Wednesday February 07, 2018
GUYANESE ARE BEING CONNED IN A BIG WAY DEAR EDITOR, The absurd and outrageous nature of the Exxon contract which has been highlighted by a number of persons in the public domain, triggers the impulse to shout ‘incompetence!’ and similar expressions to describe the grossly imbecilic nature of this agreement. But if we consider for just a minute, the people in the Coalition cannot by any remote standard be considered stupid. The president was a former Brigadier-General schooled in military strategy
abroad, and a career historian and lecturer, I was made to understand. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was a former Minister of Finance right here; the Minister of State is a very bright gentleman who was a lawyer by profession; and the Minister of Natural Resources was also a career lawyer who also served as Speaker of our House. It is virtually impossible for either of these four gentlemen not to have been privy to the agreement before it was signed. With at least two of them being former practicing lawyers, it would
have been impossible for them to ignore what I can only refer to as the gross asininity of the Exxon contract. Here we have four of probably the most senior men in the coalition administration perusing this contract, familiar with its contents, being aware of their own limitations in respect of their capacity to professionally evaluate it, yet still being able to recognize the ridiculous nature of the contract, and still agreeing to give the goahead for the Minister of Natural Resources to (Continued on page 6)
SAND CREEK RODEO - The next good for the people DEAR EDITOR, There is this event that has never got the credit it deserves when it comes to benefit of the people. It’s the next big thing that brings in income for the Indigenous people of the Rupununi. Unlike others, this event falls next to the Regions Indigenous Heritage Month Celebration simply because the farmers, the cowboys, and the working class of the deep south and south Rupununi who mostly are unable to attend any moneymaking venture in Lethem cling to any event that’s been happening for over the pass thirty years, always destined not to grab the attention of the Media and large sponsors who are contributing elsewhere. Sand Creek Rodeo is an event that is organised by the manpower and the will of the people based on contributions of a few, and hard work of the villages that are in-
volved. Now, one may ask where is Sand Creek and why Sand Creek? But I must say the village was earmarked as the next potential tourism village of the Rupununi and is located two villages away from Lethem. The beauty that is so different about the people and the Sand Creek Rodeo is that when you are there, the atmosphere and the hospitality are based on a Guyanese way of life. The influence and the friendliness would be sure to make you return proud of being a Guyanese because you see the beauty of this country and its people through a different lens. The events that you can be involved in on that spectacle day are second to none. The sandy rivers with rocky pool puddle, horse riding, kids cowboys’ participation and so much more that would want to make you stay Sand Creek. Most of all, it’s all free
and the people are always happy to accommodate you. At the end of it all, there is always a concert! It is an event that will always be considered because of its contribution to the overall enhancement of the Indigenous people of the Rupununi beside the Heritage Celebration! The people continue to organise and work hard to host an event on Easter Monday, every year that benefit the people of more than 15 villages. There is a committee that benefits from not a dollar. They have residence that work round the clock for the development of the people. Yet the media is unable to capture the beauty and hard work that they put in, but this year they are taking a turn and making the event bigger and better so that more people of the Rupununi can benefit! Contributor Nigel
THIS SITUATION WITH ... From page 4 case some years ago, and the list of violations by Companies brought against this country over the past twenty years, which the complainants won, brings me to the position supported by some legal friends with whom I’ve exchanged views. We have mostly criminal case Lawyers accustomed to pitting their wits against hopeless, barely trained police prosecutors and not
against a seasoned team of International negotiators from an Industry that we know nothing off. Our Ministry of Natural Resources has no expertise to negotiate with EXXON. These guys have bettered older and stronger nations. We need help to re-negotiate the agreement, and we need it now. Get overseas friends with
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knowledge about oil, local geologists and sources that can ensure we receive a sustainable return for our Oil Resources. Failing this we will miss both the sunset and the new dawn, because we choose to dabble in the deep shadows of the night. That is too simplistic a fate. Barrington Braithwaite
There were once many trees DEAR EDITOR: Several events over the last year got me thinking in a deeper way about Georgetown’s green spaces, especially its trees. It began with conceptualizing a fiveYear Strategic Plan for Constituency 14 which included the preservation of our green spaces and our trees. This was eclipsed by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and Central Government’s Tree Planting Programme. Sadly, more recently, my thoughts turned to the brutality and ecological destruction of our green spaces in the city, the Bel Air Park Playground and the possibility of similar actions on the Farnum Playground. The Botanical Gardens has a catalogue of over 288 plants including numerous trees. My research yielded no such record for the city proper. At the city level, it is evident that we don’t have an appreciation for what Smart Cities Dive’s online article, “Two New Tools for Planning a Healthy Urban Canopy”
points out, “Trees are a vital part of urban communities, providing social, environmental, and economic benefits”. There used to be a great tree in Georgetown where the monument to the conservation of sea turtles now stands in the vicinity of Pegasus Hotel; at least two huge trees fell on Main Street over the last year and I remember another on Merriman Mall. Additionally, there used to be trees, among other places, around Bounty Supermarket on Orange Walk and Regent Street. After the store was rebuilt the trees disappeared. And likewise many home builders rid parapets of tree seeing them as obstructions, and with a chainsaw or cutlass wipe out whole ecosystems. In Constituency 14 we use to have Eucalyptus trees lining Aubrey Barker Road. Now, most are gone. Similarly, last year I came across a post on Facebook by the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council. The post read, “Why was the decades old tree in Esplanade Park Cut
down?” It went on to state, “the tree was infested with bees, and sessions at the High Court and at the All Saints’ Primary School were frequently interrupted when the insects became agitated. “Athletes who used the Park on a daily basis were also affected.” The M&TC granted permission to the Region Six R.D.C to cut down the tree since hives were discovered in the hollow trunk of the tree. It was such a noble gesture by the municipality to think of the welfare of its citizens but I keep wondering, in the delicate ecological balance that is life, if more could not be done to save the tree. The vital important of trees is outlined in another digital article, “How Climate Benefits from Trees Scale with Cities”. It informs us, “Trees influence meteorological and climatic effects at all scales of a city, from pocket parks to entire neighbourhoods. However, while research has been done on the effect of trees canopies on (Continued on page 6)
Too much power is a bad ... From page 4 only intensifies the problems. Worse still, as the pathology progresses, powerful people may actively seek to get rid of subordinates who are objective, and they may choose instead to surround themselves with meek and docile sycophantic underlings. Accompanying this, powerful people may treat their staff and other supporters with scant regard, and make unreasonable demands; they may behave socially inappropriately; and they may become bullies. And as time progresses, such behaviours – left unchecked – may become worse. Those undeniable facts have long been recognised. Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Fortunately, all is not lost; the experts say that a powerful person can impede the development of such negative traits by actively working to disrupt the degenerative
process. This necessarily requires that the powerful person recognise, acknowledge, and accept the truth of the matter; engage in wilful introspection; and take positive action. Such action, say the experts, include developing a team approach to problem solving; abandoning the “I” mentality in favour of a “we” attitude. They must foster a personal philosophy of interdependence and cooperation. And importantly, they must consciously, constantly strive to remain humble, and rooted in reality. I take this opportunity to point out that I, personally, b e c a me o u t s p o k e n i n politics because I saw for myself how power can negatively affect otherwise ‘normal’ people, much to the detriment of those over
whom they exert influence. I point out too, that it is as a result of that outspokenness and other actions of persons such as yours truly that change has, and can continue to be realised. In other words, we the people have power as well; we have the power to elevate the owner of a business, or to install a person into political office. And, it follows, that we have the power to demote or remove such persons if we, for our own reasons, choose to so do. With this in mind, persons in positions of power may wish to think very carefully about their attitudes, approaches, and mental states, and they may be well advised to conduct themselves accordingly. Yours faithfully, Mark DaCosta
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WOULD THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY PLEASE STAND UP? DEAR EDITOR; I find myself at the tail end of the cat and mouse game between Digicel and the Guyana Police Force. In 2016 between August and December, I received out of the New Amsterdam Prison, several phone calls and death threats from my reputed husband who was serving a six-month sentence under the Domestic Violence Act. All dates, numbers and time of calls were given to the police at B Division as reports and statements. Subsequently, upon his release in January 2017, charges were made against Mr. Ishmael King. After several follow up visits and enquiries to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam, I was told in March 2017 that the CID has now received the relevant information and was in the process of sending off a letter through the commissioners’ office to Digicel. No verification ever came from Digicel. With my interest at heart, on October 16, 2017, I wrote a letter to the Commander of B Division Mr. Linden Alves, seeking protection of my life and that of my children. In my aggrieved writing I named certain ranks involved with my case and t h e s l o t h f u l n e ss of the police in the production of valid information for my matters (six of them) to proceed in the court. A copy of this letter was sent to the Minister of Public Security (Home Affairs), the
Acting Commissioner of the Police and the Acting Crime Chief. An investigation was launched by the Police Complaints Department of New A msterdam.The findings…”Nothing is wrong from the police side; all involved have done their part.” It was now for the court to try the matters. This left Digicel standing as the culprit. Digicel it is, who is refusing to share important information with the police. Mr. McAlister, Sergeant in charge of CID B Division on October 24, 2017 through Prosecutor Pleighter via a letter (to Magistrate Mr. Alex Moore’s court, produced as evidence that he had personally, in April of 2017, sent this letter through the chains of command to Digicel. It is now February 2018 and to date, a sergeant Benjamin of the Police registry at Eve Leary is claiming to have never received such a correspondence from B Division. Records of the Magisterial Court held on November 9,2017 states as reported by Prosecutor Pleighter that Sergeant Benjamin had indicated to him with all assu r a n c e t h a t t h e n e c e ssary document of request was sent to Digicel therefore again making Digicel culpable. Like all legal subscribers to Digicel, I have been subjected to produce personal information to the company before I could have purchased my phone and SIM card. Why is it so difficult to
access from Digicel the information pertaining to threatening calls coming to my personal Digicel number? Is the company only here to swindle its customers so as to make a profit while it turns its back on who is keeping the company in business? Do they have a policy which could help to maintain law and order in the country? Surely there was great collaboration with Digicel and the Guyana Police Force when it took mere days to identify the phone number and relevant App which first exposed the mutilated nude body of a dead police woman. Why am I not of importance? Is it because there is miscommunication and bad record keeping in the police registry both in A and B Divisions? Or it’s just that Digicel received the request through the commissioner’s office but refused to respond or act because it is too busy counting the cash generated from the Guyana populace? I wish the guilty party would stand up and act responsibly. It is easy for persons to take my missive as a personal attack but would it be Digicel, the police force or both that would willingly and significantly ass i s t i n t he fight against women becoming mere statistics at the hands of callous men? Shonette Profitt
Wednesday February 07, 2018
There were once many ... From page 5 urban environments, in general, we are only now beginning to understand how urban canopies affect climate at all scales of the city – from an individual building to a street, park, overall pattern of land use and finally, the city as a whole.” It continues, “This is the perspective taken in a recent paper by T.R. Oke titled, “The Micrometeorology of the Urban Forest,” where he examines the ability of the urban forest to create microclimates that directly affect the residents of a city and the spaces they inhabit.
Oke argues that the microclimate created by street trees is imperative to good urban design. But in order to implement it in our designs, we need to better understand the implications of scale.” We have to save our city from callous hands, people who pay only lip service to Government’s Green Agenda, who wouldn’t think twice to raze a urban forest to needlessly build a house or two for themselves. God save us, and help us save our green spaces. Sherod Avery Duncan City Councillor
Guyanese Are Being Conned ... From page 5 sign in agreement. Something is wrong here. No one has yet come up with an acceptable explanation for what we are seeing unfolding with respect with this contract. But I submit that something is definitely wrong. It is very easy to consider corruption in all its modern complexities at work here, which might just be the case. But is it more than this? What has the Coalition administration agreed to that is not written in the contract? The gross financial imbalance and loss for Guyana as a sovereign state indicates that something more than meets the eye is amiss. In light of the litany of flaws in the contract, which even includes the Minister of Natural Resources acting on behalf of Exxon in at least one instance, a clear conflict of interest and impossibility in such contracts, it seems very understandable that the Minister of Foreign Affairs owned up (a likely story) to advising the Coalition that the agreement should remain secret. In respect to the Minister of Natural Resources signing an agreement which clearly puts him in opposition to the interests of Guyana, by what stretch of the imagination and outlandish notion could these four senior men of the Coalition agree to the Exxon contract being signed and enforced?
How could the president himself agree to this? And why is the Coalition insisting that the contract remain in force? I submit that Guyana is being conned in a very big way, and the Coalition administration, by agreeing to this contract, in addition to its hard-headed stance on VAT and other policies which make it so much harder for Guyanese, including neglecting to address our unemployment and joblessness among our youths in a major way, its violation of the basic human rights of the recently retrenched sugar workers, and its willful breach of our laws in relation to honouring contractual severance arrangements with employees, notably the retrenched sugar workers, has declared itself unfit to govern. All Guyanese, particularly those owning and controlling resources and in decisionmaking positions have to seriously take stock of what is unfolding and make preparations, because running a country is a long game which requires a plan. And if anything else, we need to get ourselves organized right now. With respect to the contract itself being in force, Ramon Gaskin recently pointed out that Exxon discovered oil in its allotted blocks long after its exploratory rights apparently expired. Competent individuals could investigate whether this is not a basis on which to void the entire contract. Yours Faithfully, Craig Sylvester
Wednesday February 07, 2018
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IMF wants Govt. to review accounting systems Before oil revenue starts flowing into the economy by 2020, several international organizations and even local critics want to be assured that Guyana is equipped with robust accounting systems which would ensure accurate reporting on the use of those funds. On this note, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently called on the Government of Guyana to review the nation’s accounting systems, which is usually referred to as the Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System (IFMAS). The Fund said that the Accountant General’s Department (AGD), attached to the Ministry of Finance, should be tasked with the responsibility of undertaking such an analysis. The IMF said that while the Department will take into consideration the functionality of IFMAS, it should also determine the gaps and developments needed to be ready for recording and reporting of petroleum revenues. Critically, the Fund said it will be essential that treasury reforms are coordinated with those of the budget process. In this regard, the international body said that in the future, the Office of Budget is likely to update a budget classification system to cater to the petroleum revenue that would be flowing into the economy.
…to allow for accurate reporting of petroleum revenue
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan The International Monetary Fund noted that the AGD also needs to align its chart of accounts with the revised budget classification. At critical parts of the medium-term planning process, the Fund said that key decisions will require the AGD’s inputs, therefore necessitating the Department to adapt from an annual to a medium-term mode of operations in line with budget execution. The Fund said, “For example, it is important to decide how to show the (medium term) in- and outflows from the Natural Resource Fund in the budget
documents as well as in the regular financial reports. Based on the draft Natural Resource Fund Law, the reporting requirements of Natural Resource Fund are comprehensive and the AGD needs to develop new skills and knowledge to be able to prepare the required reports. Therefore, the AGD should ensure that the current rules and procedures are updated and start building capacity to meet these demands.” UPGRADE The Finance Ministry has since moved ahead with the upgraded version of Government’s accounting software. This is according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Going forward, Jordan said that the Government will be examining the effectiveness and userfriendliness of existing and alternative platforms. He said that this will be done to ensure that Government continues to improve on processing times within IFMAS. He said, too, that the Government will also be
moving to design the Integrated Financial Management and Information Systems (IFMIS) to replace the IFMAS. IFMAS is intended to ensure accountability and transparency regarding how taxpayers’ money is budgeted and spent by the government. A specially tailored system was first developed for Guyana by the Canadian company Free Balance and was secured at a cost of $132M. It came with seven components: Appropriation, Expenditure, General Ledger, Budget Preparation and Reporting System (BPRS), Purchasing, Revenue and Asset and Inventory Modules.
But after ten years, the Purchasing and Asset and Inventory Modules were not implemented. In 2014, this newspaper carried a series of articles showing how liability for assets and monies could be improved if all the modules belonging to the IFMAS system were operable. The Finance Minister recalled that in 2004, the past administration began the phased implementation of the system. This change saw a move from a completely manual system to an automated accounting system. During his 2015 Budget speech, Jordan had revealed that after more than ten years and the expenditure of vast
sums of money, the four installed IFMAS modules were “operating suboptimally” or not to the highest standard. He recalled that the country’s Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, had complained bitterly that the Finance Ministry’s system for recording gifts and assets is very poor. Sharma in an interview with Kaieteur News had even stated that had the two unused IFMAS modules been operationalized, it would have made for an easier and more efficient audit of government books. With this position, the guardian of the national purse has continuously called for the two modules to be activated.
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Prime suspect held in money changer killing - Three others detained; two were previously charged with robbing victim Police have detained a D’Urban Street, Lodge resident, who they have identified as the gunman who killed America Street money changer Shawn Nurse last Sunday. The suspect is among four individuals who are in custody, and police said that two of the detained men were fingered in previous attacks on the victim. Of the two, one is believed to have ridden the motorcycle on which the gunman escaped. “A red Honda CG motorcycle suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime based on CCTV footage and found in possession of one of the suspects is
impounded,” police stated in a release. “The tale takes a twist as one of the suspects claims that he had lent the bike to another but this has been denied, hence them all being in custody as detectives continue their interviews.” Two of the suspects were previously charged with robbery committed on Shawn Nurse (deceased) but were later freed after no evidence was offered and restitution made in the sum of $500,000.00 to Nurse.” Police officials appeared optimistic of making significant developments in the case before the end of the week. Nurse, known as ‘Fabulous’, was shot dead at
Shawn Nurse around 10.00 hrs on Sunday by a gunman wearing a red ‘hoodie’, as he plied his trade in America Street. The father of three was shot in the left side of the face during a struggle with the gunman, who was attempting to relieve him of a large sum of foreign and local currency. He died at the scene, while his killer fled with an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of gold jewellery. Police recovered a 9mm spent shell at the scene. An eyewitness said he and Nurse were sitting at the corner of America Street and Avenue of Republic where the victim would normally ply his trade. He and Nurse were conversing, but the friend Continued on page 27
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Unlike Guyana, other nations maintain unrestricted access to contract area In several oil-producing nations like Tanzania, Nigeria, Indonesia and Uganda, the respective Government officials have unrestricted access to the areas in which oil companies are operating. But this is not the case in Guyana. According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with USA oil giant, ExxonMobil, Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, must give the oil company seven days notice before he can visit their operations. He is also expected to carry out such a visit at his own expense. This is enshrined in Article 9 of the contract which speaks to records, reports and information. Article 9 (e) states: “The Minister, through duly appointed representatives, upon providing the contractor with at least seven days notice, shall be entitled to observe the petroleum operations conducted by the contractor at his sole cost and expense and at all reasonable times to inspect all assets, records and data kept by the Contractor relating to such petroleum operations. In the exercise of such rights under this paragraph the Minister shall not unduly interfere with the Contractor’s petroleum operations under this agreement.” THE CASE OF UGANDA
Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman In 2012, the Government of Uganda signed a PSA with British operator, Tullow Oil. That entity is also exploring in Guyana’s deep waters. In that PSA, it states that the Government and its duly authorized representatives shall have full and complete access to the Contract Area at all reasonable times with a right to observe Petroleum Operations and shall have the right to inspect all assets, records and Data owned or maintained by Licensee relating to Petroleum Operations and the said Agreement. It continues, “In doing so, the Government and its representatives shall not unduly interfere with Licensee’s Petroleum Operations. Licensee shall provide the Government on a
daily basis with copies of any Data acquired in the Petroleum Operations (including geological and geophysical reports, logs and well surveys) and information and final interpretations of such Data in the Licensee’s possession that are acquired during Petroleum Operations. However, the Government and its representatives may make a reasonable number of surveys, drawings, tests and copies for the purpose of implementing this Agreement.” “In so doing, the Government and its representatives shall be entitled to make reasonable use of the equipment or instruments of Licensee provided that no damage to the equipment or instruments or interference with the Petroleum Operations hereunder shall result after such use. The Government and its representatives shall be given reasonable assistance by Licensee for such functions, and Licensee shall afford to the Government and its representatives all facilities and privileges afforded to its own personnel in the field including the use of office space and housing free of charge.” (To see further details on this PSA, follow this link: http://oilnewskenya.com/wpcontent/uploads/2015/01/ contracts-ug-ug_area1_dd20120203_psa_tullow.pdf.)
Wednesday February 07, 2018
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Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it Recently declassified documents released by the Office of the Historian of the United States, indicate that political directions by senior government officials were given to circumvent customs controls on items imported into Guyana for the Jonestown commune. Guyanese will recall that Jim Jones and American evangelist had established a commune at Port Kaituma. On November 18, 1978, Jim Jones and 917 others of his People’s Temple committed a mass suicide, which shocked the world. It took place on Guyanese soil. There has never been a commission of inquiry into this incident. A great many
persons’ reputations will crash if ever there was an investigation into the operations of Jonestown. Enough has already been revealed to prove complicity between the then government and the People’s Temple in a range of illegal and improper activities. Declassified documents have revealed that the People’s Temple provided favours for government officials, including sexual in nature. In turn, the Temple operated virtually above the laws of Guyana when it came to its imports which included weapons, and which were allowed into Guyana without customs control, under
political instructions from then Deputy Prime Minister Ptolemy Reid. A declassified cable states that because of Dr. Reid’s patronage, representatives of the People’s Temple were able to gain privileged status with the Guyana customs service and enjoyed protection denied others. One senior customs officials cited as an example of instructions he received from Dr. Reid to waive customs inspections in order to facilitate the entry of heavy duty machinery for use by the People’s Temple in developing an agricultural project in the northwest region of Guyana. Jonestown was forty
DEM BOYS SEH
Exxon gun mek Soulja Bai wear pampers
Nobody keeps or hold on to anything that dem can’t benefit from. A man pun de Essequibo Coast was driving he car when he jam down a bull. De car bruck up and de man still waiting fuh de owner of de bull to show up at de station. Is three years and de police still keeping de bull. De first year dem try to milk de bull, but after dem nah get nutten like milk dem decide fuh do odda things wid de bull. Normally, most police station would sell de bull after three months and use de money to pay fuh feeding de animal and fuh repair de damage done. De car owner still waiting fuh get some kind of compensation. Ram Jattan betta check to see if de bull pregnant. That story resemble Exxon and Guyana, only in this case de bull is Guyana. Exxon milking de country, doing de same exact thing wha dem policeman do to that bull in de station.
Dem police not in a hurry to sell that bull and Exxon not in a hurry to get rid of Guyana. Dem boys hear de bull half dead; imagine wha Guyana gun be like when Exxon done wid we. Dem boys always remember that cartoon wha show how Babbie, Jagdeo best friend, go in de hospital sick and magga. When he come out he was fat, fat and de hospital lef looking sick and magga like how Babbie go in. Exxon ain’t start pumping and dem getting fat already.
Dem building up cost recovery pun Guyana. Dem had big Christmas party at de Marriott and dem ain’t invite a single Guyanese, not even Soulja Bai or Ministah Trotty and de Baccoo. Imagine dem got de nerve to send de bill to Guyana and that Bill gun become part of de oil expense. By de time Exxon done wid Guyana Soulja Bai and nuff others gun end up wearing double pampers Talk half and start wearing pampers.
years ago. The laxity in customs controls on items imported by the People’s Temple may have been forgotten. But the GRA’s concerns over possible leakages in revenues should have led the APNU+AFC government to be more careful in the conditions it attached to fiscal concessions offered to investors. This column has already argued that the stability clauses within the oil contract virtually places Exxon above the parliament of Guyana, since once there is anything in any law which is adverse to the benefits enjoyed by Exxon, it has to be put right by the government. In other words, government will have to fix that law to ensure it does not deprive Exxon of any of its interests and benefits. The provisions of the 2016 Exxon contract have led to speculation that customs controls have been overridden in some instances. Article 21.1 of the contract
exempts Exxon from the payment of import duties, VAT, all other duties, taxes, levies or imposts in relation to items to be used for petroleum operations. There is a long list of items contained in Annex D of the contract items which are deemed to be pre-approved and certified. This is a long list with no caps on quantities. In other words, there is no need for the Chief Inspector, whoever that person is to be, to certify that the items will be used for the purposes intended. The items are deemed to be preapproved and certified. The approval of items for specific purposes is an important aspect of customs control. In this instance it is not the GRA which is slackening its controls. It is the contract itself which will allow these items to be deemed to be approved for the petroleum operations. The GRA therefore will have no need to verify from Exxon or anyone else,
including the Chief Inspector, whether these items are for the petroleum operations. They are deemed as preapproved and certified. The GRA cannot second guess the situation. Even if it does, Exxon’s interests are so paramount under the contract that the relevant regulations will have to be fixed so as not to disadvantage or inconvenience Exxon, in keeping with the stability clauses However, the GRA will be able at least to keep a record of what was imported. But once an item is deemed preapproved and certified, there is no need for GRA to question whether the items will be used for the purposes intended. There is no need for GRA to ask any more questions.
Wednesday February 07, 2018
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GPA urges media houses to Bull in custody for boycott Oil and Gas summit more than two years …Objects to “burdensome constraints”
The Guyana Press Association (GPA) yesterday afternoon urged the editors of all media houses to strongly consider not covering the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit (GIPEX). The event opens today at the Marriot Hotel and will conclude on Friday. The G PA’s recommendation to boycott the event comes on the heels of guidelines which were issued yesterday to the media by the public relations officers for the event. The guidelines, which the GPA considers to be “burdensome”, state that while the Opening Ceremony of the event will be open to full coverage for all accredited media; all other sessions will be limited to photos only in the first 10-minutes, except for those so identified for open coverage. The Organizers also note that arrangements will be made by the GIPEX Communications Team to facilitate interviews between media personnel and key participants of the Summit/Exhibition. It n o t e s , h o w e v e r, t h a t “Unauthorized interviews
being placed on press freedom in the Conference Hall are not permitted. However, the media room provided will be available for preplanned interviews.” The GPA subsequently wrote Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Owen Verwey, to register concerns about the said constraints. The Association stated in its letter to the said authorities that while it objects to closed door sessions about an industry that Guyana and Guyanese know little about, it holds firm to the belief that transparency and open discourse is at the heart of the natural resources sector, which is the patrimony of all Guyanese. The GPA said that the concept of unauthorized interviews is unheard of at any international conference. The Press Body emphasized that this smacks of gross disrespect and a violation of
Access to Information and Media Freedom. It further stated, “We acknowledge that there may be roles for the Communication personnel to act as liaisons wherever necessary, but not to grant or refuse permission/ authorization. The Guyana Press Association urges Sagacity, its clients and associates to take swift remedial action in response to our objections. Please note that the Guyana Press Association reserves the right to encourage our members not to cover any aspect of the event.” The Association noted that up to 5pm yesterday, its correspondence was not acknowledged. The Press Body said, “We urge editors to strongly consider not covering GIPEX, as this clearly opens the door to justify these and even more restrictions now, and in the future that amounts to nothing more than insulting and degrading treatment to the media.”
Fazul Khan Ibrahim of Walton Hall, Essequibo, has been waiting for more than two years to be compensated after a bull, which has been kept in the Charity police station pound for that period, crashed into his vehicle. The incident occurred on October 25, 2015. “I was driving down the road, I put on my bright light and all I saw was a bull coming towards my vehicle and it crashed into me,” said Ibrahim. He said after the crash, he made a report at the Charity police station and was assisted with taking the animal to the Police station where it was kept. Ibrahim said the police officer to whom he made the report told him the animal had no brand and as a result, it would be difficult to identify the owner. The officer told Ibrahim if the owner claims the bull, he/she would have to compensate him for the damage done to his vehicle; but if no one comes to claim the animal, it would be sold at an auction within three months.
- Car owner seeking compensation for damage to vehicle Khan said that after a month of waiting, he received a call from a male individual who told him his father owns the bull. He said the caller explained that his father is currently in jail. Ibrahim said the caller told him he would like to collect the bull, and he is willing to pay for the damage to his (Ibrahim’s) car. According to Ibrahim, after visiting the police station for a second time, along with the alleged o w n e r ’s s o n , a f e m a l e officer took statements from both persons, but later said she could not charge the person who claimed to be the owner, because there is no proof that he is indeed the animal’s owner. “When they full up the paper to take them to court for failing to brand the animal, along with another charge, the corporal called me and say she can’t charge them, because they don’t have any
paper saying they own the animal,” Ibrahim explained. Ibrahim said he was told that the matter was sent to the Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan for advice to sell the bull at an auction, but to date nothing has been done. He also said that he made several visits to the officer in charge at the Anna Regina police station and he also visited the Deputy Traffic Chief’s office in Georgetown, but the situation remains the same. Ibrahim said he is frustrated with the slow movement of the police officers at the Anna Regina police station, he said the bull is still impounded and he is still waiting to be compensated for the damage to his vehicle in the sum of $180,000. Ibrahim is hoping that the relevant authorities can intervene so that the animal can be auctioned and he can be compensated for damage done to his vehicle.
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Credit Union members resort to protest action over non-payment of dividends Members of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union, (GPSCCU) have moved to protest the management committee of the entity over the non-payment of dividends for the past five years. During a picketing exercise held in front the Credit Union Office, Hadfield Street yesterday, members of the Union also registered their concerns over the absence of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the same period. According to those on the picket line, the absence of an AGM has facilitated the non–payment of dividends to more than 6,000 members of GPSCCU. GPSCCU member, Karen Van Sluytman–Corbin explained that the dividends are paid after the AGM is held. The AGM, she said, is necessary for those in the Credit Union to be made privy to fiscal information, yearly profits and entitlements. “We are aggrieved that over the past five years, members have not received dividends, which is in conflict with the rules of the Credit
The picketing line in front of the GPSCCU Headquarters yesterday. Union as well as the Cooperative Act, which states there should be a General Meeting annually.” The picketers said that at present the GPSCCU is managed by a board of 12 Directors, to whom they have lodged their complaints. “The management is very aware of our frustration. We have (also) complained bitterly to the Minister of Labour (Keith Scott) about
the issue. But the GPSCCU Board has laid the blame squarely at the feet of the Ministry. The GPSCCU Board of Directors is currently headed by Patrick Yarde. Yarde is also President of the GPSU. The management committee of the GPSCCU had outlined that under the last administration an agreement was signed that stipulates that the Credit
Union will no longer pay monies for dividends to the Government‘s Audit and Supervision Fund, but the monies will instead be used to fund education and training programmes. However, members are contending that the said agreement was not signed by then Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul, but his acting Chief Cooperative Development Officer.
The law stipulates that only the Minister can waive any payment to Government in such a manner. The former Minister did not sign to the document which essentially makes it illegitimate, and should not result in a hold up of the AGM,” another picketer Duane St John stated. “We are therefore calling for the immediate intervention of the Minister towards the holding of the AGM,” he
added. The protestors estimate that dividends owed to members is roughly around $24 million - for the years 2011, 2012, 2013. Last year, the Ministry of Social Protection expressed its disappointment with “the conduct and behaviour of the Committee of Management of the GPSSCU” which it accused of “acting against the interest of its members and against the principles of prudent management styles. In a statement issued by the ministry’s Department of Labour it was stated that members of the society have not been paid dividends for several years now because of the society’s inability and in some respects blatant refusal to hold an Annual General Meeting. An AGM is usually held upon the completion of the Audit of the Accounts of the Society in conformity with the Provisions and Regulations as are contained in the Cooperative Societies Act, Chapter 88:01, of the Laws of Guyana. “For more than one year now, the Ministry of Social Continued on page 29
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E’bo resident claims ammo lodged at station in 2016 unaccounted for A resident of Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast, is claiming that ranks at the Anna Regina police station cannot account for his 47 rounds of ammunition that were lodged at the police station in June 2016. Byizul Khan Ibrahim said that he left Guyana for his annual trip to the United States and, as is required, lodged his firearm and 47 rounds of ammunition at the Anna Regina police station.
Ibrahim said that upon his return to the country, he went to uplift his firearm and ammunition and was told that they were sent to the Armoury in Eve Leary, Georgetown. “I went to Georgetown to collect my firearm and ammunition and when they check they told me only the firearm was there and no ammunition,” Ibrahim recounted. Ibrahim said he went back to Anna Regina, without
uplifting the firearm, to inquire whether or not the ammunition was sent to the Armoury. “When I went up [to Anna Regina], the police rank and sergeant checked the book and said the 47 rounds of ammunition and the firearm left to come to town,” he explained. Ibrahim said he was then given a letter by the officer in charge of the Anna Regina police station at that time,
which stated that a .32 Taurus Revolver and 47 rounds were sent to the Armoury, and asked that it be released to him. After he returned to Georgetown with the letter, further checks were made, and it was again confirmed that the ammunition was not at the Georgetown Armoury. Ibrahim said he became frustrated, and decided to visit the office of the Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, to make a
complaint, but did not get to meet with the minister. Instead, he spoke to one “Mr. Ricky” who called the acting Police Commissioner at the time, Mr David Ramnarine, who asked that Ibrahim meet with him at his office. Ibrahim said the issue was forwarded to another senior officer and after being told about the incident, that officer called the Georgetown Armoury and asked that the records be brought to his
office. Checks were made and it was revealed that no ammunition was lodged at the Georgetown Armoury. “He told me they will investigate the matter, and he told me to get a paper and buy a box of rounds and they will call me when they investigate the matter,” Ibrahim told Kaieteur News. Ibrahim said that last year he visited the office of the Police Commissioner and was Continued on page 27
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E’bo resident claims ammo lodged at...
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LAND FOR SALE Land for sale in Caanan Gardens 51 x 135 transported. Call: 687-7218 Parafaite Harmonie main road 2.5M 1.4M 2M 3.5M, ten year up 3M Herstelling 3M Tuschen 5M. Call: 666-2326 De Groot Uitvlugt- $2.5M neg. Parafaite Harmonie- main road $2M Parafaite Harmonie- $1.5M Tel: 6976311
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. One (1) female german shepherd dog for sale, one year old: contact #619-9203 All size solar pannel & batteries lowest price guarantee. check us out @ Boodhoo’s General store @ Parika EBE. 1 long base canter, 4 ton GRR series, hydraulic tray lift, price 2.6million and 1 canter driver needed. #609-1040 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4matic SUV, like brand new, under 20,000 miles. Call: 6741781. Serious inquires only. 20 acres of farm with bearing citrus, coconut & avocado trees. Location: Linden Highway, contact #655-7933 Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 1 Bedford model M truck with winch. 1 portable miller bobcat welding plant. #602-9496/ 6130152 Plant-closing down sale: potting soil, plant pot, flower plant at Garden Centre, Plantation Schoonard WBD #615-2346/627-3443/15001600 Flat concrete 3 bedroom house, fully grilled. Tuschen $8M. Tel: 669-7393/689-4713 Pups and dog for sale, for more information call: #2670205/670-4228
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Vacancy exists for 1 experienced pharmacy technician to work part time @ a reputable pharmacy Georgetown- Call: 227-0630
Experienced curry cook, counter servers, drivers. Apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. 1 Porter to work on vehicle in the interior 18-25 years old #699-4718 Wanted land in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles or anywhere on the East Bank or West Coast Tel: 697-6311
Driver from Age 22 and above, must have police clearance, for more info, call: 223-0090
1-1 bedroom apartment, 1- 2 bedroom bottom flat 1 furnished 3 bedroom upper flat. Uitvlugt Housing Scheme. Call: 698-2802, 6933340, 254-1801. 2 & 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments to rent, long & short term. #666-7820, 6911432 Business place/Store for rent, located at Grove EBD.Contact 684-6331 1 One bedroom apartment, Herstelling New scheme $30,000 per month. Telephone: 641-2311, 627-3882 Fully furnished apartment two & one bedrooms in Providence, apartment at Diamond East Bank Tel: 6721906/216-2299/682-6238 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- suitable for salon or office- Call today! 683-7954 Dianne London #699-6715. Car for rent or taxi.
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501
Wanted experience hire car taxi driver at Ramada Princess Hotel. Tel: 265-7076. Cell: 6165419 Needed bartender/cocktail mixer & waitress, preferably from W.C.D or W.B.D. Tel: 6829457 Counter persons, Puri/Rotimakers. Apply @ Shantas 225 Camp St. (1) Manager to work @ Hotel/ Club on Essequibo coast, previous hotel management an asset. Contact: 500-5923, 676-8764/646-3675 Hire car drivers & contract car @ Gems Taxi Service # 2261200, 225-5075, 622-6413 Wanted cashier/sales clerk at Nirva supermarket 49 Sheriff & Craig St C/Ville. Apply in person. Tel#227-5771. American Variety Store 140 Regent & Light, Georgetown. Experience cashier, supervisor and salesgirls. apply in person
Fielder Wagon. Tel: 664-0802 Nissan Pathfinder Jeep 4WD Excellent condition $1.4M negotiable. Call: 609-7766/2258427 Unregistered Axela 2011 dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab. Call: 6175536 One Toyota car- Spacio PPP series, never in hire-silver. #254-0454 CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
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Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, W.C.B. 49ft x 10,314ft $20M Negotiable Contact 648-7109/686-4818 3- Storey commercial buliding, land size- 120ft x 60ft, building size- 62ft x 30ft, location- Lot 1486 Plot B, Herstelling East Bank Demerara. Contact: #609-3777/697-4557 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D land size 91x50 feet; house 40x28, 3 rooms, 1 self contained. Call: 718-213-6496/ 617-7691 House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Etc. Financing assistance available. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 604-4909 Riumveldt Public Rd (opp Massey) (6) bedroom house on double lot. (2) Apartments with all utilities- parking, fenced. Call: 225-8427/6097766
From page 26 told that the matter was still being investigated. He said no calls were made to the officer who took the firearm and ammunition. “I went to the new sergeant in Anna Regina and he check again and said he will call me, but they are not calling the police that bring down the gun, that is the person they supposed to call,” he added. Ibrahim claims that to date nothing has been done and he is afraid that the box of ammunition may end up in the hands of criminals, since the box is marked with his initials, B.K.I, and this may land him in trouble if criminals decide to use same. “When I lodged my ammunition at the Anna Regina police station I marked the box B.K.I, and I am afraid that some criminal might do something and a box with my initials will be on the scene of some crime,” he told Kaieteur News. Ibrahim is asking that the matter be investigated and his ammunition be returned to him.
Prime suspect held in.... From page 8 then got up to get something to eat. “When I was returning with the food I saw a young man approach him from the northern direction and before I reach closer to him I saw him and the youth scuffling after he (the gunman) was trying to pull the money from his (Nurse’s) hand. After about a minute I see the youth pull out a gun from his waist and shoot him and run down the street.” An uncle of the slain money changer said that he was conducting business not far from where his nephew was shot. The uncle said at the time of the shooting he was conversing on the telephone with a friend when he heard his nephew call out for him. “Soon as I turned around I saw my nephew in a scuffle with a young man and by the time I run over to rescue my nephew I saw the man pull out a gun from his waist and shoot him in the face.” Nurse had been conducting business in the area for some ten years. He was robbed five times last year. Last October, two men on a motorcycle robbed the money changer, but the matter was not reported, because Nurse recognised one of the robbers, who returned some of the stolen money.
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28 bids for construction of Onverwagt fire station The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) opened several tenders yesterday with significant interest shown for the construction of a new fire station at Onverwagt in the West Berbice area. In the first session, tenders were opened for the Ministry of Public Security - a Financial Consultancy service to conduct a diagnostic, identifying the needs and constraints of the police performance, and capacity, and the design and implementation of a human resource management plan and performance assessment framework for Guyana Police Force.
The Ministry of Business and the Guyana Tourism Authority are moving to shortlist a number of companies in the US and Germany to market Guyana. The companies shortlisted are:
The Ministry of Natural Resources wants a company to supply, deliver and install of a computer server:
The Guyana Defence Force is looking for suppliers of building materials for its Base at Tacama.
The Environmental Protection Agency is moving to hire a new security company to provide services to its facilities:
The Supreme Court is also looking for companies to provide security services at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, Region Nine. The tenders opened were:
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is moving to have companies propose, design and supervise its Registration Office at Corriverton and Whim Village, Region 6. The companies interested are:
For the supply of stationery, GECOM sent invitations out. The companies making offers yesterday were:
For the construction of a new fire station in the Region Five, West Berbice area, at Onverwagt, there was significant interest. The companies that tendered were:
ExxonMobil directs what responsibilities Minister must maintain Political commentator, Ramon Gaskin is quite perturbed that the Government of Guyana has allowed ExxonMobil to have a say in what responsibilities the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman is allowed to delegate and what he cannot. Gaskin recently highlighted several violations of the Petroleum Act contained in the Production Sharing Agreement that Trotman signed with ExxonMobil. He highlighted the violations as he called Professor Clive Thomas out for a “misleading” article he wrote. In his letter, Gaskin noted 11 violations of the Petroleum Act contained in the PSA. He said that Article Six, that speaks of the Delegation: cooperation between contractor and GGMC is just one of the violations. Gaskin said, “An absurdity of no mean order is set out blatantly in Article 6 of the PSA dealing with delegation of Ministerial responsibility. While the agreement acknowledges the power of the Minister to delegate some of his functions – (why this is Exxon’s business is a mystery) – it goes on to say in Article 6.2 (a) that there are five functions that the Minister may not delegate
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman but “shall” maintain the Authority and responsibility for. Well! Well! This is quite incredible.” Article Six of the contract states, “The Minister may, subject to the provisions of the Act or any other law, delegate any person and or any legal entity to exercise and perform any of his functions under this Agreement and anything done by the delegate in pursuance of the delegation shall have the same validity and effect as it would have if done by the Minister.” It also says that the GGMC, for the time being and until further notice is given, will support the Minister in monitoring the Petroleum Operations carried out by the Contractor, ensuring their compliance with the provisions of this Agreement,
the Petroleum Act and the Regulations. However, it was stated that the Minister “shall” maintain the authority and responsibility for certain functions. These functions include, “reviewing any proposed exploration work programme and budgets presented by Contractor under Article 7 and any Appraisal Programme presented by the Contractor under Article 8; reviewing a Development Plan submitted by the Contractor in connection with an application for a Petroleum Production Licence pursuant to section 34 of the Act; ensuring the maintenance and availability for inspection of operating records and reports for Petroleum Operations in accordance with this Agreement; ensuring the accounting procedures specified in Annex C of this Agreement are followed and ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Petroleum Act and the Regulations.” The Article also says that the Minister or Government may delegate to other Governmental entities to perform these or any other duties and the Contractor shall fully comply with such lawful delegation upon ninety (90) days written notice from the date of receipt of such notice.
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Teen shot in coconut tree - property owner held, firearm seized Police have detained an Enterprise, East Coast Demerara resident who shot a 17-year-old labourer, after catching the teen picking coconuts on his property. Aablz Afzel, of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara, was shot in the left upper chest at around 09.00 hrs yesterday, while he was still in the tree, police said yesterday. He underwent surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. A source described his condition as critical. A police release alleged that the shooter, who owns a licenced firearm, was alerted that thieves were on his premises. “On arrival he was confronted by one of the suspects who allegedly attacked him with a cutlass and he drew his licensed pistol and shot him,” the release stated. “A 16-year-old who was also found at the businessman’s premises with a donkey cart is detained, along with the shooter who is assisting with the investigation.”Refuting this
Turkeyen cops charged with rape, released on $80,000 bail each Police have charged the two constables who allegedly raped a woman at the Turkeyen Police Station on New Year’s Day. Constables Ashby and Chapman appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court yesterday. They were released on $80,000 bail each. They are to return to court on February 21. The Director of Public Prosecutions handed down the recommendation for charges on January 21. It is alleged that the woman was sexually assaulted after visiting the Turkeyen Police
Station to make a report against someone who had allegedly threatened her and her family. After making the report, she allegedly asked to use the washroom. It was then that the policemen reportedly followed the woman and sexually assaulted her. However, the accused reportedly told investigators that the sex was consensual, and that they had negotiated to pay $10,000 each. They claimed that the woman accused them of rape after they refused to pay her.
Credit Union members resort... The wounded Aablz Afzel being taken to hospital version of events, a police source said that Afzel was shot while he was still in the tree, which is some 20 feet high.“How could you attack somebody with a cutlass when you are in a tree?” the source queried. Video footage
and photographs provided by relatives show the shot youth being taken down from a coconut tree. A relative said that Afzel and his 16-year-old friend “buy and sell” coconuts and brooms.
Wall Street roars back in whipsaw session NEW YORK (Reuters) U.S. stocks posted sharp gains in another wild trading session on Tuesday, as indexes rebounded from the biggest one-day drops for the S&P 500 and the Dow in more than six years that stalled the market’s record run. Stocks swung from negative to positive after indexes started the session 2 percent lower, underscoring a return of volatility to a market that until recently was marked by
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an absence of major shifts. The Dow had a more than 1,100-point difference between its high and low on Tuesday. The sharp declines in recent days marked a pullback that had been long awaited by investors after the market minted record high after record high in a relatively calm ascent. “Despite violent moves in the last couple days in the market, fundamentals in the economy are very strong and
it’s not just the U.S., it’s throughout the global economy,” said Alicia Levine, head of global investment strategy at BNY Mellon Investment Management in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 567.02 points, or 2.33 percent, to 24,912.77, the S&P 500 gained 46.2 points, or 1.74 percent, to 2,695.14 and the Nasdaq Composite added 148.36 points, or 2.13 percent, to 7,115.88.
From page 16 Protection under whose supervision Co-operative Societies fall, has been advising the GPSCCU on the necessary legal steps to be followed to ensure that the Audit of its accounts were completed so that the AGM could be held, to facilitate, among other things, the payment of well deserved dividends to the members. On the contrary, the Committee of Management demanded that the Ministry permit the society to continue enjoying a certain unfair advantage which had prevailed in the past, and which had been developed under suspicious circumstances.” According to the
ministry, in spite of the several meetings and exchange of correspondences which clearly outlined its position of discontinuance of the unfair advantage to the Guyana Public Service Union Credit Union, its Committee of Management continued to defy the Ministry’s advice and even threatened to institute legal proceedings if the unfair advantage, which, for all intents and purposes was d i s c r i m i n a t o r y, not allowed to continue. “The Ministry had advised all members of the Guyana Public Service Credit Union that it is not to be held responsible for the AGM not being held at this
time or any other time earlier. The Ministry had advised all Co-operative Societies and more particularly Credit Unions that the current dispensation does not allow for preferential treatment to anyone. The Law will be applied fairly, and equitably to all and sundry. At this time, we have no interest in divulging the parameters of the unfair advantage which the Guyana Public Service Credit Union enjoys, but if we are forced to do so, then by all means that will be done,” the statement signed by Keith Scott Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection stated.
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Jamaica bracing for influx of Canadian visitors KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Jamaica is predicting an influx of tourists from Canada as the North American country continues to register strong growth over the last few years, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has said. Bartlett, who has just returned from a visit to Canada, said he expects 450,000 visitors from that country to visit Jamaica this year surpassing the 405,000 last year and the 370,000 figure the previous year. “So, they broke the 400 mark again in 2017. They did that in 2014, then they receded and fell by 17 per cent, but we have arrested that decay and now we have strong growth, and based on projections, we are expecting an increase of more than 40,000 Canadians to come to Jamaica this year,” Bartlett said. He described the visit to
Edmund Bartlett Canada where he held talks with various stakeholders as “a most exciting and productive one” noting that he was able to meet with a number of the planners and allay concerns regarding the enhanced security operations in St. James. Bartlett said he met with one group that has indicated it would bring 600 visitors to the island next month. “Just by us being there,
we were able to show them what we are doing to make Jamaica safer, more secure and seamless. They understood well what we are doing… and so, I will also be there to meet them when they come later this month,” Bartlett said, noting that there has been continued growth in tourism despite the security operations. He said that the month of January, Jamaica recorded a 6.8 per cent increase in arrivals, with 7.6 per cent growth during the period when the enhanced security was implemented. “The strength of the destination and the fact that people have known that Jamaica is a safe and secure destination, have bled over in a positive response to their vacation,” he said, adding that he plans to visit London, New York, and central and continental Europe later this month.
Former Prime Minister wants to take Trafigura affair to Privy Council KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – Attorneys for former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and senior officials of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) yesterday outline arguments to have the so called “Trafigura affair” case go before the London-based Privy Council. Last year, the Appeal Court dismissed their appeal against a Supreme Court ruling that Mrs Simpson Miller, Phillip Paulwell, Robert Pickersgill, Colin Campbell and Norton Hinds, must testify in open court about the J$31 million (One Jamaica
dollar=US$0.008 cents) donation by Trafigura Baheer to the PNP in 2006. The Dutch Authorities want to question the former prime minister and PNP president and the senior PNP members but they have challenged the ruling to give statements in public.Under Dutch law it’s illegal for companies to donate to political parties. At the time of the donation, Trafigura had an oillifting contract with the then PNP administration.In 2006, the Trafigura scandal resulted in the resignation of Colin Campbell as Information Minister.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Clinton urges region to move towards cleaner energy, become more climate change resilient
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (left) with former US President Bill Clinton (centre) ROSEAU, Dominica CMC – Former United States President Bill Clinton yesterday said Caribbean countries could lead the global initiative for developing cleaner energy, reducing the threat of climate change and improving the economies of developing countries. Clinton, who arrived here for talks with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and members of his administration, said Norway has been instrumental in assisting his Foundation in developing the new energy initiative. “They believed when we first asked them that Dominica in particular and the Caribbean in general could lead the world to a whole new way of producing clean power, reducing the threat of climate change and improving the economies of developing countries.” Clinton said he also bought into the idea that the Caribbean could become the first sustainable region in the world and is supportive of Dominica’s efforts to become the first totally climate r4esilient country in the world. Skerrit, who spoke alongside Clinton, said that discussions have already started with the foundation “to develop a rapid integrated resource plan for the island’s energy sector. “I look forward to working with President Clinton and the Clinton Climate Initiative as we transform Dominica’s energy sector into a model of resilience that the entire region and world can follow,” Skerrit added. Clinton is visiting Dominica and other countries that were battered last September when Hurricanes Irma and Maria, two Category 5 storms passed through the Lesser Antilles. Clinton was among leaders who attended and addressed an international do-
nor conference held in New York last November to mobilise resources for the countries. He said the Clinton Foundation will be launching an Action Network on Post-Disaster Recovery, following a meeting Thursday with officials from the islands, as well as leaders from business and civil society. The Action Network will formally convene for a meeting on April 3rd at the University of Miami, where stakeholders will continue to work towards Commitments to Action to address the on-going immediate response needs, as well as the long-term recovery in the region. The network builds from the successful Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) model, where leaders from across sectors convene to mobilise re-
sources and implement solutions to addressing pressing global challenges. Clinton said he appreciated the ‘heroic efforts” of Dominicans in seeking to rebuild their country following the hurricane, adding that he was also pleased they were seeking to take “advantage of the moment to position the country to handle the net disaster better and to respond in a way that will improve both your chances of surviving the climate change …and prospering from it. “Our job here is to help you develop the last touches of your integrated resource plan …and to help you work with your utility, DOMLEC, the Independent Regulatory Commission and our partners at the Rocky Mountain Institute,” Clinton said.
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Taiwan earthquake: Deaths confirmed amid rescue effort (BBC) A strong earthquake in Taiwan has killed at least two people and injured more than 200 others, officials say. The powerful 6.4-magnitude tremor struck at 23:50 (15:50 GMT) about 20km (12 miles) off the island’s east coast. Emergency responders have rescued about 150 people from hotels and residential buildings that have partially collapsed in the city of Hualien. Photographs show tilting structures, scattered debris and extensive damage to roads in the area. Among the several badly damaged buildings was a hospital, local media reports. About 40,000 homes are without water, and highways and
bridges have been are closed. The lower basement and ground floor of the 10-storey Marshal Hotel gave way after the quake. One member of staff has been rescued, but another two are said to be still be trapped in the building. “We know there are people who are trapped inside - we can see lights inside the hotel,” eyewitness Zeena Starbuck told the BBC. “People with phones are shining their lights to let people know they’re there.” At least two others are known to be trapped in residential properties, officials say.The army has been called in to help with emergency rescues. Hualien has about 100,000 residents and is a
popular tourist destination. People reported feeling the quake in the island’s capital, Taipei, more than 160km (100 miles) away. Rescue efforts have been complicated by powerful aftershocks. Dozens of smaller tremors have been felt throughout the island over several days. Taiwan sits near a junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes.The earthquake happened on the second anniversary of a 6.4-magnitude tremor that killed 117 people. Taiwan is an island which has for all practical purposes been independent since 1950, but which China regards as a rebel region that must be reunited with the mainland.
Republicans join Democrats’ stand against Trump’s ‘treasonous’ claims WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Some U.S. Republican lawmakers joined their Democratic colleagues on Tuesday in criticizing President Donald Trump for labeling them as “treasonous” and “un-American” in response to the cold reception they gave him during his State of the Union address last week. “Well, that borders on divisive,” the second-most powerful Democrat in the Senate Dick Durbin told reporters in a purposefully understated tone. Speaking at a manufacturing plant in Ohio on Monday, the Republican president said Democrats “would rather see Trump do badly than our country do well.” “They were like death and un-American,” he said of Democrats who sat stonefaced, robed in black in solidarity with victims of sexual misconduct, as he heralded the economy’s achievements in his address a week ago to a joint session of Congress. “Somebody said ‘trea-
sonous.’ I mean, eh. I guess, why not? Can we call that treason, why not?,” he said. The remarks sparked a firestorm of criticism from Democrats on Capitol Hill. ‘To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public,’” she tweeted. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said the remarks on treason - an offense punishable by death - were offered as tongue-in-cheek. “The president was obviously joking. But what’s serious is the Democrats seem to put their personal hatred for this president above their desire to see America succeed,” he said in a statement. But Democrats weren’t the only critics.Senator Tammy Duckworth quoted President Theodore Roosevelt in a response on Twitter. “Treason is not a punch line, Mr. President. Applause is approval of an idea,
not loyalty to one’s country,” said Senator Jeff Flake, a Republican who frequently reproaches Trump and his policies, in a blistering attack on the Senate floor on Tuesday. “Our Democratic colleagues love this country as much as we do. To suggest otherwise is simply unconscionable.” Even Representative Mark Meadows, a leading Republican conservative closely allied with Trump, took issue with the president’s comments. “Certainly saying that someone’s un-American because of their unwillingness to clap is not something that most Americans would agree with,” he said on CNN. But Republican Representative Claudia Tenney, also speaking about Democrats on CNN on Tuesday, said “I would say it was unAmerican, and they don’t love our country. I don’t know if I would go as far as treasonous, but the president is before a large audience and he likes to talk in colorful language.”
Maldi ves Supr eme Cour Maldiv Supreme Courtt does U-tur n after ar U-turn arrrests The Maldives Supreme Court has performed a U-turn on its decision to free nine convicted politicians, hours after the arrest of two of its judges. The court’s remaining three judges have issued a statement saying the order has been revoked “in light of the concerns raised by the president”. President Abdulla Yameen has declared a state of emergency to investigate a “coup” against him. The opposition has called for other countries to intervene in the crisis. President Yameen ordered the arrest of Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge, Ali Hameed, on Monday. On Tuesday, the president gave a televised address saying: “I had to declare a national emergency because there was no other way to investigate these judges.” The remaining judges then issued a statement saying they were rescinding the original order.How did we get here?
Last week’s original, unanimous court ruling quashed the convictions of nine opposition figures and ordered the release of those behind bars. It said they should all be re-tried. Among them was exiled ex-President Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his 2015 trial had been unconstitutional. The ruling also declared that 12 MPs stripped of their seats should be reinstated, a which would see the opposition’s parliamentary majority restored. The move took the nation by surprise and the government responded by suspending parliament. Under emergency rule, security forces are now freer to make arrests, and public gatherings are banned. The army has been ordered to resist any attempt to impeach or remove President Yameen. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has allied himself with the opposition, was also detained at his home. Mr Gayoom is the current president’s half-brother.
US B-52 bomber unleashes record-setting payload Washington (CNN) A US Air Force B-52 bomber launched a record-setting series of strikes this week in northern Afghanistan — dropping 24 precisionguided munitions on Taliban fighting positions during 96 hours of air operations “to destroy insurgent revenue sources, training facilities, and support networks,” according to US Forces Afghanistan. The 24 precisionguided munitions dropped by the B-52 Stratofortress are the most ever dropped by one of the Air Force’s oldest active aircraft, the service said in a press release. Weighing 185,000 pounds, the B-52 first entered service in the 1950s during the height of the Cold War — originally designed
to serve as long-range, high-altitude intercontinental nuclear bombers that could strike deep into the Soviet Union. The newest B-52 entered service in 1962, and the 159-foot plane became a Cold War icon. The planes have been modified heavily since the end of the Cold War and have been upgraded with precision-guided missiles, electronics and high-tech sensors. Each aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of bombs, mines and missiles, according to the Air Force’s official fact sheet. In addition to Taliban fighting positions, the strikes targeted training facilities in Badakhshan province and “stolen Afghan Na-
tional Army vehicles that were in the process of being converted to vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices,” according to US Forces Afghanistan. “The Taliban have nowhere to hide,” said Gen. John Nicholson, commander of US Forces Afghanistan. “There will be no safe haven for any terrorist group bent on bringing harm and destruction to this country.” US forces continue to carry out strikes on Taliban support networks in Helmand province and target sources of revenue such as illegal narcotics, the service said, adding that strikes and raids in the region have destroyed more than $30 million of Taliban revenue since the campaign began in November, 2017.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Barbados to host regional workshop on Rotterdam Convention BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – A two-day regional workshop on the ratification and basic obligations of Rotterdam Convention gets underway here today. Hosted by the Barbados government, the event will be attended by at least 40 delegates from St. Lucia, Grenada and the host country and will allow for discussions on chemicals and pesticide management issues. They will also be discussing the main provisions and importance of the Rotterdam Convention for the management of hazardous chemicals and waste throughout their life-cycle, from production to disposal. The Rotterdam Convention is an international legally binding multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) that deal with aspects of pesticides and chemicals management, and most also adhere to voluntary MEA that supports countries to make informed decisions regarding the future importation of certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides. “By so doing it ensures their safe use while protect-
ing human health and the environment. In addition, the convention gives developing countries a strong voice to raise their particular problems with severely hazardous pesticide formulations and bring it to a global attention,” according to the organisers. There are at least 159 parties to the Convention and last year, Barbados, St. Lucia and Grenada made requests for technical support related to ratification and joining the Convention. Most countries in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions have ratified
MEAs that deal with aspects of pesticides and chemicals management, and most also adhere to voluntary international initiatives such as the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides. However, the enforcement, implementation and harmonization of these instruments with existing national laws require comprehensive guidance and capacity building at national level as well as regional coordination.
CDB to fund street lighting project in Suriname BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) yesterday announced a US$30 million loan to Suriname for a street lighting project in the Dutchspeaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. The CDB said that the funds would be used to replace the existing high pressure sodium streetlights with high efficiency light-emitting diode (LED) systems and that the replacement of the approximately 40,000 streetlights is expected to reduce energy consumption and costs as well as associated greenhouse gas emissions. “Street lighting is a substantial expense for the government of Suriname, accounting for over 30 per cent of total electricity consumption. This project is expected to significantly reduce electricity consumption and emissions, with a corresponding reduction in expenditure. “The introduction of en-
Daniel Best ergy-efficient streetlight and smart technology contributes to the government’s vision of establishing a modern, sustainable, affordable energy supply, leading to more energy security and international competitiveness,” said Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB. The project will be executed by utility company Energie Bedrijven Suriname
(EBS) and will include the establishment of an advanced metering system, including the installation of 21,000 smart electricity meters. The CDB said that this would improve EBS’ operational efficiency, as the smart meters will improve the reliability of consumption readings, and enable remote diagnostics, reducing the response time for failures. “There will also be a Climate Risk Screening component, which includes an assessment of the vulnerability of EBS’ power sector infrastructure and recommendations to increase its resilience.” The CDB loan includes US$18.6 million from the European Investment Bank Climate Action Line of Credit (CALC) with CDB. Additional funding of US$3.4 million will be provided by EBS and the bank said the project is in line with its commitment to Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, as elaborated in its Strategic Plan 2015-2019.
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Thomas hundred frustrates Lions Freestyle skiing: Cold weather brings KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Wicketkeeper/batsman Aldaine Thomas punished England Lions with an attractive hundred, as a Jamaica XI provided stout resistance on the penultimate day of their the three-day tour game here yesterday. Resuming in trouble on 36 for four in their first innings, the hosts fought their way to 236 all out, just 27 runs behind Lions’ 263 on Monday’s opening day at Sabina Park. The 23-year-old Thomas was at the heart of the Jamaica XI’s enterprise, hitting 10 fours and two sixes in an innings spanning just over five hours and requiring 185 deliveries. Gordon Bryan, batting at number 10, was the only other player to pass 20 as he chipped in with a handy 29 which included six fours.
Seamers Jamie Porter (324) and Toby Roland-Jones (3-37) were Lions’ best bowlers with three wickets apiece. In their second turn at the crease, Lions were 80 for three, heading into today’s final day. Earlier, Thomas found a partner in captain Paul Palmer (16) to add 38 for the fifth wicket an deny Lions an early success. When Palmer was bowled by left-arm seamer George Garton, the hosts lost three wickets for 18 runs, to slide to 92 for seven. Thomas, though, ensured the tail wagged, posting 40 for the eighth wicket with Damion Jacobs (13) before partnering with Bryan to frustrate the English in a ninth wicket stand of 80. Scores: LIONS 263 for
joy for moguls favorite Kingsbury
Aldaine Thomas … struck 109. eight decl. (Keaton Jennings 129 not out, Alex Davies 53; Reynard Leveridge 2-23, Damion Jacobs 2-63, Jamie Merchant 2-69) and 80 for three. JAMAICA XI 236 (Aldaine Thomas 109, Gordon Bryan 29, Kennar Lewis 22; Jamie Porter 3-24, Toby Roland-Jones 3-37).
Wednesday February 07 , 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might want to talk over any plans you have or would like to make with those you live with, Aries. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If something is bothering you today, Taurus, consider talking with your mother or an older person you feel comfortable with. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't fall into the "poor me" trap today, Gemini. When things repeatedly don't go the way you want, or bad things happen to you, it can be very easy to fall into a victim mentality. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Try to make sure you get some quality time to yourself today, Cancer. Your nature is one that thrives on intense thought, creativity, sexuality, and emotion. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Crafts, baking, building, and gardening are all activities conducive to this. Take time to express yourself through your favorite hobbies today. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Make some plans to write a letter, send a greeting card, or put together a package for someone far away today, Virgo. This can be a lot of fun to do, especially if the person on the receiving end isn't expecting anything from you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's a good day for you to put some of those creative ideas to work, Libra. Pull out your favorite craft supplies and have some fun exploring color and design. If you have children, consider including them in the activities. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Scorpio, put some music on to get yourself going today, especially if you feel a little lonely. Music often has as strong an effect as conversation. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It's a good day to pull out that shopping list, Sagittarius. Your ability to be thrifty and efficient will be strengthened at this time, so why not take advantage of it? CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Chances are good that you'll be keeping yourself busy today, Capricorn. The energetic aspects that are occurring can really have you raring to take on chores that need to be done. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Even you need to jump out of the rat race once in a while. If there are some things you really need to care of, you can still make plans for leisure or recreation afterward. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Chores and hobbies will wait patiently for you, but lending care and support to someone in need often won't. Open your door and your heart if the situation arises.
PYEONGCHANG (Reuters) - The biting cold in Pyeongchang may be bothering some in the build-up to the Winter Games, but for Canadian mogul skiing favorite Mikael Kingsbury the weather is a blessing in his bid to clinch his first Olympic gold. Temperatures are currently below freezing during the day, dropping to as low as minus 21 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) at night. The cold weather leads to more consistent peaks on the moguls course, something that Kingsbury believes could give him the edge over the rest of the field. “It is tricky but I think it
Guinness... From page 40 Harmony Warriors at 24:00hrs and Admiral United against Rising Stars from 24:30hrs. Following tonight’s play, the tournament will continue on Friday at the same venue with round-of-16 knockout matches. The winners of the tournament will pocket $400,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runner-up will receive $200,000 and the corresponding accolade.The third placed finisher will receive $150,000 and a trophy, whilst the fourth placed unit will walk away with $100,000 and a trophy.
Hurricanes... From page 40 32nd over triggered the final collapse as the last six wickets went down for just 67 runs. Scores: HURRICANES 183 off 49.1 overs (Terance Ward 71, Marlon Samuels 18; Will Gidman 3-31, Ivan Thomas 3-45, Calum Haggett 2-37). KENT CCC 187 for one off 44.3 overs (Zak Crawley 99 not out, Sean Dickson 44 not out, Daniel BellDrummond 39)
Drayton... From page 38 Calvin Giddings and Errol Tiwari, all of whom finished on four points apiece. President of the Guyana Chess Federation, James Bond, was on hand to congratulate the seven players on their qualification to the National Championship later this year. He wished them well, noting that he expect a highly competitive tournament judging from what he witnessed in the qualifier.
fits it me well. I think it is hard and cold. I like it like that. Then it is consistent,” Kingsbury told Reuters after his second day of training in South Korea on Tuesday. “When it is warmer it is easier but the snow is less consistent. This is what I want. It is not easy and so you need to work to get a good run. Slowly I am feeling the course, the little details on it.” A silver medalist four years ago in Sochi, the Canadian has dominated the sport in recent years. Last year, Kingsbury claimed his sixth consecutive overall World Cup gold medal. He has also won two World Championship golds and holds the all-time record for
the number of World Cup wins and podium finishes. Despite being widely expected to add Olympic gold to his wealth of achievements, Kingsbury is remaining grounded in the build-up to qualifying on Friday. “Usually we have two days and now we have four so we can take our time and manage our body,” said Kingsbury. “You will not win the race today. It is all the days together that you build you confidence. I am very happy with the job I am doing right now. I had the fastest time on the course today I think. I am where I want to be.” The final of the men’s moguls is on Feb. 12.
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UEFA maintain ban for Real’s Carvajal after ‘deliberate booking’ MADRID (Reuters) Holders Real Madrid have been dealt a blow ahead of next week’s Champions League last-16 first leg tie with Paris St Germain after UEFA said yesterday that it will uphold the decision to suspend defender Dani Carvajal for deliberately picking up a booking. Carvajal was shown a yellow card in the 90th minute for time wasting in the La Liga club’s 6-0 group stage win over APOEL Nicosia in November. As it was the full back’s third in that phase of the competition it ruled him out of their final group game, but in theory would have meant he was available for the upcoming round of 16 fixtures without the risk of further immediate suspension. However, last December UEFA announced that their Control, Ethics and Disciplin-
Dani Carvajal (right) is now definitely out of the last-16 showdown against the French giants. (Reuters) ary Body felt the player breached Article 15 of its disciplinary regulations and re-
jected the European champions’ appeal against the extended sanction.
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Jenkins to join Eagles teammates skipping White House visit Minneapolis , United States (AFP) — Philadelphia Eagles star safety Malcolm Jenkins said Monday he plans to boycott the traditional White House visit along with at least two other members of the Super Bowlwinning team. “No, I personally do not anticipate attending that,” Jenkins, who has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, told CNN. “My message has been clear all year,” the defensive standout said after the Eagles’ 41-33 upset victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. “I want to see changes in our criminal justice system,” Jenkins said. “I want to see us push for economical and educational advancement in communities of colour and low-income communities. “And I want to see our relationships between our communities and our law enforcement be advanced,” Jenkins said. “That’s what myself and my peers have been pushing for for the last two years and that’s what I’ll
Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles continue to do.” At least two of Jenkins’ teammates — defensive end Chris Long and wide receiver Torrey Smith — have also said they do not plan to go to the White House. Long won a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots last year and also declined to make the trip. Long, 32, made headlines this year by giving away his entire pay cheque to worthy causes and has been a vocal supporter of team-mates who have protested against social
injustice this season. Trump has been engaged in a feud with the National Football League all year over players kneeling in protest during the national anthem. The mainly African American players have been taking a knee during the StarSpangled Banner to protest police brutality and racial injustice.Trump indirectly warned players before Sunday’s game not to kneel. In a statement, he expressed appreciation “for those who make occasions like this possible, particularly the brave men and women of our armed forces. “We hold them in our hearts and thank them for our freedom as we proudly stand for the national anthem,” Trump said. No players kneeled while pop star Pink sang the national anthem ahead of the game in Minneapolis. Trump congratulated the Eagles following the game. “Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles on a great Super Bowl victory!” Trump tweeted.
Wednesday February 07, 2018
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Kensington Oval to host first 32 Russians to appeal against... day-night Test in the Caribbean ESPNcricinfo - West Indies will host their first daynight Test match on June 23 when they play Sri Lanka in Barbados. The game will also mark the first time Sri Lanka play long-form cricket at the iconic Kensington Oval. The day-night fixture will be the third match of the series, which begins on June 6 at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. According to the schedule announced by Cricket West Indies in December 2017, the third Test was to be played at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia
and the second at Kensington Oval. But a Sri Lanka Cricket release on Tuesday suggested the venues have been switched. St. Lucia will now host the second Test from June 14. This will be Sri Lanka’s first Test tour of the West Indies in 10 years. The last one - in March 2008 - ended in a 1-1 draw, and was quite memorable for the visitors, who claimed their first win in the West Indies. There have been eight day-night Tests since the first one between Australia and New Zealand in November
2015. West Indies have already been involved in two of them, without any success, whereas Sri Lanka beat Pakistan on their day-night Test debut. Sri Lanka’s schedule in the West Indies Tour match: May 30 - June 1, Brian Lara Cricket Ground, Trinidad First Test: June 6-10, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad Second Test: June 14-18, Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia Third Test: June 23-27, day-night match, Kensington Oval, Barbados
Britain’s Muhammad Ali handed two year ban for positive test LONDON (Reuters) - British Olympic boxer Muhammad Ali has been banned for two years after testing positive for a banned steroid, the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) said yesterday. The 21-year-old, who competed as a flyweight at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, failed a dope test at a World Series Boxing match between Morocco Atlas Lions and British Lionhearts in Casablanca last April.He was provisionally suspended from all international and domestic competitions
last October.AIBA said in a statement on its website that it had imposed the ban after reaching a “settlement agreement” on the case, without giving details. GB Boxing noted the decision and said AIBA had also expressed an opinion “that the athlete did not take the prohibited substances with the intention to cheat.” The boxer told the BBC the length of the ban was “extreme” but he had to accept it and move on, with the aim of competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
From page 40 tion into evidence of state-sponsored Russian doping at their home Games in 2014.On Thursday, Cas overturned the suspensions of 28 of those, and partially upheld 11 other appeals.The IOC then turned down a request for 13 of the 28 - and two coaches - to compete.A special IOC panel “agreed the decision of the Cas had not lifted the suspicion of doping”.
IOC president Thomas Bach said: “The absence of sanctions by Cas does not mean that you are entitled to receive an invitation from the IOC because receiving this invitation is a privilege of clean Russian athletes.”However, 32 athletes are taking issue with that stance.Among them are multiple Olympic champion speed skater Viktor Ahn and biathlon gold medallist Anton Shipulin.
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Premier League looking to introduce ‘winter break’ before 2022 - reports (Reuters) - The Premier League said yesterday that it is open to introducing a midseason break, with British media reporting that it could be implemented before 2022 as part of the next TV rights deal. Talks have been ongoing between the Football Association (FA) and the English Football League (EFL) regarding the proposal as they explore the possibility of bringing the English fixture schedules in line with the top leagues in Germany, France, Italy and Spain. According to reports, the prospect of a European winter break is referenced in the tender documents that have been sent to potential broadcast partners.The next domestic TV rights deal will cover 2019 to 2022, the results of which are due to be announced next week. In response to media
speculation, the Premier League released a statement on Tuesday saying it was examining ways to ease fixture congestion, including a winter break.“The Premier League has been in discussions with the FA and EFL for several months regarding the challenges of the increasingly congested English football calendar, and ways in which we can work together to ease fixture congestion while also giving players a mid-season break,” the statement said. “Provided space can be found in the calendar, we are open to this in principle and will continue constructive discussions with our football stakeholders to seek a workable solution.”It is reported that the break would take place in January and would not impact the traditional English festive fixture schedule. A winter break has long been mooted in the Premier
League, not least by overseas coaches who have argued that the existing schedule is too taxing on players. Louis van Gaal described playing through the English winter as “evil” during his tenure as Manchester United manager. His successor, Jose Mourinho, said in November that it hampers English clubs’ chances in the knockout stages of European competitions.There have also been suggestions that the lack of a break leaves Premier League players tired for international competitions and in particular has been part of the reason behind the England national team’s poor tournament record in recent years. England manager Gareth Southgate, however, expressed doubt in December about whether a break would significantly enhance the team’s prospects of winning a first major trophy since 1966.
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Chittagong pitch rated ‘below average’ by ICC ESPNcricinfo - The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium pitch has been rated “below average” by the ICC for its performance in the first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. As a result, the Chittagong ground has received one demerit point which will remain on its record for a five-year period. According to the ICC, if the venue reaches a total of five demerit points during the five-year period, it will be suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months. In his remarks, match ref-
eree David Boon, who gave the rating, said: “The pitch provided no seam movement to the fast bowlers with the new ball and also lacked carry and bounce throughout the match. The pitch did offer occasional slow turn for the spinners early on, but it did not deteriorate as much as would have been expected as the match progressed, resulting in a pitch that too heavily favoured the batsmen across the five days.” After the match, Sri Lanka batsman Dimuth Karunaratne and Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah held differing
views. Karunaratne said that the track wasn’t good for Test cricket as it had nothing for bowlers but Mahmudullah said that it was a good pitch that gave runs to both sets of batsmen. The match produced the second-highest match aggregate - 1533 runs - in Bangladesh, and the lowest wicket count - 24 - in matches that had more than 2000 balls delivered. Last September, the Shere Bangla National Stadium outfield received a “poor” rating from the ICC for the Bangladesh-Australia Test.
Cross-country skiing: Clean athletes can still beat dopers - Harvey PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Reuters) - Recent revelations about doping may have cast a cloud over crosscountry skiing, but clean athletes can still win at the Olympics in Pyeongchang, crosscountry skier Alex Harvey told reporters yesterday. There were reports of widespread blood doping in the sport and a number of athletes were banned and in some cases stripped of their medals following the International Olympic Committee’s investigation of doping in the
Sochi Games. “The beauty of crosscountry skiing is that even people that cheat, it’s still possible to beat them because it’s not like cycling where you just cycle up a mountain for one hour and everybody’s bike is the same weight and there’s not much going on other than fitness,” Harvey told reporters. “Our sport has been affected; cross-country skiing and biathlon are maybe some of the most affected by it if
you read the reports from it,” the 29-year-old Canadian explained. “In skiing, there’s the technique, there’s the equipment. So it’s still possible to beat people that are cheating - that’s what I’ve been telling myself my whole career, knowing that there were some people cheating but that it was still possible to beat them.” Harvey said he is looking forward to the competitions on the course in Pyeongchang.
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Say Yes to Education Campaign
RHTY&SC Cricket Teams to host Essay Competitions for Primary and Secondary Schools As part of their effort to promote the Importance of Education, the ten Cricket Teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS would be hosting two Essay Competitions for the seventeen Secondary Schools and over fifty Primary Schools based in Region 6. The Essay Competitions would be sponsored by the Bank of Nova Scotia and would form part of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Say No/Say Yes Campaign which targets 60,000 youths in Berbice. The topic for the Primary Schools Essay Competition would be “Why an Educational Background is very important to me” while the length of the Essay shall be 250 to 300 words. Each Primary School in Region 6 would be required to submit a maximum of three Essays after conducting their own internal competition. The topic for the Secondary Schools’ Competition is “Climate Change - How it is affecting the World Population and how Youths can play a major role in solving the problem”. The length should be 400 to 500 words and each school would be required to submit six entries. Each Essay shall have to bear the name of the Essay’s
writer, School and Telephone number. The ten Cricket Teams would like to advise students that the Essays should be the work of themselves and not printed copies from the Internet. The Winner, First Runner-up and Third Place from each category would receive a financial prize, trophy, medal and framed certificate. A panel of judges headed by former Educator and veteran Journalist Gregory Rambarran would select the top winners. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club in 2018 would be hosting a series of Educational Competitions including Debates, Spelling Bees, Public Speaking, Posters and Essays as part of its Say No/Say Yes Campaign. Additionally, thousands of Posters, Bumper Stickers and Information Booklet would be published along with the Erection of Billboards. A monthly Television Programme would also be hosted on DTV-8, while the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would also organise several Youth Inspiration Forums for Youths across the Ancient County. A movable Family Fun Park is also on the cards for the sec-
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ond quarter of the year. The Fun Park would consists of Bouncy Castles, Trampolines, Slides, Swings, a collection of Children Games and would be used by the ten Cricket Teams to promote the Say No/Say Yes Message. The main objective is to get youths to Say No to Drugs, Crime, Suicide, Alcohol, Tobacco and Yes to Education, Life, Sports, Culture, Religion. The ten Cricket Teams “King Solomon Logistics Under-12, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division” would like to express gratitude to the Regional Education Officer of Region 6, the Ministry of Education and Scotia Bank for their co-operation in making the Essay Competition possible. All Schools are also reminded that the deadline entrances for the Essays are the 30th March, 2018. The Winners would receive their prizes during the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club 28th Annual Award Ceremony on the 15th April, 2018, at the St. Francis Training Centre.
Amir Khan: Anthony Joshua needs to box in America to become a global star ESPN - Amir Khan believes Anthony Joshua needs to box in America soon if he is to become a global sporting star. Khan (31-4, 19 KOs), who makes his long-awaited ring return on April 21 against Phil Lo Greco, knows what it’s like fighting in the US having boxed there 10 times so far during his professional career. His last appearance in the ring was in Las Vegas, a fight which ended in a knockout defeat to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May 2016. “When you fight in America you become that global star, and that’s what I did,” Khan told Sky Sports. “Why not fight in a country where heavyweight boxing is big? “One thing about the heavyweight division that AJ should definitely watch is — it’s always been big in America with Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield. “If he wants to make a big name, I think he might want to fight there first. “He will build his name up, he will get a good knockout against some up and coming fighter, and then he will be ready [to fight WBC champion Deontay Wilder], because people will see him live on TV and live in America. “They will be like: ‘This
Amir Khan last fought against Saul Canelo Alvarez in May 2016. (JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/Getty Images) fight needs to happen now.’ That’s a fight people want to see in America, they are already talking about AJ. I think he should go there.” Wilder aside, fight fans are clamouring to see an all-British match-up between Joshua and rival Tyson Fury, a fight Khan believes shouldn’t take place in the near future. “I think Fury might need a little more time,” said Khan. “He’s a great fighter, one of the best fighters in the heavyweight division. “It’s not a 50-50 fight at the moment, because Fury has been out of the ring for
such a long time. I think if Fury maybe gets two fights under his belt, and then takes that fight, then you can say it’s a 50-50. “At the moment, I give it 70-30 to Joshua. That’s a Wembley fight, definitely.”
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Wednesday February 07, 2018
Kaieteur News
Sumptuous battles in the making for Jumbo Jet Triple Crown Ready to Romance and Party Time expected to rock the house The battles promise to be exciting when the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee stages its first Triple Crown horseracing championships which will see over $20million in cash prizes up for grabs in the three-day event. The “Triple Crown” championship, which is the first of its kind in Guyana, will be competed on three separate race days at two different venues. The first race day is slated for February 18th at the Rising Sun Turf Club followed by the second race day on March 4th at the same Arima Park, West Coast Berbice, racetrack, while the third and final showdown will be on Easter Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club in Corentyne Berbice. One horse that fans ought to take note of is Ready to Romance, which is Owned by Kris Jagdeo, Trained by Tribuwan ‘Turbo’ Jagdeo and ridden by Jockey Paul Delph. This racehorse has been always knocking at the door and won his last start on January 28th at Rising Sun. It is expected to win again on February 18, 2018 at Rising Sun which will be the first race for the mega triple crown. Ready to Romance will be running in the J and lower event. Trainer T. Jagdeo mentioned that his horse is one of the best locally bred horses here and he always knew his horse’s po-
tential. The horse lost a few races before but that was early in his career, now he is fully matured. “The racehorse always goes a bit wide on the turns and at Rising Sun, as everyone may know, but it is now handling the turn much better as he is maturing,” Jagdeo noted. He said he is very excited and congratulates the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee for hosting the first ever triple crown event in Guyana. Jagdeo is also very confident that his horse will win all 3 events and win the mega bonus up for grabs as well. Promoter Nazruddin Mohamed Jr. noted that this is the event for every horse, trainer, groom, and owner to prove their ability. “You may have the best horse to win the first event, but may or may not have the ability to maintain for the final two legs. Having a thoroughbred to perform its best comes from the team around him/her which includes the owner, groom, trainer and jockey’s hard effort they put into the animals, weeks before the event. I believe the fittest will survive as the bread crumbs will fall off from some of the thoroughbreds coming to the final leg at Port Mourant Turf club,” Mohamed Jr. stated. While, Ready to Romance is one to beat, Party Time is another racehorse with the
The Nissan Tida on offer at the Triple Crown raffle. tools to come out on top. This horse won the feature event in the last meet staged, collecting the $1M prize for Guyana bred horses. Party Time is owned by Jason DeMatos. While Mr. Jagdeo has expressed confidence in Ready to Romance, he’s got to look out; Party Time is on the prowl. Owner Jason DeMatos said his horse is going smooth as well and is also looking to claim his crown for winning the 3 upcoming events. Will any of these two horses win or will some other contender sneak in and take the prize? All will unfold in a
Hurricanes stumble as Kent take win ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Leeward Islands Hurricanes suffered a second straight defeat in the Regional Super50 when they went down to English County Kent by nine wickets in their Group B encounter here yesterday. Hurricanes, without the mainstay of their batting Rahkeem Cornwall who has been called up to West Indies A duty, suffered a collapse and could only muster 183 all out in the 50th over. Terrance Ward, batting at number five, top-scored with 71 but no other Hurricanes batsmen managed to make it past 20. Fast bowlers Will Gidman (3-31) and Ivan Thomas (3-45) finished with three wickets apiece while fellow seamer Calum Haggett picked up two for 37. Kent coasted in reply, reaching their target in the 45th over, with 20-year-old opener Zak Crawley narrowly missing out on three figures with an unbeaten 99. The right-hander faced 140 deliveries and struck
Fast bowler Ivan Thomas …claimed Three wickets in Kent’s win. eight fours, staging two key stands to wipe out any hope Hurricanes may have entertained of a come-from-behind win. He added 81 for the first wicket with Daniel BellDrummond whose 39 came from 66 deliveries and included four fours. When Bell-Drummond perished in the 21st over via the run out route, Crawley put on a further 106 in an an unbroken second wicket stand
with Sean Dickson who was unbeaten on 44 off 61 deliveries at the end. Hurricanes had earlier failed to make the most of a recovery after suffering a dodgy start, after being asked to bat first at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. They lost the in-form Montcin Hodge in the fourth over for two with six on the board but West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels (18) and opener Keacy Carty (17) added 36 for the second wicket to steady the innings. However, both fell in the space of 14 deliveries with two runs added to leave Hurricanes on 44 for three in the 13th over. Warde started the recovery when he posted 35 for the fourth wicket with Devon Thomas (17) and that revival continued in a 37-run fifth wicket stand with Akeal Hosein (15). All told, he faced 91 balls and struck five fours and a pair of sixes. Hosein’s departure in the (Continued on page 31)
few weeks and fans will not want to miss these three days of top class horseracing. Apart from the action, the Coordinator has disclosed that a raffle has been added to spice things up. Lucky patrons will get the chance to win very attractive prizes with the winner of the main prize driving away with a 2011 Nissan Tida sedan car. The other prizes on offer are a 125 motor cycle, Samsung 40" Smart TV, 2-samsaung cell phones, a stove, microwave and a Refrigerator. Raffle tickets are being sold throughout Guyana and can be purchased from
Soesdyke Junction, Eccles at the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales location, 92 Smyth Street Georgetown at the Jumbo Jet location, Croal Street Georgetown at the BM Soat Auto Sales, Chester Fried Chicken in West Berbice and Bush Lot Village West Berbice at the two Jumbo Jet Auto Sales locations, Punai’s Pharmacy at Rose Hall Town, The Arabian Nights Sports Bar, #22 Village Hopetown West Berbice and the Discount Store on Regent Street. Any information on the event including registration can be sourced by contacting:
Chandu Ramkissoon: 6249063/608-9063/232-0633; Alan Padmore: 232-9115/ 619-1909 and Nikita Ross: 662-4668. The three-leg championship will be competed under the rules of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee. According to the organisers, a deposit of 50% of the total entry fee must be submitted on or before February 11th with the balance to be paid in full on or before the race day. In order to win the “Triple Crown” bonus, a deposit of $5,000 for each of the three races must be paid on or before February 11th.
32 Russians to appeal against Pyeongchang exclusion BBC Sport - Thirty-two Russian athletes have appealed against their exclusion from this month’s Winter Olympics. They include those who had their life bans lifted by the Court of Arbitration for
Sport (Cas) last week. A hearing is set to take place today, two days before the Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has invited 169 Russians to compete as independent athletes in
Pyeongchang after their country was banned over the Sochi doping scandal. Forty-three Russians were banned for life from the Olympics following the conclusion of an IOC investiga (Continued on page 37)
Viktor Ahn (middle) won three gold medals at Sochi 2014. (Getty Images)