than world market price for gold produced. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO) have said that miners will not support the proposal to force gold miners to sell the precious metal to the Guyana Gold Board at a three per cent reduced cost. In a statement by the two bodies, it was said that at current market prices, miners will lose $8,000 for every ounce of gold sold which will cripple local small and medium scale miners. Broomes, during her pre-

sentation in the budget debates, said to Jordan, “Allow me to apologise for my dear friends with whom I’m associated within the GGDMA and as a founder member of the GWMO for misleading the miners by saying that the Minister of Finance will take all tax concessions granted to them.” During her 28-minute presentation, Broomes did not address specifically the three per cent reduction in gold prices, despite being provoked by Opposition Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall, to do so. During Dharamlall’s presentation on Tuesday, he urged Government to withdraw the three per cent price reduction on gold. Her only mention of the price reduction was to inform the House that the three per cent reduction is just a proposal which was made by the Board and will remain a proposal until such time. Continued on page 23

delivery of medicines and sometimes oxygen also pose grave challenges to the timely delivery of health care services. The absence of stable and reliable electricity is another major issue with which the hospital administration has had to contend. Minister Cummings during her visit suggested that more collaborative efforts be made by both the regional and hospital administrations to ensure that the quality of service being provided could be enhanced to the benefit of the community. She said, “I am very pleased to see that this hospital is very organized, clean, and patient-friendly. However, there are some shortcomings that must be dealt with in a strategic manner to ensure that high standards of health care delivery and service are maintained. “I am therefore calling on both the regional authorities as well as the Regional Health Officer and team to strengthen their collaborative effort to deliver the best quality health care and health care services to the people of Mahdia and their surrounding communities,” Minister Cummings said. A list of essential medicines was prepared and given to Minister Cummings who gave assurance that they will be delivered with urgency.

A 14-year-old boy was killed in an accident Tuesday night when he reportedly ended up in the path of a minibus that was heading south on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road, in the vicinity of Diamond. The accident occurred around 19:00 hrs just at the entrance to the Diamond New Scheme. The dead teen has been identified as Mark McCoy, a Dolphin Secondary School student of Lot 561 Cinema Street, Diamond. According to reports, the lad was accompanying his friend to Diamond New Scheme to drop off food for a relative when the accident occurred. Reports are that the minibus, bearing registration number BVV 989 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road while McCoy was being towed on the handle of a bicycle as his friend was attempting to cross the eastern side of the road. They had already crossed over to the western side of the public road and were attempting to get a pass to proceed into the scheme. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a press release said that it was alleged that the cyclist swerved into the path of the mini bus, causing the collision between the cycle and the mini bus. McCoy’s friend escaped unhurt.

Dead: Mark McCoy The teen was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead. A post mortem examination performed on the remains yesterday revealed that the 14-year-old died of a fractured skull. A breathalyzer test given to the 46-year-old driver of the

minibus recorded no alcohol in his blood. Meanwhile, the teen’s mother, Pamela McCoy, said that a police rank went to their home and informed them that the child had met with an accident and that he was taken to the Diamond Hospital. However, on her way to the hospital, she saw that her son’s body was on the public road. The woman claimed that the driver of the minibus who struck him refused to rush him to the hospital. “The driver said that he can’t move from the scene because the police have to mark the spot. It was a police narcotics vehicle that took him to the hospital.” “We were informed that when they were going to cross the road, a car stopped for them to pass but the bus which was behind the car, undertake the vehicle and collided with Mark,” the woman claimed. The police said that the accident is still under investigation.

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Thursday December 08, 2016

Inquiry into complaints against Ministry pulling out stops to eradicate GPHC’s Matron completed $90.1 M allocated to Social Cohesion Ministry…

racism in 2017– Govt Chief Whip

By Suraj Narine Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, during her contribution to the 2017 National Budget Debates yesterday, disclosed that $90.1 M was budgeted to her Ministry. This allocation, she asserted, will allow the Ministry to widen its scope to eradicate issues that are detrimental to the Ministry in carrying out its mandate which includes, strengthening its stance against prejudice and racism. Minister Ally outlined some of the Ministry’s plans for the New Year. These include a series of regional and national art competitions and exhibitions. This, she said, will play an integral role in sensitising the populace about the many contributions made by diverse groups in Guyana. The Minister said that these activities will be based on “cross-cutting themes” such as race, religion and gender and the aim will be to recognise and celebrate achievements of diverse groups to the development of Guyana. Students will also have an opportunity to be a part of these activities, she said. COMMUNITYLEVEL At the community level, Minister Ally said that the sum allocated to the Ministry will be used to organise intervillage and inter-regional youth exchanges that will allow 250 young people from various ethnic backgrounds to come together for a multicultural youth exchange.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally This programme, she said, will also expose these participants to life skills and practical strategies for employment creation and information on further education with the expected outcome being, the assembling of a cadre of social cohesion ambassadors. “Budget 2017 will (also) allow the Ministry to organise a week of activities designed to take a stand against racism, prejudice and intolerance for diversities. It will allow the ministry to undertake social cohesion module projects and we will work to create an enabling environment to encourage activities within and across communities to facilitate healing and reconciliation. “It is expected that these programmes will result in improved dialogue at the leadership level in communities.” The Government Chief

Whip said that the budgetary allocation will allow the Ministry to establish a Social Cohesion Community Grant Project and the access to this initiative will promote the development of small infrastructure programmes within communities. Ms Ally expressed her appreciation for the $250B National Budget that was presented to the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on November 28. Minister Ally congratulated the Minister and his team for the “well-crafted Budget”. She stated that it is no accident that the Coalition Government has managed to produce three Budgets in 18 months. She said that this reflects how proactive and committed the administration is in moving the nation forward. The Minister listed the achievements made by the Coalition Government since its assumption to office in May 2015. A few mentioned were the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission; the restoration of local democracy by holding Local Government Elections (LGEs) after more than 20 years; the establishment of three towns in Guyana – with more expected to be unveiled in the coming year; the establishment of two radio stations (in Lethem and Mabaruma); improved National Drainage System, roadways and general infrastructure within the State ; and the implementation of micro-economic Continued on page 23

- to be reviewed by Public Health Minister tomorrow Despite a recent administrative shakeup at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), an investigation into complaints levelled against the activities of the Director of Nursing Services (Matron), Sister Collene Hicks, has been completed. The five-member Committee which was set up to investigate the Matron had requested a two-week extension from the Board of Directors. However, this publication understands that the Board was not able to meet ahead of its November 30, 2016 dissolution to vote for an extension of the process. It is not clear whether the extension was granted. But former Chairman of the Board, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, was convinced that the process was destined to be stalled with this development. However, this publication was informed that the investigation is officially completed and a report detailing the findings and recommendations are to be forwarded to Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. Minister Norton in an invited comment, yesterday, disclosed that while he has not yet seen the report, a meeting is scheduled for Friday during which the findings will be discussed. But the possibility exists that the findings could be rejected by some factions. Even before the process had commenced the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), which has been representing Hicks’s interest, said that it had no confidence in the Committee or the findings it was likely to produce. This was in light of its belief that the Committee consisted of individuals who had close links to the hospital. It concluded that the association of some of the members of the Committee could influence the conduct of the inquiry making it prejudicial against the subject of the inquiry. In this regard the Union had informed that although it sent multiple letters to Dr. Hanoman, in his capacity as

Embattled GPHC Matron, Sister Collene Hicks Chairman, the Board still went ahead with the selected Committee without considering its concerns. But Dr. Hanoman insisted that the Board had consulted with the Union and even delayed the investigation so that it could nominate a member to the Committee. The Committee members included Mr. Reginald Brotherson, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency who was chosen by the Union; former GPSU General Secretary turned Attorney-at-law, Chandrawattie Persaud, the Chairperson; Ms. Laurelle Daw, Director of Nursing Services at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for the past seven years; Dr. Anwar Hussain who has racked-up decades of service at the GPHC and former Auditor General, Mr. Anand Goolsarran. Commenting on reports of the concerns raised by the GPSU, Minister Norton had last month said, “If we are going to suspend somebody and investigate them we must do it as efficient as possible.” It was therefore the belief of the Union that its concerns should have been taken into consideration before the start of the inquiry. “If the Union

has a problem then we must address it; don’t go creating confrontations...We have somebody who is off the job, a job that is very important for the health of this nation and we can’t afford to grandstand,” added the Minister. “If I was handling it, it would have been three persons and not five on that commission and people who satisfied all those concerned,” he added. Hicks was sent on administrative leave in July to facilitate the COI. But the work of the COI only commenced in earnest during October and was expected to last for one month. The Committee was tasked with assessing the truthfulness of allegations or complaints levelled against the Matron and make a determination as to whether these have been injurious or destructive to the effective and efficient delivery of the health care delivered at the GPHC. Among other things, the Committee was expected to specifically examine the promotion of nurses under Matron Hicks to determine whether these were based on merit. The Committee was also tasked with examining the relationship between the Matron and the doctors of the institution to ascertain if this affected the delivery of health care at the hospital. The process was essentially designed to determine whether the Matron committed acts of insubordination during the period September 15, 2015 to July 20, 2016. With no Board currently in place, the fate of the Matron is likely to be in the hands of the Minister of Public Health under whose purview the public health facilities fall.

Thursday December 08, 2016

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THE FITTEST SHALL SURVIVE Capitalism is the law of the jungle. Some have to go under so that others may live. The free market system in its purest form is about survival of the fittest. Only those who can compete successfully will survive. The rest will have to fall by the wayside. The falling by the wayside is all part of the self-regulating side of capitalism. Those who cannot compete simply have to go out of business. Guyana is not a perfect free market system. This is why you have had so many businesses which have for years been suffering losses are yet able to keep their doors open. Even those that cannot cover their fixed costs stay open. The business in Guyana is losing money but the storeowner does not shed staff to cut costs. He stays open and hopes for the best. You walk down Regent Street and go into some markets and you will find some

businesses which do not get a single sale on some days. The staff and the owners are sitting there watching the world go by. But they are not shutting shop. This is bad for the free market. It amounts to a misallocation to resources. Resources are being left to go idle and unproductive. A country cannot develop this way when businesses refuse to shut shop even when they are not doing any business. You will not find that in other countries. Sales drop and immediately workers are laid off. Businesses do not cut corners in other countries. When things begin to dip, the owners fold up and walk away. They move on to other things. We have some dreamers in Guyana. They are always dreaming of a pot of gold. They believe that one day they will hit the jackpot. There are a great many vendors for example. They spent hun-

dreds of thousands of dollars to build their stalls. They are not making any money but they are opening all year long, year after year, hoping that their fortunes will change. All the while, they are losing money. There are many such businesses in Guyana. They are not covering their expenses. They are running low on cash flow but they are borrowing just to stay open so that their owners can pretend that they are business people. They have to wake up and smell the coffee. The reality is that if you cannot compete you have to go. The free market is about business rising and business dying. If that is happening, then something is wrong. The government is trying to make the business community in Guyana understand that governments are not there to bail anybody out. The role of government is to regulate the market and to promote

Dem boys seh

Somebody lying bout foreign currency People can bet dem last dollar that nutten is ever straightforward in this country. If you see a man walking wid a limp don’t swear that he injure he foot. It could be that he trying to fool somebody. De budget debate going on and all of a sudden people hollering how foreign currency short. But de people who mekking de claim mekking sure that nobody can’t claim that is dem people seh suh because dem have people in Trinidad, Venezuela, Barbados and Suriname who telling de world that if dem want foreign currency dem have to come to Guyana. Dem boys seh that dem meet nuff business people, though, who claim that dem can’t get foreign currency through de bank. One man call a bank and de people tell him that dem can only give him $500 which can’t even buy a proppa shut. Dem boys call a man from de Bank of Guyana who seh he is de boss and he name Gobin but by de time he done talk to dem boys ee tun Nobin. When dem boys ask ee fuh money he seh ‘Nobin’. Dem ask him if he would give dem banks money, he seh, ‘Nobin’. Dem boys know that he always dancing to de politicians

music. When dem boys break de story bout de foreign currency crisis Jordan start sing. Ee pull in Nobin fuh back ee up. He start playing de same game wha Jagdeo, that scamp, teach him. Dem game is to mek demself look good and fool de nation. That is wha Jagdeo do all he life. Now Jordan coming wid de same thing. He dig one hole to full another. He wuk wid Jagdeo in de Ministry of Finance. He and Jagdeo use to tell people that dem don’t lie. Yet dem still don’t tell de truth. When that scamp Jagdeo was Finance Minister he tell ee party that he don’t have money to increase public servants salary. But when de public servants strike fuh nearly two months, he find de money to pay a 50 percent increase. That was money somebody did plan to tuck away. Jordan is Finance Minister and he trying to play de game wha Jagdeo try pun Guyana—to lie. Dem banks seh US dollar scarce; Jordan seh ‘Not so.’ Somebody lying and people watching Jordan straight in ee face. Talk half and hope dem really got US dollars.

development of the country. All of those people who were looking for government to help them do what they cannot do on their own, will have to look elsewhere. They have to wake up and smell the VAT. The VAT is the vampire at their throats. If they cannot survive in the free market, they will be sucked dry. They will have to fall by the wayside. Guyanese businesses have to become competitive. If you cannot compete on a level playing field, then you have to fall by the wayside. We have far too many businesses in Guyana. Some will have to go because they can-

not compete. The Budget will make them go. The Budget is about ensuring that businesses learn to compete. The pressure has only just begun. This year the government has increased taxes and is trying to reduce VAT refunds. Next year, it is more than probable, that concessions will be rolled back. The free market has to operate like a free market- free from government support. Of course some businesses that are dying are highly profitable. A great many members of the business class in Guyana export their profits. They do not work for the development of

Guyana. They work to sustain a lifestyle for themselves and families overseas. They borrow from the bank, ship some of the capital to buy properties overseas and use the rest to make a dollar in Guyana. The profits are not reinvested. They are sent overseas. After a while, the debts pile up. The banks refuse saving. It has to go under if the market system is to be made less imperfect.

Court regular remanded for trying to break-in office It appears that Rico Persaud enjoys being handcuffed and shackled and escorted by police officers. He also enjoys reminding Magistrate Faith McGusty of his many appearances before her. Yesterday the 26-year-old bus conductor was remanded to prison on a charge of attempting to commit a felony.

It is alleged that on December 3, at Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown, he attempted to break into the office of Merisha Coswick. The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Magistrate McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He was remanded to

prison until December 21. Prosecutor Seon Blackman told the court that Coswick positively identified Persaud as the person who tried to break into her office. The prosecutor opposed bail for the defendant citing the prevalence and seriousness of the offence. Blackman reminded the court Continued on page 23

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 08, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The era, zeitgeist, mores have all changed The Stabroek News is celebrating 30 years of existence so it offers a daily snippet of its reportage back in those days. Last week, it highlighted the outrage of society against a statement President Hoyte made in the early nineties about some high profile Portuguese Guyanese who were vocal about the upcoming general elections. He used a derogatory, shortened version of Portuguese that, like all other ethnic slangs, found their way in the vocabulary of most, if not all Guyanese from the 19th century onwards. We all made reference to these descriptions because we grew up with them and it was normal for us to use them

in the homes, at private gatherings and in the company of friends. But once made public, then context changes and context is everything in life. In the context of the exercise of high office, these words must never be uttered even if one wants to get over a point. There was a petition to demand that Hoyte disavow what he said. The petition was signed by eminent citizens. Those days are long gone. No one composes petitions about the official abuse of power anymore much less to sign them. No one could be bothered about a President’s insult if to another race or an entire civilization. Those times vanished eons ago. I think of Mary

Hopkins’ beautiful song, THOSE WERE THE DAYS in which she sang the following words; “Just tonight I stood before the tavern Nothing seemed the way it used to be In the glass I saw a strange reflection Was that lonely figure really me Through the door there came familiar laughter I saw your face and heard you call my name Oh my friend we’re older but no wiser For in our hearts the dreams are still the same Those were the days my friend We thought they’d never end.” I am not so sure the dreams are still the same. Yes, we are older but how wiser are we, wiser to the wrongs of power. It must be heart-breaking to know that those days are gone and there isn’t even

a spark of hope that they will ever return. Dr. Joshua Ramsammy, popular activist and university lecturer was shot during an attempt on his life in downtown Georgetown. In days to come, some of the most prominent citizens formed themselves into a delegation and climbed the stairs of the office of the Police Commissioner. The names in that delegation consisted of the Catholic Bishop of Guyana, the Anglican Bishop of Guyana, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, the Bar Association Head, President of the Medical Association, etc Ramsammy was not killed but Courtney Crum-Ewing was. There wasn’t even a one-man delegation to the Police Commissioner to demand an investigation. It is inconceivable that in today’s Guyana, the ViceChancellor of the University would sign a human rights

petition much less form a delegation to go to the Police Commissioner. When one compares what Hoyte said to what Jagdeo did as President, one yearns for the return of those days but one will have to keep on yearning and will die in despair. In Burnham times and during Hoyte’s reign the dismissal of a school teacher or a public servant would be met with tempestuous protest in which the roar of placardbearers would reverberate throughout Georgetown. Such was the courage of the times when the spirit of protest roamed freely. Long after Burnham and Hoyte were gone, nine security officials were dismissed because they failed a lie detector test whose validity is not backed by the laws of Guyana. That was followed by another wave of dismissals through lie detector failure. This time the victims were employees of the stateowned, Energy Authority. Could one imagine the chaos in Guyana if Forbes Burnham’s wife had told the nation that she was cruelly illtreated? Hoyte was confronted (and rightfully so) for the use of insulting remarks

Frederick Kissoon about one of Guyana’s ethnic communities. But that pales in comparison to what Bharrat Jagdeo told Guyanese in the 2015 election campaign. He warned them if the APNU party got into power, the homes of PPP supporters will be invaded; they will be robbed and killed. Where were the Bishops of Guyana and the Vice-Chancellor of the University? One is fascinated to know if in the times of Hoyte, there was social media, Facebook and Twitter and the utterly sickening emotions that are poured out in those avenues, if Hoyte’s remarks about those Portuguese Guyanese would have generated such anger. The times have indeed changed but as a Guyanese, one is forced to ask; for better or for worse?

Thursday December 08, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Banks still claim “foreign... Carjackers caught driving stolen vehicle Three men who were accused of carjacking a Sheet Anchor teenager last Tuesday in the vicinity of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, were nabbed by police on Saturday. The car PTT 6559, a white Fielder wagon, was discovered on Saturday last in Georgetown. This is according to Commander of B Division, Errol Watts. He stated that officers in Georgetown acting on information stopped the car with the three occupants who were immediately taken into custody. According to the Commander, the number plate of the car was still the same with no changes. An I.D parade that was conducted yesterday saw the three men being positively identified by the owner of the vehicle. The men are all being held at the Reliance Police Station and are likely to be charged today. Kalicharan Sookchan , 17, of Lot 98 Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice

stated in an interview last week that he had dropped off the owner of the car, Shawn Nandlall, at Pitt Street, New Amsterdam last Tuesday evening and was driving towards New Street, when he heard someone shout his name. The teenager, who had denied that he was operating a private car as a taxi, said that he picked up the man that

The courtroom of Magistrate Faith McGusty was quite entertaining yesterday. A 25-year-old man who claims he resides in France and was staying here by his ‘side chick’ was remanded to prison for robbery under-arms until December 21. Jason Adams had persons sniggering at responses he provided to questions asked by the Magistrate. Adams is accused of robbing Baksh Mohamed of two cell phones valued $40,000, while armed with a hammer on December 6, at Brickdam, Georgetown. He pleaded not guilty. The defendant professed his innocence and claimed that he served in the French Military as a sergeant. “I is a sergeant. Three stripes I got.

I don’t live here...I stopping at Pegasus but staying at my side chick in Durban Street”, Adams told the court. But no one bought his story, not even the Magistrate. Adams stood uneasily in the prisoner’s dock. He moved about to see persons reaction as he provided the Magistrate with hilarious replies. “You know who is me?” he asked Magistrate McGusty. “I’m from the Gaza...Kartel and me is family.” Persons said that Adams court hearing was nothing less than a live comedy show. Although Adams claimed he lives in the French-speaking country, he was unable to recite a French term. “Wee Wee”, he said in a loud tone. He had earlier shared out Dentyne mints to

Owner of the car, Kalicharran Sookchan

called out for him and took him to a location in Angoy’s Avenue. Sookchan explained that he took the man to his destination and was asked to wait. However, shortly after, two other men along with the first occupant entered the car and ordered him to proceed to the Main Road in New Amsterdam. He added that as he attempted to turn the car one of the men placed a gun to his head and ordered him out of the vehicle. According to Sookchan, one of the men then took him to a bushy area not too far away from where he was and kept him there whilst the other two men allegedly went to refuel the vehicle. He was bound and taped during the ordeal. After some time had elapsed the man guarding Kalicharran got tired of waiting for his other two accomplices and left the teen bound and taped in the bushes. The victim eventually escaped and sought help.

Man staying at ‘side chick’ remanded for armed robbery

other prisoners. Adam’s family had brought him before another Magistrate last week, pleading for a psychiatric evaluation to be done on him. In 2014, he was charged with a series of robberies and assaults. However, Adams’s lawyer had claimed that he suffers from a nervous disorder and asked for him to be seen by a psychiatrist. Adams was also charged with stealing plucked chickens from a Chinese Restaurant at Bourda, Georgetown in 2010.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan From page 3 Guyana have improved from approximately US$598M at the end of 2015 to about US$625M at present, an increase of US$28M. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan said, “When you consider the holdings by commercial banks, foreign reserves have also increased in the system from approximately US$955M at the end of 2015 to US$1.042B at present.” He said, “Therefore, there is no shortage of foreign exchange, consequently, there is no foreign exchange crisis looming, and no need for the currency to depreciate. The Bank of Guyana will take all necessary actions to protect the currency and to protect the reserves at the Bank of Guyana.” Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga concurred with Minister Jordan that there was no reason for concern. “We are expecting the commercial banks to hold approximately US$403M by the end of the year,” Dr. Ganga revealed. The Governor General also stated that the Bank of Guyana had US$598M at the end of 2015 and is currently holding close to US$625M. “You can see therefore that there is an increase in foreign exchange availability

Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga from the holdings,” Dr. Ganga asserted. The Governor said that an increase in the circulation of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbadian dollars in the Guyanese economy has been noticed. This indicates that these currencies are being converted into Guyana dollars then used to purchase US currency. “Since 2014 we have had a significant supply of CARICOM currency in the (Guyanese) system more specifically, for example, we had an increase in Trinidad and Tobago dollars from TT$9.1M in 2014 to TT$24.4M in 2015 and in November of 2016 TT$38.3M. You will find that it is very difficult to get foreign exchange in Trinidad in particular, so what is happening is that we have this flow of TT dollars coming into Guyana, converted to Guyana dollars and then used to purchase US dollars,” Dr. Ganga explained. “We have also had a significant inflow of Barbadian dollars. From 2014 of BD$8.3M to BD$13.5M in 2015

and as at November 2016 it is at BD$12.3M. So you can see that we are also supplying foreign exchange to other countries in the region,” Dr. Ganga added. “Suriname also has major issues and we find that it is happening at the border where there is a conversion of cash from Guyana dollars to US dollars and then repatriated to Suriname,” Dr. Ganga said further. Minister Jordan said that the issue will be addressed. “The issue as it relates to the Trinidad and Barbados currencies flooding our market will be looked at and action will be taken to ensure that this occurs in a normal way rather than it being here just to buy up foreign currency,” Minister Jordan explained. With regard to the issue of difficulties of remitting monies, Dr. Ganga dismissed the assertion and assured that there is no problem. He said that all commercial banks in Guyana have at least one corresponding international bank.

PAGE 12

Gold miners worry that tax measures will send industry underground Small, medium and large scale gold miners are concerned about budgetary measures. Particularly, the businessmen are worried about how the new tax measures will affect their businesses. At a recent press conference, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on behalf of gold miners, said that little is being offered to miners in the 2017 Budget. PSC’s Ramesh Persaud pointed to the proposed repeal of a section of the Income Tax Act. In his Budget speech, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, spoke about the new tax measures. He said that there will be a “Repeal of Section 33E (4) of the Income Tax Act as it relates to the sale of gold or diamond not being taken into account in ascertaining the chargeable income of the persons who owned gold or diamonds.” Jordan told the House

that the repeal seeks to bring these operators within the purview of all the Tax Acts. Persaud said that this provision will prove “burdensome to small miners and mining companies and not practical to implement.” He said that it can contribute to the industry going underground. On this same measure, the Guyana Gold and Miners Association (GGDMA) said that the government must be reminded why this section of the Tax Act was inserted in the first place. “It was in pragmatic recognition, by former Commissioner Heyligar of the difficulties for the porkknockers in the bush (interior) to keep proper books in place and to strike a balance between commonsense and revenue collection. This action is a retrograde step.” Jordan had also announced an increase in the Tributors’ Tax from 10 percent to 20 percent.

Jordan said that the tax on tributors has remained unchanged, since its inception in 1998. He told the House that the increase, which is in line with the withholding tax, is the first step to removing distortions and multiplicity of tax rates. Speaking about this measure, Persaud said, “This will significantly reduce the disposable income of mine workers and miners. It is also not practical to implement. It can contribute to the industry going underground.” GGDMA said that this agreement was in place “again because of the pragmatic recognition by Heyligar of the difficulty of treating tributors who are migratory, almost itinerant workers meandering from dredge to dredge as employees and to strike a balance between revenue collection. This is also a retrograde step.”

Mother of eight charged with arson A 38-year- old mother of eight, Sharon Bacchus, also known as Sharon Stone, of Golden Fleece Village, West Coast Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Rhondel Weever, at the Fort Wellington Magistrate Court, yesterday, charged with deliberately setting fire to a dwelling house. Bail was set at $100,000, and the accused will have to

Thursday December 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

return to court on January 5. According to reports, the dwelling house situated at Golden Fleece Village, West Coast Berbice, was occupied by Elton Bacchus, the spouse of the accused. The house, however, was the property of Mr.Tagepaul Mohan, Elton’s employer. The man was granted occupancy of the house after his wife had evicted him from the

matrimonial home. Their union bore three children. On the night in question, Sunday October 2, last, around 21:00 hours, a woman was seen tampering with the lock to the building. She eventually gained access, and shortly afterward neighbours raised an alarm after they discovered that the house was on fire. A fire tender from the Onverwagt outpost responded, but could do nothing to save the building which was completely destroyed. The police were called in, and Sharon was deemed a person of interest. The file was sent to Georgetown, and upon advice of the DPP, a charge was made against Sharon Bacchus, estranged wife of the Elton Bacchus.

Policemen injured as vehicle crashes during high speed chase …two hospitalised Four police constables were on Tuesday injured and their vehicle wrecked after it crashed into a lamp post just outside the Weldaad Police Station following a high speed chase on the West Coast Berbice public road. Injured are the driver Devon Forrester, Odinga Wills, Travis Griffith and Darwin Hercules who are all from the Blairmont Police Station. Forrester and Hercules, remain hospitalized in a stable condition in the New Amsterdam hospital. According to information, the four cops were conducting a stop and search exercise on the Cotton Tree Public Road, West Coast Berbice. During the exercise they stopped a Silver Grey Premio motor car with several suspicious-looking occupants inside. The car bore licence plate number HC 7223, which later turned out to be false. As the ranks were about to conduct a search of the vehicle the driver drove away. The ranks boarded their Pickup PTT 9834 and gave chase. They reportedly contacted the Fort Wellington Police Station, but by the time the ranks at that station reacted the car had already sped past. Weldaad was contacted and a roadblock was mounted. During the chase the police lost the car. Meanwhile, at the Weldaad Police station the car upon seeing the roadblock entered a side street and disappeared. Disaster then struck. The road was wet and as the police vehicle upon approaching the Weldaad Police station swerved to avoid the

The police vehicle after it crashed into the lamp post. obstacles on the road they crashed into a post at the side of the road. The impact severely damaged the vehicle .The ranks who were all in the cabin sustained injuries. They were taken out and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for further treatment. Forrester and Wills were said to have sustained the worst of the injuries and were listed as being in critical conditions. In the meanwhile, the getaway car got stuck in the backlands and the occupants

came out to push. They subsequently reentered their vehicle upon seeing another police vehicle. The result was that they left one of their cohorts stranded. The man turned out to be murder accused and notorious convict, Sohan Busgith, of Limlair Village, Corentyne. Busgith has been charged on numerous occasions for several offences in the past, including murder committed on a member of the Guyana Fire Service. He told investigators that the car was carrying beef. Investigations are continuing.

An 18-year-old can apply for a house lot from January – Housing Minister There are a number of things that 18-yearolds in Guyana could do legally. But applying for a house lot is not one of those things. However, come January 3, 2017, that state of affairs will change. This was revealed by Minister responsible for Housing, Valerie Patterson, during her contribution to the debate on budget 2017 yesterday. The Parliamentarian said that during September, October and November, she embarked on a number of consultations to garner the views of citizens from Annandale to Belladrum, from New Amsterdam to Rose Hall, from Bartica to Anna Regina, from Georgetown to Diamond and even to Linden. The Housing Minister said that the public was overwhelming in their support of changing the minimum age requirement from 21 years to 18 years to be eligible to apply for a house lot. The Minister said that come January 3, 2017, an 18-year-old can apply to Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for a housing unit.

Housing Minister, Valerie Patterson

Thursday December 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

T&T told to be prepared for more aftershocks PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The head of the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Dr. Joan Lutchman, yesterday warned Trinidad and Tobago to be prepared for more aftershocks following Tuesday’s 6.1 magnitude earthquake that sent many people scampering out of their homes into the streets. Lutchman said that since the earthquake late Tuesday evening, the country has experienced more than 100 aftershocks, but there have been no reports of injuries or severe damage. The SRC had earlier revised its figure regarding the magnitude of the quake from 6.2 She said that even though impact of Tuesday’s earthquake appears to be minimal “it should be noted that these earthquakes if they are located right under your population centres the damage can be very significant”. She said a similar earthquake in Managua in 1972 destroyed the city and warned nationals not to view the earth tremors being experienced here over the months as being small because they can cause significant damage depending on where they are located. She said she is worried of a repeat of the 1766 earthquake here that had a “devastating impact across Trinidad”. Lutchman said there have been more than 100

Dr. Joan Lutchman aftershocks over the past 12 hours following Tuesday’s quake that caused items to be thrown off the shelves of some supermarkets and reports in Tobago of minor damage to some buildings. “We have actually had over 100 aftershocks associated with that event last (Tuesday) evening. The aftershocks will continue for several months. We will have some that will be felt. We will have possibly an earthquake greater than magnitude five associated with this sequence that will definitely be felt … “So we expect the aftershocks from this earthquake to continue for months. The one that we had on April 22, 1997, the aftershocks continued into November…but a high level of aftershocks continued for five months,” she added.

Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of the Office of Disaster and Preparedness Management (ODPM) Dr. Stephen Ramroop said yesterday there is now a dire need for the implementation of a national building code in Trinidad and Tobago. “We do not have a national building code and this is something we have been trying to get in this country for many years and we hope to God what happened yesterday we will have a greater stimulus towards developing that national building code. “Buildings are what kill people. Not the earthquake…and building codes are going to be very important in terms of going forward and saving a lot of lives,” he told television viewers.

Barbados making transition away the implementation of 80 per cent reduction in from HCFCs onactivities to sequentially consumption levels by 2045. BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados says it is on track to make the transition towards the use of non-ozone depleting, climate friendly and energy efficient alternatives in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector. Addressing the Caribbean Ozone Officers’ Network meeting here, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage, Edison Alleyne, said Barbados, like other developing countries, was required to reduce the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 35 per cent by the year 2020 as stipulated under the Montreal Protocol. “Like all developing countries, the national programme is now focused

reduce HCFC consumption,” he said, adding that HCFCs were being replaced with Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in keeping with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. “This amendment will add 18 hydrofluorocarbons to the list of 96 chemicals already controlled by the Montreal Protocol,” he said, noting that the HFCs were non-ozone depleting substances but still considered to be potent greenhouse gases with high global warming potential. Alleyne said that Barbados’ immediate obligation under the Amendment would be to establish HFC consumption baselines by 2024. He said this would be followed by a phase down schedule that would realise an

“Kigali therefore represents a win for the ozone layer, a win for climate change, and a win for the Caribbean region as we are amongst the most vulnerable group to the hazards associated with ozone depletion and global climate change,” Alleyne noted. As a result, Barbados will be moving to start the process of dialogue early in 2017 to facilitate the ratification and adjusting local existing regulatory tools to reflect the coverage of the new HFC obligations. Project Manager in the National Ozone Unit of the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage, Rickardo Ward, explained that Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), gases with high global warming potential, were the first set of chemicals used in the RAC sector, but were phased out in 2010 and replaced with HCFCs.

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ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished apartments and rooms, ideal for overseas visitors from $6,000 per night. Call: 6680306/ 218-1400/ 694-7817

C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

2 CBR bikes 600 RR 2014 and 2009 (year model), 1 raptor 2012 (year model), bike 700R. Call: 677-7970/660-1269 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198 Kilm Dried Boards, purple heart & greenheart, great prices, will dress. Call: 6270056 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 1 Complete boat & engine with hydraulic power steering system 200HP $2.5M Negotiable. Tel:658-5299 1 Mabe Refrigerator -$58,000, 1 RCA Smart TV with DVD Player -$30,000. Price Negotiable. Owner migrating. Call: 687-3241/656-1153 Nintendo DS lite, Nintendo Wii, Samsung Galaxy TAB4, Apple I-pod 2, I-phone 6 plus. Call: 621-9604/694-1748 Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044 40lbs bags halaal whole chicken $265 per Lb, special prices on large quantities. Call: 629-4272 (Sheriff) or 6019602 (Zakir) anytime. Pitbull/American bully puppy for sale, vaccine and de-wormed up to date, for more info whatsapp or call: 592-6597121 Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954

CAR RENTAL

LEARN TO DRIVE

Thursday December 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807

Brand New! 1-75 HP Yamaha outboard power head & 1 complete foot $800,000 Negotiable. Call 658-5299/ 638-7748

DRESSMAKING Evening wear, working uniforms and more professionally done. Call: 626-2629/ 676-6312

2009 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M IN ‘G’ SERIES, 3 TON OPEN BACK CANTER -$3.6M. CALL: 617-2891 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: SIENTA -$2.3M, RAUM $2.3M, RACTIS -$2.3M, FIELDER -$2.6M, NEVER R E G I S T E R VEHICLE.CALL: 617-2891

LAND FOR SALE Land at Tuschen -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.2M, Zeelugt, Herstelling, All price reduced & terms available. Call: 604-6724 38X1200 FT land in Independence St. La Grange -$8M negotiable. Call: 6847853/619-2388 18,000 Sq.Ft suitable for warehouse or bond at Eorl’s Court, LBI, E.C.D. Call: 626-7127

Honda Civic (04) stick shift from Singapore. Rims, deck. In immaculate condition $1.150M negotiable- call: 618-4257

80X160 located in D’Aguair’s Park, gated community, transported. Asking price $38M. Call: 645-6498

1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956

High value transported land with small two bedrooms house @ Great Diamond, Housing Scheme -$12M negotiable. Call: 265-4338

Toyota Vios PMM 6998 & Mitsubishi Canter GJJ 7722. Call: 667-3436/ 655-5018 PVV Series, Comfortable Nissan Family Car with Remote Entry, TV, Press Button Start. $2.6M Negotiable. 592-683-2083.

25 Acres prime land, main Road to Mahaicony Creek, suitable for 800 18months coconut plants or resort. Call: 221-2075

VACANCY PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Two buildings on lot at180 Charolotte Street Bourda (W30XL120). (Price negotiable). Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 Vreed-en-Hoop -$27M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$4.5M & $18M, Second Bridge Herstelling -$4M, Parika $45M. (Terms Available). Call: 604-6724/ 673-6300 House & land for sale at Good Hope Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 689-0785, 660-2504, 671-5095 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

One sales representative needed. Please contact: 2258205 Cooks, kitchen assistant, waiters, waitresses, handy boy, bond clerk. Send email to chungsoffice@gmail.com Porters; apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. One Experienced Waitress to work in bar contact 677 9085 Experienced carpenter apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Once Salesman/driver contact 223 5273/4 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

Thursday December 08, 2016

Ministry pulling out stops to eradicate... From page 8 projects to sustain the livelihood of the Indigenous peoples. SOCIAL COHESION’S FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Coming under the list of achievements also, was the completion of a series of sensitisation and consultations that were held in all 10 Administrative Regions in Guyana to facilitate the development of the Social Cohesion’s Five-year Strategic Plan. This initiative was financially assisted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Minister stated that the plan is currently in its final stage of formulation and arrangements are being made to host a workshop early next year to unveil the draft strategic plan. Minister Ally said that the implementation of the plan will bring Guyana one step closer to achieving an enabling environment where persons are willing to embrace the unique diversities in Guyana. The Ministry, she said, will support key actions that will replace confrontation with cooperation; facilitate the reduction of inequality; and promote greater tolerance and acceptance; mutual respect and improved livelihoods for all. “The Ministry commenced its first phase of regional training in Diversity Education and Inclusion in October 2016 with the objective being to allow participants to explore some of the negative internalised attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes that may impact the way in which they perceived themselves and others.”

The training, she added, also facilitates the development of cross-community understanding and helps participants to learn about changes and challenges that are associated with Guyana’s diverse heritage. THE 5B’S PROJECT Prior to 2015, many students, especially in the hinterland and riverain areas, were unable to attend school regularly and punctually because of the limited access to transportation or because of their parents’ inability to afford transportation services, the Minister said. However, since the Coalition Government took office in 2015, there has been an increase in students’ access to transportation services. Minister Ally said that President David Granger initiated the 5B’s programme because he strongly believes and recognises the importance of having an educated nation. “That simply means, access to education must no longer be seen as a privilege for some, but rather, a basic human right for all our boys and girls,” the Minister said. She added that the 5B’s Programmes sets out to bridge the equality gap that exists in the Guyanese society in terms of access to education. She taunted the Opposition for not having the ‘insight’ to initiate such a project. The Minister also lauded the Ministry’s corporate partners whom she said, have played a significant role in ensuring that every child can now have an education. “Our work is incomplete if we believe that we can just build schools; we have to find

creative ways to get our children to access those schools; to receive a full course of primary and secondary education; that is the primary purpose of the B’s initiative.” Boats are currently servicing the lower and upper Pomeroon. Buses have been servicing several villages in nine of the 10 Administrative Regions while bicycles have been distributed in all ten districts. “In 2017, we intend to intensify our monitoring and evaluation efforts to measure the positive progress and the impact of the B’s Programme. The Ministry will seek ways in which it can further improve this programme. “I am extremely confident that we are on the right path to improve access to education under this programme and we will continue to develop and forge ahead with this initiative to ensure that we provide the right resources that will aid in successfully restoring an educated nation. Guyana will be restored to the 96 percent literacy rate we boasted of.” In order to foster social cohesion at the primary education level, Ally said that her Ministry has been collaborating with the Education Ministry to create a booklet on Civic Education. She stated that the content of the booklet is being finalised. It is expected to be distributed in all the Primary Schools throughout Guyana. The booklet, the Minister added, will educate young children on the value of being good citizens, to show love and respect; and inform them about Guyana’s multiethnic society.

Broomes apologises to Jordan...

From page 7 Broomes, in her bid to convince the National Assembly and the nation that the budget represents the interests of miners, said that some of the concessions given to miners will be applied to items inclusive of pumps, impellers, 4x4 vehicles and fuel for the first time ever in the industry. She appealed to miners that they must appreciate, also, that for the first time women are recognised by having a seat on the board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The Minister said that if miners have any complaints or qualms regarding the extractive industry and measures instituted by the Ministry of Finance, she will lead the way in ensuring that consultation is conducted first. In addressing the issue of land titling and distribution, the Junior Minister said that in 2017 the government will open the door for small miners, in clusters, to access land for mining.

Simona Broomes She said that the Special Land Use Committee will address one of the biggest problems affecting the industry — -landlordism. According to her, from the coming year onwards any Guyanese would be able to apply for land allocations. Additionally, she promised that the Geological Services Department will get the necessary support to facilitate the mapping out of the

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country by 2020. She said that $2B has been allocated to ensure this is achieved. A database is also expected to be created by the Ministry which will take a record of all miners and their equipment in each of the six mining districts. She said that prior to 1992 persons could have driven their vehicles from Mahdia to Bartica. However, for the last 15 years, the road has been damaged thereby affecting the linkage between the regions. Broomes thanked the intervention of Minister of Public Infrastructure who will ensure that the road is fixed. “Several mining properties, because of the road the government will fix, will now be accessible by their owners,” Broomes said. Ultimately, the parliamentarian assured the House and the nation that the 2017 budget is one which represents the interests of miners in every sector of the extractive industry.

Roadblock cops bust car with 20 kilos marijuana Two persons are now in police custody after the car they were in was intercepted by ranks of the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division on the Number 5 Public Road, West Coast Berbice. According to the Acting Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, the car PSS 6939, a silvercoloured 212 driven by Gavin Sukhai, a 23-year-old of 118 Enmore North, East Coast Demerara was intercepted along the Number 5 Public Road during a routine roadblock by Traffic Ranks in the

West Coast of Berbice. The vehicle which also had another occupant, Noel Smith, 41, a Carpenter of Lot 30 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, was subjected to a search when two and a half bags of what was believed to be cannabis sativa (marijuana) was found. According to Watts, the driver of the vehicle claimed that he was working private hire when he picked up Noel Smith. He stated that before they drove off, an unidentifiable male approached the vehicle

with the bags. Smith then asked him to open the trunk of the vehicle to put the bag with the contents in. They then drove off and was eventually stopped at Number 5 West Coast Berbice. The ranks performed a routine search and unearthed the drugs in the trunk. The driver denied knowing Smith and further denied any knowledge of the cannabis. The contents of the bag totalled 29 Kg of Cannabis. Both men are in police custody and are expected to be charged shortly.

From page 13 on November 21, 2016 at 21:30 pm, they left Georgetown with their minivan fully loaded with perishable and fragile items. There were fish products worth in excess of $15M. On the Linden Highway they were stopped by persons wearing police uniforms except for “one male person who refused to identify himself”. The men claimed that the person in civilian clothes ordered them out of the vehicle in a hostile and loud manner. The two men complied. However, Clavis Nicholson asked the man: “Is that the way you speak to civilians?...I demanded that he identify himself in a very courteous manner but he refused to identify himself and proceeded to enter the bus in a violent manner but we protested in a courteous way.” The men were taken to the Wismar Police Station and later, were instructed to drive the bus to the Mackenzie Police Station. There, they were instructed by the unidentified man, dressed in civilian clothing, to sit on the prisoners' bench. “That half an hour later,

the person in the front gate entered our property and placed us in the 'lock ups' at about 11pm. That no reason was given to us, no instructions of right to counsel and to allegation was made against us. We were told that, “when the O.C. returns, he will speak with us: Coronel Wallace was the O.C of the station.” According to the men in the court documents, the police refused to give them water or food. “That the prison was a dark hole measuring 9ft by 9ft with the stench of human feces and urine. That the toilet bowl was inside the lockups and the tank is on the outside of said lockups. We requested the police to flush the toilet but they ignored us all throughout the night until the next day.” The men were taken out of the lockups at 15:00 hours the next day and brought to the Enquiry Office where five policemen with rifles “stood at “ready position”. “That the policemen then handcuffed our hands behind our backs and placed us in a police van which soon drove us back to Wismar Police Sta-

tion. That from Wismar Police Station they drove through a street and an extensive search was carried out with a sniffer dog but nothing was found. No allegations were made against us. “That we were then taken back to the Mackenzie Police Station along with the sniffer dog. Three police ranks offloaded the items which we had in our minivan and searched same with sniffer dog and found nothing.” The two men claimed that they re-packed the items into the minivan with the handcuffs still on their left hands. “That about 4:30pm, we were placed on a bail of $30,000 and told to report to court on 29th November, 2016 for Disorderly Behaviour. That on 29th November, 2016, we went to the Wismar Magistrate's Court and were informed that no charge was laid against us.” The men contacted the lawyer who advised them to take action as their rights appeared to have been violated and that “no allegation was made against us, no warrant was read nor were we informed of any rights whatsoever.”

Linden police abuse power, sued...

Court regular remanded for... From page 9 that Persaud was previously charged with a similar offence. Flaunting a bright smile on his face, Persaud told the Magistrate that this was his

second appearance before her. “Yuh worship this is not like the last time,” he said. However, Magistrate McGusty told the defendant he made the same statement

the last time he was in court. Based on reports, Persaud appeared before the said Magistrate in May and July and was charged for larceny of a cell phone and a similar offence respectively.

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Thursday December 08, 2016

MPs back May’s Brexit timetable (Reuters) - MPs backed Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit timetable yesterday after she headed off a rebellion in her Conservative Party over a lack of insight into the government’s strategy to leave the European Union. May has come under pressure from MPs, businesses and investors to set out at least a broad picture of how she sees Britain’s future relationship with the EU. She says giving too much away could weaken Britain’s hand in the country’s most important negotiations since World War Two. After a sometimes rowdy session in parliament, MPs voted by 448 to 75 to support a motion calling on the government to offer up its Brexit plan, but also backed the government’s timetable to trigger the divorce procedure by the end of March. During the six-hour debate, the Labour Party pressed its motion for a plan setting out the government’s

negotiating stance in its talks with the bloc, before Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty is invoked to start the exit process. But by agreeing to the government’s demand for parliament to endorse May’s timetable for Article 50, Labour MPs were accused of falling into a trap — allowing ministers to begin the divorce without consultation. Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer denied the vote was on Article 50. It was a vote, he said, to force the government to offer a plan with “enough detail and clarity to end the circus of uncertainty” over Britain’s future ties to the EU’s single market of 500 million consumers. “Asking for a plan setting out the objectives is not to seek to undermine the UK’s negotiating hand nor is it to seek a running commentary, but it is in fact to have clarity, scrutiny and accountability,” he said. He said that if the government failed to provide a suffi-

ciently detailed plan, Labour would challenge it again, he said, adding that the party aimed to head off a “hard Brexit”. The answer from government was clear — it was offering information when it could and it would produce a plan. What was not clear was what would be included in that plan. “I will make as much information as possible available without prejudicing our negotiating position,” said David Davis, May’s Brexit minister. May hopes to stick to her timetable but faces obstacles after a court ruled that the government needs parliament’s assent to invoke Article 50. The government is challenging that ruling in the Supreme Court. A lawyer at the court said that even if parliament did vote in favour of the March deadline, that would make no difference to his case that parliament, not ministers, had the power to authorise triggering Brexit talks.

Italian PM Renzi resigns, president to consult with parties (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigned yesterday after a bruising referendum loss at the weekend, with most parliamentary factions pushing for an early election in a few months’ time. The 41-year-old’s decision to quit after less than three years in office dealt a new blow to Western governments still in shock from Britain’s vote to leave the European Union and the election of outsider Donald Trump as U.S. president. Underscoring the financial risks that heavily indebted Italy faces, Moody’s changed its outlook on the country’s bond rating to negative from stable, saying prospects for much-needed economic reform had shrunk after Italians rejected Renzi’s proposals to revise the constitution and streamline parliament. Renzi tendered his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella, who said he would consult with political parties to decide the next steps. He asked Renzi to carry on in a caretaker capacity until a solution is found. After the consultations, which will begin today at 1700 GMT and end on Saturday afternoon, Mattarella is widely expected to ask a member of Renzi’s cabinet, or a politician from his Democratic Party, to try to form a new government. Elections are due in 2018

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (left) talks to President Sergio Mattarella (REUTERS/Tiziana Fabi/Pool) but many politicians are calling for them to be held earlier. The political crisis sparked by the referendum coincides with a crisis in Italy’s debt-laden banks, especially at its third-biggest lender Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which looks likely to require government intervention to survive. Two sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Renzi’s administration was preparing to take a 2-billion-euro ($2.15billion) controlling stake in the bank by purchasing junior bonds. Yesterday, a Treasury spokesman denied Italy was poised to ask for a loan from the European Stability Mechanism to support its banking sector. QUICK VOTE

Renzi addressed his Democratic Party (PD) before meeting the president, saying the party would only participate in a government intended to last until 2018 if it was backed by all the main forces in parliament, a prospect which seems remote. Otherwise early elections should be held as soon as possible, he said, after the Constitutional Court has ruled early next year on the legitimacy of the current electoral law. “The PD is not afraid of going to early elections,” he said. Most opposition parties, including the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the right-wing Northern League, are clamoring for a quick vote.

Thursday December 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

No survivors after plane crash in northern Pakistan mountains

Relatives gather outside the residence of Junaid Jamshed, pop star turned evangelical Muslim cleric, in Karachi, Pakistan yesterday (REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro) (Reuters) - There were no survivors after a plane carrying 47 people crashed into a mountain in northern Pakistan yesterday, the airline’s chairman said, as recovery operations continued late into the night at the remote crash site. The military said 40 bodies had been recovered and rescue efforts involved about 500 soldiers, doctors and paramedics. The bodies were shifted to the Ayub Medical Center in nearby Abbottabad, about 20km (12 miles) away. “There are no survivors, no one has survived,” said Muhammad Azam Saigol, the chairman for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)-operated flight PK661, which crashed en route from Chitral to the capital, Islamabad. Junaid Jamshed, a wellknown Pakistani pop star turned evangelical Muslim cleric, was among those feared dead, an airline official said. PIA said the captain of the flight had reported losing power in one engine minutes before the plane lost contact with the control tower en route to the capital. The airline said the plane crashed at 4:42 pm local time (1142 GMT) in the Havelian area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, about 40km (25 miles) north of Islamabad. Chitral, where the flight originated, is a popular tourist destination in Pakistan. Saigol said the ATR turboprop aircraft had undergone regular maintenance and in October had passed an “Acheck” maintenance certification, performed after every 500 flight hours. He said a full investigation of the crash, involving international agen-

cies, would be conducted. “All of the bodies are burned beyond recognition. The debris are scattered,” Taj Muhammad Khan, a government official based in Havelian, told Reuters. Khan, who was at the crash site, said witnesses told him “the aircraft has crashed in a mountainous area, and before it hit the ground it was on fire”. Pakistani television showed a trail of wreckage engulfed in flames on a mountain slope. Irfan Elahi, the government’s aviation secretary, told media the plane suffered engine problems but it was too early to determine the cause of the accident. THREE FOREIGNERS ON BOARD In a late night statement, PIA said the plane was carrying 47 people, including five crew members and 42 passengers. Earlier, the airline had said there were 48 people on board. The airline said two Austrian citizens and one Chinese citizen, all men, had been on board. The flight manifest showed three people on board with foreign names. The Austrian foreign minister’s spokesman later confirmed two Austrians had been killed in the crash. A local trader at the site of the crash said the fire was still burning nearly two hours after the crash. “They are removing body parts,” Nasim Gohar told Geo

TV. The military said it had sent in troops and helicopters. “PIA is doing everything possible to help the families of passengers and crew members,” the airline said in a statement. The pop singer Jamshed, a member of one of Pakistan’s first successful rock bands in the 1990s, abandoned his singing career to join the Tableeghi Jamaat group, which travels across Pakistan and abroad preaching about Islam. In his last tweet, Jamshed posted pictures of a snow-capped mountain, calling Chitral “Heaven on Earth”. Plane crashes are not uncommon in Pakistan and safety standards are often criticized. In recent years, media have reported on multiple near-misses as planes over-ran runways and engines caught fire. In 2010, a passenger plane crashed in heavy rain near Islamabad, killing all 152 people on board. Two years later, a plane operated by a private Pakistani company, with 127 people on board, crashed near Islamabad. All on board were killed. PIA has also suffered major disasters in the past. In 1979 and 1992, PIA jets crashed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and in Kathmandu, killing 156 and 167 people, respectively. In 2006, a PIA plane crashed near the central city of Multan, killing 45 people.

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Thursday December 08, 2016

Thursday December 08, 2016

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GBTI donates to ‘homes’, young artists

St. Kitts-Nevis PM presents EC$712.9 million tax-free budget BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (CMC) – Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris yesterday presented an EC$712.9 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) tax-free budget to Parliament urging the private sector to assist his administration in ensuring the socio-economic development of St. KittsNevis. Last year, Harris presented an EC$603.8 million fiscal package to Parliament and he told legislators that the increase is to support the implementation of various plans and programmes intended to improve the delivery of public service, contribute to the acceleration of growth in the economy and improve the lives of all citizens. Harris said an estimated EC$145 million had been set aside for capital expenditure during 2017, saying “we have made the partnership with the private sector a critical aspect of our approach to national development and we will start

Dr. Timothy Harris the dialogue early in January to discuss the fundamentals of the economy”. But in an immediate response to the fiscal package, Opposition Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas said the presentation is a continuation “of the practice of deception by Dr. Harris and the

administration. “You would have recognised that he has been doing more politicking in the presentation of the budget by trying to explain for people to understand exactly where do we go in stimulating the economy in St. kitts-Nevis”. Douglas, who will make his official response to the budget on Thursday, said if you listen o the people on the streets “at all levels they are saying things are extremely difficult (and) there is nothing in this budget that speaks of changing that living condition for our people” But Prime Minister Harris told Parliament that the outlook for the St. Kitts-Nevis economy is positive and the fiscal house of his team unity government is very strong. The biggest slice of the budget goes to the Ministry of National Security with an allocation of EC$71.7 million, followed by the Ministry of Health with EC$62.6 million and the Office of the Prime Minister EC$44.5 million.

In the spirit of the season of giving, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) yesterday staged its annual donations to a number of organisations. The bank also launched its 2017 Calendar. The Calendar features art from six winning pieces from schools that would have participated in the competition under the theme: “Ensuring Environmental Sustainability”. According to the Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda, 27 schools from the 10 administrative regions were recruited, however only 12 sent in en-

tries amounting to 106 art pieces. The pieces were judged by officials at the Burrowes School of Art where the six winning pieces were decided. The competition was for students within the age range of 11 to 17. The winners are Mya Hall, 13, from the Bishops’ High School; Haymesha Persaud, 14, Marian’s Academy; Aaron Gangadeen, 12, from the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School; Somita Paul, 16, from the School of the Nations; Rennata Nickram, 13, from the Bishops’ High School and Ponraj Lall, 14, from the Anna

Regina Multilateral School. Chief Executive Officer for GBTI, John Tracey, commended the winners for understanding and embracing the theme. They are also promoting a clean and green environment. The recipients of GBTI’S annual donations are Uncle Eddie’s Home, The Salvation Army, Help and Shelter Crisis Service, Dharm Shala Home for the Poor of all Races, Guyana Society for the Blind, Artistes in Direct Support, Guyana Relief Council and the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA).

Jamaica to sign MOU to revive railway system KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The Jamaica government yesterday announced that it would be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US-based company Herzog for reviving the railway service here. A statement from the Ministry of Transport and Mining said the signing will take place tomorrow and that over the past nine months, the Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC) has been engaged in intense discussions concerning the re-start of the cargo and passenger rail service. It said that an agreement would take Jamaica one step closer to a viable railway

service. A previous Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government had attempted to revive the rail system here but the plans were discontinued after the People’s National Party (PNP) came to power in 2011. Earlier this year, Transport Minister Lester Henry had said that the rail service’s revitalisation would be complemented with the Vernamfield Development Plan, which was conceptualised with the aim of expanding and strengthening Jamaica’s international aviation industry, in tandem with positioning the country as an international hub.

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Thursday December 08, 2016

Thursday December 08, 2016

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IOC approves venues for new sports at Tokyo 2020 Venues for the five new sports to be introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were finalised on Tuesday following approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Tokyo Games chief Yoshiro Mori told reporters. Baseball and softball will be held at the Yokohama Stadium, the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo will be the site of the karate competitions, while temporary facilities in the capital will house the sports climbing and skateboarding competitions. The Chiba province and its coastline will host surfing. ”Our proposals were confirmed and approved by the IOC,” Mori said. “They appreciated our progress and gave us a very good evaluation.”

Tokyo 2020 Emblems

Saintfiet... Thursday December 08, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Keep your wits about you and be sure that you can trust those you confide in You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying. \ TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Family trips or projects should be on your mind. Your home may be in an uproar and you are best to stay out of the line of fire if at all possible. \ GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship. Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. It might be time to shake a leg and do a personal makeover. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can make changes that will enhance your appearance. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence. Don't overspend on friends or children. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Be sure to pay attention to your bank account. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. Be quiet about your intentions or ideas that might bring added cash.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't be afraid to speak in defense of others. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Someone may try to damage your reputation. Don't push your opinions on others today or you may find yourself in the doghouse.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your ability to work with detail will bring recognition. Residential moves look hectic and sudden changes in your life are likely.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You need to spend some time pampering yourself. Don't be too quick to sign documents. Don't draw too much attention to yourself at work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Try not to let relatives or friends cause any friction with your mate. Don't hold back. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues today.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Moves or the possibility of having someone different living with you may be difficult at first. You should be doing something special with children.

From page 31 former Italy striker Carolina Morace has been appointed to lead the women’s national side on a 2-½ year contract. The 53-year-old, who made over 150 appearances for Italy and scored over 100 goals, has also in the past managed Italy and Canada’s women side.

The five new sports will make a one-off appearance at the Games after being chosen by the hosts under new IOC rules. Organisers are also discussing with the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) hosting some matches in Fukushima prefecture, site of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. Mori said he had not discussed the issue of Fukushima with the IOC during their meeting yesterday. Organisers and the IOC are hoping the five sports will attract a younger generation of viewers and fans as well as sponsors and rejuvenate the Games’ sports programme. ”WBSC is delighted with the decision of the IOC... to

confirm Yokohama Stadium as a main venue,” said the sports’ confederation president Riccardo Fraccari. ”Yokohama Stadium with its downtown skyline will provide a spectacular backdrop for Olympic baseball and softball - this is an exciting day that takes baseball and softball one step closer on the historic road to Tokyo 2020.” Tokyo was picked by the IOC as a safe choice to host the world’s biggest multisports event but organizers have been struggling with mounting costs. Price tags for many venues have soared since Tokyo won the race in 2013, which organizers blame on increased construction costs after the earthquake and tsunami five years ago. (Reuters)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 08, 2016

MCC moves to limit bat dimensions WICB confirms full Digicel R4D fixtures

The MCC World Cricket Committee has responded to growing concerns about the size of bats by proposing new limits on their dimensions, in a bid to reduce the number of mis-hits off the edge or the toe of the bat flying over the boundary for sixes. The size of bats has been a constant matter of debate at MCC meetings. In July 2014, the cricket committee had discussed the issue at length, debating the benefit of a greater number of boundaries for television viewers against the fairness of the balance between bat and ball. At that point, the members couldn’t reach consensus, and the law was left as it was. Now, however, the committee believes that enough is enough, and has recommended a new limit of 40 millimetres for the edge of the bat, and 67 millimetres to the spine. ”We have talked for the last couple of years about concerns that the committee has had about the size of bats and where the size of bat is going to go in the next fiveten years,” Ricky Ponting, a member of the committee, said. “So we have actually come up with some dimensions that we are comfortable with as a committee.” ”The time has come to restrict the size of bat edges and the overall width [depth] of bats,” Mike Brearley, chairman of the committee, said. “It was pointed out to us that, in 1905, the width of bats was 16mm and that, by 1980, it had increased to 18mm. It is now an average, in professional cricket, of 35-40mm and sometimes up to 60mm. That shows how fast the change has been.” Ponting said the imbalance between bat and ball had been a concern with the committee for a while. He also said some current batsmen were concerned they might now be limited in their strokeplay, but the overwhelming feeling was a need for the restoration of a balance between bat and ball.

Compare and contrast: Barry Richards’ bat from 1970, compared to David Warner’s current model © Cricket Australia ”This is being done with consultation with bat manufacturers and also current players,” Ponting said. “The current players were surveyed by FICA, and over 60% of current players were also concerned with where the size of cricket bats were going. What we are really conscious of as well is that we don’t want to take the game back to the ’50s or ’60s, we are just worried about where it was going to go. ”So the average player’s bat-edge size is between 38 and 42 millimetres. There are exceptions to it, some guys are using bats with edges in excess of 50 millimetres and that is what we are worried about. We are worried about the real extremes of that, and the numbers that we have come about, we are happy with that.” The main concern was mis-hits clearing grounds. “When we are talking about changing the size and dimensions of the bat, all we are talking about is the balance between bat and ball and bringing that back,” Ponting said.

“We feel that in the last few years that it has actually gone a little bit too far in the favour of batsmen, and it is more about mis-hits going for a six. There are top-edges in the game that might travel over fine leg or deep backward square leg, that doesn’t have to do anything with the size or the shape of the bat. But more so the mis-hits off the toe or the leading edge of the bat, that are quite clearly still covering the boundaries. ”One thing we know is we can’t make the grounds bigger, so certainly one of the concerns was the middle of the bat, because of the shape of the bat is increasingly getting bigger and bigger every year.” Ponting reassured the current players. “We haven’t individually spoken - well, I have received a few messages from current players being worried about limiting their equipment,” Ponting said. “We are just trying to make the game fairer. The balance between bat and ball a little bit better. Bat manufacturers will tell you now, even with edges of 40mm maximum and 60mm on the back, that players won’t notice a huge difference. Some of the mis-hits won’t quite go as far but, if you are good enough to hit the ball consistently somewhere near the middle of the bat, with the bats we have got you are going to clear the rope easily. ”Players like Dhoni, Pollard, naturally born strong big hitters, they have got nothing to worry about. It is going to affect guys that are not naturally that strong, that have got away with excessively sized bats, if you like. Those players will notice the difference more than anybody else.” (ESPNcricinfo)

St. John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board has confirmed the schedule of matches for the return leg of the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament to be played between March and April next year. Matches in the return leg will follow the Regional Super50 Tournament which will be staged during a monthlong period between late January and early February at venues in the islands of Antigua and Barbados. The return leg of Digicel R4Day matches will feature two day/night fixtures – Jamaica Scorpions vs Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Sabina Park in the seventh round from Friday, March 17 to Monday, March 20, and Barbados

Pride vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in the ninth and penultimate round from Friday, April 7 to Monday, April 10. The Pride will also be looking forward to the return leg of their matches, all of which

are scheduled to be contested on home soil, due to the unavailability of the World-famous Kensington Oval during the first leg of matches currently taking place.

CONCACAF Confirms Details of XXIII Extraordinary Congress Miami - The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) confirmed today details of the XXIII CONCACAF Extraordinary Congress, to be held in Miami, Florida, tomorrow. The Congress will commence at 9:00 am at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Miami, with the

participation of CONCACAF’s Member Associations. CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani will preside over the Congress, alongside members of the CONCACAF Council and General Secretary Philippe Moggio. Tomorrow’s Extraordinary Congress will con-

vene to approve the Confederation’s 2015 audited financial statements. CONCACAF has additionally invited Member Association representatives to participate in a series of workshops designed to share best practices and develop capabilities across a range of functional and administrative areas. (CONCACAF)

Thursday December 08, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Patel, Sabbir, Franklin take Rajshahi into final Rajshahi Kings made light work of Khulna Titans in the second qualifier on their way to the BPL final, against Dhaka Dynamites, completing a seven-wicket win in Mirpur. In front of a small crowd at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, they restricted Khulna to a below-par 125 for 9 before knocking off the total with four balls to spare. Their efficient bowling performance ensured a maiden appearance in the tournament’s final after their previous franchise (Duronto Rajshahi) failed to do so in the 2012 and 2013 editions. But it was not an altogether smooth chase for Rajshahi. They lost their openers Mominul Haque and Nurul Hasan within 4.2 overs after which youngster Afif Hossain led the recovery with a 33-run third-wicket stand with Sabbir Rahman. He fell lbw to Mahmudullah in the 12th over after hitting three fours in his 27-ball 26. Sabbir batted in an unusual subdued manner before unleashing his first six off the 35th delivery. His unbeaten 43 off 52 balls broke a three-week

low which started one innings after his 122 against Barisal Bulls. His unbroken 62-run fourth wicket stand with James Franklin calmly completed the chase, with Franklin contributing an unbeaten 30 off 24 balls. His first six, a big one down the ground, completed the win. Khulna were always behind the eight-ball after starting poorly. Openers Mohammad Hasanuzzaman and Abdul Mazid were run-out in the third over. First they were involved in a mix-up after Hasanuzzaman pushed the ball into the covers, with both ending up at the striker’s end. In the process of running him out at the other end, wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan rammed into Farhad Reza, hurting him. Two balls later, Mehedi Hasan’s direct hit from short midwicket found Mazid short by inches after he turned back from taking a single. After Farhad removed Shuvagata Hom in the fourth over, Nicholas Pooran fell following two sixes and as many fours, giving an easy catch to long-off off Afif.

Rajshahi Kings removed the Khulna Titans openers with run-outs © BCB Samit Patel then removed Benny Howell, Mahmudullah and Kevon Cooper before Kesrick Williams and Darren

Trophy Stall Doubles Heat Up Despite the poor conditions of the courts, players game out to support the Trophy Stall doubles tennis competition and to also have fun. This tournament over the years has provided an avenue for players to craft their doubles skills. It always produces captivating tennis and this year continued the tradition of such matches at the National Racquet Centre and the results are as followed for the respective categories: Mixed Open Doubles - Mark McDonald and Nicola Ramdyhan had a tough match as they weathered the sun and their opponents, Leyland Leacock and Kizzy Richmond. McDonald and Ramdyhan who recently returned from the Inter-Guiana Games in good form made an assault of 6/0 in the first set, but the cunning play of Leacock held his team together with support from Richmond, who took the second set tiebreaker 6-4. Building on the momentum they were able to keep a flicker of hope, however McDonald/Ramdyhan were proven to be tougher and eventually closed the set at 6/4. They face Shelly Ramdyhan and Robert Bostwick in the quarterfinals. That team had a close brush with the prospect of elimination as junior

Alexander Almeida and Sarah Klautky held a tight match to prove their potential as upcoming top players. The match went in favour of the seniors 6/7(7-1), 6/4, 6/3. Khawn Rodney and Shawna Gentle defeated Joseph DeJonge and Fiona Bushell 7/5, 6/4 in another intense match. While, Jordan Beaton/Ciara Pooran defeated Stephen Bailey/Margaret Subryan 6/2, 6/1 comfortably. Philbert Clarke and Diana Bharat def. Ariel Khan and Nathalie Ramdyhan 6/0 7/6(72). Men’s Open Doubles Young Ridhwan Kasim and Adesh Khyyam showed that they have the making of strong players. Despite being down in the first set 5 love to senior players, Jamal Goodluck and Darren King, they held their nerves and played consistently to see a window of opportunity at 5/ 4. However, they were outplayed by the more experienced players 6/4, 7/5. Top junior boys, Heimraj Resaul and Jordan Beaton made a clinical defeat against Robert Bostwick and Khalid Gobin, 6/0, 6/2. Joshua and Jerimiah Kalekyezi def. Benjattan Osborne and Asif Subhan in a close three setter 5/7, 6/2, 6/ 2 in the round of 16. The brothers continued to heat the ten-

nis scene in the quarterfinals when they faced top players Ronald Murray and Mark McDonald. The brothers have done exceptionally well during this season as they improved their games. Though they presented exciting tennis, they fell short 4/6, 6/2, 6/1 in the quarterfinals. Oswin Coggins and Stephen Bailey were able to fend off Ravin Ramprasad and Shimron Lewis in a tight three setter that ended 6/4, 3/ 6, 6/1 Khalid Gobin and Robert Bostwick received a walkover from Philbert Clarke and Romario Chanderballi to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the men’s doubles. Philip Squires/Joseph DeJonge defeated Alexander Almeida Sn./ Sandeep Chand 2/6 6/4 7/6 (7-5) in a nail biting match. Former top player, Squires, has a tricky Semifinal as he squares off with old rival, Anthony Downes who has partnered up with Jason Andrews. Ladies Open Doubles Nicola and Shelly Ramdyhan made light work of Shavani Persaud and Sarah Klautky 6/ 2, 6/1 as they lead the charge of a possible rematch with Afruica Gentle and Cristy Campbell. It is anticipated to be the ladies match of the year as the results can swing the year end rankings in either teams favour. Matches continue this weekend.

Sammy took the eighth and ninth wickets respectively. There was still time for Khulna

to post a better total, with Ariful Haque hitting two fours and a straight six in his un-

beaten 32 off 29 balls, but it did not prove to be enough. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Thursday December 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament

Regional economies get boost from Moore and Williamson defy odds CPL, says economic impact study to register Guyana’s first victories Patriots

Guyanese boxers commenced their trek for honours on a successful note when activities in the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament got underway in Bridgetown, Barbados last Tuesday evening. Less than two hours after landing on the Island the boxers were called to duty and they responded marvelously by clinching victories. Lightweight (youth) boxer, Christopher Moore won his bout against Alex Smith of Cayman Island after the Referee stopped the contest in the 3rd round while Lightweight (elite), Joel Williamson, pounded out a points victory over Ronald Bicep of Guadeloupe. Head Coach, Sebert Blake, said that the boxers have only now begun their trek and still have a far way to go. Nevertheless, he was pleased with their performances so far especially since they hardly had time to settle down before their ring appearance. ”We arrived in Barbados at 17:00hrs and was taken to the hotel only to be told that the opening ceremony was underway and that Moore and Williamson were scheduled for the 4th and 5th bouts respectively,” ex-

plained Blake. He said that the boxers made the necessary psychological adjustments and were able to win their bouts handsomely. Moore was scheduled to resume duties once more against Miguel Diaz of Anguilla last evening while Jnr/Welterweight, Colin Lewis, was scheduled to match gloves with Frederic Pierre of Guadeloupe. The other boxers will know when they will be required to enter the ring after the official draw is completed. In the meantime, they are going through their paces with light roadwork and calisthenics in the mornings to maintain suppleness of their limbs. Meanwhile, team Manager, Maurice Rajkumar, arrived in Barbados yesterday afternoon and is pleased with the initial successes of the boxers. He continued to inspire them and is confident that they will all do well for the remainder of the tournament. The other boxers on duty are Flyweight (youth), Keevin Allicock, junior boxer, Isaiah Moore (46kgs) and elite boxers, Super/Heavyweight Jason Barker, Middleweight, Desmond Amsterdam, Jnr/

Welterweight, Colin Lewis, Lightweight, Joel Williamson, Light/Heavyweight, Markember Pierre, Bantamweight, Clairmonte Gibson and Flyweight, Kevin Allicock. Adrian Thomas and Clifton Moore are the two other Coaches. Along with Guyana, the other participating countries are Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica, Anguilla, Dominica, Guadeloupe, St Maarten, Belize, French Guiana, Cayman Island, US Virgin Islands, Martinique and Grenada. The team’s participation was made possible through the kind chivalry of several persons and members of the corporate community including National Hardware, E C Vieira Investments, Mohamed Cambio, Nicholas Boyer (National Hardware), Dolly Sukhdeo, Harvey’s Fashions, Z Mohamed and sons Trading, Swiss House Cambio, BEV Enterprise and Permaul Mangal, LIAT Airline, Host of Maximum Sports, Max Massiah, former professional boxer/journalist Michael Benjamin, Director of Tang Soo Do International, Kyosanim Roland Eudoxie and former World Champion, Gary StClair.

D’ Edward, Blairmont triumph in WBCA U-25 tourney D’ Edward and Blairmont recorded victories when the West Berbice Cricket Association Under-15 two innings tournament continued recently. Host D’ Edward defeated Achievers by six wickets. Achievers batted first and were skittled for 29; Akash Herilall grabbed 6-7. D’ Edward responded with 73 all out, Leonard Caleb took 7-23. Trailing by 44 runs, Achievers were bowled out for 74. Leonard Williams hit 41 and Adrian Samaroo got 16.

Hemraj Lalsa grabbed 5-12 and Lakraj Lalsa 5-14. Chasing 27 to win the host achieved their target for the loss of four wickets,Akash Heriall made 23. In another game played at D’ Edward, the home team went down to Blairmont by an innings and 25 runs. Blairmont batted first and posted 215 while D’ Edward were sent packing for 75 in response. Trailing by 140, the home team was restricted to 115 in their second turn at the crease. At Bush Lot, the home team and Achievers played to a draw.

Achiever’s batted first and was bowled out for scored 148; Adrian Samaroo scored 39 and Tyres Carmichael 14. T. Babulall grabbed 5-39 and Latchmansingh Dhamna 2-45. Bush Lot was bowled out for 136 in reply, Wazim Inshan stroked 59; D’Andrad Arthur had 3-38, Carmichael 3-39 and Krishna Seelall 2-16. Achiever’s made 136-9 declared batting a second time. Adrian Samaroo struck 65 not out. Chasing 148, Bush Lot reached 80-4 when play was halted due to bad light.

Enmore double-wicket competition or call 646 2040 for to be contested on SundayECCCC more information on registraThe Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) will be hosting a 20-team knockout double-wicket competition for teams on the East Coast Demerara on Sunday. Teams will battle for several trophies and cash incentives in what promises to be an exciting day of cricket. Double-wicket or “pairs” cricket is a form of cricket with two teams of two players

each competing against each other for a limited number of overs. A player getting out in this form of cricket continues to bat, but gets penalised where a stipulated number of runs is being deducted each time he gets out. Interested teams are being urged to register early in order to participate, contact can be made with any representative of

tion. Cricket action will commence at 10:00hrs and there will also be a raffle amongst spectators during the course of the matches. This event is sponsored by several businessmen from Enmore. Among the players expected to be on show are Chanderpaul Hemraj, Ameer Khan, Gavin Moriah, Bhaskar Yadram, Kamesh Yadram and Jermaine Martin.

celebrate

Castries, St Lucia, CMC – This year’s Caribbean Premier League poured just over over US$90 million into the Caribbean region, according to an Economic Impact Assessment released by organisers on Tuesday. In a study carried out by United Kingdom-based research firm, SMG Insight/ YouGov, the tournament which was staged from June 29 to August 7, generated US$102 million across all seven host venues. Florida’s Central Broward Stadium was the only nonCaribbean venue used during the tournament as matches were held in the United States for the first time. The new figures represents a considerable rise over last year when the tournament had an estimated economic impact of US$76.2 million overall. St Kitts, which hosted four preliminary games from June 30 to July 5 and the playoffs and final from August 37, were the biggest recipients with US$22.7 million (EC$61.2 million) injected into its economy. Organisers said the hosting of the games at Warner Park had a significant impact on job creation, hotel room stock along with general marketing of the destination. ”The investment by the CPL amounted to a 22 percent increase to $1 664 540, while the total visitors spend saw a 12 per cent increase from the 2015 season to $3 690 911,” the study said. ”The media value from the eight combined matches (factoring TV and digital brand exposure, tourism imagery

and verbal mentions) jumped by 70 percent to $8 262 632. Hosting CPLT20 in the Federation created 240 local jobs and filled 3,899 hotel room nights. ”With a combined TV audience of 37 million for the four Patriots’ home matches and the Hero CPL finals, in all 35 124 fans attended matches at Warner Park during the 2016 season.” Barbados, meanwhile, also enjoyed a bounce in its economy with nearly US$16 million (BDS$32 million) pumped into it. The four games between July 11-17 at historic Kensington Oval, featuring the Barbados Tridents franchise, saw a total visitor spend of US$1.6 million. The Barbados Tourist Board’s shirt sponsorship deal with the Tridents franchise managed to generate US$7.7 million in media value – representing a 128 per cent increase over the 2015 numbers. ”With a TV audience of 13.8 million for Tridents’ home matches, in all 24,730 fans attended matches in the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown during the 2016 season,” the EIA said. CPL organisers also invested US$1.7 million – an increase of 22 per cent over last year. Of the seven host venues for this year’s CPL, Barbados was only second to St Kitts and Nevis in terms of the economic impact. Trinidad and Tobago benefited to the tune of US$14 million (TT$93.6 million) from the CPL though total visitor spend dropped 25 per cent over last year to

US$2.9 million. St Lucia, which witnessed St Lucia Zouks reaching the playoffs for the first time, saw US$10.8 million flowing into its economy with visitor spend and media value also rising significantly over last year. ”There was a substantial 36 per cent increase on the total visitor spend throughout the island while the media value and tourism board exposure increased by a staggering 107 per cent, helped by a shirt sponsorship deal with the St. Lucia Tourist Board,” the study said. ”Hosting CPLT20 in St. Lucia created 261 local jobs and filled 2,237 hotel room nights.” Guyana’s four preliminary games saw US$15.4 million (GUY$3.1 billion) pumped into the economy, though visitor spend fell by four per cent while Jamaica benefited to the tune of US$11.1 million (JAM$1.4 billion). Visitor spend rose 25 per cent to US$2.9 million for the Sabina Park games. According to the EIA, CPL visitors spent US$20.4 million during the tournament, an increase of 31 per cent over last year while 248 856 fans attended the 34 matches. The CPL is the region’s premier T20 championship and is contested by six franchises – the Tridents, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Zouks, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders and Jamaica Tallawahs. This year’s tournament was won by Tallawahs who defeated Amazon Warriors in the final.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 08, 2016

PAGE 33

UDFA/GT Beer KO Football

Federal Winners Connection and Silver Shattas start on winning note

Federal Winners Connection FC

Three-time champions Federal Winners Connection, with a double from veteran forward Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens, and Silver Shattas both recorded wins on the opening night of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), GT Beer Christmas football championship on Tuesday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Following the opening ceremony which was attended by Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters and Outdoor

Events Manager Mortimer Stewart the reigning champions hammered Blueberry Hill 4-1 while Shattas turned back the challenge of Kwakwani Strikers 3-0. From the opening w h i s t l e t h e Wi n n e r s Connection were able to connect when in the 2nd minute striker Marlmalaque Davidson crossed the ball which was headed home by Keon Sears for a 1-0 lead. But Orell Peters showed his promise getting inside to level the scores for Blueberry hill in the 9th

minute. In the 24th minute, Marmalaque Davidson g o t i n t o t h e f r a y, Silver Shattas FC collecting a pass in the middle to score to go ahead goal for the champions. By the end of the first that was easily tucked into half Gittens got his name on the back of the nets for a 4-1 to the score sheet, netting on advantage which they held the stroke of half time to. The second game was which handed his side a 3-1 another where the beaten cushion. Half an hour after play finalists last year, Silver resumed veteran striker S hattas came through G i t t e n s o n c e a g a i n unscathed, 3-0 winners over displayed his lethal side, Kwakwani Strikers. Their collecting a through pass v i c t o r y w a s a c h i e v e d

through some excellent goals from their best players in forward Colwyn Drakes who started the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by goal number two in the 59th minute through Damian Williams. The final goal on the stroke of fulltime came off the boot of defender Leon

Clement. Meanwhile, rivalry will continue tonight with another double header. Blueberry Hill will aim to salvage some pride when they face Botafago from 18.00hrs with the second game at 20.00hrs between Kwakwani Strikers and Milerock.

Diamond League gets championship-style makeover The Diamond League will have two end-of-season finals with a prize pool of $3.2 million following changes to the structure of the competition announced by the International Association of Athletics’ Federations (IAAF) yesterday. Under the new format, athletes will earn points in the first 12 league meetings of the season to qualify for the finals in Zurich or Brussels, where $100,000 will be up for grabs in each of the 32 disciplines, including $50,000 for each winner. Athletes who finish second in their respective disciplines will earn $20,000 each, with $10,000 awarded for third place, effectively

turning the season into a championship-style race to reach the finals, which will each feature 16 events. Previously, the winners in each of the disciplines were decided by how many points they accumulated during the season, irrespective of whether they won the final event. ”After seven seasons which have established the IAAF Diamond League as our premier circuit it is important to assess its impact and build for the future,” IAAF president and the league’s chairman Sebastian Coe said in a statement. “These decisions are the first step to growing the attractiveness of the series.” (Reuters)

The Diamond League will have two end-of-season finals with a prize pool of $3.2 million following changes to the structure of the competition. Aly Song/Reuters

Kaieteur News

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Thursday December 08, 2016

Hooper replaces Shepherd in Jaguars squad Bishoo given two-match rest By Sean Devers Chairman of Selectors, Manager and Assistant Coach of the Guyana Jaguars Rayon Griffith informed that Rose Hall Town’s offspinner Eon Hooper has replaced Tucber Park’s pacer Romario Shepherd in the only change to the squad to face Barbados Pride from 15:00hrs tomorrow in a day/night contest at Providence in the fourth round of the Digicel Regional four-day FirstClass tournament. Griffith, a former Guyana pacer who took 56 wickets from 22 First-Class matches between 2000 and 2007, informed that West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo was allowed a two-match rest after a successful Test series against Pakistan in the UAE. The 31-year-old Bishoo, the leading wicket-taker in the three Test series with 18 scalps including an eightwicket haul, is presently in the USA and 25-year-old H o o p e r, w h o m a d e a wicket-less debut in the first round against Jamaica, is

back in the squad after missing the two ‘away’ games. The 37-year-old Griffith said he feels the strength of the Jaguars is their bowling and the main area for concern is their catching this season. ”I think our bowling is our strength! Generally our spinners have taken the wickets in past years but this year our pacers have done really well,” said Griffith who was high in praise for Keon Joseph, just back from a successful ‘A’ team tour to Sri Lanka. In the last match in St Lucia, Raymon Reifer (6), Joseph (2) and Chris Barnwell (1) combined for the first time ever to claim nine wickets by fast bowlers in the same innings for Guyana in First-Class cricket. Joseph then claimed three of the four wickets to fall in the Volcanoes’ second innings before rain washed out the last two days. ”A concern to us has been our catching this season. We have dropped

Rayon Griffith doing some batting drills with pacer Keon Joseph at Providence yesterday (Sean Devers photo) catches in all three games we have played and that is an area that we must improve in moving forward in the competition” lamented Griffith. The West Indies ‘A’ Team Assistant Coach feels that while he agrees that the batsmen have all gotten

starts without any of them getting a hundred, he does not think it is a major problem since most of the batsmen are senior players and the team has seven more matches to play. ”I agree that if a few of the fifties were converted into centuries we could have

gotten some 300 plus totals but what I am more disappointed with is the manner in which the lower order batsmen got out with less than 10 runs needed to reach 300 in two matches to give away what could be important batting points,” Griffith said.

While it should be an advantage for the Jaguars to have played a day/night game under lights and with a pink ball in the last round before heading into tomorrow’s day/night clash with Barbados, Griffith was quick to point out that many in the Barbados team who returned for this game, played with the pink ball under-lights in the day/night Test in the UAE so it’s not a big advantage. The pink ball is harder than the red ball and swings more at nights when conditions are ideal for fast bowling but Griffith says that both teams have these conditions to bowl in. When asked about the return of the Test players which has strengthened the Bajan side, Griffith said he is confident Guyana will do well since they have beaten Barbados with these same players in their team. Griffith feels that the pitch (one of the two that has not been relayed) should be slow but good to bat on if you show patience and display good shot selection. Jaguars (33.6) lead second place Barbados Pride (33.4) by .2 of a point.

Thomas, Jones shine as Regal Masters, Wellman secure final berths Regal Allstars, Speedboat to renew rivalry in open final Outstanding batting performances by Eric Thomas and Wayne Jones helped Regal Masters and Mike’s Wellman secured their places in the Masters final while Regal Allstars and Speed Boat will battle in the open final when the Regal Sport T20 Softball tournament ends on Sunday at The Demerara Cricket Club ground. Regal Masters defeated Albion by five wickets in their semi final encounter played on Sunday last at DCC. Batting first, Albion scored 179 all out in 19.1 overs. I. Hussain made 45 and Anil Beharry 20. Mahendra Hardyal claimed 3-32; Fazleem Mohamed had 2-27 and Mahendra Arjune 2-37. Thomas then slammed a fluent 66 as Regal responded with 182-5 in 15.2 overs. Raymond Harper hit 51 not out and Hardyal 29. John Sumair and I. Heralall took two wickets each. M i k e ’s We l l m a n hammered Ariel by seven

Eric Thomas

Wayne Jones wickets in the other semi final encounter. Ariel managed 141 all out in 18.1 overs taking first strike. Extras contributed 35 while T. Ramotar and Dennis Mangru made 17 and 16 respectively. Lester Thomas snared 329, Wayne Jones 2-23,

Motilall Chumundatt 2-32. Wellman replied with 142-3 in 14 overs. Jones struck 52 while Latchman Kallicharran made 31 and Nandram Samlall 24. In the open division, Regal Allstars overcame Herstelling by 14 runs. Regal scored 157-5, taking

first knock after the game was reduced to 15 overs. Safraz Esau hit 32 not out, R. Ramnauth 29 and Navin Singh 27. Extras assisted with 34 as Ricky Sergeant picked up two wickets. Herstelling were bowled out for 143 in 19.1 overs in reply. Yunnis Yusuf hit 34 and

Mahendra Hardyal Rawl Reid 22. Martin Dutchin captured 3-8 while Sewchand Budhu, Richard Latif and Sachin Singh had two each. Speed Boat beat Ariel in their semi final matchup. The free entry competition will see the winners of both segments

Martin Dutchin collecting a trophy and $100,000 and the runner-up a trophy and $25,000. The Masters final will commence at 10:00hrs while the open final which is deemed as a repeat of the Guyana Softball Cup 6 final will bowl off at 14:00hrs.

Thursday December 08, 2016

Kaieteur News

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition

Camp Street All Stars continue fairy tale run; Sparta Boss into quarter-finals

Broad Street Bullies Jimmy Gravesande (yellow bib) tries to go past a player from Camp Street All Stars during their encounter on Tuesday evening. Camp Street All Stars continued their fairy tale run in this year’s Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition after taking another important scalp this time Broad Street Bullies via sudden death penalty kicks on Tuesday evening, at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. Regulation time failed to produce goals, but fans were entertained throughout the entire game a s b o t h t e a m s ’ manufactured excellent opportunities only to be denied by equally brilliant defending. Reigning champions Sparta Boss also prevailed over Albouystown ‘A’ via a similar route, advancing 3-2

in sudden death penalty shootout, while Bent Street withstood a stern test from Stevedore Scheme, before winning 2-0 on penalty kicks. The competition continues this evening with the final round of the roundrobin phase at Demerara Park opposite Banks DIH. The night’s full results are as follows: Game-1: Camp Street All-Stars-0 vs Broad Street Bullies-0 - Camp Street won 3-2 on sudden death kicks. Game-2: Leopold Street-2 vs Up Like-7-1. Leopold Street scorer, Omallo Williams-4th and 15th minute. Up Like-7 scorer, Dwayne Lowe-20th minute. Game-3: Queen Street

Tiger Bay-1 vs Channel-9 Wa r r i o r s - 0 ; J a m e s Meredith-20th minute. Game-4: Bent Street-1 vs Stevedore Scheme-1. Bent Street won 2-0 on penalty kicks. Bent scorer, Daniel Wilson-17th minute. Stevedore Scheme scorer, Keifer Brandt-10th minute. Game-5: Festival City Warriors-0 vs North East La Penitence-1; Calvin Moore21st minute. Game-6: North Ruimveldt-0 vs Tucville-0. Tucville won 2-0 on penalty kicks. Game-7: Back Circle-0 vs West Back Road-0. West Back Road won 3-1 on penalty kicks. Game-8: AlbouystownA-0 vs Sparta Boss-0. Sparta won 3-2 on sudden death kicks.

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Three-team groups and 48 finalists in Gianni Infantino plan Future World Cup finals will feature 16 groups of three countries in a 48-team t o u r n a m e n t , i f F I FA President Gianni Infantino gets his wish. Infantino, who became head of FIFA in February, previously spoke of expanding the World Cup from 32 teams to 40. Under his favoured 16group structure the top two teams would progress to the last 32 and ongoing knockout matches. A decision will be made in January but any change would not be likely to take effect before the 2026 World Cup. FIFA’s Council will discuss the proposal at a meeting on 9 January but Infantino, 46, made expansion part of his election manifesto because he wants to allow more countries the chance to compete at football’s flagship event.

Gianni Infantino

I f w o r l d f o o t b a l l ’s governing body does not adopt the 16-group format, other options that will be considered include: - Another version of the 48-team event which would see a 32 team one-game knockout round with the winners joining 16 teams who have qualified by right - Keeping the tournament at its present size of 32 teams

- Expanding it to 40 teams (10 groups of four or eight groups of five). The number of teams competing at a World Cup last increased in 1998 when the tournament expanded from 24 to 32 countries. U E F A’ s E u r o 2 0 1 6 tournament featured 24 nations, an increase from the 16-team format in place since 1996. (BBCsport)

Saintfiet appointed head coach but given ultimatum Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Well-travelled Belgian Tom Saintfiet was yesterday appointed Head Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago national side but could face the sack after just two games in charge, if he does not keep the twin-island republic in contention for the World Cup finals. The 43-year-old was announced by the Trinidad a n d To b a g o F o o t b a l l Association as the replacement for Stephen Hart who was fired last month after the country’s poor start to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying final round. Saintfiet, who has already coached in multiple countries, will be in charge of the national side for their two u p c o m i n g Wo r l d C u p qualifiers against Panama and Mexico next March, and TTFA president David John Williams said he would be held to a very high standard for those two encounters. ”He came highly recommended as well, he worked in difficult situations in Africa and we feel he can do the job for us,” JohnWilliams told a media conference here. “I will also tell you this, if he doesn’t get the job done on the 24th and 28th of March [2017], he will be looking for a job and I make no apologies for saying that. ”We are very serious

Tom Saintfiet because if we don’t get the result on the 24th and on the 28th of March, we may as well kiss our campaign goodbye.” Trinidad lie one from bottom in the six-team final round without a point, after losing both their opening games last month. They went down 2-0 at home to Costa Rica on November 11 and four days later, suffered a 3-1 defeat to Honduras away in San Pedro Sula at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano. Hart, who led the squad for 3-½ years, paid the price with his job and JohnWilliams argued that results was the nature of professional football. “Football and professional sport is a brutal game,” he pointed out. “World Cup qualifying, it’s about results and getting to the World Cup. If the results don’t go your

way you have to do something different.” Saintfiet has coached extensively in Africa, leading Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Togo and Malawi, as well as a stint with Asian nation Bangladesh. Facing the media for the first time, he praised Trinidad and Tobago as a country with a “huge history” but with a “more huge future”, and said he believed he could play a role in advancing the national programme. He said he also believed T&T could still rescue their Wo r l d C u p d r e a m o f reaching Russia 2018. ”I believe it’s possible. Two games have been played. We are in fifth position and we have to be in the top three or if needed, to be in the fourth position for the playoffs but they are still eight games to go,” Saintfiet said. ”The president said it already, the 24th and 28th of March are crucial. If we can achieve good results against Panama and against Mexico, we are back in the running and everything is possible to go to Russia. ”If these results are negative, then it doesn’t matter how long your contract is, every coach knows that he is in the end responsible for that, and I take it like that.” Meanwhile, (Continued on page 25)

t r o Sp Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament

Moore and Williamson defy odds to register Guyana’s first victories

Trophy Stall Doubles Heat Up P.27

P.28

Pictured from left are Leyland Leacock, Kizzy Richmond, Nicola Ramdyhan and Mark McDonald

UDFA/GT Beer KO Football

Federal Winners Connection and Silver Shattas start on winning note P.29

Joel Williamson and Christopher Moore

Hooper replaces Shepherd in Jaguars squad P.30

Sponsors Reps. and UDFA officials seen meeting the players and referees before the start of the competition at the MS on Tuesday night last.

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