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AIETEUR NEWS

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GRA strikes at city wharf

Thursday Edition February 07, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 06 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

- Over 3,000 bottles of Johnny Walker, Hennessy, other high-end liquor seized

Online readership yesterday 145,534

Social activists call for greater transparency, accountability in Public Health sector GTU aims at 25% salary increase for public school teachers ...as new proposal submitted to Education Ministry

Brazil court adds 13 years to ex-president Lula's sentence Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Mash Celebrations: Mahaicony Secondary School students performing to 'Who run the world - Girls' (RDC Region 5 photo)

should AFC to picket Local Govt. Commission - Commissioner GECOM today handle its own budget Marlon Williams

Exxon strikes again in 11th and 12th well - Stabroek Block has potential for five platforms - Energy Director

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Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

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Social activists call for greater transparency, accountability in Public Health sector

Social activists were among those on the picket line in front of the Ministry of Public Health on Brickdam yesterday

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group of social activists and representatives of Non -Governmental O r g a n i s a tions, (NGOs) picketed the Ministry of Public Health on Brickdam yesterday, with calls for a greater level of transparency and accountability in the health sector.

The demonstration exercise was led by members of support groups such as Red Thread,andAspire Inc.

Speaking to the media, Red Thread representative, Susan Collymore noted that healthcare providers should be more accountable for their actions.

“I am here in support of the parents of those young cancer patients, who were wrongfully medicated and for those mothers who lost their babies during birth or following the delivery, because of negligence of some the nurses and doctors

at the public hospital.”

Colllymore noted that support is key to help persons who have experienced the trauma as a result of the actions of public health care providers.

“In most cases, these people are poor, afraid to speak up for themselves or do not have the means of pursuing the system and taking action.”

Dan James, another picketer expressed similar

views. He told the media that he has sympathy for persons accessing public healthcare, since he too felt the brunt of the system.

“It is not easy when you don't have the option of going to a private doctor or hospital. I think for starters, the staff could be a little more courteous when interfacing with the members of the public. Poor lives matter.

We have to stand up for those persons”

GRA strikes at city wharf - Over 3,000 bottles of Johnny Walker, Hennessy, other high-end liquor seized

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fficials of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday seized a large shipment of liquor off a city wharf. It included over 3,000 bottles of high-end liquor, including whisky, that came in a container.

GRA's CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia, would only confirm that a shipment was seized and that he was awaiting a report.

H o w e v e r, u n c o n f i r m e d reports are that there were hundreds of bottles of Hennessy Cognac, and Johnny Walker Scotch Whisky.

The container that came reportedly had something other than liquor declared.

The shipment is said to be valued at over $15M. It was said to have originated from St. Maarten, and docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation wharf, Lombard Street. It was immediately sealed upon discovery of the items.

There were allegations

yesterday of collusion with a Customs official and this is being investigated.

GRA has started a campaign to stamp liquor entering the country to prove that taxes have been paid. It has netted some good returns.

However, the open borders and evidence of collusion at city wharves is still affecting revenue collection. Much of the liquor ends up at bars and night clubs.

Over 3,000 bottles of high-end liquor were seized at a city wharf yesterday.

Meanwhile, other activists like Sherlina Nageer and Dennis Glasgow of Aspire Inc. called for the release of information as it relates to death of three young children who were treated for cancer at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). “It's now past three weeks and the parents are still awaiting information as it relates to the investigation.

These people deserve closure.

They have already suffered enough.”

This is the second demonstration in relation to the recent deaths of the three children at the GPHC, due to alleged negligence on the part of health officials.

Local poet and advocate Renata Burnette also spoke to the injustice that persists because persons are unable to take any form of action against the system.

“It seems as though there is no means to an end. This happens and you don't have enough money to go up against the State, and issues are swept

under the rug.

“But I think it's time that we do something about it. I would like to see more accountability in general, because we have always been hearing that investigations have been launched, but then in the end, no one is held responsible.

“You're not hearing that their licence has been suspended or they going to be placed on trial. I would like to see victims and their family members get a sense of justice and persons held accountable.”

Another person expressed disgust at the drug shortage which continues to plague the country, saying that this matter needs to be addressed by the Administration.

Others noted that Ministers and Government officials have to fly out of the country for medical treatment, since they themselves (Government officials) do not have confidence in their own health care sector.

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Venezuela’s Crisis Spreads Beyond its Borders (Republished from The New York Times) The tense standoff in Venezuela between Nicolás Maduro and Juan Guaidó has morphed into something far larger than a contest for power between a failed leader still supported by parts of the army and die-hard leftists, and a young legislator propelled to the front by popular demonstrations. In part because of the Trump administration’s allin support for regime change, the crisis has become a dangerous global power struggle. That’s the last thing Venezuelans need.

There is no question that President Maduro must go, the sooner the better. Heir to the socialist rule of Hugo Chávez, he has led his oil-rich country into utter ruin. Its currency is useless, basic foods and medicines have disappeared and more than three million people have fled, fomenting refugee crises in Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador.

The only solution is an interim government under Mr. Guaidó who as the head of the National Assembly has a legitimate claim to the presidency under the Venezuelan Constitution. It would lead to new presidential elections and a flood of emergency aid.

Pope Francis said Tuesday that he was willing to help mediate an end to the conflict if both sides agreed. He said he had received a plea from Mr. Maduro to help start a new dialogue.“There needs to be the will of both parts,” Francis said. He suggested beginning with small concessions from both sides, working toward a more formal negotiation.

In hopes of a peaceful resolution, many democratic governments have thrown their support behind Mr. Guaidó.

Twelve Latin American countries, the Organization of American States, Canada and more than a dozen members of the European Union have so far crowded into Mr. Guaidó’s corner alongside the United States, recognizing him as the interim president. Mr. Maduro’s primary backers are Russia, China, Iran, Cuba and Turkey.

These are not entirely alliances of the like-minded. As in any geopolitical struggle, disparate interests are at play, and many include a suspicion or fear of President Trump’s motives and potential means. For the hard-core conservatives in the Trump administration, Mr. Maduro is the failed standard-bearer of the scourge of socialism in Latin America and the beachhead for Russian, Cuban and Chinese influence. Mr. Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out a military option.

The prospect of a proxy war that could spill over Venezuela’s borders horrifies most Latin American leaders, as well as Canada and the Europeans. The Lima Group, which brings together Canada and a number of Latin American countries with the aim of finding a nonviolent solution to the Venezuelan crisis, held an emergency meeting in Ottawa on Monday at which it unequivocally rejected any foreign military intervention.

“This is a process led by the people of Venezuela in their very brave quest to return their country themselves to democracy in accordance with their own constitution,” declared the Canadian foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, in a statement echoed by most Latin American and European supporters of Mr. Guaidó.

In Mr. Maduro’s camp, the motives are also mixed. China has huge loans out to Venezuela but has kept a low profile in the struggle, perhaps in the hope of cultivating a relationship with Mr. Guaidó, should he prevail. Turkey’s increasingly authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has long embraced Mr. Maduro as a comrade against Western, and especially American, hegemony. Russia has been his strongest supporter, channeling billions in aid and arms to Mr. Maduro, and has been most vocal in warning the United States to stay clear.

It is very much in American and Western interests to free Venezuela from such unholy alliances through negotiations between supporters of Mr. Guaidó and Mr. Maduro.

But the goal must be to do so in order to give the longsuffering Venezuelans a chance to freely choose their government and start the arduous task of rebuilding their economy, not to score a victory in an ideological struggle.

Foreigners are vying for Guyana’s resources DEAR EDITOR I took what would have been a quiet Christmas holiday season 2018 and decided to spend it in Guyana. Of course, every time I decide to visit the country I have to overcome trepidation of being unwelcomed back to my homeland in addition to being careful for my wellbeing.

During this visit, I was appalled at the childish politics in the shape of a no-confidence vote at a time when our government should be at its most cautious, bringing Guyanese people together and more so protecting the country in the wake of a myriad of problems stemming from the discovery of oil.

In addition, foreigners are vying to take our resourcerich interior of wood and gold, wild-life, etc. and no one is

paying attention. I was also appalled at the complacency with which Guyanese people accepted this incompetence from both sides regarding the management of Guyana’s kitchen-table issues – education, cleanliness, employment, etc.

This is a most critical time for Guyanese to come together – African, Indian, Portuguese, Amerindians and Guyanese-born Whites and Chinese.

The Venezuelans, Brazilians and Cubans are slowly creeping in and before long Guyanese WILL be the minority in their own country.

In addition, Americans via Exxon are buying lands and acquiring property when they could only legally lease. The Chinese from China now own almost all the stores on Regent Street and employ only Ven-

ezuelans and Brazilians. They have been laying off the Guyanese staff.

The Cubans have no regard for our country.

They see Guyana as a port where they come to buy cheap, lead-based China Chinese goods with no care for what happens to Guyana. The China Chinese themselves just use Guyana as a “marketplace” to sell their trash and send billions of dollars back home to China.

Meanwhile, the Guyanese leadership sits silent while the Opposition plots to sell out part of the country west of the Essequibo and begins the horrible discord with a plea for a no-confidence vote that passed because many leaders are selfish, care nothing for Guyanese citizens and have not one iota of love for country.

My humble advice to the leadership is: 1. Come together ASAP to protect the country from these blights 2. Curtail this seemingly loose immigration to Guyana 3. Take seriously the offers from concerned Guyanese from the diaspora to come back and help 4. Seek to unify the Guyanese citizens; after all, we are the ones who will lose the most 5. With help from returning Guyanese, the leadership should have all the knowledge and know-how on most of the issues regarding oil and the development of Guyana as a whole.

To the citizenry, cut out the black and white, pink and blue bias nonsense and work together. PLEASE! Lorna Abraham

Ramjattan is showing his true colours DEAR EDITOR, I am a UK-based lawyer (born to Guyanese parents) and like so many young Guyanese both here in the diaspora and at home, we are very much inclined to hold our politicians accountable. Any other prevailing mindset does not have a role now or in the future. This is the mindset of now and the future.

My other interests in developments in Guyana relate to my profession as senior lawyer - specialising in the areas of Money Laundering and International Financial crimes.

Given this background and interest, I have been closely following the matters involving SOCU and their likely consequences.

As a matter of fact, media reports of developments at SOCU often lead to informal discussions with colleagues at my City of London Chambers.

It is within the aforementioned context that I read with shuddering shock and disbelief, the astounding statement carried in the media about the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan’s, sentiments about the unfortunate and disappointing departure of the SOCU’s Financial Analyst and Lead Investigator/ witness in a number of high profile ongoing matters presently engaging the courts.

These matters will not be adversely affected.

It is the view of many of my learned colleagues and I that given the fact Mr. Ramjattan is a lawyer further compounds the absurdity of the statement allegedly coming from the Minister. I caution if the statement reflects Mr. Ramjattan sentiments, then Mr. Ramjattan worryingly does not possess

the vaguest of awareness of the complex matters of financial crimes, investigation and testimony.

Mr. Ramjattan’s statement is particularly more of concern and worry as it smacks of irresponsibility and grave incompetence at best. Is he fit and proper for the portfolio that he is holding?

Mr. Ramjattan leaves one to question his commitment to uncompromisingly addressing allegations by his coalition partners about alleged corruption and money laundering committed by the previous administration.

Does Ramjattan’s action speak of someone who has any commitment to go after those who have raided the treasury rampantly? I believe

Mr. Ramjattan’s sentiments raise more questions than answers in this regard.

This goes to the heart of the matter about the way young Guyanese view their leaders’ commitment to ending the cancer of corruption that has enveloped our nation.

Even if Mr. Ramjattan could have procured the best forensic analyst money can buy, to replace the outgoing one, given the nature, complexity and stage of the current matters before the courts, it would be unlikely that the matters would be brought to successful conclusion as far as the prosecution is concerned.

Mr. Ramjattan needs to understand that the complexity of financial crimes are in a

league of its own and replacing the lead witness mid way through trial is unheard of and demonstrates simplicity and flagrant irresponsibility at it’s very best, to put it politely.

We are speaking here of irresponsibly discarding diligent time consuming investigative work, intimate case management knowledge and impulse, which is pivotal to the success of these matters.

We risk evidence contamination especially in an environment where corruption thrives and I can go on for pages.

With all I have said, I can put my reputation on the line here and predict that those significant matters the courts were engaged with will collapse through technicality or (Continued on page 6)

OBTUSE OR DENSE? DEAR EDITOR, The resent exchange between Christopher Ram and Ronald Bulkan served to crystallize ephemeral thoughts that have been nagging at the back of my mind for some years.

Ram posits that Bulkan and his former cabinet colleagues may know they are being disingenuous with arguments about 34 and 90 days.

“I suspect that deep down Mr. Bulkan knows all of this” but Ram also takes the arguments at face value and asks “Mr. Bulkan and his APNU+AFC colleagues may indeed have a numeracy deficiency but literacy too? If they cannot count, and cannot apply basic comprehension” in suggesting that Bulkan et al will have to defend their intellectual deficiencies to the electorate at some point.

From the earliest days of the Granger Administration, I have struggled with the very same dilemma. Is this admin-

istration deliberately obtuse or simply dense? I have ruled out the first as none have; so far revealed any level of sophistry to date, no clever analogies, nothing to make one stop and consider their arguments seriously; from the reasons proffered for their very first transgression against the people with the obscene salary raise, to Trotman’s mango analogy which was asinine at best.

It is denseness that has caused Brigadier David Granger (Retired) to set us upon a path to open dictatorship. The refusal to accept the ruling of the Chief Justice in all matters raised concerning the No-confidence Motion of 21st December, 2018 has moved us past the parody of democracy that stultified resistance to the subversion of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Add to this deliberate attempts to polarize the nation

along racial lines, despite evidence that our nation has grown past that and lines have long become blurred and it becomes obvious that the Granger administration’s embrace of denseness grows stronger daily.Like Ram, I was willing to concede these may be political arguments made for sake of expediency and not an actual reflection of intellect or lack thereof. No longer, however can I concede that any intelligent human would subject himself or herself to this level of ridicule of small children for the sake of any amount of power and perks. This group should be sitting at the back of the class with party hats on not in the halls of power. In the case of Deliberately obtuse vs.

Dense, the verdict is clear, only a dunce would appeal.

I am all too willing to be proven wrong.

Respectfully Robin Singh

Thursday February 07, 2019

SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT ON D’URBAN PARK DEAR EDITOR The Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to respond to an article appearing in the Stabroek News of Sunday, February 3, 2019, under the headline “Audit Office still awaiting response from Infrastructure Ministry on D’Urban Park’s spending”.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure was very surprised by the contents of the article for a number of reasons as shown below:i) On F r i d a y, December 7, 2018, the M i n i s t r y ’s P e r m a n e n t Secretary received a Draft Audit Report from the Audit Office concerning a special Audit into funds utilized for the construction of the Durban Park Development Project, of which the Ministry of Public Infrastructure was asked to respond within 30 days. ii) Subsequently, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure requested an extension owing to the involvement of staff in preparation for the Ministry’s Budget presentation in the National Assembly last December and such an extension was granted by the Auditor General. iii) The Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Report was hand delivered to the Audit Office on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 and signed for by one D. James.

A copy of the acknowledgement is attached

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for ease of reference.

It is with deep regret that the Audit Office did not consult with the Permanent Secretary and other relevant personnel within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

It should be noted that the Audit Office of Guyana had signed for and collected eighty-three (83) vouchers relating to D’Urban Park Project in January and February 2017 but to date none has been returned.

The above-mentioned documents appear to be the main source of information in the conduct of the audit and the eventual submission of the report more than two years after the documents were initially collected.

This indicated that the audit took almost two (2) years to complete, but the Ministry was never meaningfully engaged to offer explanations.

The responsibility for expenditure under the purview of Homestretch Development Inc. (HDI), as well as funds paid through the “Lotto Fund” was ascribed to the Ministry.

Due diligence checks would have clearly outlined the distinction between the two entities and the

responsible agency for the Lotto Fund payments. The Ministry had NO responsibility for expenditure relating to Durban Park Project prior to April 9, 2016.

It was on April 9, 2016, that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure was given the directive to complete the project after it was observed that the works were behind schedule . Please be advised that the Ministry was not responsible for ANY expenditure prior to that date, which originated from the Lotto Fund and Homestretch Development Inc. Notwithstanding, the Ministry delivered ALL vouchers requested by the Audit Office with relevant schedules for scrutiny.

However, if it is required, the Ministry could provide additional information upon request.

Yours faithfully Krest Cummings Public Relations Officer Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Tourism Development in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I noted in SN a few days ago, your article concerning the value of the refurbished convention centre to the tourism sector. In the same publication, I also observed that visitors’ arrivals this year was almost 285,000.

Coincidentally, an acquaintan c e o f m i n e a n d many persons verily accuses the President Jagdeo of not doing anything for Guyana. Today’s Tourism’s performance is all due to the vision of, and the foundation laid by the President Jagdeo.

The market segments identified for tourist were – Visiting Family and Friends, Nature, Sport, Conferences, Heritage and Yachting.

At the time of building the convention centre, eighty-five percent of the market for conference tourism was for conferences of five hundred delegates or fewer.

The CARICOM Secretariat’s location in Guyana was another factor. Another consideration was accommodation.

When I was given the tourism portfolio in June 2001, H.E. President Jagdeo tasked

that a sector leading hotel brand be delivered to the tourism sector. With only the Le Meridien (Pegasus), there was need for additional accommodation of international standards. That was the genesis of the Marriot.

The Marriott was never built to shut down anybody, but to complement the existing stock of rooms.

The first visit by the Marriott team was in May (14) 2006. Exactly three years later, Pegasus was sold to the current owners. Buddy’s (Ramada) coincidentally started for World Cup 2007.

Today, two internationally recognized brands (Marriott and Ramada) are here. The fruits of vision and action two decades earlier.

The improvements at the Convention Centre are upgrades which, yes, will make us access better, the conference market.

Back to the issue of reaping the fruits today after sowing seeds yesterday...The Guyana National Stadium has added immensely to the sport tourism, with Guyana so far being a host of three Cricket World Cups and constant in-

clusion in the CPL games; vision and action laying that solid foundation.

Recognizing that modern infrastructure is also a necessity, the Jagdeo Administration embarked on the biggest local Public Private Partnership by making the Ogle Airport available to local operators and facilitating some CAPEX funding.

Complementing is the Timehri Airport expansion programme.

This, along with the marketing programmes of government and the tourism stakeholders was recognized by the World Travel and Tourism, which assessed Guyana most favourably on its tourism development indices.

The foundation was strong, the journey is long and credit must be given to the vision and action of the Jagdeo Administration.

Yours sincerely, Manzoor Nadir

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The Small Business Bureau is pursuing questionable activities DEAR EDITOR, The Small Business Bureau, which falls under the Ministry of Business, seems to be the new channel to facilitate the creaming off of taxpayers’ monies into the hands and pockets of a selected few. Recent documented information, available to me, indicated that on the 8th day of June 2018, the CEO, Dr. Lowell Porter, of the Small Business Bureau indicated that the previously advertised expression of interest (EOI) for training services was aborted.

An email from Dr. Porter to 14 companies that submitted proposals reads as follow: “Dear All, Please be advised that the captioned project with deadline June 8, 2018 has been aborted. We therefore ask that you do not submit a proposal at this time.

You will be advised of the SBB email address to send training proposals to at a later date, should we send out another EOI. We apologize for any inconvenience that this might have caused and use this opportunity to thank you for your time, efforts and interest in working with the SBB. We wish you continued success in all your business endeavours.”Editor, on the 11th day of December 2018, Dr. Porter, wrote to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Berkley Wickham, for approval to contract and pay Management Options Inc., Empretec and Cerulean for the supply of training services in the sum of $2,400,000 GYD.By letter dated the 21st December 2018, the Chairman of NPTAB gave to Dr. Porter approval for the contract of training of participants in Region Four. The companies who were awarded the contract are Management Options Inc., Empretec and Cerulean at a sum of $750,000; $750,000 and $900,000, respectively. Editor, of note is the fact that initially, a total of 14 companies submitted proposals for this contract.

This highly suspicious and irregular pro-

curement activity is further compounded by a document from the Training and Development Officer to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business, through Dr. Porter on the 28th November 2018, requesting the sum $7,575,000 for payment to Management Options Inc., the sum of $3,000,000 for payment to Empretec and the sum of $1,800,000 for payment to Cerulean for training services to be conducted in December 2018.

Editor, there are a number of issues that the Small Business Bureau must address.

These are 1. Provide proof, publicly, that after annulling the EOI based on the email adumbrated above, that the 14 companies were all approached to resubmit proposals for this contract; 2. Provide publicly, the evaluation report for the 3 contracts; 3. How is it that a request for payment was made even before the contracts were awarded

by NPTAB? 4. Since we have also seen invoices for payment, which shows that training took place on the 29th and the 31st of December 2018, can the Small Business Bureau provide evidence that these training were actually conducted?

Editor, I highly doubt that these training programmes were even conducted on the days mentioned, since we are all aware that business owners are most busy during the end of year season. I doubt any small business owner closed their shops or businesses and attended any training. Notably, the award of the contracts were for training in Region 4; however, the companies submitted invoices for training, which were conducted in Regions 5 and 6.

I have since learnt that one of the key technical personnel of this agency has been relieved of duties. What is really going on here?

Bishop Juan A. Edghill PPP/C Member of Parliament

Ramjattan is showing his true colours From page 4 other substance fact in the near future as a result of this singular action by Mr. Ramjattan.

Mr. Ramjattan’s intentions are blatantly obvious. Mr. Ramjattan has singularly pierced the heart of SOCU and any chances it had to get successful prosecutions in these matters.

Defence lawyers are going to have a field day in court with the prosecution’s witnesses.

Pity the helpless ‘replacement specialists’ Mr. Ramjattan has identified. Young Guyanese in the diaspora and at home are asking ourselves how does our government allow its ministers to commit such horrendous errors unhindered.

Young Guyanese in Guyana are crying out that they are sick to the bone with this prevalent modus operandi. Is this the outcome Mr. Ramjattan intended, letting them off the hook?

Is this Mr. Ramjattan’s feeble excuse to discard a key campaign promise - to prosecute those who have treated Guyana’s treasury as their own fiefdom. Has Mr. Ramjattan lost focus?Not being satisfied with showing his stripes, Ramjattan goes on further. In a media

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Kaieteur News

report, Ramjattan boldly states that he would rehire Sittlington. Has Ramjattan gone rogue?

Sittlington’s actions demonstrate that he was not serving the interests of SOCU or Guyanese. In light of the revelations about Sittlington, how could a senior Minister of Government make such a statement and so soon after?

Are the coalition’s partners in a coma? Someone needs to call out the naked semi emperor. Similarly, Ramjattan has even dismissed his AFC party’s leader endorsement of Mr Nagamootoo to be the Prime Ministerial candidate as simply Trotman’s opinion. Clearly his sentiments and regard for Trotman as the AFC’s leader are no longer a secret.Ramjattan has now made it clear that he doesn’t care two hoots about adding this sordid mess to his legacy of ineffectiveness, prison breaks, allegations of corruption and the rest that will make him go down as the most incompetent and ineffective Minister of Public Security.

For the sake of Guyana, Ramjattan has to be called out now!

Name Withheld

USING FLIMSY EXCUSES TO DELAY HOLDING ELECTIONS DEAR EDITOR, I read with utter disgust in Kaieteur News, January 5, 2019 that the Guyana Elections Commission will deny the people of Guyana their constitutional right to choose the government of their choice in a timely manner.

This right is enshrined in our Constitution.

The Guyana Elections Commission has decided, using the flimsiest of excuses, that it will delay the elections until whenever it suits them.

After the no confidence vote, the Granger Government should have resigned and prepared for elections.

The court has confirmed that the no confidence motion is valid and that the elections must be held in 90 days.

Like most Guyanese, I am confident that the illegal APNU-AFC government would have instructed that the

election be delayed to suit their nefarious purpose.

So why does the APNUAFC government want to delay elections?

It is in the DNA of APNU to rig elections.

They need time to put things in place so that they can cheat when elections are called.

They know that their partner in government, AFC, may be able to bring in no more than three votes and the people of Guyana’s voice was clear in the local government election. APNUAFC has no chance of winning the next election.

The other reason that they are delaying elections is they are trying to rob the treasury of Guyana before they leave office.

In the same edition of your newspaper, it was reported that the “Tender Board examined 30 projects...” The boys

and girls filling their pockets before they leave office.

The next government must not honour any contract that is entered into by this corrupt regime after December 21, 2018, except for elections related matters.

In addition, the next government must establish a Commission of Inquiry into why GECOM wanted to deny the people of Guyana their constitutional right. If anyone is found guilty of violating the law and constitution, they must be jailed.

And I call on all democ r a t i c a n d p e a ce loving people to tell the Granger government that this is not business as usual.

The people have spoken Granger, vacate the Office of the President and take your corrupt minions with you.

Sincerely, Lenny Jagdhar

CITY HALL CANNOT SHIRK ITS RESPONSIBILITIES DEAR EDITOR, In a letter to your newspaper today, the Public Relations Officer at the City Council, has claimed that the truck, which was parked on Princes Street does not belong to the Georgetown City Council. She also stated that the Council had sent out notices to the errant owners in and around, requesting that they remove derelict vehicles from the roadside.

Her response has left me perplexed.

The truck that was involved in the accident a few days ago has been parked in Princes Street, along with some others for over eight months. Why has it been allowed to remain there? Whose responsibility is it to see that it is removed?

These trucks do not belong to any resident in the area. They work with the City Council as they carry rubbish.

Some leave in the morning and after the day’s work is done, they return and are parked on the street.

Perhaps, I can suggest that the City Council use a piece of the ample space that it has in

the Municipal Cleansing Department and charge a fee for the owners to park their vehicles both in the day and at night.

The truck aforementioned has not moved in quite a while, but the owner (presumably) comes and tries to start it every now and again.

This action results in a volley of thick black smoke.

Residents, including babies and young children, have to put up with the pollution.

The Public Relations Officer also stated that the Council has had mixed reactions to notices, written and verbal requesting that these relics be removed.

The City Council has a mandate and one is to ensure that the bylaws are obeyed and this has nothing to do with what the residents express once they use their au-

thority in a fair, legal and unbiased way.

I would expect that failure to comply with the orders would see the Council impounding the offending vehicle and charging the owner for violating its orders. Where is the enforcement?

This is one of the problems that we have in Guyana.

There is no follow up.

We complain; a matter is investigated, quickly forgotten, then reverts to its original state until it crops up again and the situation is brought into focus once more.

City Council, stop turning a blind eye to illegality! Do your job in the right way and hang those who only care about their own interests being thwarted. Most people are self serving anyway.

Regards, Jann Hinds

A MISTAKE DEAR MR. EDITOR, With reference to a story carried in the Kaieteur newspapers of February 06, 2019 (page 20) captioned “Charges dismissed against Lloyd Singh, International Pharmaceutical Agency...Magistrate upholds No Case Submission,” I would like to indicate that the first paragraph refers to the ‘Guyana National Bureau of Standards’.

From reading the rest of the article, I believe that the Food and Drug Department should have been the appropriate reference. Given that this was a case before the Courts, the GNBS would appreciate that a ‘Note of Correction’ be issued in the next edition of the newspapers, accordingly.

Looking forward to your cooperation.

Regards, Lloyd David Public Relations Officer Editor’s note: The mistake is duly noted and the necessary apologies and corrections have been made.

Thursday February 07, 2019

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GTU aims at 25% salary increase for public school teachers ...as new proposal submitted to Education Ministry Prepared to resume negotiations with government for a new multiyear salary package for public school teachers, the Guyana Teachers’ Union [GTU] yesterday submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Education.

This development was confirmed by President of the Union, Mr. Mark Lyte, who said that the union is looking to start the negotiation process at 25 percent increase for its membership.

In its proposal too, the union has detailed, among other things, conditions for the re-employment of retired teachers; the need for grants for schools which are often subjected to inadequate stock; incentives for teachers with additional qualifications and those qualified in areas of physical education and special needs education.

“Some of the things, we have fine-tuned them. We still have things like duty-free concessions, continuation of

the Whitley Council [leave]...we are proposing adjustment to Whitley Council; we have clothing allowances; we have houselots for teachers still on the cards and we do have other things like class size issues.

The class size for special needs schools, we are requesting a smaller number or in cases where the number cannot be smaller, we are recommending a teacher’s aide for the teachers, so at all times there will be two persons to the class,” Lyte shared. The proposal, ahead of being submitted yesterday to Ms. Adele Clarke, the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, had its content approved by the membership of the union.

Lyte noted that although the union had initially planned to submit the proposal much earlier, a decision was taken at the level of its General Council to ensure that its 10,000-odd membership from across the

country had the opportunity to give their input.

“We submitted it [the proposal] finally today [yesterday]...they [Education Ministry] will now have to study it,” said Lyte as he expressed hope that the union will be have a feedback on the way forward from the Ministry by the first week of next month. “I think it is something that has to be treated expeditiously...we need to see this dealt with, with urgency, because we don’t want to see it dragged out.”

The last [three-year] agreement the Union had with the Education Ministry expired at the end of last year shortly after it was inked. This was owing to the slothful approach taken by the ruling administration to deal with the union’s proposal which was submitted since the end of 2015. A disagreement between government and the union had resulted in industrial action before an

Three Berbice school labs commissioned at a cost of $43.7M Minister Nicolette Henry and a team of high ranking education officials visited Region Six yesterday to commission three science laboratories at the Canje Secondary, Vryman’s Erven Secondary and the Berbice Educational Institute respectively.

At the conclusion of the commissioning of a rehabilitated science lab at Berbice Educational Institute at a cost of $15.1M, Minister Henry told reporters that the initiative was done in keeping with the science part of the educational programme. She expressed the hope that the facilities provided will be utilized to enhance the classroom environment.

She further added, “It’s a part of a larger youth programme, not only commissioning, but to ensure that the standards are being met. Education is the bedrock of human development and I have the responsibility for education, and so it is my aim to build the capacity of human

resource so that they can navigate the various challenges that life presents to them”.

Henry explained that with the lab now in place, it will allow students to have handson experience that will ultimately add to the skills youths already have garnered. This, she said, is pivotal for successes throughout a child’s school life. “If you were to put it in the simple terms like exams, tests, the chances are

greater of you performing better at examinations when you have a lab to practice in.”

The Canje Secondary laboratory was constructed at a cost of $14.3M - that includes a building with the lab.

Also constructed at $14.3M was the Vryman’s Erven Secondary School lab.

A science lab is also expected to be commissioned at the Woodley Park Secondary School (WCB) today by the Minister and her team.

amicable resolution was realised, wrapping up with the inking of an agreement.

Given the recent experience, Lyte said, “I believe that both parties have learnt from the previous experience on how we would want to go forward. I hope that those lessons will serve to propel some urgency with the whole process, and it will also be good, since we will be heading into our triennial conference in April. It will be good for the Ministry and the union to really strengthen our relationship going into our conference. Having a signed agreement will be extremely good,” Lyte asserted.

GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

Brazil court adds 13 years to ex-president Lula’s sentence A Brazilian court has sentenced former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to a further 12 years and 11 months in prison for corruption.

Lula, as he is known, was found guilty of taking renovation work from a company implicated in a massive corruption scheme.

The former president is already serving a 12-year sentence over work done on a beach-front property.

His lawyers said he would appeal against the new conviction.

The former trade union activist and iconic figure for the left in Latin America led Brazil between 2003 and 2010.

Lula, 73, denies all the charges against him, claiming they are politically motivated and designed to stop him running for president.

WHAT IS THE LATEST CASE ABOUT? Federal Judge Gabriela

Hardt said construction group OAS extensively redecorated a farmhouse which Lula frequently visited.

Lula’s lawyers argued the house did not belong to him but instead to a friend, Fernando Bittar.

But Judge Hardt said the ex-leader went to the property far more than the owner and ordered the building work which reportedly cost the company more than one million reais (£209,000; $270,000).

“The accused received these unjustified benefits because of his position as president of the republic, of whom exemplary behaviour is demanded,” she reportedly ruled. Ms Hardt is the new head of a sprawling investigation known as Operation Car Wash - a colossal corruption probe dubbed ”the largest foreign bribery case in history” by the US Department of Justice.

The former judge in charge, Sergio Moro, resigned the job last year when he took up the role of justice minister in newly-elected President Jair Bolsonaro’s government.

WHAT’S THE REACTION? Head of Lula’s left-wing Worker’s Party (PT) Gleisi Hoffmann tweeted that “the

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva persecution of Lula continues”.

Those convicted in Brazil can often be released on probation after only a third of their sentence, which means that the 73-year-old could

now be behind bars for the next eight years, rather than the next four.

The former president was not allowed to leave prison last week to attend his brother’s funeral.

AFC to picket GECOM today The Alliance for Change has announced that the party will be leading a “peaceful” picketing exercise today, at noon, outside the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s Kingston office.

The party’s General Secretary, Marlon Williams, said that the exercise is a response to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s recent protest action, held to urge GECOM to honour the constitutional deadline of March 19, 2019, by holding General Elections before that date.

Williams said that it is in the best interest of democracy that GECOM is allowed to execute its mandate without pressure, given that GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, said that the earliest date General Elections could be held is some time in the month of July, with the other option being another four to six months, after house-to-house registration is completed.

It is this announcement that energised the PPP and its supporters to protest GECOM, given that the timeline provided by Lowenfield went far past the three-month deadline mandated by the Constitution, in cases when a No-Confidence motion is successfully

passed in the National Assembly.

Though Lowenfield said that the current voters’ list is valid only until April 30, he had maintained that it is not possible for GECOM to be ready for General Elections by then. Kenny Valadares, a representative of Youths for Change (YFC), the AFC’s youth arm, was also in attendance at the party’s press conference yesterday. He said that the PPP has been mounting bullying and intimidation tactics against the Elections Commission, and that the AFC’s youth arm views Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s calls for early elections as a threat to Guyana’s democracy, since the voters’ list has not yet been “sanitised”, nor have new voters been added to it. He reiterated the AFC’s position that House-to-House registration is necessary for free and fair elections.

Valadares called on the People’s Youth Organisation (PYO), the PPP’s youth arm, to support the call for House-toHouse registration. Valadares maintained, however, that the AFC is not attempting to force GECOM’s hand, but that the party is focused on allowing GECOM to carry out its mandate, specifically the execution of House-to-House reg-

istration, since funds were allocated for that purpose in the 2019 budget.

Cynthia Rutherford, representative of Women for Change (WFC), the AFC’s women arm, also supports the call for House-to-House Registration, and sought to explain why continuous registration for new voters, as suggested by leader of the opposition, will not be enough to ensure the list includes all eligible voters. She said that GECOM must also consider cases where persons have moved from place to place, and must have those details updated so that they don’t have to travel long distances to vote.

Rutherford expressed the WFC’s confidence in the Granger-Nagamootoo-led government to maintain a functional democracy while GECOM prepares for General Elections.

Williams said that the AFC and, by extension, the coalition, are ready for elections, even if GECOM executes an arrangement that allows them to hold elections at a very early date. However, he believes that it is just not practical or possible to have elections held before the Constitutional deadline.

Thursday February 07, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

A serious threat to democratic order Within the Organization of American States (OAS), Guyana recently voted to derecognize the legitimacy of the presidency of Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela. This complicity by Guyana may come back to haunt the Granger administration.

In 2018, the OAS had condemned the presidential election, won by Maduro, as lacking legitimacy because it excluded the opposition, and what was seen as its failure to comply with international standards governing free, fair and transparent elections.

By being a party to delegitimizing Maduro within the OAS, the Guyana government may have ironically signed its own warrant of illegitimacy. Guyana can now find itself under the microscope of the OAS for its failure to comply with the tenets of constitutionalism.

The Granger administration has refused to comply with a no-confidence motion passed in the National Assembly on December 21st, 2018. The Cabinet has resisted resignation, even though this resignation is merely formalistic, since the government remains in place until a new President is elected.

The Granger administration remains obdurate, even in the face of its failed legal challenge to invalidate the no-confidence vote, and despite the Chief Justice’s rul-

ing that the Cabinet is resigned by operation of law – a legal outcome which automatically occurs whether the party wishes it or not.

The failure of the David Granger administration to concede that the Cabinet has been resigned, and that it is therefore compelled to call elections within 90 days or for such longer period as may be approved by two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly, constitutes an interruption of the democratic order.

The OAS has adopted a democratic charter which compels it to conduct a situational assessment should there be an interruption of the democratic resulting in a serious impairment of that order, with respect to any country which participates in summits of the OAS. Guyana not only participates in summits of the OAS, but has been a member of that organization since 1991. The Granger administration’s non-compliance with the constitutional diktat that the Cabinet must resign and call elections within 90 days may be viewed as a serious interruption and impairment of the democratic order, and therefore subject to possible investigation by the OAS. The OAS recognizes that the democratic order

Dem boys seh ...

Soulja Bai got to buy grease fuh Guyana Dem people at Exxon drinking more champagne than anybody else in de world. Normally when people drilling fuh oil, dem does actually play lotto. Of course dem got more luck than de lotto player, because dem playing wid less numbers. If de lotto playing wid twenty-six numbers, Exxon playing wid six.

Two days ago dem strike oil again in two well that dem was drilling at de same time. Nobody in de oil business ever had so much luck. Exxon drill twelve well and strike oil in eleven.

But even before dem strike de first well dem start to plan how to rob Guyanese. Dem sign a contract that give dem high class profit.

Dem get Guyana to sign some things that nobody ever sign.

And all de government could seh is that oil coming and that Guyana gun be rich. People start to tell de government how it got to be careful wid spending and how it got to put up fuh hard times. Christmas coming.

Dem boys seh who ever deh in power gun want to celebrate. De best thing is to give every Guyanese hampers wid all kind of good things. And dem mustn’t forget to put a tub of grease in each hamper. Every Guyanese gun need that grease; and don’t ask why.

That is not de only thing dem gun need. Dem gun need a big jail fuh some of dem who been thiefing like if there is no tomorrow. Before Soulja Bai tun president de talk was about jailing Jagdeo. De only jailing that happen since then is de Chinee motorbike store name Jialing.

Everybody who hustle still walking pun de street and even taunting Soulja Bai. Now that dem expect to come back into power dem gun do wha Soulja Bai only talk that he gun do. Dem boys now understand why some of dem who got dual citizenship not saying nutten.

Dem keeping de backdoor open. Is de rest who want to run that got problems. Dem is de ones who got to keep using de grease, if not because of de oil company, because of the boys in jail.

Talk half and watch how de price of grease going up.

rests on respect for constitutional rule. The excuse of due process being pursued, and therefore that the status quo ante prevails, is not likely to find traction within the OAS, especially considering the recent statements by the European Union, the United Kingdom government, and from a top official of a United Nations Development Programme, about their expectations of democratic behaviour by Guyana.

Also, the OAS will not wish to be seen as practicing double standards when

it comes to democratic order.

It will therefore not likely go soft on Guyana and hard on Venezuela which had an election. The opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has promised to ratchet up the diplomatic ante against the Granger administration. It is now likely that the PPPC will signal its concerns to the OAS. Under the Inter-American Democratic Charter, an Opposition party cannot invite the OAS to intervene.

However, the Secretary General, of his own accord, can call a meeting of the Perma-

nent Council to consider any serious threat to the democratic order in an OAS member state, and to order an assessment of the situation. The present Secretary General has shown a propensity to act without prompting from governments.

If therefore the PPPC or any individual or organization in Guyana informs the OAS that there is a serious threat to the democratic order in Guyana, to a degree which will constitute an impairment of that order, it is difficult to imagine how the Secretary General, given his recent actions

concerning Venezuela, can ignore such information.

The Granger Administration, having sided with others within the OAS to deem Maduro as illegitimate, may well now have to face a similar charge, in light of its unyielding response to the passage of a no-confidence motion.

PAGE 10

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

CH&PA and the City Engineer and you know what?

A friend complained to me that he was getting the grand runaround by Mr. Venture, the City Engineer. No one can give me a lecture about the City Engineer’s office, going back decades and decades.

Then I built my own home.

Not before I had to run several times to see the then City Engineer, who later down the years was fired and also his two successors.

More often than not, you cannot build a home without either confronting the City Engineer or begging him, meaning the holder of the office - whether it is Mr. Jones or Mr. Sones or Mr. Bones…You cannot submit a land use plan to Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) without confronting that office or begging its top administrators.

There may be exceptions, but the trend as I know it, as long as I have lived in my country, is that the City Engineer and CH&PA take a very long time to approve your plan.

Even the rich and famous like the Beharry Group of Companies publicly stated in the media that it was experiencing excessive delays in its plan to house Pizza Hut on the lower flat of its insurance business, NALICO. So I went to see Venture.

He was upset that I came. He said; “Why your friend sent you? I don’t like this! I spoke to him. Why he sent you? I want to see him. Ring him and tell him to come right away to see me.” I did that. Venture was lecturing to my friend like a headmaster when I intervened and told Venture, he is

my friend and after the treatment he got, he sought out the assistance of the media.

The trouble centered around my friend being stopped from laying his foundation after not hearing from Venture.

Venture said you cannot lay foundation without permission by his office. Point taken! Then my friend told Venture he can point to three buildings going up without permission. Venture exclaimed, “Name them to me right now!” I intercepted and told my friend not to do so.

Then I pointed out to Venture the name of the man building without permission and the address.

This was Venture’s reaction. “I didn’t know that. I don’t drive by that area.”

Since I told Venture that, con-

struction went on and the building has been completed.

I was asked by Sherwin Benjamin, the lawyer for the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, to testify. I did not.

I am literally fed up with this county and its nonsense.

My auto-electrician’s land use plan to CH&PA was turned down. Every citizen in this country will not believe the reason for rejection. I am not going to get myself and this paper into legal trouble. I will just state the facts and hope honest, decent humans in Guyana will investigate too, and make their findings public. Here is the story of sad Guyana.

David, Pike, Gordon, Thomas and Barr Streets are located in Kitty.

Those five streets are bordered on the east by Alexander Street and the west by the street that Roger Luncheon made famous because he was powerful and lived on that street before moving to Pradoville 2. It is Stanley Place.

My friend’s rejection letter noted that the area is a housing vicinity and businesses are not permitted. I counted over two hundred small, medium sized and huge business places in that area.

Now don’t take my word for it. Please drive your car and circle the area.

All the streets named above have small, medium type and large business entities. It has to be one of the most bizarre explanations offered to a citizen since this country was born Telling a citizen he cannot open a business unit there is like telling a businessman that Regent Street is a housing area and retail trade is not allowed. It is like telling an investor that Sheriff Street is a housing area and you cannot open a supermarket there. Sheriff Street has five supermarkets plus Pizza Hut, plus Royal Castle, plus a large restaurant owned by an investor from India, plus Guyoil gas station,

Frederick Kissoon plus three reconditioned car businesses. I could go on. So why was this man turned down. Well he is a small guy; very small. Do small people have the capacity to confront?

Let me stay away from legal trouble. I will write the Minister of Housing.

Ms. Patterson has jurisdiction over CH&PA. I will write the Minister of Communities who has overall jurisdiction. I will ask them how that explanation can stand. I will also write God and ask him to help powerless people in Guyana.

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

Local Govt. Commission should handle its own budget – Commissioner Marlon Williams M a r l o n Wi l l i a m s , a commissioner of the Local Government Commission (LGC), is calling for the commission “to be placed on the register of constitutional agencies” so that it could have g r e a t e r a u t o n o m y, i n cluding control over its budget.

Though the LGC was already enshrined in the Constitution when the Local Government Commission Act 2013 was passed, the

Commission’s constitutional right to determine and control its own budget has not been honoured, since the commission depends on the Ministry of Communities for financing.

Williams said this issue has limited the commission in a variety of ways. He stated that this is why the commission’s staff members, in excess of 30 people, have not been paid for the month of January. Additionally,

he said that the commission has not been able to pay its utility bills.

He said that the effective functionality of the commission is threatened because the staff has not been paid.

The commission currently relies on the Ministry of Communities for funding.

It is the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who said on Tuesday last that what is paramount to the com-

mission is accountability on its spending. The issue, which was raised on January 15, when the commission submitted documents for the ministry to countersign, prompted the ministry to uncover that the level of payment of staff exceeded that of public service levels.

Bulkan said that there was no authorization of increases from the Finance Ministry, and that the Communities Ministry is awaiting information from the LGC on its operational cost for 2019. Bulkan noted that t h e c o m m i s s i o n ’s 2 0 1 9 payroll is $113M, which accounts for 91 percent of the commission’s annual budget.

The Ministry of Communities is refusing to

Local Government Commissioner, Marlon Williams sign off on the operational cost requested by the commission, given that it has not yet re-

ceived a cash flow and work programme; and that, if it were to approve the cost without these prerequisites, it would be in breach of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act of 2003.

The Local Government Commission is responsible for the oversight of all Local Government bodies. To do its job, Williams said “It’s absolutely imperative that the commission be placed on the register of constitutional bodies so that it would not have to rely on the Ministry of Communities”.

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Natural Resources signs new agreements with WWF, National Toshaos Council

T

he Ministry of N a t u r a l Resources (MNR) yesterday signed M e m o r a n d a o f Understanding (MOU) with t h e N a t i o n a l To s h a o s Council (NTC) and the Wo r l d Wi l d l i f e F u n d (WWF).

The Ministry said afterwards that it believes that the documents further strengthen the relationship between itself and the parties and will continue to strengthen the management and development of Guyana's natural resources sector.

Present at the signing event were Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, National Toshaos Council Chairman Toshao Nicholas Fredricks, Director of Environment Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, WWF Guianas Representative Mr. Laurens Gomes and MNR Policy Planning & Coordination Unit Head Mr. Veetal Rajkumar.

The Minister, giving the feature address, made known of the Ministry's commitment to its motto to 'Explore, Develop, Sustain' and said that it is recognized that these values cannot be realized without strong partnerships. He said that it is upon this foundation, that the MOUs with the WWF and the NTC will rest, since these agencies are recognized as partners who care about the sustainable management and development of the sector.

The Minister also noted the productive engagements that the Ministry has had with both the WWF and the NTC in the past.

The WWF has been a consistent partner and has provided financial, administrative, institutional

and technical assistance and support to key natural resource agencies.

Additionally, it has helped to advance key strategic priorities including the Government's Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), the National Forest Policy and Statement and the Mineral Sector Policy and Framework among others.

Also, due to the valuable role that Indigenous Peoples play in the preservation and management of Guyana's natural resources, the Ministry, and by extension the Government of Guyana, remains keenly sensitive on their concerns, and are committed to engaging the NTC and the communities they represent.

The signing of these MOUs to streamline and formalize the Ministry's relationship between the NTC and the WWF is intended to signal the seriousness of the Ministry's commitment to engagement and development.

This MOU allows the Ministry to collaborate with t h e N a t i o n a l To s h a o s Council to assist the organization to fulfill its mandate as set out in Part IV, section 41 of the Amerindian Act 2006 as it relates to the areas of good governance and the preparing of strategies and plans for the protection, conservation and sustainable management of Indigenous community lands and natural resources, while the NTC will now enable the MNR to achieve success in its programmes.

The MoU will also allow the MNR to establish and m a i n t a i n a n e ff e c t i v e communication channel with the Indigenous communities, through, but not limited to the NTC, and promote the MNR's

Minister Trotman and representatives of the National Toshaos Council ink their agreement.

programme of work, as it relates to Guyana's indigenous stakeholders and other interested parties, and to work together on any other issues as may be mutually agreed upon between the parties.

With regards to the one with the WWF, the ministry said that it will now continue the working relationship and extend it to incorporate specific relations between W W F, M i n i s t r y o f Presidency – Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Geology and Mines C o m m i s s i o n , Wi l d l i f e Conservation and Management Commission, Protected Areas Commission, Office of Climate Change, Department of Fisheries, Non-Governmental Organizations and Community Based Organizations, for the implementation of the WWF Guianas programme of activities in Guyana.

Natural Resources Minister Trotman (right) signing with a WWF official yesterday. Also in photo is Director of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday February 07, 2019

Education Ministry to award security contracts for 16 locations

T

he following projects are of further bids received by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on Tuesday last.

One project, Procurement of Security Services, attracted eight procuring entities, which have tendered for some or all the 16 lots. In total, Amalgamated Security Service Guyana Inc. set the highest bid price for the 16 lots, while Amazon Security & Investment Services tendered the least bids and for the least lots.

Also noteworthy is that the Ministry of Public Security is seeking to undertake a series of works related to construction projects.

Ministry of the Presidency - Procurement of Commodities Lots 1-5 Bidder M emorex Enterprise Andrew's Enterprise Regal Stationery & Computer Centre M etro Office & Computer Supplies GuynazGreen Grocery Office Pro Enterprise & Con tracting Services AZ Halaal Butchery Paradise Food Product General Distributers

Lot 1 43,907,305 165,154,675 46,772,003 56,852,450 171,278,005 33,364,460

Lot 2 15,493,000

51,727,980 68,331,125 72,708,399

Am ount ($) Lot 3 715,000

Lot 4 5,178,500

11,455,400

2,592,553 485,472.08

59,019,811.40 24,427,082

4,888,500

3,339,096

5,193,344

14,515,000 13,296,750 13,650,950

2,133,780 3,705,800 4,660,297

1,367,615 58,503,750 61,331,073

Lot 5

354,337

Ministry of Education - Procurement of Security Services - Sixteen Locations Bidder Amalgamated Security Service Guy Inc. Amazon Security & Investment Services Massy Security Guyana Inc. RK's Guy ana Security Service Home Safe Security Radar Security Services & Supplies Inter Service Enterprise Security Strategic Action Security Ltd. Sentinel Security Inc.

Lot 1 6,910,842

Lot 2 13,820,083

Lot 3 6,910,042

Lot 4 4,339,843

Lot 5 4,339,843

11,977,189

-

-

-

-

6,729,461 5,633,971 5,399,222 4,686,330 5,390,972 5,025,485 5,164,473

13,458,731 11,267,942 10,798,445 9,212,659 10,641,945 12,050,970 10,328,947

6,725,466 5,633,971 5,399,322 4,606,330 5,320,972 5,025,485 5,164,473

4,105,715 3,437,510 3,294,281 2,699,611 2,912,335 3,156,250 3,151,051

4,105,715 3,437,510 3,294,281 2,699,611 2,912,335 3,156,250 3,151,051

Lot 6 17,275,104

Lot 7 10,365,062

Amount ($) Lot 8 Lot 9 12,092,573 21,457,594

16,823,664 3,437,510 13,498,056 11,515,824 12,519,936 12,563,712 12,911,184

10,074,178 8,450,957 8,098,834 6,925,474 7,981,459 7,538,227 7,746,710

11,776,565 9,859,450 7,448,639 8,061,836 9,859,446 8,794,598 9,037,828

21,870,763 18,310,406 17,547,493 14,970,571 16,332,826 16,784,539

lot 10 15,547,594

lot 11 12,092,573

lot 12 15,547,594

lot 13 15,547,594

lot 14 15,547,594

lot 15 15,547,594

lot 16 20,730,125

5,047,099 4,225,478 4,045,417 3,454,747 3,579,919 3,769,114 3,873,355

11,776,565 9,859,450 9,448,639 8,061,076 8,763,955 8,794,598 9,037,828

15,141,298 12,676,435 12,148,250 10,364,242 11,620,065 11,307,341 11,638,065

15,141,298 12,676,435 12,148,250 10,364,242 11,305,341 11,638,065

15,141,298 12,676,435 12,148,250 10,364,242 11,307,341 11,638,065

15,141,298 12,676,435 12,148,250 10,364,242 11,307,341 11,638,065

20,188,397 16,901,914 16,197,667 13,818,989 15,076,454 15,493,412

Supply, Delivery of Two New Mobile Units B id d e r

A m o u n($) t L ot 2 L ot 3 1 ,6 2 4 ,5 3 7 3 ,1 4 3 ,7 4 7 1 ,5 2 6 ,0 6 0 2 ,8 5 6 ,8 0 0 1 ,5 3 0 ,0 0 0 1 ,7 5 2 ,2 0 6 2 0 ,3 6 3 ,5 4 8 1 ,3 9 5 ,0 0 0 3 ,1 8 0 ,0 0 0 9 7 2 ,0 0 0 3 ,2 2 0 8 ,4 3 5 ,0 1 8 .0 0 6 ,7 1 5 ,6 4 1

L ot 1 G e n e ra l D is trib u to rs 2 ,3 3 1 ,4 0 0 D ig i t a l T e c h n o l o g y G r o u p o f C o . I n c . 9 ,5 3 7 ,0 0 0 E l e 's T r a d i n g 2 ,7 3 6 ,6 6 5 M e d i t r o nn cI .

N e tc o m T h e H a rd w a re D e p o t 2 ,5 2 3 ,0 0 0 S o u t h C a r i b b enacn. I 2 0 ,2 8 8 ,7 4 1 W e s t e r n S c i e n t i f i c tCd o. . L 2 4 ,8 9 3 ,1 4 0

Rehabilitation to Language Building – UG Bidder M emorex Enterprise M edrick Short & Sons Gen Cont.

Ser Ramesh& Sister's Enterprise Chung's Global Enterprise A. Nazeer Contra & Gen Supplies R. KissoonContracting Serv ices K& V Construction& Supplies CB General Contr. Serv. nc.I Z& H Investment INC Compustruct n Egineering Inc .

Simon Engineering Co. Ivor Allen Tony's Construction W ork O'Brian's Elect & Const. Agency M & P Investment R. Persid Construction

Am ount($) 15,587,000 16,004,700 15,691,115 17,254,118 13,850,980 17,787,860 15,434,265 15,434,265 17,780,345 17,288,502 6,043,775 19,605,586 14,946,040 17,835,620 17,182,181 14,919,201

Lot 1 Digital Technology Group of Co. I South Caribbean I nc.

Massy Technology Guy L td.

Starr Computer I nc.

NT Computer I nc.

nc.

Design and Supervision Services for the Construction of Exercise Bay, Mazaruni Prisons

Bidder Innovative Engineering Consult Serv.

GH Lumber & Associates E&A Consultants I nc.

Aqua Sun Designs

61,332,000 93,141,544

Amount ($) Lot 2 62,448,728 265,000 581,337 23,372,747 202,144,682

6 ,3 0 0 ,0 0 0 9 ,2 3 4 ,0 0 0

Ministry of Public Security - Design and Supervision Services for the Construction of New Amsterdam Prison Male Block Bidder Innovative Engineering Consultancy Serv.

E&A Consultancy Inc. Engineering & Management Cons.

Group VIKAB Guy Ltd. Ladeco Inc.

Amount ($) 6,880,000 4,014,500 13,572,500 51,744,600 10,000,000

Design and Supervision Services for the Rehabilitation of Leonora Police Station

Supply, Delivery and Testing of Computers and Accessories Bidder

L ot 4 9 ,5 1 9 ,7 2 1 8 ,9 4 7 ,1 0 0

Lot 3 16,957,00 0 46,152,219

Design and Supervision Services for the Rehabilitation of Anna Regina Police Station Procuring Entity E&A Consultants Inc. Innovative Eng consultants services GH Lambert & A ssociates Psyphedave Construction &engineering services Aqua Sun D esigns Engineering and management Consultant group Kalitech Inc .

Procuring Entity Orin hinds Aqua sun designs Engineering & Management Consultant Group PsyPhedave construction and engineering GH Lambert & associates Innovative Eng consultant Services Kali tech Inc E & A Consultants inc

Design and Supervision Services for the Rehabilitation of Mahdia Divisional Head Quarters - Guyana Police Force

B id d e r A q u a S u n s D e sig n s O rin H in d s P sy P H E D a v e C o n st & E n g in e e rin g E & A C o n su lta n ts IN C G 8 L a m b e rt & A sso c iates K a litec hnIc. L a d e c o nIc .

In n o v a tiv en Ic . C o n su lt S e rv .

Design and Supervision Services for the Extension of Storage Bond, Georgetown Prisons

Bidder Green Gables Inc. Aqua Sun Designs KHE Engineering Innovative Eng. Cons. Serv.

E&A Consultants nI c.

Design and Supervision Services for the Rehabilitation of Selected Police Stations in Region 4 B id d e r O rin H in d s A q u a S u n D e s ig n s E n g in e e rin g & M a n a g e m e n t G H L a m b e rt & A s s o c ia te s In n o v a tiv e E n g . C o n s u lt. S e rv .

K H E E n g in e e rin g E & A C o n s u lta nntsc .I C a lite c hnIc .

Design and Supervision Services for the Rehabilitation of Mabaruma Divisional Head Quarters - Guyana Police Force

Design and Supervision Services for the Construction of Fort Wellington Divisional Head Quarters - Guyana Police Force

Procuring Entity Caribbean E ngineering & Management Consultants In c.

GH Lambert and Associates Innovative Engineering Consultant S ervice Aqua Sun D esigns Calitech I nc E & A Consultants I nc.

Psyphedave Construction & Engineering S ervice

Procuring Entity Aqua sun designs Innovative engineering consultant services Kali tech inc E&A Consultants inc CH Lambert & associates VIKAB guy ltd Engineering & Management Consultant Orin hinds

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Guyana developing protocol to protect children during disasters

T

he Civil Defence Commission ( C D C ) i n collaboration with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Belize National Emergency Management Organisation, yesterday morning opened a national consultation for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) actors in Guyana.

The consultation seeks to develop a Protocol for the Integrated Protection of Children and Adolescents in Disaster Situations.

According to a government statement, this protocol will support national emergency units to ensure that the needs of children and adolescents are met in emergency response strategies and programmes.

The participants of the consultation are drawn from UNICEF Guyana, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), the Civil Defence Commission, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Social Protection, and other agencies which have roles to

Stakeholders gathered at the Civil Defence Commission's headquarters yesterday during the one-day consultation for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) actors in Guyana. play in disaster response and management.

Director General (Ag) of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, in his opening remarks, said it is no secret that Guyana, like many of any other Caribbean states, has increasing vulnerability and exposure to natural and anthropogenic hazards, compounded by the threats of climate change and emerging threats such as oil spills.

He noted that these hazards do not impact every individual equally, and some groups, due to unique

characteristics, are especially vulnerable and suffer greater impacts in disaster situations. Women, persons with disabilities, children and young people are among these vulnerable groups, and are oftentimes susceptible to highest levels of injury, displacement and disruption when a hazard strikes, Lieutenant Colonel

Craig said. “The CDC recognises that if we are to achieve our mandate of building resilience across Guyana, we must identify and address the peculiar situations of these vulnerable groups. We believe that the protocol for the integrated protection of children and adolescents in (continued on page 23)

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil strikes again in 11th and 12th well - Stabroek Block has potential for five platforms - Energy Director

T

here is continued success in the wells that ExxonMobil has been drilling in its offshore concessions in the Stabroek Block. Two more wells have struck oil.

Director of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, yesterday morning, announced that the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil, has made its 11th and 12th discoveries offshore Guyana at the Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1 wells in the southwest section of the Stabroek Block.

“This continues to be positive news for the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, but the real substance of these finds will come when all Guyanese are able to benefit from these discoveries, whether directly and/or indirectly,” he said.

In December, Dr. Bynoe announced that ExxonMobil made its 10th discovery offshore Guyana at the Pluma-1 well. That discovery had increased the estimated recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to more than five billion oil-equivalent barrels.

The Tilapia-1 is the fourth discovery in the Turbot area that includes Turbot, Longtail and Pluma discoveries.

“Tilapia-1 encountered

Director of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe approximately 305 feet (93 metres) of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled to a depth of 18,786 feet (5,726 metres) in 5,850 feet (1,783 metres) of water. The well is located approximately 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometres) west of the Longtail-1 well,” Dr. Bynoe disclosed.

“The rate of these finds remains well above industry standards and continues to allow for further de-risking of the deep and ultra-deep one, but we still have a substantial way to go before we can confidently say the one has been de-risked,” Dr. Bynoe said.

He noted that the Noble Tom Madden drillship started drilling the well on January (continued on page 19)

PAGE 17

The Noble Tom Madden drillship

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

CCJ rules two Guyanese land titles obtained by fraud

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday ruled that two land titles obtained by Guyanese Bhagwantlall Mossai and Alvin Alves should be cancelled because they were both obtained by fraud.

The ruling was made in the case of Chandra Ramotar Singh vs Bhagwantlall Mossai and Alvin Alves. The matter concerned land at Lot 14 Mortice, Mahaicony River.

According to court documents, Singh was in occupation of the land in 1989, but did not have official title. He met with complications of obtaining a title when he agreed to buy the land from some of the heirs of the previous owner.

Unknown to Singh, Alves, Mossai and his brother, Ramrattan Mossai, had

conspired to defraud him.

In 1994, Alves applied to the Land Court for title and fraudulently claimed that he was in possession of the land. The Land Court, being unaware that Singh was the person in possession, granted Alves a declaration of title. He later sold the land to Bhagwantlall Mossai.

When Mr. Singh became aware of these activities, he filed court proceedings against Alves and Mossai in 2003. He claimed damages in trespass and fraud, but did not seek the cancellation of the fraudulent titles.

Nevertheless, the trial judge, Justice Bovell-Drakes, having found fraud on the part of Alves, Mossai and his brother, cancelled the fraudulent titles.

The Court of Appeal in Guyana, by a majority, (continued on page 20)

Thursday February 07, 2019

Demerara Bank at Rose Hall celebrates 15th anniversary ‌to issue free VISA Debit Cards

Staffers of Rose Hall branch of Demerara Bank which is celebrating 15 years in service this month

D

emerara Bank Limited - Rose Hall Branch is celebrating a milestone this month of 15 years of providing banking services in Berbice.

To mark the occasion, the bank will be honouring its longstanding employees for their hard work, dedication and commitment over the past decade and a half. It will also be engaging several community-based and customer-centric activities.

Celebrations will continue during the entire month of February as the branch will be issuing a free VISA Debit Card to all customers upon the establishment of a Statement Savings Account.

Mandrekar Khemraj, Branch Manager, expressed his delight at having achieved this milestone, and noted that over the years, Demerara Bank Limited has established a reputation for high quality customer service and a

willingness to work with communities for mutual benefit. Demerara Bank said it prides itself in supporting the development of various sectors, including the rice sector, by extending a wide range of credit facilities, personalized banking services and value added products.

The company said it continues to be the leading source of financing for renewable energy in Guyana and encourages both energy

e ff i c i e n c y a n d e n e rg y conservation to ensure energy sustainability for the future. “To date, the Bank has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by operating the majority of its locations on renewable energy. The Chairman, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Demerara Bank Ltd. express their appreciation to the customers of the Rose Hall Branch who have shown incredible support and loyalty over the years.�

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

Rasville man accused of robbing woman of motor bike

A

19-year-old man yesterday found himself before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, answering to a charge of robbery under arms, which he denied and was granted bail.

It was alleged that on January 19, 2019, at Rasville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, the accused being armed with a gun, robbed Akisha Moore of one motor bike valued at $285,000 - property of Shaheed Mohammed.

Akeem Williams of 4633 Rasville Backlands was represented by attorney at law Liam Singh. According to the attorney in his application for bail for his client, no weapon was used during the confrontation and there is more to the story of the motor bike being stolen.

He went on to say that Williams was already on $50,000 station bail for the issue.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the nature of the offence, the punishment it attracts, and the fact that a dangerous weapon was used.

The prosecutor then related the facts of the charge, which stated that the parties are known to each other for several years. On the day in question, the victim borrowed the motor bike, and while in the area where the incident took

Akeem Williams place, Williams and others approached her.

Williams then pointed a gun at her and relieved her of the motor bike.

On February 5, 2019 the defendant was at East La Penitence Police Station for an assault matter involving his girlfriend. Moore later came to the police station and pointed him out to ranks as the person who had robbed her. A confrontation was held with the accused and the charge was later made out against him.

After listening to both sides, Magistrate McGusty then granted bail to Williams in the sum of $200,000 under the condition that he lodge his passport and report to the East La Penitence Police Station every Monday and Friday pending the outcome of the matter.

The matter was then adjourned until February 27, when Williams will return for statements into the matter.

ExxonMobil strikes again in 11th and 12th well From page 17 7, 2019 and will next drill the Ye l l o w t a i l - 1 w e l l , approximately six miles (10 kilometres) west of Tilapia-1 in the Turbot area. The Baseline 4-D seismic data acquisition is underway.

The 12th discovery at the Haimara-1 well, encountered approximately 207 feet (63 metres) of highquality gas condensatebearing sandstone reservoir.

The well was drilled to a depth of 18,289 feet (5,575 metres) in 4,590 feet (1,399 metres) of water. “The Department continues to work assiduously with its partner institutions towards setting the requisite framework in place to ensure the benefits from these discoveries redound to the benefit of all Guyanese,� the Director

added.

Located approximately 19 miles (31 kilometres) east of the Pluma-1 discovery, the Haimara -1 had been deemed a potential new area for development. The Stena Carron drillship began drilling that well on January 3, 2019.

Dr. Bynoe noted too that there is potential for at least five floating, production storage and offloading vessels (FPSO) on the Stabroek Block producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil daily by 2025.

ExxonMobil is preparing to start Guyana's first oil production as early this yearend with the Liza Destiny floating vessel to arrive after the first half of the year.

The offshore discovery is said to be one of the biggest in the world.

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday February 07, 2019

“Make contact with security personnel”

UG was back to normal yesterday after a bomb threat the previous day.

- UG urges persons with info on bomb threat

S

ecurity officials have issued an 'allclear' advisory for the University of Guyana [UG]. This development comes on the heels of a bomb threat issued against the institution on Tuesday which caused a complete halt to its operation.

The institution was however cleared for normal operation yesterday following a thorough 'sweep' by security personnel of the institution's building and surrounding areas on the day of the threat.

A c c o r d i n g t o information released by the Public Relations Department of the university, they found no explosives of any kind and did not uncover any suspicious packages or items located in and around the campus.

This, moreover, allowed the security personnel to give the institution an 'allclear' regarding the threat,

thereby allowing for the institution to return to normal operation yesterday.

The university has however since issued a notice stating that “Anyone with information regarding the bomb threat is encouraged to contact the University Safety and Security Officer on 623-9979 or the nearest police station.

This includes sightings of packages, vehicles or any situations which seemed suspicious.”

Meanwhile, the University Administration said that it is appreciative of the full cooperation received from students, faculty and staff during the search exercise and thanked the officers from the Police Force and Fire Service for their prompt response and the high level of professionalism displayed during the 'sweep' of the campus.

In a statement issued by the university, the bomb

threat was made by an anonymous caller to the Alberttown Police Station, Georgetown, on Tuesday at 12:40 hours.

The caller alleged that a bomb was planted on the campus. “The campus was evacuated as a precaution and a search of the premises was conducted by officers of the Police Force and Fire Service,” the University said in a statement issued to the media.

This development resulted in all classes being cancelled for the rest of the day and staff being sent home. According to ViceChancellor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, “the action was deemed necessary as a precaution, and out of safety concerns for the students and staff members who would use the facility during this time."

It is believed that the threat is being made by the same person[s] who targeted city secondary schools in

recent days. The police force is said to be probing this state of affairs.

In a social media post an individual claiming to be 'KIRA' wrote: “Calls were made to several people issuing a warning!!! They have planted two bombs in haversacks in the University

of Guyana. Secure the students! Get them out.

Please do not IGNORE This!!! If my body is found it is because I spoke out.”

Police are said to be probing the disturbing posts which first surfaced after threats were levelled against t h e p r i v a t e l y - o p e r ated

School of the Nations. The Director of the School, Dr. Brian O'Toole, was recently shot, a development which some believe is linked to the ongoing threats. It was in light of such a development that the threat issued against the national tertiary institution was taken seriously.

Sister of murdered businessman 'aware he had enemies'

E

xecuted city businessman, Oriley Small, had many enemies. This is according to his sister, Charlene Forde, who says she is personally aware of this. Forde told this to a jury yesterday when she was called to testify in the trial of Morris Prince, 33, formerly of Riverview Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who is accused of the murder.

Small, 31, of Lot 2 Smyth Street, was shot at least ten times just as he returned home after a night out at one of the city nightspots on March 19, 2016. He was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, Small had just entered his yard through the front gate and was walking through a dark pathway at the side of the house to get to the back of the property when a man, dressed in a hooded T-shirt, confronted him.

There are reports that the father of one said, “Hey boy move from deh” to the gunman, who then opened fire. Small reportedly tried to

Murder accused: Morris Prince

Murdered: Oriley Small

flee, but slipped and fell. It was reported that as Small lay on the ground, the hooded shooter stood above him and pumped several bullets into him.

Forde told the court that the day prior to his demise, her brother left his Lot 2 Smyth Street, Georgetown home for Rio Inn, where he had worked as a security personnel. She said that she celebrated her birthday on March 19, 2016. She said that in the wee hours of that morning, she was at home when her brother called her via phone for her to open the

door.

According to the woman, this was something her brother would customarily do. The witness told the jurors that as she was about to open the door when she heard rapid gunshots followed by her brother saying, "aye boy aye."

Further, in her testimony, the woman recalled that after her brother was shot, she saw a man about six feet two inches in height walking away. According to her, that individual was slim built and was wearing a black 'hoodie', which had a marijuana leaf at the back.

The witnesses said that she was unable to get a good look at the man who she suspected had shot her brother, since there was a boutique in the vicinity of

her home which obstructed her view.

The witness however detailed that the shooter walked out of their yard. She said she later heard loud screams from her mother coming from the back of their yard and when she got there, she saw her brother lying face down with what appeared to be blood on his face.

U n d e r c r o s s examination by Prince's lawyer Mark Waldron, it was put to Forde that in her police statement she said that she was personally aware that her brother had many enemies. The woman agreed with this suggestion and admitted to knowing Prince, who she said was a friend of her brother.

Also testifying was former Police Sergeant Eon Jackson, a Science Officer, attached to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL). According to Jackson, during 2016, he was a Sergeant of Police stationed at the Ballistics Section at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Jackson recalled that on March 21, 2016, he received two evidence bags from one of the police ranks investigating the killing. The witness told the court that the first bag contained 10-fired

.40 casings, which are components of a firearm.

The second bag, he added, contained two fired .40 bullets. He reasoned that the bullets were either fired from a .40 or 10mm pistol.

Police Constable Christopher Persaud, who is a crime scene rank, testified to visiting the crime scene where he took several coloured photographs of things of evidential value, including the motionless body of a man, which was lying on a parapet.

Meanwhile, former Police Corporal Derwin Eastman, who is currently on remand for a murder charge, testified that on March 19, 2016, he was performing

duties at the Brickdam Police Station, where he was the Subordinate Officer in charge of the Crime Intelligence Unit, when a man on a bicycle came and reported something.

Based on that report, Eastman said he dispatched patrol ranks to a house at Lot 2 Smyth Street, Georgetown.

The mother and aunt of the deceased also testified.

Morris Prince is on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury at the High Court in Georgetown. State Counsel Tuana Harding, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohamed are appearing for the prosecution. This trial is continuing.

CCJ rules two Guyanese land titles obtained by fraud From page 18 declined to cancel the fraudulent titles, because among other things, Singh had not asked for them to be cancelled in his claim, and because the claim was out of t i m e . J u s t i c e Yo n e t t e Cummings-Edwards, who was Acting Chief Justice at the time, did not agree with the majority.

However the CCJ in its judgment yesterday found that Mr. Singh had capacity to commence court

proceedings for trespass and fraud, that he was not out of time for filing his 2003 action and finally, that Justice Bovell-Drakes was correct in cancelling the fraudulent titles.

The CCJ also decided an important point of procedural law, that is, that the Court of Appeal of Guyana had no power to extend the time for the filing of an application in that Court for permission to appeal to the CCJ.

Thursday February 07, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Verdict looms for duo in ‘Mango Man’ murder trial High Court Judge James Bovell-Drakes will sum up the evidence this morning in the trial of Royden Williams and Sherwin Nero, who are accused of the August 30, 2007 murder of businessman Kumar Singh, also known as ‘Mango Man’, before sending the jury to deliberate on a verdict. Williams called ‘Smallie’ and Nero called ‘Catty’ and ‘Pussy’ have both pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and are being represented by Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes.

Appearing for the prosecution are State Counsel Tuana Harding, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohamed.

According to reports, 51year-old Singh was shot after gunmen stormed his home at 51 Craig Milne, Cove and John, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and terrorized his family. The gunmen also shot at his family members during the ordeal before escaping on f o o t .

Singh sustained several gunshot wounds and died while undergoing surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The Judge’s summing up comes a few days after closing addresses were made by the defence and prosecution. Earlier on in the trial, Detective Inspector Suraj Singh testified to taking caution statements from the

two accused. The caution statements were ruled admissible by the Judge and were tendered and marked as exhibits in the trial. According to the police witness, Williams told him, “Me ain’t went in the man (Singh) yard. ‘Coolie Boy’ and Junior went in the yard. Me aint had no gun. Me been a lookout. Dem boys go in the yard and spend five to seven minutes. I hear gunshots and ‘Coolie Boy’ tell me that he shoot the man.

I didn’t ask he why he shoot the man. I get $20,000 and the next day I hear that the man that get kill name ‘Mango Man’. Me ain’t know he right name.”

In relation to the caution

Govt. raises tender threshold for ministries, state agencies The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has announced adjustments to thresholds that will allow ministries and state agencies to spend more without going to that body.

According to a circular issued Monday, February 4th, Deputy Chairman of NPTAB, Mark Bender disclosed that there are “New thresholds for Restrictive Tendering and Request for Quotations Methods of Procurement”.

The new changes will see the thresholds for goods and services at $10M, while the limits for contracts for construction will be $20M. The threshold for Request for Quotations method of procurement is now $3M. Previously, in contracts for goods and services, ministries and state agencies could have only internally approve up to $3M while the limit for construction contracts was $10M.

Opposition MP Juan Edghill The limit for Requests For Quotations was $1.5M. According to Bender, in the circular to Permanent Secretaries, Agencies, Corporation Heads and Regional Administrations, the new thresholds take immediate effect.

The idea is to reduce the bottlenecks that come with contracts that sometimes have to wait months to be awarded because the minis-

tries and agencies don’t have authorization.

However, the Opposition is wary of the decision to raise the threshold.

According to Juan Edghill, a former Junior Finance Minister under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), he has information that the Government has “illegally facilitated and created the architecture to corruptly award contracts to friends and family by way of arbitrarily amending the Public Procurement Act subsidiary legislation Chapter 73:05 (Regulations 9 of 2004).

“This action enables award of contract without public advertisement, by way of restricted tendering and subverts the use of qualifications for this procurement process to be confined to specialized services or procurement of highly-complex items as stated in 26 (1) (a) of the Procurement Act of 2003.

The threshold catered for (Continued on page 24)

statement given by Nero, Inspector Singh recalled that the accused told him that he did not go into the yard.

Rather, he said, it was ‘Smallie’, ‘Coolie Boy’ and Junior who went into the yard.

According to Inspector Singh, Nero told him that the three of them had guns and he heard shots being fired.

“This is all me know about this wuk. Me later learn that the man name ‘Mango Man’”, Inspector Singh said Nero told him.

This trial is being heard at the High Court in Georgetown.

Royden Williams

Sherwin Nero

PAGE 22

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Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amentities, private yard/ parking.

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Contractor on fraudulent conversion charge offers restitution Robert Forrester, a contractor, was arraigned before a city magistrate yesterday, accused of fraudulently converting money entrusted to him for the purpose of buying a plot of land.

The charge read that between April 1, 2018 and February 6, 2019 at Georgetown, having received the sum of $1,200,000 from Rhonda Thompson, a representative of Marvin Accra, for the purpose of purchasing a plot of land at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara, Forrester fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefits.

The accused entered a not guilty plea to the charge after it was read to him by Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Before the hearing could continue, Forrester asked to pay compensation to Accra for the matter to be settled instead of going through with it. Accra, who was hesitant at first, agreed to accept compensation, which pass through the court to ensure the arrangement is completed.

During the hearing, Accra collected a sum of $200,000 and agreed to meeting on February 20, 2019 for the remainder or a part of the money.

LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Venezuela Military Barricades Bridge In Attempt To Block Aid CUCUTA, Colombia (AP) — The Venezuelan military has barricaded a bridge at a key border crossing, issuing a challenge yesterday to a U.S.-backed effort by the opposition to bring humanitarian aid into the troubled nation.

The Tienditas International Bridge was blocked a day prior by the Venezuelan National Guard with a giant orange tanker, two large blue containers and makeshift fencing near the border town of Cucuta, Colombian officials said.

The bridge is at the same site where officials plan to store humanitarian aid that opposition leader Juan Guaido is vowing to deliver to Venezuela.

The Trump administration has pledged $20 million in aid and Canada has promised another $53 million.

The squabble is now the latest front in the battle between Guaido and President

Nicolas Maduro, who is vowing not to let the supplies enter the country. Maduro argues Venezuela isn’t a nation of “beggars” and has long rejected receiving humanitarian assistance, equating it to a foreign intervention.

Roughly 40 countries around the world have backed Guaido, who swore himself in as president in late January contending that as head of the opposition-led National Assembly he is Venezuela’s rightful leader because Maduro’s re-election last year was a sham.

Guaido yesterday accused Maduro’s government of rejecting the assistance because officials often handed out imported food and medicine in exchange for bribes.

Maduro has clung to power with the support of Venezuela’s highest-ranking military officers.

He dismisses Guaido as a puppet of the United States,

which he says is seeking to colonise Venezuela and exploit its vast oil resources.

Venezuela sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey, UAE last year – legislator CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government last year sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates without the required approval of the opposition-led National Assembly, an opposition legislator said yesterday.

Of that total, Abu Dhabi investment firm Noor Capital bought the largest amount, 27.3 tonnes of gold, opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told a news conference, without providing evidence.

Paparoni also said a Turkish firm bought 23.9 tonnes of gold last year.

Venezuela’s opposition, led by National Assembly leader Juan Guaido, has sought to prevent the gold sales, believing Maduro’s government is using the proceeds to try to stay solvent as U.S.-imposed sanctions cut off other revenue streams.

The United States and numerous other countries have recognised Guaido as Venezuela’s interim leader in the aftermath of Maduro’s reelection last year in a vote critics have called a sham.

Venezuela had gold reserves of 132 tonnes between the central bank’s vaults and the Bank of England at the end of November, according to central bank data.

Venezuela’s Information Ministry did not immediately respond to requests to comment.

Noor Capital last Friday said it had bought 3 tonnes of gold on Jan. 21 from the Venezuelan central bank and would not buy more until Venezuela’s situation stabilized. Its purchase was in accordance with “international standards and laws in place” as of that date, it said.

“We will keep working so that not one more gram of gold

can be sold,” Paparoni said.

In response to a request to comment, Noor Capital issued the same statement as last week saying it “does not engage in any illegal or prohibited transactions.”

Paparoni also said Maduro’s administration had transferred 127 million euros to bank accounts in Russia, without providing a date.

Since Monday, the Venezuelan government has not been able to move money between its accounts in banks in the European Union, Paparoni said.

Turkey and Russia have been key supporters of Maduro.

Maduro’s government began selling gold about a year ago after falling oil production, economic collapse and mounting U.S. sanctions hit public income in the OPECmember nation and made it hard for it access credit.

Judges’ search Commonwealth-wide Daily Nation - The search for judges to dispense justice to Barbadians will soon go beyond these shores, even as far as Down Under.

So said Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dale Marshall, who Tuesday revealed that for the first time, the post of judge would be advertised throughout the Commonwealth.

He made the announcement while piloting the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill, 2019, in the House of Assembly.

Marshall explained that the Mia Mottley-led administration decided to make this move to “attract the highest calibre of individual to the Bench”.

“I have been a lawyer for almost 30 years and there

have been days when I would wake up one day and see in the paper that John Browne is appointed to the Bench.

There was no advertisement . ...

“There was a time when it was felt that only members of the public bar, meaning Government lawyers, should be elevated to the Bench; private practitioners weren’t considered,” he said.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

Trump sees total rout of Islamic State group as imminent (BBC) US President Donald Trump has said territory held by the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq could be “100%” liberated as early as next week.

“It should be announced, probably some time next week, that we will have 100% of the caliphate,” he told a gathering of coalition partners.

However, he also cautioned that he wanted to “wait for the official word”.

US military and intelligence officials say IS could stage a comeback without sustained counter-terrorism pressure.

Mr Trump shocked coalition allies in December when he declared that the group had been defeated, amid reports he wanted to pull out US soldiers within 30 days.

But he later slowed the withdrawal after several res-

ignations from key defence officials and strong criticism from Republicans and allies abroad.

The global coalition against IS, now numbering nearly 80 nations, was formed in 2014 after the group overran swathes of territory and went on to launch terror attacks outside the region.

How does Trump view the battle against IS now?

“Their land is gone,” he told Wednesday’s conference in Washington. “The Isis [IS] caliphate has been decimated.”

But the group still had “tiny sections that can be so dangerous”, he said, and “foreign fighters must not gain access” to the US. He also referred to the IS propaganda machine, which recruited fighters from Europe and other regions.

“For a period of time they

used the internet better than we did,” he said. “They used the internet brilliantly but now it’s not so brilliant.”

The US leader thanked coalition partners, saying, “We will be working together for many years to come.”

Venezuela blocks border bridge where aid is set to arrive Cucuta, Colombia (CNN)The Venezuelan government, led by embattled President Nicolas Maduro, has blocked a bridge connecting Venezuela to Colombia, according to Colombian officials and a CNN photojournalist at the scene. The move effectively blocks the passage of humanitarian aid called for by Venezuela’s opposition, should it be delivered via this route.

New images show an orange oil tanker and two large blue containers positioned midway across the three-lane Tienditas Bridge, which connects Cucuta, Colombia, with Venezuela. Cucuta is one of three collection points for in-

ternational humanitarian aid called for by Venezuela’s opposition leader and self-declared president Juan Guaido amid Venezuela’s debilitating economic crisis.

Last week, Guaido identified the three collection points: the Brazil-Venezuela border, an as-of-yet unidentified Caribbean island, and Cucuta. Maduro has rejected the international aid, saying, “We are not beggars.”

Juan Caicedo, a spokesperson from Migration Colombia, Colombia’s Ministry of Immigration and Immigration Control, said the Venezuelan military put the blockade into place on Tuesday afternoon, adding that there are

cameras monitoring activity on the bridge. It’s possible the Venezuelan government fears aid crossing the border could be used as cover for an invasion to depose Maduro.

Maduro has faced intense pressure since Guaido declared himself acting president on January 23, invoking a constitutional rule to open a rare challenge to Maduro’s presidency. Guaido, a previously largely unknown opposition leader, has been recognized by Australia, Canada, a group of major European nations, a number of Latin American countries and the United States, which have upped sanctions on the country.

Govt. raises tender threshold for...

From page 11 in 26(1) (b) of the Procurement Act has been increased, Edghill said in a statement.

“In layman’s terms, the action has made it possible to give contracts to unqualified persons and companies for the procurement of Goods and Services from $3M to $10M (233%) which was already increased when this APNU/AFC came into office and for construction from $10M to $20M (100%) and the three quotation system from $1.5M to $3M (100%).”

According to Edghill, this development would have come one month after the Coalition Government was “defeated” by way of successful no confidence vote on December 21, 2018. “Article

106(6) of our constitution states that on passage of a no confidence motion by the majority of all elected members of the National Assembly, the President and his Cabinet shall resign, coupled with the CJ’s ruling of January 31, 2019 that following the passage of the motion, the President and Cabinet stands resigned. Therefore, they are merely in office in a caretaker capacity and as such, these actions are unconstitutional.”

He said that the letter by Bender is illegal and will lead to criminal proceedings being instituted against public officials who may be tempted to act on such a directive which is illegal. “It can only be concluded that this decision is to facilitate corruption, cronyism

and nepotism, by way of handpicking friends and cronies and awarding them contracts. This is a blatant political scheme to buy votes and especially pilfer the public purse and to enrich officials of the APNU/AFC over the few remaining days in office ahead of the March 19, 2019 General elections, which will see a change in government.”

Edghill said that public officers and heads of budget agencies are forewarned “to keep notes, log all correspondences given and be reminded that as accounting officers, they will be held responsible for any unapproved spending of the public’s money. Beware for whom the bell tolls, for it tolls for thee.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pledged the US would continue to fight IS, despite withdrawing troops from Syria.

He called the troop pullout a “tactical change... not a change in the mission”, and said the world was entering an “era of decentralised

jihad”.

It has certainly lost control of most of the territory it overran, including its strongholds of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

However, fighting continues in north-eastern Syria, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) say

they captured dozens of foreign fighters in recent weeks.

On Tuesday the head of the US military’s Central Command, Gen Joseph Votel, told a Senate committee up to 1,500 IS militants remained in a 20 sq mile (52 sq km) pocket on Syria’s border with Iraq.

The group, he said, still had “leaders, fighters, facilitators, resources and the profane ideology that fuels their efforts”.

Meanwhile, a report by a US defence department watchdog cited Central Command as saying that without sustained pressure IS “could likely resurge in Syria within six to 12 months”.

Another challenge is what to do with the hundreds of foreign fighters captured by the SDF, as well as their families. Governments in their home countries are reluctant to take back radicalised militants who swore allegiance to Islamic State.

Guyana developing protocol to...

From page 15 disaster situations, which is being developed by our regional partners, is a useful step towards this objective,” he said.

He continued: “The consultation we are having today is timely as we, as actors in Disaster Risk Reduction, are beginning the conversations we need to have, and asking of ourselves the important questions that need to be addressed in building that resilience, including what roles and responsibilities do we have in ensuring the protection of these vulnerable populations; where are we already acting; and what gaps exist that need to be addressed so that we can ensure the protection of our children, our youths, our women and those living with disabilities.”

The Director General (Ag) expressed gratitude to UNICEF and CDEMA for facilitating the consultation, which he said is a muchneeded dialogue among DRR actors.

UNICEF Guyana, Emergency Focal Point, Mr. Ian Jones, who spoke on behalf of Ms. Patricia Gittens, the Child Protection Specialist from the same organisation, said UNICEF along with CDEMA are partnering in the Caribbean region for the development of Protocols for Child Protection during emergencies.

This partnership is geared at strengthening the focus on ensuring that the rights of all children everywhere can be maintained in humanitarian

Director General (Ag) of the CDC, Lt. Col. Kester Craig delivers remarks situations. He noted that similar consultations will also be held in Barbados (for the Eastern Caribbean) and Jamaica.

UNICEF Belize, Early Childhood Development and Education Officer, Mrs. Denise Robateau, said the organisation is pleased to be hosting this consultation in Guyana, particularly through multi-stakeholder coordination. She noted that the added value of collaborating with UNICEF is the specific focus that is placed on women, children and adolescents.

“The Protocol and deliverables that we want to bring is [one] that will guide national emergency responsible units, placing the needs of children, women and adolescents at the centre of emergency response strategies and programmes. The Proto-

col will include a step by step guide on how to do it and will review existing national tools and mechanisms to ensure that the rights of children are fully included.”

She said that the protocol will reflect national, regional and international agreements on integrated protection of children as well as conventions and existing protocols.

“When we speak about the protection of children we are not only zeroing in on the ending of violence or abuse against children, but we are looking at the overall survival aspect of that child and what that child needs to survive; sanitation, hygiene, water, protection, right to education among others. All of these rights are important during the preparedness, response and recovery phases,” she noted.

Thursday February 07, 2019

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Kaieteur News

New initiative to end political violence in Venezuela BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have joined their counterparts from Mexico and Uruguay in formalising a plan to address the complex situation that relates to Venezuela, through an initiative called the Montevideo Mechanism.

A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago, noted that the initiative is a response to a call by the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, to find a pathway to a peaceful resolution through dialogue and from a position of respect for International Law and Human Rights.

“The historical stance of the countries that have agreed to this approach is and will always be, to advance diplomacy over other alternatives, as it is the only way to achieve sustainable, legitimate and effective peace and stability. This initiative is offered to all Venezuelan actors as a peaceful and democratic alternative,” the statement said.

St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris is

CARICOM delegation with the Uruguay’s Foreign Minister, Rodolfo Nin Novoa leading a CARICOM delegation to the meeting in Uruguay. The delegation includes the Barbados Prime

Minister Mia Mottley, her Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Dr. Keith Rowley, the Belize Foreign Minister

Wilfred Elrington and the CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. CARICOM leaders have called for a non-

interventionist policy regarding Venezuela where Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, backed by the United States

and several other western countries, has declared himself the interim leader of the South American country.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

Thursday February 07, 2019

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Kaieteur News

YWCC Mash Cup is back - set for February 23

A

fter an absence of two years, The Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice has recently launched its major fundraiser - Mash Cup 2019. This year’s event, even though a fundraiser, will be used by the club to reconnect with its friends, supporters, sponsors and generally, the community. Over the years, proceeds from this event went towards improvements to the club’s facilities and cover the cost of the day to day functions. Many schools, places of worship and other charitable organizations also benefitted.

The tournament will be played on February 23, a national holiday and will involve second division teams from the area and no first division

cricketer will be allowed. Cash incentives and trophies will be up for grabs along with lots of gate prizes.

The 2016 edition was a success and the club would like to thank the following persons/businesses for their support over the years: Ansa McAl, Attorney at Law Mursalene Bacchus, Prakash Mahadeo of No 19, Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Auto Sales, Waqar Sahid of A Ally and Sons, The New Building Society Limited, Mortimer George, Jim Bacchus Travel Service, Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd, Memorex E n t e r p r ise, Danzie’s Clothing, Footwear and Auto Sales, Lilboy Rice Complex, Extreme Trucking Service, Price is Right, Sharple Furniture Establishment, Kris

Jagdeo General Contractor, Ahmad Mundal Satar, A Mahabir and Sons, Massay Distribution, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Sukhpaul Business Enterprise, J’S Printery, Roshan Satar Supermarket, Rafeek Kassim, Suresh Persaud Auto Sale, Zai Permaul, Hand In Hand, Office Express, Anirudh Ramcharitar, Balram Shane and others.

The club is encouraging parents and young kids to join the club in an effort to return it to its former glory and produce more like recent West Indies batting star, Shimron Hetmyer. Anyone who wish to support the event can make contact with Suresh Sripal on 644 7772 or 618 5770, Suresh Dhanai on 685 3101 or any other member of the club.

Thursday February 07, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Are you involved in an ambitious, creative project of some kind, Aries? You might have so much to do that you decide to take on a partner, if you haven't already.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) The desire to improve your home's appearance might suddenly come over you today, Taurus. Whether you're planning some redecorating, landscaping, refurnishing, or simply a thorough cleaning, you will probably take the bull by the horns and concentrate on nothing else.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Much of your day may be spent running around your neighborhood, Gemini, perhaps in the company of your partner. You may have a lot of errands to run, or perhaps you're just antsy and unwilling to spend the day indoors.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A financial windfall might come your way, Cancer. This may not be a lottery win or surprise inheritance.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're probably feeling full of energy, Leo, and looking for an outlet for it aside from the usual jog or workout.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your subconscious mind is active today, Virgo, perhaps releasing old traumas from the past. Memories from long ago could pour into your mind as though

floodgates were opened.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You tend to be an adventurous soul by nature, Libra. Today the desire to do something you've never done before could be overwhelming.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) f you've been thinking about studying astrology, Scorpio, this is the day to do it.

Even if you already know the field, you might decide to branch out into a newer or more radical aspect, such as Draconic or galactic astrology.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your innate sense of adventure is active today, Sagittarius.

Travel is on your mind. You and some friends may kick around ideas for an unconventional trip to an exotic place, such as sailing to Tahiti.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Career matters may involve some touchy circumstances that require ingenious methods to solve, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A social event could bring you into contact with some interesting people in fascinating fields, Aquarius, some from distant places. Discussions could turn you on to one or more new interests, which you will probably want to pursue later.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A burst of physical energy might have you spending hours working out today, Pisces. You might decide to

Representatives of the various clubs with the trophies.

Inaugural SajRice ...

From page 28 and commercialism of rice and its by-products, SAJ have become one of the country’s leading rice millers and wholesalers, exporting superior quality rice across the world.

Mr Carbo will participate in this weekend’s inaugural tournament, hoping to get glory for SajRice. Up for grabs would be prizes for 1st and 2nd place in each Flight, the Best Gross, the Nearest The Pin and the Overall Best Net – considered the tournament winner.

The public is invited to enjoy this weekend’s tournament free of cost. For more information on the LGC, on how to become a member, how to learn the basics of golfing free of charge, how to contribute to the Club, or how to use the facilities, please visit the LGC’s Facebook page at lusignangolfclub or call 2205660.

PAGE 28

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

First Drag race meet Inaugural SajRice Golf tourney fixed for Saturday at LGC of the year postponed

C

Fans will have to wait another month before the first drag racing meet of the year.

Inclement weather forecasts have forced the postponement of the opening round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMRSC) Drag racing event.Initially billed for February 17, the event will now be held on March 17 after organisers saw a forecast which featured rain on the day prior to and after the day.The club has had bad experiences with inclement weather after a competitor’s vehicle turned turtle during one of the events last year.

While the driver and many spectators emerged unhurt, the club is not willing to risk

another scene like that.Meanwhile, the GMR&SC has also indicated that should the forecast change before February 17, they would consider holding a club day for cars.

Following last weekend’s Endurance race, the Club is now in preparation stages for its Annual General Meeting and election of office-bearers. That is set for February 8 at the club’s Thomas Street office.The first round of the National Race of Champions is set for March 2 and 3, with the first International engagement fixed for Trinidad on March 23 and 24.

arlos Carbo, Managing Director of SajRice Inc, expresses his company’s support for golfing in Guyana with hosting of their inaugural golf torunamnet this Saturday. Tee off is 12:30pm at the Lusignan Golf Club.

Mr Carbo, who won the Vish Trading / Speedy Ramdial Memorial tournament in fine style last Saturday, has pushed the SajRice input beyond tournament sponsorship to include a donation of a vital and urgently needed piece of machinery to bolster the LGC’s ground maintenance capability.

Golf Club President, Aleem Hussain, in expressing gratitude to Mr Carbo and SajRice, observed that the gesture of Mr Carbo is very likely to inspire other organisations who are supportive of golf in Guyana. He noted that the Leonora Sports Complex management had recently significantly contributed equipment and staff to aid the preparation of the Golf Course, under direction of Asst Grounds Superintendent Deanand Bissessar, for the Speedy Ramdial Memorial tournament.

SajRice Group Inc. is a significant import/ export company of products including Rice, Sugar, Cement and Scrap metal. In Guyana the company - whose vision is “to be the leading manufacturer, exporter and provider of the finest quality extra long grain rice with excellent customer service, and to support … farmers in every possible way” – began in 2006, under a thirty-five year contract with the Government of Guyana, to operate the MARDS Rice Mill-

Carlos Carbo ing Complex of Burma, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

SajRice,with over 30 years experience in the rice industry and their state-of-the-art facility, have the milling capacity to meet the urgent and bulk requirements of their numerous clients. Specializing in manufacturing, processing, packaging, exporting (Continued on page 27)

NBA roundup: George, Westbrook power Thunder Paul George scored 39 points, and Russell Westbrook’s triple-double streak continued as the host Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Orlando Magic 132-122 on Tuesday night.

Orlando led by 12 early in the third quarter, but the Thunder outscored the Magic 31-13 over the final nine minutes of the quarter and led 111-97 three minutes into the fourth.

Westbrook finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 16 assists, clinching his seventh consecutive triple-double by the end of the third quarter.

It’s the third such streak in Westbrook’s career. Only Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan have had at least seven consecutive triple-doubles.

Chamberlain holds the NBA record with nine in a row.

Terrence Ross had 26 points off the bench to lead Orlando, while Evan Fournier added 25.

Clippers 117, Hornets 115 Tobias Harris scored 34 points and hit a driving 8footer with 4.3 seconds remaining, and Los Angeles rallied from a 20-point, thirdquarter deficit to stun host Charlotte.

Harris drove the lane after the Clippers inbounded with the score tied 115-115, and he pulled up and hit the jumper

over Kemba Walker. Marvin Williams then missed a potentially winning 3-pointer for the Hornets at the buzzer.

Walker led the Hornets with 32 points.

Celtics 103, Cavaliers 96 Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and Gordon Hayward scored 18 points off the bench to lead Boston to a win at Cleveland.

Marcus Smart added 17 points and Jaylen Brown 13 and seven rebounds for Boston, which won its fifth straight game.

Rookie Collin Sexton led the Cavaliers with 27 points.

Alec Burks added 21 points for Cleveland, which lost for the eighth time in 10 tries.

Raptors 119, 76ers 107 Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka added 20 apiece, and Toronto won at Philadelphia.

Ibaka also contributed 10 rebounds, and Pascal Siakam had 16 points for the Raptors, who improved to 17-11 on the road this season.

Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 37 points and 13 rebounds for his league-best 44th double-double this season. Ben Simmons added 20 points and Jimmy Butler had 18 for the Sixers, who lost for just the sixth time in 27 home games this season.

Grizzlies 108, Timberwolves 106 Mike Conley recorded 25

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (13) looks to pass as Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 132-122. (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports) points, nine assists and three steals amid increased trade speculation, and Memphis posted a victory over visiting Minnesota.

Justin Holiday (17 points, nine rebounds) made two free throws with 0.1 seconds left to give the Grizzlies their second straight victory after they lost 17 of their previous 19 games. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 23 points, and Ivan Rabb

scored a career-high 19 points and matched his season best of 11 rebounds for Memphis.

Karl-Anthony Towns registered 26 points and 18 rebounds, and Dario Saric added 22 points for Minnesota, which has lost four of its last five games.

Pistons 105, Knicks 92 Blake Griffin totaled 29 points, eight assists and six rebounds, and Detroit never

trailed in a victory over New York, which saw its home losing streak reach 15 games.

Griffin helped the Pistons win for only the 11th time in their last 33 games, and they won consecutive games for just the second time since then.

Reggie Bullock hit five 3pointers and added 19 points for Detroit before postgame reports indicated he was about

to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Dennis Smith Jr. led the Knicks with 25 points, Pacers 136, Lakers 94 Bojan Bogdanovic bombed in four of Indiana’s 19 3-pointers in a rout of Los Angeles at Indianapolis.

The Pacers captured their third victory in a row after a four-game losing streak. Engulfed in Anthony Davis trade rumors, the Lakers lost their second straight.

Connecting on 4-for-10 on 3-pointers, Bogdanovic led seven Pacers in double figures with a game-high 24 points. Myles Turner chipped in with 22 points. Returning from a one-game absence, LeBron James had 18 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.

Heat 118, Trail Blazers 108 Hassan Whiteside collected 28 points and 11 rebounds as visiting Miami took down Portland.

Dwyane Wade came off the bench for 22 points and nine rebounds, and Josh Richardson scored 18 points for the Heat, who ended a three-game losing streak.

CJ McCollum scored 33 points, and Jake Layman added a career-high 25 points with eight rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who saw their eight-game home winning streak end.

(Field Level Media)

Thursday February 07, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Antigua pitch faces ICC sanction West Indies team sought for Over in wake of Windies series win 50s World Cup in South Africa 2020 ESPNcricinfo - West Indies are braced for the possibility of another ICC sanction ahead of the final Test of the series against England.

Just days after Jason Holder, West Indies’ captain, was suspended from playing in the final Test due to his side’s slow over-rate in Antigua, there are concerns that the ICC match referee, Jeff Crowe, will decide that the pitch used in the game was not up to standard.

The match ended in three days with variable bounce evident throughout, although officials at CWI remain hopeful that the fact West Indies batted for 131 overs and scored more than 300 runs in their first innings showed the pitch was not so bad.

Nevertheless, several batsmen were struck on the hands or body and a couple more received unplayable deliveries.

Roston Chase, for example, was bowled by a short ball that kept impossibly low, while Joe Root was dismissed by one that lifted sharply to take him on the glove.

By the time the game ended, England’s keeper, Ben Foakes, had gone for a scan on an injured hand - it showed no fracture while Darren Bravo, who made a match-defining half-century, lifted his shirt to show spectators the bruises he had sustained during the innings.

England coach, Trevor Bayliss, had said the surface “wasn’t the greatest wicket we’ve ever seen in world cricket”.

“It looked to me as if you had to be careful of the ball leaping off a length,” he said. Bravo also admitted “it wasn’t the best”.

Pitches deemed to be ‘unfit’ are given five demerit points, ‘poor’ pitches are given three points and ‘below average’ strips are given one demerit point. Any ground which receives five demerit points over a five-year period will be banned from hosting internationals for 12 months. They can be banned for two years if they receive 10.

That could prove especially problematic as Antigua is penciled in - the venues are not confirmed - to host a Test against India in August. The other Test venue for that series is likely to be Trinidad.

In 2009, another Test against England at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground was abandoned after 10 deliveries due to an unfit outfield.

While an ‘unfit’ verdict on the recent wicket seems most unlikely, a ‘below average’ one is not.

Coming on the heels of the Holder decision, any further sanction, if confirmed by the ICC, will do little to dissuade some of the view that nations outside the ‘Big Three’ of India, Australia and England are more harshly treated.

On Tuesday, Dave Cameron, CWI’s president, described the Holder sanction as a “crippling decision” that threatened to overshadow West Indies’ series victory, and called on the ICC to modify the rule.

The Over 50s World Cup is a private cricket tournament administered by a non-profit organization.

Its website is www.over50scricket.com. This tournament is not an officially ICC sanctioned tournament, but it is organized by cricket loving persons based in Australia and South Africa with organizing groups/associations in participating countries.The O50s World Cup is all about bringing the best Over 50 cricketers in the world to test their skills against one another.

The ethos will be upheld in Cape Town: serious and competitive cricket with a social element. The tournament beckons for a competitive West Indies cricket team.

The very first Over 50s World Cup was held in Sydney, Australia over a 2 weeks period during November and December2018.

Eight teams participated, namely, Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales, Canada, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the tournament was played on a round robin basis.

This first tournament was a tremendous success and the second Over 50s World Cup tournament is now planned to be held in Cape Town, South Africa during the period March 10th to 24th 2020. The World Cup matches will be played at the top grounds around Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with the final to be held at the famous Newlands Cricket Ground.

The organisers are inviting interested

cricketers who fit the following criteria to contact anyone from the local organising committee: · Must be at least 50 years of age on March 10th, 2020, · Should be fit and healthy · Cricketers who are still actively involved in the game would be our priority as the standard of the cricket is very high · Must be able to self-sponsor themselves or could obtain sponsorship funds for themselves to make the tour.

The local organizing committee comprises of the following persons: *Raj Singh – rsinsurance63@gmail.com; WhatsApp +239-699-7047 * Rick Ali -rick@kariksystems.com; WhatsApp +1647-309-8665 *Desmond Haynesdeshaynesgolf@gmail.com *Ian Allen- ianallen0197@gmail.com * Harvey Mohammedtransbrokerage@yahoo.com We encourage interested persons to contact any member of the organising Committee on or before February 15th, 2019 in order to be considered for selection to the tour in South Africa.

The Public Relations Officer for the organisers is former sports commentator and administrator Joseph Reds Perreira.

Yusuf steers Fisherman to 43-run victory.

Archery Guyana meets with Director Wins for HS Masters and SVC Grill Masters

of Sport, plans way forward for 2019

Mr. Mohamed Khan, President of Archery Guyana and Mrs. Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, Secretary General recently met with Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones at the National Sports Commission, Homestretch Avenue.

During this visit they updated the Director of Sport of the progress of Archery Guyana as they discussed their development plans including the proposed Junior Archery Programme, Schools Programme and ParaArchery Programme. A consensus was arrived at to pursue greater Outreach programmes in collaboration with the NSC. The Director of Sport confirmed arrangements were in place for Archery Guyana to have access to the National Gymnasium for Indoor Archery and to the Leonora Track for Outdoor Archery. It was also agreed that Archery Guyana will endeavor to take Outdoor Archery to other facilities outside the Capital City with the possibility of collaborating to develop Archery in all regions of Guyana.

Archery Guyana took the opportunity to advise the Director of Sport of their plans to host an International Olympic Archery Judge’s Seminar in collaboration with World Archery Americas. It

Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones, right, received from President of Archery Guyana, Mr. Mohamed Khan the updated requisite documents in the presence of Director/Secretary-General Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon. was agreed that this would benefit many Guyanese and has the potential to lift Guyana’s profile in the International Sporting community. At the end of this Seminar Archery Guyana intends to host an International Archery Competition.

The Director and Archery Guyana agreed to collaborate to build a stronger working relationship in promoting and developing the novel sport for the benefit of all Guyanese.

The Directors of Archery Guyana committed to

continue to maintain the highest standards of governance and transparency in all their activities.

In this regard, Mr. Mohamed Khan, President of Archery Guyana took the opportunity to lay over a copy of Archery Guyana’s recent Audited Financial Statement duly audited by an external auditor pursuant to NSC requirements and other supporting documents thereby being the first sporting body in Guyana to comply with the 2019 requirements.

Unnis Yusuf Opener Unnis Yusuf struck a fluent 93 to guide Fisherman Masters to a 43-run victory over Wellman Masters, while HS Masters and SVC Grill Masters were also in the winners’ lane when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre 20-over tournament continued on Sunday last at Malteenoes Sports Club.

Yusuf added 74 for the opening stand with Troy Ramsaywack to get Fisherman Masters, who batted first, off to a bright start before Ramsaywack was dismissed for 30 with four sixes. Yusuf struck two fours and 11 sixes in a top score of 94, while Zameer Hassan and Ramo Malone chipped in with 19 and 14 respectively as Fisherman Masters posted 193 all out in 19 overs. Ramesh Deonarine picked up 3-22, Latchman Kallicharran 2-4 and Sheldon Perch 2-37.

Wellman Masters were restricted to 150-8 in reply. Denish Vickanand and Wayne Jones made 34 each with the former hitting two fours and a similar number of sixes and the latter

Seekumar Budhram one four and three sixes. Deonairne scored 30, while Nandram Samlall and Lloyd Ruplall made 13 each. Danny Thomas had 2-18, Pooran Singh 2-20 and Yusuf 2-25.

HS Masters overcame Success Masters by one wicket. Success Masters managed 167 all out in 20 overs, taking first strike. Seekumar Budram, who scored a century in the previous round, led with 80 which came off 38 balls as Jairam (only name) grabbed 4-29. HS Masters responded with 168-9 in 19.3 overs. Michael Ifill made 40 off 17 balls while Troy Lewis scored 38; Mark Fung took 2-19.

In the Open category, SVC All stars thumped Good Hope Hustlers by nine wickets. Good Hope Hustlers were skittled for 28 in 6.3 overs, batting first. David Lukenauth captured 4-10 and Richard Latif 2-12.

SVC Grill Masters replied with 29-1 in 2.2 overs with Roy Jafferally scoring 20 not out and Balram Samaroo nine not out. (Zaheer Mohamed)

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 07, 2019

Mae’s, St. Mary’s, Queenstown, Carmel Secondary triumph

M

ae’s, St. Mary’s, Queenstown, Carmel Secondary recorded victories when the Forbes Burnham Foundation - NSC, AL Sport & Tour Promotions 28Annual Easter Term School Windball Cricket Champions Trophy continued recently with action in the Georgetown Zone at the National Gymnasium.

In the first game, Charlestown Secondary made 71 for 3 from their alotted overs. Donna Lowe top score with 38, Kirsten Rodrigues took 2 for 10. Mae’s then responded with 73 for 4 with Africa Gentle got 34. Bowling for Charlestown Althea Barnwell took 3 for 40.

Match number 2 saw East Ruimveldt Secondary versus Tucville Secondary. Tucville batted first and posted 102 without loss Alleia Alleyne 54. East Ruimveldt Second-

ary were restricted to 88 for 2 Shakeira Williams blasted 64 not out Alleia Alleyne returned with the ball and took 2 for 5.

In the third fixture, Debutant Carnegie School of Home Economic came up against Saint Mary Secondary. Carnegie won the toss and posted a small total of 55 for 1 from their 4 overs, Grace Fung Fook made 26, while Jasmine Jones took 1 for 6. St Mary High reached the target in 3 overs with Brittany Sampson scoring 40.

Action in the fourth game of the day saw Queenstown Secondary battling Debutant The Business School.

Queenstown took first strike and posted 89 for 1 with Tamira Norton 52 not out Business School were reduced to 64 without loss Tammiel Codogan made 34.

Game 5, Cummings Lodge

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (2nf from left) with organisers and players.

Secondary came up against Carmel Secondary. Batting first, Cummings Lodge were restricted to 41 for 2 from their 4 overs with Takeisha Mentore top scoring with 30

Ogle CC receives assistance from General Equipment Guyana Ltd.

David Harper (left) accepts the belt from Mahendranauth Ramdeen.

The Ogle Community Centre recently received a donation of a John Deere lawn mower belt for its D130 mower from General Equipment Guyana Ltd. (GENEQUIP).

The belt was handed over by Mr. Mahendranauth Ramdeen (Technician) to Mr. David Harper (Ogle Cricket Coach).

The Secretary of Ogle Community Centre, Mr. Davindra Ramtahal, said that the Centre purchased the lawn mower through funds raised by the Centre.

The lawn mower is used to cut and maintain the cricket field on a weekly basis. This allows for every day cricket practice sessions and weekly competition games for under-13, 15, 19 and the senior team.

Due to difficulties in sourcing the original belt for the mower the Centre had to resort to the use of generic belts which gives limited service.Once the lawn mower is functional the ground is well kept and always ready for field activities.

not out. Bowling for Carmel Indera Amardeo took 2 for 7.

Camel chased down the target in two overs; Indera Amardeo got 22 not out.

The final game of the day

was a one sided affair with Charlestown Secondary returning to destroy Valmiki Vidyalaya High School.

Valmiki High was sent in to bat and they could only mus-

ter 19 for 2 form their allotted overs, Althea Barnwell took 2 for 3. Charlestown then reached the target in 1 over with Donna Lowe hitting four sixes in 24.

FIFA says incumbent Infantino is sole candidate for president ZURICH (Reuters) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino will not face a challenger in June’s elections to the head of world soccer’s governing body, the organisation said yesterday.

“Following the call for election issued by the FIFA Council on 10 June 2018, FIFA’s member associations have proposed, in due time and form, the following candidate for the presidential election to take place at the 69th FIFA Congress in Paris on 5 June 2019: Mr Gianni Infantino,” it said in a statement.

Infantino’s plans for a new expanded Club World Cup and a global Nations League tournament have put him at loggerheads with European confederation UEFA and club organisations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sits in a TV studio during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2019. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann) However, no candidate from Europe emerged to challenge Infantino, the former

Forbes Burnham Memorial table tennis tournament set for Feb 24 The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has announced that they will be serving off the Forbes Burnham Memorial tournament on February 24th at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

The tournament is open to all Guyanese that would be eligible to represent the country at the regional or international level and will be played under the rules of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Play is scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs sharp and concludes at 20:00hrs.

The one-day event will be contested in four categories namely, handicap singles, C Class Open Singles, 21 years and under and B Class Open Singles.

The entry fee will be $500 per an athlete. Players are asked to officially register with the Hon. General Secretary, Linden Johnson (Telephone 592 621 7630) or Deirdre Edghill (Telephone 650 4520). The deadline for submission of entries is this Saturday at 17:00hrs.

UEFA General Secretary, who was elected in February, 2016, replacing the banned Sepp Blatter.

The Swiss official beat Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain in the final round of that election after Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein and Frenchman Jerome Champagne had been eliminated.

Infantino owed his candidacy to the fact that Europe’s preferred candidate, his former boss and UEFA president Michel Platini, was banned from football along with Blatter for ethics violations. Both men have denied wrongdoing.

UEFA will hold their own elections at their congress in Rome on Thursday where incumbent, Slovenian lawyer, Aleksander Ceferin is unopposed.

Thursday February 07, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

CWI Regional First-Class C/Ships

Scorpions depending on bowling against Jaguars Skipper Johnson looks for improvement today following two losses Hurricanes will bank on Chadwick Walton (left) and Brandon King with the bat against Jaguars from today at Providence

Skipper Leon Johnson conducts catching practice with Bramble and Chanderpaul ahead of today’s game at Providence.

Despite two consecutive defeats, Guyana Jaguars, on 92 points from six matches, still hold a 23-point lead over second placed Windwards Hurricanes (69 points) and the four-time defending champions are favored in their sixth round CWI Regional FirstClass Championship against Jamaica Scorpions from today at Providence.

Scorpions, on the back of successive victories against Hurricanes and Volcanoes, are on 51.2 points from five games and will depend on their bowlers; Nikita Miller (24wickets), Dennis Bulli (15), Rovman Powell (15), Jerome Taylor (12) and last year’s leading wicket taker Derval Green (10) to restrict a Jaguar’s batting line-up which have depended on their fast bowling all rounders to prop up their inconsistent top-order in the defeats against Hurri-

canes and Red Force.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul (393 runs), Anthony Bramble (360) and Chanderpaul Hemraj (205 runs from four innings) have all scored centuries this season but in their last two games, Bramble, scored just 33 runs from four innings while Chanderpaul his score in their losses was 40.Vishaul Singh has two fifties but they were both registered last year, while Skipper Leon Jonhson’s 51 from 12 innings at an average of 23.22 in not good enough from a top order batsman and he should know that gone are the days when someone was picked only because of their leadership abilities.

Fast bowling all-rounder Chris Barnwell with 206 runs from four games, was left out in Trinidad, while it took fellow fast bowling all rounders Romario Shepherd, third on the aggregate with 248 runs

Banks DIH/GPC National Pools tournament on this Saturday in Grove The Guyana Pool Committee (GPC) and Banks DIH limited have collaborated to host a National Pools tournament which cues off this weekend at Jerry’s Bar in Grove (East Bank Demerara) with the first of 12 qualifiers before culminating on March 17th with the grand final.

The top two players from the final will make the Guyana team that will travel to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) for the regional tournament this year with their flight, accommodation and entrance fee being sponsored by the organisers.

The tournament will be contested strictly in the 8-ball Billiards Congress of America (BCA) rules from 18:00hrs each night.

The entrance fee is $3000 and unsuccessful players will be afforded the opportunity to reenter in any of the 12 qualifiers.

Cases of Beers and other prizes will be given away at both the qualifiers and the grand final.

The dates for the other qualifiers are February 10th,15th, 16th, 17th,22nd and 24th, while the playing dates in March will be the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 10th, 15th and 16th.

For more information on registration, persons can contact Baksh on 652-8152, Steven on 699-1875 or Suraj on 682-4908.

and two fifties, Kemo Paul, Raymon Reifer and Clinton Pestano and the lower order to rescue the Jaguars with the bat.The batsman are all talented but as assistant Coach Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul noted the top order needs get scores in the same innings, especially in the first, and needed to work on the mental aspects of their batting, especially in the areas of confidence.

The Jaguar’s bowling has been impressive and although left-arm spinner Veerasammy (29) is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Guyana have secured the fast bowling points with Shepherd (21), Paul (20), Pestano (17) and Reifer (11 from two games) have all contributed with the ball.Today, on a track which

Guyanese Assad Fudadin trains with Scorpions yesterday at Providence. had some grass on it yesterday but is expected to be slow due to the amount of time it was covered due to adverse weather. Jamaica’s leading scorer Chadwick Walton (406 runs) has the only century

made by a Scorpion batsman this season, while Guyanese left-handed Test batsman Assad Fudadin with 249 runs from four games in the only other batsman to reach 200 runs.Brandon King (2), Test

batsman Jermaine Blackwood, Oraine Williams and Paul Palmer are the others in the side with half-centuries this season for the Franchise from Reggie Country. (Sean Devers)

PAGE 32

Hercules to facilitate coaches’ workshop tomorrow The Guyana Olympic Association [GOA] and the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation [GABF], will stage a one day Inter-Secondary Schools Basketball Coaches Curriculum Workshop tomorrow.

The event, which will be staged at the Olympic House, Lilliendaal from 17:30hrs19:30hrs will be facilitated by Guyana Senior Men’s Basketball Coach Junior Hercules.

Expected to participate in the forum are Physical Education teachers, parents and former and current players.

Hercules, during an invited comment said, “The concept is to capture the fundamental elements of coaching at that level.

This is a pilot, the plan is to create a pool of coaches who would ultimately be assigned to schools.

The Olympic Association is probably looking at funding an initiative such as this in a long term capacity during this pilot.”

He added, “After the

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

Haniff joins Everest CC as youth coach

Azeemul Haniff (left) taking the young cricketers of Everest Cricket Club through their drills on Monday.

Coach Junior Hercules giving tactical instructions. workshop concludes, the participants will need to subscribe to a month of coaching. After that month they will be analyzed and the findings will essentially be tabulated, sent back to the GOA and the

curriculum will then be ratified and made available.

“It is very important in creating a pipeline for future talent and student athletes which is an area we are trying to breed,” he ended.

Former national cricketer, Azeemul Haniff, has been appointed to the post of Junior Coach of Everest Cricket Club effective February 2019.

Haniff who represented Guyana for more than a de-

cade takes over from Latchman Yadram who became unavailable due to other commitments. The new coach, who took up the post on Monday, is in charge of the development of the age group

Factory Price overcome Parika Defenders Ramo Malone

Factory Price defeated Parika Defenders by 20 runs when the teams collided in a 20-over fixture on Friday night last at Demerara Cricket Club.

Batting first, Factory Price managed 127-8 with Ramo Malone scoring 44 with two fours and three sixes, while Jai Kishun made 19. Devanand Khanan claimed 3-24. Parika Defenders responded with 107 all out in 18 overs. Unnis Yusuf captured 3-8, while Patrick Khan picked up 3-17 and Malone 2-18 to earn the man-of-the-match award.

The game was sponsored by Factory Price.

members, under-15, under-17 and under-19 as well as female cricketers of the prestigious club.

With the experience of 51 First Class matches and 13 List A matches, the lefthanded former opening batsman said he is looking forward to the new role. “I was thinking about if for some time and I am glad that the executives of Everest reached out to me,” Haniff said.

The 41 year old hit the ground running on Monday at the Camp road based club and will be busy over the next few months preparing the various youth teams for competitions in April this year.

Haniff was a member of the winning Guyana Under-19 sides from 1995 to 1997 and graduated to the West Indies Under-19 team where he played alongside Ramnaresh Sarwan, Vishaul Nagamootoo, Nicholas DeGroot, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Shirley Clarke and the late Runako Morton. He also represented the West Indies ‘A’ team before being selected to go the Champions Trophy in 2000 in Kenya but did not play a game.

After the 2007 Regional season, the Industry Village resident called time on his career at the age of 29 years old.

Thursday February 07, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

Singh’s XI beat Garbarran’s XI by nine runs; Sergeant leads Mohabir’s XI to victory

Members of the victorious Mohabir’s XI following their win.

Buddan Baksh (right) receives the winning trophy from Toolsie Sahadeo of Factory Price.

By Zaheer Mohamed

R

ajesh Singh XI defeated Hemraj Garbarran XI by nine runs, while Mohabir’s XI defeated Factory Price by nine wickets when the teams were hosted by the Everest Cricket Club on Saturday last.

Singh’s XI managed 1126 off their reduced quota of 12 overs, batting first.

Sahadeo Hardaiow and Basil Persaud handed them a solid start with a first wicket stand of 72 before Hardaiow was run out for 26 after hitting two fours and one six.

Persaud slammed three fours and two sixes in a top score of 40, while Imtiaz Sadiek made 14. Basheer Khan picked up two wickets while former Guyana all-rounder Arjune Nandu had 1-16.

Hemraj Garbarran, a former West Indies U19 wicket-keeper batsman, then clobbered five fours and two sixes in scoring 48 before he retired. Matthews Nandu made 20 and Rakesh Gangaram 12 as Garbarran’s XI responded with 103-9.

Ramesh Deonarine had 3-12 while Sadiek, Ariel Tilku and Hardaiow had one each. The game was scheduled to be of 20 overs duration, but was reduced due to rain.

In the 20-over softball fixture which followed, opener Rickey Sergeant hammered an unbeaten 93 to spearhead Mohabir’s XI. Factory Price batted first and scored 163 all out in 19.1

overs. Unnis Yusuf struck 46 with two fours and three sixes, while Patrick Khan made 43 which included four fours and two sixes and To o l s i e S a h a d e o 1 0 .

Rabindra Sarabjeet claimed 3-13, while Lakeshwar Mohabir had 3-14 and Buddan Baksh 2-21.

Sergeant then blasted eight fours and six sixes in his innings and added 128 for the opening stand with Rawl Reid to give their team a solid start.

Reid hit two fours and four sixes before he was dismissed for 55. Mohabir’s XI finished on 164-1 in 13.4 overs.

Hot Shot won the dominoes competition with 77 games ahead of OPKO and Everest who both made 74 games. However, OPKO took the runner up spot after making more sixes (08), while Everest made three sixes. Lloyd Saul made the maximum 18 games for the winners while Martin Pestano and Linden Matthews made 16 each.

John Jones scored 15 for the runner up side and Ramesh Deonarine 15 for Everest.

Saul was the most valuable player.

Meanwhile the following are the winning ticket numbers drawn from their raffle; 6719, 2627, 9632, 2240, 6950, 2192, 7200, 5071, 6102, 6176, 6964, 3227 and 514. Persons who have not yet uplifted their prizes can make contact with the club.

Guyana vs Belize 45 Days to go

Rabindra Sarabjeet (left) accepts the best bowler prize from Jai Kishun.

rt o p S

Scorpions depending on bowling against Jaguars

CWI Regional First-Class C/Ships

P. 31

Skipper Johnson looks for improvement today following two losses

Providence Stadium will be the battle ground for today’s game and preparations have been affected by bad weather. (Sean Devers photos)

Antigua pitch faces ICC sanction in wake of Windies series win P. 29

Stuart Broad removed Roston Chase’s off stump (and left him on his knees). (Associated Press)

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