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AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Female student detained over UG bomb threats

Saturday Edition February 09, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 06

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 115,901

Poll preparations would take 148 days

Chief Elections Officer says...

9 months required for House-to House registration - GECOM GECOM CEO overstepping his bounds - PPP Commissioners Chinese trio gets two Kitty man charged with months for illegal entry execution-style killing - allegedly fled murder charge abroad

of security guard

The three Chinese nationals

Roderick Thomas

- Co-accused still hospitalised

Bodies from LJP Leader, Lenox PPP had also “illegally” Shuman, relinquishes Essequibo River raised tendering threshold Canadian citizenship mishap found - Cabinet documents indicate

Man collects $2M by impersonating ...Son in jail for pretending Health Minister to be First Lady Appointing AG as External Auditor for Natural Resource Fund a wrong move - NRGI

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 09, 2019

PAGE 03

Chief Elections Officer says...

Poll preparations would take 148 days I

t would take the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) 148 days to make adequate preparations for the conduct of General and Regional Elections. However, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield says that the commencement of such preparations will have to wait until the Commission, headed by Chairman James Patterson, instructs him to do so.

Present yesterday at a GECOM press conference when Lowenfield made this assertion were Chairman Patterson, Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, and Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Meyers.

Lowenfield said that he, as well as the members of the commission, is considering all options, so that he could address issues in a way that fairly considers the concerns of all stakeholders. He explained that there is a protocol that would have to be adhered to, in order for

GECOM to get ready for free and fair elections.

Lowenfield's Deputy, Roxanne Meyers, told members of the media that, if elections were to be scheduled for March 19, Nomination Day would have had to have occurred by the end of January, effectively ruling out any possibility of an election occurring before the 90-day deadline.

Furthermore, Lowenfield said that the law states that “nomination should be held not less than 32 days before elections”. He said that it would take 18 days after final approval of the nominations, provided that there are no hiccups in that process, for the foreign service provider to produce and transport the ballots and other election materials of the parties who would have successfully passed the nomination process.

Those ballots would need to be returned, at best, 21 days before Election day, for GECOM to facilitate voting of

GECOM Chairman, James Patterson (left), and Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield non-resident Guyanese working in all Guyana's High Commissions, Embassies and Consulates, he said.

This timeline, however, would be set on the assumption that the commission is already fully prepared for General and Regional Elections, which it is not. GECOM would still have to consider training. Although t r a i n i n g c o u l d o c c ur

Bodies from Essequibo River mishap found

B

o a t op e r a t o r s yesterday recovered the bodies of 50-year-old farmer Ravi Chutie and 56-year-old Ozard Russell, who drowned on Tuesday following an accident in the Essequibo River. The badly disfigured remains were found between 07:00h and 10.30h yesterday.

The two reportedly drowned after Chutie fell from a boat and Russell attempted to save him.

Both men were said to have been imbibing heavily prior to the accident.

Kaieteur News was informed by residents that prior to leaving for their

home village, both men were drinking at Hubu Koker.

Janet Robinson, the wife of Ravi Chutie, was the lone survivor and sole witness to the incident. She has told investigators that although the water was rough, her husband was sitting with one of his feet hanging over the edge of the boat.

She said that he overbalanced and fell.The woman said that Russell, who was manning the vessel, stopped the boat and jumped overboard to rescue his friend. However, both men were overpowered by the waves. Janet said that Chutie first went down and Russell was trying to swim back to

Ozard Russell the boat while shouting for help, when a huge wave covered him. Relatives of the victims were at the Ezekiel Funeral Home late yesterday to identify the bodies.

This publication was told that the three persons were not wearing life jackets at the time of the tragedy.

concurre n t l y w i t h t h e nomination day and acquisition of materials process, the training alone would take 105 days.

“For us to conduct elections, it has to be staffed.

At the moment, if elections are to be held, we'd have an estimation of 2,300 polling stations. Even if I utilize 20 training teams at schools across Guyana, [this] would see us taking a minimum of 7-9 weeks, to ensure we train in all these regions.”

He said that Region 3 has 327 polling stations.

Minimally, that region would require 1,035 Election-day staff. If 20 teams train on one weekend with an adequate turnout of participants, that exercise would take GECOM one weekend, Lowenfield explained. In this regard, he also disaggregated the quantities of polling stations and Election-day staff required for those polling stations, in all ten administrative regions, laying out the timeline that would amount to 7-9 weeks.

“I cannot run an election in part of Guyana. The election is pan-Guyana; Guyana Elections. The staff needs to train. One shudders to think that there's going to be a polling station without an

attending Presiding Officer or Assistant Presiding Officer.

Then, someone could very well say 'Let's close the elections down, because GECOM is not ready'”.

This 105-day training timeline, he said, doesn't yet consider that the CEO must make a 'second pass' to all regions to ensure that all polling stations are adequately staffed. “If, when I got to region 6, I do not have the required amount of staff, I will have to pass again, or with any region, for that matter, to make a second move to ensure the required complement of staff are in location. “He rebuked suggestions that all the staff could be trained within a month, since it would require taking teachers out of school, who make up the bulk of the trainers. In this case, he said, training could occur every day and itstillwould not be enough to staff all polling stations.

The CEO also noted that it's not enough for the secretariat to reuse the Local Government Elections-trained staff; that the staff must be retrained for General and Regional Elections.

If the secretariat rushed the process, he said, many undesirable situations could be created for the commission,

which would call the freeness and fairness of the election into question.

When the CEO gave the July timeline as the earliest possible date for Regional Elections on February 1 last, Meyers noted, he made it on the presumption that the secretariat would be given an immediate directive to kick into operation mode, counting five months from February to July. She said that, as time passes, that timeline will shift. Hence, as of today, that timeline would be July 9, 2019.

Asked what it would take for the commission to effect a vote on whether the GECOM secretariat should kick into preparation mode, GECOM Chairman Patterson declined to answer, saying that the Chairman of the Commission does not speak for the Commission.

Kaieteur News

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Friday February 08, 2019

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 The citizens of Venezuela have become pawns in a global power. 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 diehard leftists, and a young legislator propelled to the front by popular demonstrations.

In part because of the Trump administration’s all-in 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 likeminded. 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.

But it is not all about Trump. Venezuela’s problem is more than people being opposed to the Maduro administration. It is about pressure largely from outside the country. Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, was strong.

He was also well-loved by his people to the extent that the country voted for Chavez to enjoy an extended presidency.

Had he not died he would not have been in the predicament that Maduro has found himself.

It is not that the United States was not seeking to topple the Chavez Government. It is not that the United States was not prepared to blacklist Venezuela. But such actions would not have gained traction in the country.

Maduro does not enjoy such a popular support. In fact, the people opposed to him in their numbers are actually reaching out to the United States and its allies.

Sadly, Maduro has distanced himself from so many of his neighbours that his could be a case of Grenada which came under attack because its neighbours supported the invaders. Many countries in the Organization of American States of which Venezuela is a member would not be opposed to see Venezuela invaded.

But what happens in Venezuela is affecting all its neighbours, some more affluent that others. Guyana is one of the lesser affluent ones and it is affected, if only because of the migration of Venezuelans.

(With extracts from New York Times)

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

A constitutional conundrum DEAR EDITOR, The Attorney General has filed appeals against the Chief Justice’s ruling in two of the three cases filed in relation to the No-Confidence Motion: the case filed by the AG and the case filed by Christopher Ram. The attorneyat-law for Joseph Harmon has also lodged an appeal. There is no doubt that the lawyers for Compton Reid will also appeal in due course. The Leader of the Opposition will not appeal, as he is not dissatisfied with any material aspect of the Chief Justice’s decisions.

I wish to make it emphatically clear that none of the appeals filed, nor any which may be filed, has, or will have the effect of staying the rulings made by the Honourable Chief Justice. Indeed, I maintain that the Chief Justice merely granted, what in law, is called “declarations”.

For example, her Honour declared that the No-Confidence Motion was validly passed; that Charrandass Persaud’s dual citizenship disqualified him from being elected to sit in Parliament; that notwithstanding that disqualification, his vote remain valid; that 33 votes were sufficient to pass the No-Confidence Motion; that the Cabinet “was resigned” upon the passing of the No-Confidence Motion and that the Government must remain in office, notwithstanding its defeat, and that elections must be held within three months of the date that the No-

Confidence Motion was passed; and that the Government must resign when a new President is sworn-in, consequent upon those elections.

A microscopic examination of those pronouncements made by the Chief Justice will lead to the ineluctable realization that the learned Hearing Judge made no coercive or injunctive orders. In other words, no part of the rulings compelled any act to be done, or prohibited, any act from being done.

Therefore, there is simply nothing to “stay”, nor conserve, nor preserve. The rulings consisted merely of declarations in respect of the status quo in accordance with interpretations placed upon the relevant constitutional p r o v i s i o n s . S i g n i f i c a n t l y, t h e Constitution does not vest in the Judiciary any power, or authority, to stop that three months period for the holding of elections after a successful No-Confidence Motion, from running.

In consequence, there is no Court within the hierarchical judicial structure that can lawfully make any order, which can have the impact of delaying the elections, irrespective of the circumstances.

It is not that the framers of the Constitution failed to address their minds to the eventuality of an extension of time. They certainly did so, as is reflected in Article 106 (7) of the C o n s t i t u t i o n . H o w e v e r, t h e y sagaciously vested that power, not in the

Judiciary, but in the Legislature, to be exercised by virtue of a two-thirds majority vote, should the circumstances warrant such an extension.

In the same mould, GECOM, the body exclusively charged by the Constitution with the holding of elections, has no discretion, and is certainly not empowered to plea a lack of readiness to hold elections, when elections are due. Under the Constitution, elections are due at any time fixed by the President by way of a Proclamation, or in cases otherwise determined by the Constitution, for example, within three months after the passage of a No-Confidence Motion.

When either of these circumstances manifest itself, GECOM must be ready to hold elections. The Constitution offers no alternative. The current state of affairs, which documents the President and his Government’s refusal to comply with the Constitution and the pronouncements of the Chief Justice, coupled with GECOM’s lack of readiness to hold elections when they are constitutionally due, have the conjoint effect of catapulting the nation’s state of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana into the realm of unconstitutionality and an anarchic existence, not witnessed in the Caribbean, perhaps, since the Grenadian “revolution” in 1983.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

The Council of Legal Education and a flood of Caribbean Lawyers DEAR EDITOR, The advent of the Council of Legal Education (CLE) in the region in 1973 has prompted hundreds of Caribbean nationals, including myself, to read law, because they did not have to travel thousands of miles to London in the bitter cold at fantastic costs. And now after 45 years, the Caribbean-trained lawyers have completely taken over not only the Courts and important legal departments, but a few are heads of government and state.

The Jamaican government first started to offer scholarships to bright young police officers to read law, since they had access to the University of the West Indies and the Norman Manley Law School (NMLC), and later, the Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados governments followed suit. In Guyana, officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) took legal training and today there are several officers and former officers who are lawyers and several active politicians read law, because

it was convenient for them to do so in the region, including Robert Corbin and Moses Nagamootoo.

Today, nearly all the judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the highest court of the land are Caribbean-trained, including President Adrian Saunders, a 1977 graduate, and the Chief Justices and Heads of the Judiciary of nearly all the countries in the Englishspeaking countries received their legal training in the region. There are three laws schools, Norman Manley in Jamaica, Hugh Wooding in Tr i n i d a d a n d E u g e n e Dupuch in the Bahamas, and one can only gain entry until he or she obtains a Bachelors of Law Degree (LLB).

The University of Guyana offers LLB degree courses and a few other institutions in the region also. Guyana’s quota is 25 per year, which some feel is inadequate, and as a result there was an attempt for Guyana to have its own law school.

I should point out that before the Republic can achieve this, it must first

obtain approval from the Council of Legal Education (CLE).

Belizean law students have difficulties in securing places at the NMLC, especially those who secured their LLB degree from the University of Guyana.

Belizean UG graduates must pass a qualifying examination before they can gain entry.

I should point out also that even English-trained lawyers cannot be admitted to practice in the region without a CLE certificate.

They can do so after doing a six-month stint at one of the three law schools.The

introduction of legal training in the region is the reason why the Caribbean is flooded with lawyers, and some feel that there are far too many and the governments should focus on other disciplines.

There is need for more agriculturalists, engineers, technical personnel like mechanics, carpenters, etc.

In Guyana, with the possibility of a massive oil boom, there is need for technical training in this area, and it is time that those in authority focus in this direction and not allow foreigners to take full control of the industry.

Oscar Ramjeet

Not again at our educational institutions!

DEAR EDITOR, Recently, named educational institutions were affected by bomb and gun threats, and immediately I call upon all decentminded citizens to condemn this new development in our country. The cyber-crime unit of the Guyana Police Force must work hard to bring the person/s involved to justice. ‘’Education is #1".In the future we may have to look seriously at 24-hrs, automated software-led or human-led cyber surveillance systems for protection.

Yours Co-operatively, Parmanand Ram

Guyanese must be vigilant to guard ruled that the Constitution is our democracy very clear and that she saw DEAR EDITOR, As everyone knows the APNU/AFC government tried to overturn the passage of the motion of no-confidence brought against it by the Opposition Leader, Doctor the Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo. They first unsuccessfully tried to get the Speaker of the National Assembly, Doctor The Hon. Barton Scotland to reverse himself and rule that the motion was not properly passed. With admirable impartiality, the Speaker refused to change his decision.

In a desperate bid to hang on to power at any cost, the Government moved to the Court seeking declarations that the motion was not properly passed because it required a vote of 34 members of the National Assembly. It essentially argued the majority of the 65 members in the Assembly was 34 and not the 33 who voted in favour.

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 08, 2019

The Hon. Chief Justice on February 6, released the transcript of her oral opinion given on January 31. She forcefully rejected the government’s position, at times insinuating the arguments advanced by the government were an insult of the intelligence of most rightthinking persons. The government relied on an obscure case from Vanuatu, which has a completely different constitution from that of Guyana.

With the passage of the motion of no-confidence, the Constitution required the resignation of the President and Cabinet, and the calling of new elections within ninety days, or by March 21st. The government argued that it was not practical for the President and the Cabinet to resign, as it wanted to exhaust all its appeals in the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Chief Justice

Correcting History as a Fitting Tribute is Made to Valerie Rodway DEAR EDITOR, I was pleased to read in the 6th February 2019 issue of the Kaieteur News that the Government of Guyana intends to honour Ms. Valerie Rodway on the centenary of her birth. I think a postage stamp with her image is a fitting tribute to her contribution as a teacher and musician.I must however hasten to add, as the daughter of Vere T Daly, Guyanese Historian (A Short History of the Guyanese People and the Making of Guyana), Author and Writer of the ‘Hymn for Guyana’s Children’, I believe it is my duty to my father, my family and to posterity to correct the misconception given on the website of the Ministry of the Presidency and published in your newspaper that Ms. Rodway penned the words to the song ‘Hymn for Guyana’s Children.’ \In a similar way that she set Martin Carter’s poem to music, Ms Rodway wrote the musical score for ‘Hymn for Guyana’s Children.’ Attributing the words of the song to her therefore, would be diminishing my father’s legacy.

I have written to the Ministry of the Presidency, asking for the correction to be made on its website from which I presume you got your information.

I write to you now as a member of the Fourth Estate, with responsibility for educating the Guyanese people through the publication of both current and historical facts. I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper.

Olney Daly

no exigencies that would shorten that period.

The government tried to convince the Court to issue an Order that would freeze everything until its appeals are exhausted. The government strenuously argued for such an Order, but the Opposition was forcefully against it. The Court refused to grant such an Order, which means the elections MUST be held by March 31, 2019.There have been reports in the press that GECOM does not see itself for elections until sometime in July 2019. So, GECOM feels it has more powers than the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Hon. Chief Justice? Local Government elections were held about six months ago using the same list. A suspicious person could conclude that there is a conspiracy between GECOM and the government to postpone elections as long as they could. The position adopted by the government and GECOM does not bode well for the future. The Constitution and the voice of the people do not matter to them.

Why is the APNU/AFC government afraid to hold prompt elections? Guyanese must be vigilant to guard our democracy. It is pleasing that the international community appears to be concerned and is watching developments in Guyana. But, we Guyanese have to stand up and be counted. We do not need a Maduro-type government.

Democracy must prevail!

Sincerely, Randy Depoo

These actions are antithetical to democratic principles DEAR EDITOR, I write to counter the numerous and insistent misrepresentations, inadequacies and deliberate confusion surrounding the no-confidence motion, which have seemingly influenced the utterances and posturing of many individuals and organisations, local and foreign, and to express my concern at the steady and determined movement towards destabilization of the state.

Firstly, it is my contention that President David Granger has upheld the dignity and duty of the office of the President, throughout this saga and always, and has violated neither the spirit nor letter of the Constitution by maintaining his government in office.

According to article 92: “A person assuming the office of President in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution shall, unless his or her office becomes vacant under article 178, continue in office until the person elected to the office of the President at the next election held under article 91 assumes office”. Subsequent articles 93 & 94 articulate reasons for his removal from office and these do not include a no-confidence motion.

Article 99 (1) says that “the executive authority of Guyana shall be vested in the President and, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, may be exercised by him or her either directly or through officers subordinate to him or her. Regarding the tenure of the Prime Minister and Ministers of the Government article 104 states that “Article 101(1) and 103(2) shall have effect in relation to any period between a dissolution of parliament and the day on which the next election of members of the Assembly is held pursuant to the provisions of article 61, as if Parliament had not been dissolved.

This would seem to be contradicted by article 103(6) “ The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by a vote of a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”, or not by article 103(7) “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution

supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”.

From the foregoing it would seem abundantly clear, and constitutionally correct, for the President and his government to remain in office until a new President is sworn in. In fact any abdication of his presidential duties would be tantamount to dereliction of duty, which would be unthinkable to him and any patriotic Guyanese. The Constitution makes no provision for a titular, ceremonial or nonexecutive President and a caretaker or partial government.

Regarding the holding of elections several issues do not seem to have been adequately addressed. The articles of the constitution that relate to the no-confidence motion make absolutely no reference to the tenure, or dissolution of Parliament and proclamation of a date for elections by the President, National Assembly or the Judiciary.

Article 61 states that “an election of members of the National Assembly under article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation…”

The President has neither dissolved parliament nor has he proclaimed a date for elections. The Chief Justice has upheld, and article 103 (7) has made clear, that the National Assembly may also determine a date for the holding of new elections arising from the noconfidence motion as an alternative to the end of March 2019 deadline.

The National Assembly continues to sit, until dissolved, and I am encouraged it may yet do so, particularly since it would appear that MPs may vote, a la Charrandass, their consciences, and against their Party List.

Moreover, GECOM which has a responsibility to advise the President of its readiness for such elections, and may by article 162 (1) cause the postponement for cause, is still to advise the country of a possible timeline for elections.

(Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

A case of pot calling kettle black DEAR EDITOR, This is my response to a front-page news article entitled ‘Poor Parking’, published in Kaieteur News on January 29, 2019 What type of person causes unnecessary disruption to traffic, by parking his containers (on one occasion two forty-foot containers at the same time) and vehicle without apparent concern for the community and travelling public? By doing so, he is preventing delivery trucks and other large vehicles, etc. from passing.

What type person erects illegal fixtures on the pavement in front of his building, just to prevent anyone from parking without his permission whilst he and his workers park their vehicles on other people’s pavements in the area?

What type of person causes structural damage to the road (Duke Street) as a result of the many heavy

equipment, cement lorries, container trucks etc , during the construction of his build-

ing without the slightest interest in repairing the damage, thus causing water to lodge after a rainfall?

This person is a bully who has little or no regard for the community and is someone who apparently perceives himself as untouchable, maybe because of his wealth and influential contacts whilst targeting a small man striving to make a living.

Selwyn Powlett

Saturday February 09, 2019

The new ASYCUDA System at ...

From page 4 announcements and public engagements. Like any new system, there will be many hiccups and shortfalls. However, timely human intervention has mitigated the effect.

Agents are slowly getting onboard and the GRA with its “no-one left behind” plan has been assiduously working with all stakeholders to build a robust system that will benefit everyone in the long run.

Surely, the benefits to be derived will far outweigh the brevity of the present hiccups being faced.

Contrary to the popular belief that the TRIPS system allowed importers to submit advance manifests and pay taxes before the arrival of goods, the public needs to be informed that even though envisaged, this module of TRIPS was never fully developed and only partially implemented.

Because of this partial implementation, the system encouraged staff to spend lengthy time perusing the submissions documents, which ultimately resulted in demurrage charges and profiling being done only until after the vessel arrived.

The submission of the electronic manifest through ASYCUDA now allows for the GRA to conduct profiling before arrival of the vessel and most of the documents are processed and containers released without much Customs intervention.

Further, officers will be properly monitored through the system and they were instructed to process declarations without delay, since our Post Clearance Audit Unit (PCAU) is well trained to detect infractions after goods have been released.

The GRA has entered into a programme of Trade Facilitation as recommended by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and persons qualifying (trusted traders) would have their documents and cargo released within one or two days.

The Piloting of the e-SAD commenced from September 14, 2018 and the NPT has been monitoring the progress.

Where there are errors/discrepancies corrections and assistance are provided immediately upon request.

It should be noted, however, and because of additional controls, that ASYCUDA World does not facilitate processing of e-SAD declarations without a Waybill because of the new controls that are now available in AW that were previously not available in TRIPS. Mr. Nadir’s final comment on the inability to lodge declarations unless the manifests are registered and waybills are validated is correct.

This control is integral to the system and allows for reconciliation between manifests, shippers and waybills, hence the reason why the GRA has been advocating that Carrier Agents register the Ship’s Manifest once it leaves the last port.

This in turn will allow the importers sufficient time to input and submit their e-SAD declarations and have them processed within a reasonable time frame.

Consequently, if these vessels subsequently berth at ports such as Jamaica and Trinidad, the additional containers loaded or off-loaded can be amended in AW. However, the Carrier Agents (whom GRA has no control over) being accus-

tomed to the old system, have shown some reluctance to register the Manifests when the ship leaves the last port of call, despite GRA’s attempts to have them do so.

The Authority only hopes with this response, this state of affairs is now in the public domain and the Carrier agents will comply thereby mitigating this effect on the affected importers and stakeholders.

The Authority is also encouraging importers to submit true and correct invoices, to avoid queries and delays at the level of EPU (CPU). Importers in particular, are advised to contract the services of Licensed Customhouse Brokers who are trained and certified in AS Y C U D A World.

In addition, Brokers are reminded to save and store their declarations and review them prior to submission into the system thereby minimizing the associated mistakes of the submission since once submitted, the declaration cannot be amended. This will serve to minimize the mistakes of incorrect TIN, Names of Importers, CIF and FOB and Office of Destination/Registration.

The Revenue Authority wishes to reiterate it commitment to facilitating trade and to improve on the various services offered.

As we continue to improve the piloting of AW, GRA welcomes these type of constructive criticisms and with the assistance of all stakeholders, we will continue to strive to make this software function to its maximum capabilities for a full roll out in the second quarter of 2019.

Godfrey Statia Commissioner-General

There is no mercury pollution of ...

From page 4 agencies provide guidance, supervision and training to our members as it relates to proper mining practices, occupational health and safety, social protection and its related laws as well as Environmental issues.

Also, a system of accountability as it relates to the gold produced and the sale of the same.

It is also our intention to have the various law enforcement entities integrated within the activities of the Rupununi Miners’ Association for all the obvious reasons.

It is also the intention of the Rupununi Miners’ Association to institute an administrative structure in order to have its functions and operations organized in an orderly manner.

It must be stated at this point that the Rupununi Miners’ Association was in negotiation with the relevant authorities was early as September 2018 to bring to fruition the situation which commenced a few weeks ago.

It so happened that the Romanex Company took the initiative to jump start the process and for that we of

the Rupununi Miners’ Association are most grateful.

This must be stated as our detractors would want people to believe that this turn of events came about due to recent prevailing political situation.

It is my personal wish, and that of the body I represent, the Rupununi Miners’ Association, that all stakeholders, especially the SRDC will all work harmoniously towards the development and betterment of our communities, peoples and nation.

Please permit me to advise Bro. Fredericks to revisit the story about the little boy that cried wolf.

Regards, Marlon Johnson, President, Rupununi Miners’ Association

Saturday February 09, 2019

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Kaieteur News

GECOM CEO overstepping his bounds - PPP Commissioners

By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Those who sit on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in representation of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), are of the opinion that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, is overstepping his bounds. In fact, the PPP/ C-nominated Commissioners—particularly Robeson Benn—believe that Lowenfield is acting in harmony with a “broader strategy” to delay the holding of General and Regional Elections.

PPP/C Commissioners, Benn and Sase Gunraj, hosted a press conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader yesterday. This was hours after Lowenfield hosted his own press conference.

Commissioner Benn was keen to point out that Lowenfield represents the GECOM Secretariat and not the actual Commission.

“As far as I am concerned, GECOM will only pronounce on that matter when all the Commissioners would have sat down and voted on the issue. Lowenfield cannot go by himself and say that he cannot be ready because he needs 105 days…I am disregarding—completely—the notion that elections has to be held in 105 days; that is my personal position.”

Benn said that the pronouncements made by Lowenfield are not GECOM’s positions, “The CEO is not a

commissioner. The Commission is the Chairman and six Commissioners.”

Benn referred to online media reports that the Chairman, James Patterson, declined to answer questions from the media on certain issues. Benn said, “The Chairman is an old judge and juror and all these things. He probably knows why he was silent.

Lowenfield is not authorized to speak on this matter because there was no vote.”

Benn opined that there is no option beyond the March deadline.

He noted that the Commissioners were not invited to the press conference to give any other opinion “which would have been a fair thing to do and would not have left us with having to come here to rail against it.”

Benn said that the Constitution does not give Lowenfield the authority to delay election, but instructs him to be ready on demand.

“CEO Lowenfield’s business and duty is to prepare for an election,” said Benn. He added that instead of complying with the constitution, GECOM Secretariat is either deliberately, or out of fear, making all efforts to delay elections. Benn said that Lowenfield is “creating opportunities, in my view, for bigger problems down the road.” Commissioner Gunraj told the media that Lowenfield’s pronouncements yesterday would only fuel anxiety. He said that he

GECOM Commissioner, Robeson Benn

GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj

could not understand the change in Lowenfield’s position all of a sudden, when the Secretariat had originally said that elections could have been held in the prescribed period. He said that weeks back, the Commission was given a list of options. The first option presented to the Commission in January was the holding of election by the constitutionally mandated deadline. “It was labeled option one. Later on we were told that no priority was given to that option. But the fact that it was presented as an option means that the Secretariat contemplated the holding of election in that time.”

Gunraj said that it is now very disturbing that the Secretariat is presented all “airyfairy” stories about why elec-

tions cannot be held in the prescribed time.

Gunraj noted too that when the Secretariat originally presented that option to act in accordance with the constitution, it did not give any reason that should cause GECOM not to be able to meet the deadline.

Gunraj said that GECOM commissioners were only recently presented work plans.

He said that in the first set of documents, the secretariat said that it needed a 90-day period for training - that period was then shifted to 105 days. He said that the extension was all within a week. “I shudder to think by next week what number of days will be required.” The Commissioner said that the PPP sees all of “these tactics” as mere mechanisms for delay.

But, just like Benn, Gunraj reminded, “The constitution has presented one option that is, to hold election within 90 days.” Gunraj went further

9 months required for House-to House registration – GECOM Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Meyers, says that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat has calculated that House-to-House Registration would take nine months to be conducted. She made this disclosure at a press conference yesterday at GECOM’s Kingston office, in the presence of Chairman of GECOM, James Patterson; Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; and GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward.

Funds were set aside for the execution of House-toHouse registration in Budget 2019. However, Meyers said that the passing of the NoConfidence Motion in the National Assembly on December 21 last year put GECOM’s plans for House-to-House registration on a shelf.

Despite this, the Commission asked the Secretariat to provide House-to-House Registration as an option to remedy the current Constitutional dilemma. The technical analysis, by the secretariat, revealed that House-toHouse Registration would

take nine months.

Even though the 90-day Constitutional deadline of March 19, 2019 is a month earlier than the date the Official List of Electors (OLE) would expire, GECOM’s Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, ruled out the possibility of General and Regional Elections occurring before that deadline, because GECOM would require 148 days to adequately prepare for such elections.

Thus, House-to-Registration is an option that is being considered to develop a new OLE. If continuous registration is held, in lieu of Houseto-House, then that process would take 28 days, with an additional week being set aside for claims and objections. PRO Ward said that the current OLE lists 633,155 voters, while the National Registrar of Registrants (NRR) lists 663,365 persons. The reason for this difference is because the last sets of continuous registration, as they should, considered the teenagers that would turn 18 by the next election date. That date could not have pre-empted the No-Con-

fidence motion. Hence, not all of the persons on that list would be eligible to vote, if elections are held this year.

Several contentions were raised by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) to support their advocacy for House-to-House registration this year. These included the removal of dead persons from the list, the addition of new voters, and the updating of electors’ addresses.

With the nine-month timeline given by the Secretariat, House-to-House would conclude by December of this year, if it were to commence today, causing a possible Election Day to move closer to the date set out by the Constitution under normal circumstances, than the March 19 deadline.

However, Lowenfield said that the Secretariat must wait on the directive from the Commission in order to start preparing.

Chairman Patterson declined to reveal when the Commission would give a directive, or when it would vote on the way forward.

to state, “It is not within the domain of the Guyana Elections Commission to speak about any extension about holding elections. That is the function of the National Assembly, which requires a twothirds majority. It is the responsibility of GECOM to be prepared for the holding of elections when it is called upon to do so.”

Gunraj said that the Constitution which gives rise to GECOM is calling on it to hold elections in a particular timeline. “So to come and say that we cannot hold election and that there is some room for extension is hogwash.”

WITHOUT MERIT Benn had more to say. He told the media that attempts

by GECOM Secretariat to delay are blatant but without merit. Recalling that GECOM only recently conducted elections, Benn said that he does not understand how GECOM is claiming a certain level of ill-preparedness, when training would have been conducted just last year, and when there is a valid list.

Benn said that he does not understand, “this business of having to check ink and these things.” He said that the checking of ink and other measures should have been met a long time ago.

“We should have had questions as to their availability since December 22 when we heard that they had the first meeting in respect of elections, as a consequence of the no-confidence vote.

For them to come now saying that there are issues of procurement of sensitive items is disingenuous.”

He continued, “These items can be procured in a

week…In fact they exist in some measure, and I said to them at the conclusion of the meeting that you’ve just got to call the election commission of Jamaica or Barbados or Trinidad to get some from them.”

Benn then spoke about how hard it is for the Commissioners to extract information out of GECOM Secretariat. He highlighted that it took a long time for Commissioners to even be presented with a work plan. He said that when General and Regional Elections were held in 2015 after Parliament was prorogued on the threat of a no-confidence motion, Commissioners were promptly presented with a GECOM work plan.

But it is way different now, according to Benn. He said “the only reason I could summarize for this kind of behaviour is that this is a tactic in GECOM which goes along with a bigger strategy out there to delay the holding of national elections as is constitutionally mandated, and this is extremely worrying.”

Benn said that he does not understand why 105 days would be needed for training, even when GECOM said that it is mostly teachers who have to be trained.

“They keep saying they have to train teachers. We have pointed out that the work for General Elections is much simpler than LGE (Local Government Elections). It is of a simpler format and can be imparted quickly, particularly for those who were just trained for local government.

Even those who may be new, it is not a difficult thing to impart. I do not know that teachers are so dunce.”

Cops capture manslaughter convict who killed labourer An all-night police stakeout has resulted in the capture of 33-year-old Paul Charles, who was wanted for stabbing a labourer to death at Foulmouth Village, Essequibo River.

A police official said that Charles was arrested yesterday afternoon in the village by ranks who had staked out the area since Thursday night.

Kaieteur News understands that the suspect has admitted to his involvement in the stabbing incident which resulted in the death of 32-year-old Cedric Williams.

The slain man is reportedly related to a woman that Charles was convicted of killing some nine years ago.

Police allege that Charles, who is from Foulmouth, killed Williams shortly after midnight on Thursday.

According to reports, Williams, Charles, and Charles’s sister were imbibing ‘High Wine’ at the Foulmouth landing when an argument erupted between Williams and Charles over the suspect’s conviction for the death of a woman.

Police said the suspect became annoyed and stabbed Williams in the neck with a knife.

He then fled.

Williams was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Captured: Paul Charles The suspect was just 23 when he was charged for murdering Patricia Williams, a female boat operator, whose body was found floating in Essequibo River in late 2009. The killing was said to be an act of revenge.

He was subsequently convicted for manslaughter and served a ten-year sentence.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 09, 2019

Female student detained over UG bomb threats A female student of the University of Guyana has been arrested and is being investigated in relation to two bomb threats at the institution this week.

The incident has caused UG to close its doors this week, pending the introduction of enhanced security.

According to officials, the student has been identified as Diane Jaffarally, 2 7 .

She was initially incorrectly identified as the daughter of Faizal Jaffarally, the Region 5 Campaign Manager for the People’s Progressive Party and former parliamentarian.

According to an upset Jaffarally, Diane is his niece, not his daughter.

He disclosed that she was picked up at UG on Thursday and kept overnight in police custody.

Police are saying that her phone was used to make the call.

“The report of the stateowned media says, incorrectly, it is my daughter.

It is meant to embarrass me and my children who both live overseas.”

The woman is said to be an employee at a prominent city advertising company.

According to Latchmie Rahamat, attorney-at-law for the woman, her client has denied the allegations put to her, that she had made any of the bomb threat calls.

Rahamat said that she was working to get her client on bail.

There is also a determination to be made what the offence really was.

“She has completely denied the calls…denied the allegation…”

Police can hold a suspect for 72 hours and seek additional time, if they feel the need.

Family members took to social media to claim that woman’s phone was hacked.

The police said Thursday that while initial security checks at UG found nothing harmless, it appears the threats were carried out by individuals who seem bent on

disrupting the peace.

Bomb threats were made against the tertiary institution on two consecutive days this week which forced the institution to announce on Thursday that it was postponing its operations until Monday.

UG said that the closure of the campus will enable the Administration, staff and student leaders to review the situation and enhance preventive and responsive measures for such threats.

It is believed that the bomb threat situation is linked to similar threats made at a few city secondary schools, including the privatelyoperated School of the Nations, whose Director was recently shot multiple times by an assailant said to be a former student.

In a statement on Thursday, the Guyana Police Force said, “Our investigations have revealed so far that students either by themselves or with other persons decided to be mischievous, and endeavored to disrupt the existing peace and calm in society and specifically in the education sector.”

The Crime Chief and a team of officers on Wednesday evening met with UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, as well as other senior functionaries including the Public Relations Officer, Ms. Paulette Paul, where the prevailing situation was assessed.

Late last evening, Faizal Jaffarally, issued a statement about his niece in custody: Diane Jaffarally is my niece and I love her very much. I have spoken to her concerning the incident at the University of Guyana where it was alleged that she had made calls to that institution threatening to bomb it.

She has vehemently denied all the allegations made against her and I have every reason to believe her. The Police is presently conducting an investigation and if the investigation proves otherwise then the law should

Students leaving UG earlier this week following a bomb threat. take it course.

I am a proud member of the People’s Progressive Party and our Party never condoned or encouraged those type of actions.

I see no reason why the Government mouthpiece (Chronicle and NCN) should politicized this matter and drag my name into it.

I am now consulting with my Lawyers for legal advice……

Meanwhile, the young lady’s family in a separate statement, issued through the lawyer, had this to say: “We, the family and friends of the young woman accused by the Guyana Police Force of involvement in the threats against the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus, wish to address the public in relation to the circulating news items that announced her alleged involvement and other personal details.

Firstly, we wish to categorically deny the allegations levelled against her and will strive to undertake every possible means to ensure that her name is cleared of these claims. The matter is under investigation and, despite being in police custody for more than 24 hours, she has not been formally charged, a strong indication that there is no solid case against her. She has denied

the allegations and we believe that these accusations against her are completely out of character.

Secondly, while we understand the national importance of this matter and respect the Police Force’s need to solve this crime, we believe that she is being used as a scapegoat as pressure mounts against the GPF. Furthermore, the leaking of her name and incorrectly stated family con-

nection hints at a deeper, ulterior motivation; typically, in a matter that is under investigation, the “suspect’s” identity is not revealed until it has reached the level of the court. In this case, she has been publicly lambasted and adjudged guilty before a charge has even been instituted.

We therefore urge members of the public to not be hasty to call for her head on a block without evidence. As

a society, we are too quick to latch on to the first bit of information presented to us, especially in salacious and high profile matters such as this one. However, we must remember that there is a process and that process must be respected. This is a young woman with her life ahead of her; she is a hard worker, a promising UG student, and a kind person.

We hope that the truth will be out soon.”

Man collects $2M by impersonating Health Minister ...Son in jail for pretending to be First Lady A man, who the court heard is serving a jail term at the New Amsterdam Prison for impersonating First Lady Sandra Granger, has once again been implicated in a similar offence.

This time, he allegedly ordered his father to obtain $2.1M worth of credit, by falsely pretending to be Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

However, the man’s father alone was charged for the offence after he appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Azad Ali, 57, a labourer, of Albouystown, denied the charge which stated that, between October 5, 2018 and October 10, 2018, at Georgetown, he conspired with his son, Mohamed Ali and other persons unknown and obtained from Julius Belgrave, $2.1M worth in phone credit, by falsely pretending same was for Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

Facts presented by Police Prosecutor, Sanj Singh stated that the defendant was being investigated since last October, as there was information that he was calling individuals, by pretending to be ministers and highranking officials, and obtaining large sums of monies on their behalves.

The court heard that the defendant’s son, Mohamed Ali, was previously charged for a similar offence, and that the two of them conspired to commit such type of offences.

The man’s lawyer, Dexter Todd in a bail application for his client told the court that his client has never been charged before. He added that the police keep changing the name of the person on the charge, citing that it was first in the name of Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, then First Lady Sandra Granger, and now, Volda Lawrence. He

said he was unclear as to why the names were changed on the charge.

While Prosecutor Singh had no objections to bail being granted to the defendant, he asked that conditions be attached.

The Magistrate, after listening to both sides, released Ali on $100,000 bail. The father of five was instructed to make his next court appearance on February 16.

Mohamed Ali was sentenced to eight years imprisonment in 2015 after being found guilty of fleecing several unsuspecting females, including an elderly women and two school girls, of hundreds of thousands dollars’ worth in jewellery and electronic gadgets.

He was slapped with three counts of simple larceny and two counts of fraudulent conversion charges.

Two years later, while incarcerated, Ali defrauded three persons by impersonating First Lady, Sandra Granger, by falsely pretending that he was in a position to grant them scholarships.

He was sentenced to six months on each of the three charges, after changing his ‘not guilty’ plea to ‘guilty’ during the trial.

Saturday February 09, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Exxon controls all the cards Forty years ago, Guyana was in the doldrums. People had to line up, first for bread, then for food, and then for basic commodities.

Forty years ago, Trinidad and Venezuela were flush with oil wealth. Guyanese running from economic hardships began to migrate to those countries. The tables have turned. Trinidadians are now flocking to Guyana. And Venezuelans are crossing our borders to escape their country’s problems.

Venezuela is now reeling from a severe economic contraction and is fast approaching reaching where Guyana was in the 1980’s. Trinidad’s economy is also experiencing problems.

Trinidad’s oil production is around 66,000 barrels per day of crude oil, way below the 200,000 it was producing in 1980.

Next year, Guyana is expected to kick-start its oil production

with 120,000 barrels per day, conservatively reaching as high as 750,000 barrels by 2025. The initial production from the Liza-1 project is expected to be double the present levels of crude oil production in Trinidad and Tobago.

Oil production is expected to leapfrog Guyana’s economic growth and allow it within the next 10 years to close the gap in per capita incomes between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) stands at US$4,735; Trinidad’s is over US$16,000.

For a long time, it did not seem possible that Guyana could ever close that gap. But things have changed. With oil production expected to vault economic growth, the per capita GDP of Guyana is anticipated to surpass that of Trinidad and Tobago within the next ten years.

Against this background, it was shocking to read a report in yesterday’s edition of the Kaieteur News, in which a senior official of Exxon Mobil was reported as saying that Guyana’s problem is that it is aspiring tomorrow to be where Trinidad is today. He was reported as noting that Trinidad took decades to reach where it reached.

If the oil production in Guyana reaches the levels projected by Exxon over the next ten years, there is no reason why Guyana cannot close the development gap between itself and Trinidad and Tobago. The question to be asked, therefore, is why this seeming attempt to moderate expectations of the oil boon in Guyana. The former United States Ambassador to Guyana has said that Guyana’s GDP can increase by 1,000 percent by 2025, accounting for more than 300 years of growth.

Dem boys seh ...

Family tradition can land you in jail When children do something dat dem parent do, people does seh how dem tek after dem fadda or dem mudda. Long time, if a man was a carpenter then he son woulda be a carpenter; if de man was a plumber then he son was a plumber.

Similarly, if a woman does sew, then she daughters would also sew because dem got to help dem mudda finish some of de clothes she tek in. Imagine Jagdeo lef a legacy dat people don’t want to remember. From de time dem boys seh de word corruption people use to see Jagdeo.

People learn to tek odda people thing, even if dem had to dig it up. People use to break and enter to thief furniture and stove and things like dat. Some people even thief a whole house.

Suh when thiefing run in a family, people does seh is de curse of Jagdeo fall pon de family. A man get eight years in jail and while he deh in jail, he collect two million dollars because he convince people he was de first lady.

He get some more jail time to add to what he get. De next thing dem boys hear is dat he fadda get jail fuh impersonating Volda Lawrence.

Dem boys want to know if people don’t know a man voice from a woman own. De son hustle two million dollars; de fadda collect three million by pretending to be Volda.

Of course, in court he tell de magistrate how he son set up de thing and all he had to do was collect. Which jail man can send anybody to collect money from people fuh wuk he do while he in jail? Now de grandfather start to impersonate somebody. Dis either got to be a family sick or a family profession dat dem learn from Jagdeo. Things like dis don’t happen overnight. Dem boys already talk bout de TV reporter who blackmailing people and collecting money.

De whole story gon buss out by tomorrow. And dis TV reporter learn he trade when Jagdeo was president.

Talk half and y’all betta don’t follow Jagdeo…

With this assessment by the former US Ambassador, one has to ask why there is now an attempt to put a damper on Guyana’s prospects. Why is reference being made that Trinidad and Tobago took decades to reach the level of development it now enjoys?

If Guyana’s GDP expands by more than 1000 percent by 2025, as the former Ambassador said it will, what is to prevent Guyana surpassing Trinidad and Tobago in per capita GDP within one decade.

Trinidad and Tobago’s oil industry is on the downward slide.

The country plans to increases investment in order for a turnaround this year. Even though its production is now at rockbottom levels, it is renegotiating its oil contracts.

Guyana is refusing to do the same. It shortchanged itself during its negotiations with Exxon Mobil. When the APNU+AFC signed the production sharing agreement with Exxon Mobil and partners, there were only about four wells, which were discovered to have oil.

Exxon, in return for production rights, paid Guyana an insulting US$18M as a signing bonus. One economic analyst said that the sum should have been around US$350M. Since then, more wells have been discovered, but no additions are being made to the signing bonus, which by now should have reached more than US$1B. Guyana could have saved the Trinidad oil company by agreeing to sell its share of production to that company. It did

not. So who is going to buy Guyana’s share of profit oil? The answer is not hard to guess.

No wonder Guyanese are being urged not to have high expectations. Exxon controls all the cards in the local oil economy.

And the Trinidadians who have experience in the oil industry will come and absorb all the local content, because the Caribbean Single Market and Economy will allow Trinidadian companies to be treated as local companies, insofar as local content is concerned.

Brazilian shot dead at Cuyuni mining camp Police are questioning a Bartica dredge owner about the shooting death of a Brazilian worker.The incident occurred at a mining camp at Cuyuni.

Kaieteur News understands that the

dredge owner has alleged that the Brazilian had attacked him with a cutlass.

An official said that ranks have travelled to the area and are likely to provide further information today.

PAGE 10

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

My predictions on politics for the months to come I believe the Court of Appeal will uphold the Chief Justice’s ruling. To argue against her decisions is not going to be an easy task. She quoted with pellucid semantics from the constitution, and to my mind, the APNU+AFC submissions are simply a defiance of easy, simple and comprehensible language.

The adjective, “absolute” does not appear in front of the word majority in relation to the article on a no-confidence motion. The Chief Justice quoted from the very constitution to show that the judiciary cannot erase a member’s

vote once it is cast. My opinion is inflexible – the government knew it lost the no-confidence motion and wants to stay on until the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) decides.

I predict that the Appeal Court is not going to grant a stay, but the government is going to repeat the theme – the status quo remains. My guess is that APNU+AFC will lose in the CCJ. Elections will not be called after this.

GECOM will take months before we go to the poll. I predict an election between September and October.

As we prepare for a general poll, the AFC is going to become more aggressive, unethical and rabid. This transformation will be to please the PNC. The AFC knows its survival depends on the generosity of the PNC. The AFC thinks that if it displays hard attitudes and uses pugnacious language, these will cement its relation with the PNC. The AFC also thinks it can blindside the PNC. I am guessing and willing to be bet that there is not going to be any document whatsoever on power-sharing drafted before the elections,

between the PNC and AFC. The Cummingsburg Accord expired in May last year, and there will be no feeling on the part of any PNC leader to renew it.

I can say with almost a hundred percent accuracy, no stalwart that sits in PNC’s hierarchy will argue for a continuation of the contents of the Cummingsburg Accord.

Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan are dreaming. The PNC will not, even with an ephemeral thought flying through the mind of its collective leadership, offer the PM slot to Ramjattan or Nagamootoo. I predict there will be a fight within the AFC between Trotman and Ramjattan over Nagamootoo’s willingness to run back as PM and Ramjattan’s desire to have the nomination.

I am surmising that in the March congress of the AFC, Ramjattan will be nominated and Nagamootoo, sensing he will lose, will withdraw. But the PNC will not go into the election with Ramjattan as the PM candidate.

My prediction is that the PNC will look for a credible East Indian. If it cannot find such a man or woman, it will

likely go with another ethnic pick or a mixed race person. I believe the PNC will look at figures like Stanley Ming, if it cannot find an East Indian. If the other ethnic choices decline, the PNC will go with an African candidate as prime minister. PNC leaders at home and in the diaspora have made up their minds - the AFC should not get the PM slot.

No matter what happens in the country or the diaspora from PPP supporters, Irfaan Ali will remain the PPP’s presidential point man. The three new parties – the Amerindianoriented entity (LJP), ANUG and Federal United in Berbice - will rise and consolidate themselves. This will bring fear and trepidation to both of the ancient sea monsters from Greek mythology – the PPP and PNC. I predict Charrandass Persaud will not come back for the elections, even though he told me he would.

My guess is when asked why he is not involved in the election campaign, Charrandass will say that he fears the vendetta mentality that will be out to get him and he will either be arrested or killed. My advice to those who think Charrandass is their hero, and

Frederick Kissoon want to see him in the thick of things, is not to disappoint themselves. He will not be in Guyana for the elections I am saying with firmness of conviction that NCN and the Chronicle will look like party-owned media outfits when the election season starts.

I believe it is going to be worse than when they were under the control of the PPP regime. My prediction is that the Chronicle will get nasty and poisonous and go after all three of the new parties, renewing its obsession with Lenox Shuman of the Amerindian party. No one in APNU+AFC will give a damn about the party-controlled media. They will say the PPP did it when it was in power, and they should do it too.

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

LJP Leader, Lenox Shuman, relinquishes Canadian citizenship Presidential Candidate of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, has formally notified Canada that he is relinquishing his citizenship to that country.

In a statement, Shuman said that he and Executive Member, Sean Dublin, yesterday morning met with Lillian Chatterjee, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana.

“The courtesy call by Mr. Shuman was to formally inform her of his decision to relinquish Canadian citizenship status. Also, he introduced the Liberty & Justice Party as the newly formed political party now operating in Guyana,” the statement said.

The party is targeting Amerindian votes, vowing to transform the political landscape of recycled politics that over 50 years of questionable governance has not delivered a viable future for Guyanese.

According to the LJP, coming one year before first

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Relinquished Canadian citizenship: LJP Leader Lenox Shuman oil, the upcoming elections will be crucial for Guyana’s future.

The issue of dual citizenship was raised after a December 21st noconfidence motion was carried, heralding fresh elections. Government parliamentarian Charrandass Persaud, a

dual citizen, had supported the motion.While that vote is being challenged in the courts, the fact that Persaud had dual citizenship with Canada became a major issue.

The court recently said it should not be allowed.

Several current parliamentarians reportedly have dual citizenship.

Chinese trio gets two months for illegal entry - allegedly fled murder charge abroad The law seems to have caught up with three Chinese nationals who entered Guyana illegally, after they allegedly ran away from a murder charge.

Yu Ting Lin, Yixiong Zheng, and Dagui Wang appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where, through an interpreter, the illegal entry charge was read out to them.

It was alleged that between December 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 at Lethem, the men entered Guyana by crossing a land frontier and did not present themselves to the nearest immigration officer.

The defendants all pleaded guilty to the charge after it was read to them.

Lin informed the court that he is 44 years old and is a seafood retailer. Zheng told the court that he is 45 years old and does fishing for a living. Wang said that he is 46 years old and a construction worker.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield related the facts of the charge which stated that on February 5, 2019, the defendants were intercepted by police at Port Lethem, where they were asked to present their travel documents.

Upon inspecting the said travel documents, it was observed that none of them had presented themselves to any immigration officer within the shores of Guyana, either before or after arriving.

Statements were obtained from the defendants through an interpreter and they all admitted that they entered

The three Chinese nationals Guyana via bus, and did not present themselves or passports to any immigration officer.

The prosecutor further mentioned that contact was made with law enforcers from China and Brazil and information revealed that the men are wanted in both countries for the criminal offence of murder. Further investigation was carried out, and as a result the defendants were charged with the offence that they are before the court for.

When asked if they had anything to say before sentence was passed, the men stated that the murder allegations against them are false, as it was made up by members of a Mafia gang, and they wished to be extradited back to their homeland for a fair trial for the allegation.

Moreover, the police prosecutor mentioned that he has no knowledge as to what will be done as it relates to the

murder allegation. However, the police force is in acceptance for the defendants to be deported back to their country of origin.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan then sentenced the men to two months in prison for the offence of illegal entry and they are to be escorted to the nearest port of exit at the conclusion of their sentence.

PPP had also “illegally” raised tendering threshold - Cabinet...

From page 11 People’s Progressive Party (PPP), he has information that the Government has “illegally facilitated and created the architecture to corruptly award contracts

40

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 rest r i c t e d tendering and subverts the use of qualifications for this procurement process to be confined to specialized s e r v ices or procurement of highlycomplex items as stated in 26 (1) (a) of the Procurement Act of 2003.” Edghill said that i n l a y m a n ’s t e r m s , t h e action has made it possible to give contracts to unqualified persons and companies for the procurement of Goods and Services and construction.

On T h u r s d a y, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, called on the Public Procurement Commission to investigate what he said was an illegal hike to the threshold…he probably was unaware that his party in Government had done the same.

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 09, 2019

Mastermind in TT sex ring had Guyanese passport - report Tr i n i d a d ( Tr i n i d a d Guardian) -AnAsian mafia connection is fuelling the multimillion dollar world of sex slaves in Trinidad and Tobago, intelligence sources close to the investigation have revealed to Guardian Media. These startling details began to emerge as police gathered more information after cracking what they believe was a major sex and drug ring operating in Western Trinidad on Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, officers of the Special Operations

Response Team (SORT), Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU), Financial Intelligence Branch (FIB) and Child Protection Unit (CPU) arrested at least 18 suspects in West and East Trinidad and rescued 19 South American females.

The young women were rescued from the Stir Fry King Restaurant along Ariapita Avenue in Port-of-Spain, a sprawling house with a swim ming pool along Morne Coco Road near St Anthony's College and an-

other upscale home at 61 Western Circle, Westmoorings. Sources close to the investigation say the Westmoorings home is owned by Edgar Aboud, who rented out the home several months ago to a Chinese national.

Aboud, who spoke briefly by telephone with Guardian Media, distanced himself from the matter, saying he had nothing to do with the incident and “knew nothing about it.”

In fact, Guardian Media was informed that Aboud was in the process of breaking the

ce raided The house in Westmoorings which poli eral Sev ay. nesd during an operation on Wed . ued resc e wer s young South American girl

tenant lease for the property and sources close to the investigation said a termination of lease letter had been placed in the tenant's mailbox some time ago.

Documents of a 33-yearold Chinese national, who police suspect is one of the masterminds of the transnational criminal network and rented the Westmoorings home, were obtained by Guardian Media. The man had a Guyanese passport and a Jamaican license. “You have to remember the Asian network is also next door,” said a source close to the investigation.

The source indicated that the Chinese national was still at large and they were putting things in place to ensure he was captured soon.

The ongoing investigation into this illicit trade continued to un fold as in tel li gence sources described in detail how the underground network had infiltrated almost every corner of the country.

“They want children and they want them high on cocaine and heroin and then deal with their ghosts, because when you get them so high you can do them anything. And is powerful Asian mafia, powerful and I mean powerful!

And their group is not at all an-inclusive group. Their group is an ex clu sive group,” one high-ranking intel li gence source told Guardian Media.

The source explained that the money laundering part of the business went hand in hand with the exploitation of the young girls. “Remember you could buy a girl and sell her over and over and over. So you run your rental and when you done, you sell your rental,” the law enforcement source explained.

The source revealed that girls are brought in batches every six months from Venezuela, mostly via boat, after the arrangements are all made with the help of complicit officials. Girls can fetch up to $10,000 a night to

high-end Asian clientele.

“There is a six-month rotation and when you get rotated you are sold. Remember the customers want new goods all the time. The younger the girls and the prettier, the value goes up. It is the price of the stock,” the law enforcement source said.

Another source explained, “This is people with plenty financial might and plenty networks. Powerful networks that can corrupt systems.

They don't corrupt people.

People are in the system but they corrupt the system because they will get passports, documents stamped, they will corrupt the system, so it's systemic.” The source further explained that the reason this trade has thrived for so long unnoticed was due to the fact that this particular community is dormant.

“They are an underground community that is very vibrant, very underground. What happened is that we exposed that dormant community, people always used to hear about the Asian mafia, but nobody doesn't really know what they mean.

Because they don't come out and make noise, so it is a big challenge for our country to deal with these first-world networks because we deal with gang war, but these, these networks, they are so dynamic, they are so globally networked, that they don't need to use peo ple in Trinidad because they have corrupted and poisoned the system.”

Officers also seized millions of dollars in currency from the Jamlong Casino in Curepe which consisted of US, Sterling Pounds and TT. They were unable to say if this money was in any way connected to the drug and sex ring but are continuing their investigations. Officers FIB were up to late yesterday verifying the exact amount of money they recovered. But sources say it could possibly be more than TT $5 million in total.

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 09, 2019

German bank to fund ranger stations, equipment for three protected areas - Guest House for Kaieteur National Park

M

inister of State J o s e p h H a r m o n yesterday morning met with

a visiting team from the German Development Bank (GDB), which is funding a €4.8M project, titled

A German bank will be funding the construction of a guest house at the Kaieteur National Park.

'Guyana Protected Area System' for the Protected Areas Commission (PAC).

The team, which was led

From left: Dr. Jens Mackensen, Ms. Ingrid Hahn, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Ms. Denise Fraser, Mr. Tilman Jaeger, Mr. Samuel Ebert, and Ms. Ndibi Schwiers

by Dr. Jens Mackensen, Head of Division, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Latin America and the Caribbean, included Mr. Samuel Ebert, Chief Technical Advisor, Guyana Protected Area System; Mr. Tilman Jaeger, Consultant, and Ms. Ingrid Hahn, Project Manager, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Commissioner of the PAC, Ms. Denise Fraser

explained that the team will be travelling to the Protected Areas today to have a firsthand look at what is taking place. She noted that the project will cater primarily to infrastructural needs and will see new ranger stations, office space and even the construction of a guest house.

“There will be a focus on the infrastructure needed for the management of three protected areas; Shell Beach, the Kaieteur National Park and the Kanuku Mountains.

That infrastructure will include ranger stations, administration building and offices, and there will be some equipment for the management of the Protected Areas.

In addition to ranger stations at Kaieteur, there will be a guest house which will make it more economical to fly there. The project also has two other components. One is resource management, which is linked to livelihoods, and this is for the communities that surround the Protected Areas, and the other component is for capacity building,” she said.

Minister Harmon expressed the Government's gratitude to the entity, noting noted that the Project will significantly aid Guyana's vision for a 'green' state. He said that it further cements the commitment of the Government to the preservation of the

environment for this generation and generations to come.

“You have the gratitude of the Government of Guyana for what you've been doing for us and the work you've done here in the Protected Areas.

We are committed to this and I believe that this commitment on the part of the government has been demonstrated over and over again, especially with the promise from President David Granger to put a further two million hectares into Protected Areas. We have embarked on an unmistakable path of conservation. That is the thrust of our development going forward,” the Minister of State said.

Head of the Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers echoed the sentiments shared by Minister Harmon, noting that the Project forms a major part of the 'green' vision and is critical to the achievement of a 'green' state.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mackensen said his team is pleased with the commitment demonstrated by the Government of Guyana towards the protection of the environment, as this is the most important part of the Project. He noted that with the commitment demonstrated, there is no doubt that the project will be successful.

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Barama repositions itself after scaling down operations

During a tour of the facility, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan (centre) speaks with Manager, Mohindra Chan.

M

inister of F i n a n c e Win s to n Jordan says the government will be examining the provision of more concessions for the local manufacturing industry.

While the administration has already made significant inroads in this regard, he said there is still more that could be offered.

The Finance Minister made the comments to employees of the former forestry company Barama, during a tour of the new operations on Thursday.

The Malaysian-owned company, which officially ceased operations in Guyana back in October 2016, is now under the management of Guyanese, however, with a much smaller workforce.

The pullout saw some 600 workers being retrenched.

Today, the company has been “repositioned” and has a new “paradigm shift", according to General Manager, Mohindra Chan.

He said, instead of forestry and logging, the manufacturing company is now focused on the production of Plywood, adding that the company remains the largest in the

Caribbean.

Chan said the intervention by the Coalition Government has made things easier for companies involved in the manufacturing industry and for that, he was sincerely grateful.

“Minister Jordan, you are the minister that has listened to our concerns through the GSMA, and today we have a situation where we do not have to pay VAT on logs, and we do not have to charge VAT on plywood.”

He said it was the Finance Minister who also saw the need to establish a consolidated stockyard, where $50 Million was allocated last year.

While he is disappointed that other industries did not take advantage of it, Barama has made a proposal of how it could make use of the money.

Another intervention by the government, he said, was the $120 Million for forest enumeration. Chan said while Barama is no longer involved in logging, there is still much to be discovered in the industry.

He said the minister also spearheaded the increase of

Newly manufactured plywood

the Common External Tax to be increased in lumber, which has been very effective as there has been a regrowth in the lumber market.

Chan also praised the extensive work done by the administration on the roads in the interior.

H e s a i d t h e inconvenience experienced in the past is no longer there.

According to Chan, going forward with new management, the company hopes to increase its revenue base and re-attract investors. “ W e s e e t h e opportunities to improve the efficiencies and reduce the cost of the operations by the introduction of more modern manufacturing equipment, acquiring of other support equipment and improving waste utilisation,” he said.

Minister Jordan said the government stands with all businesses, especially those in the manufacturing sector.

He reminded that the government reduced the corporation tax for manufacturing businesses to 25 per cent, a very competitive rate in the Caribbean. He assured that the government will not abandon the sector.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 09, 2019

Saturday February 09, 2019

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

SERVICES

FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

1-620 leyland daf engine and gear box $950,000. Front spring, back spring and back def. Contact 650-0402/6031402

Mini excavator $8,800 per hour, also Bobcat service available. Tel#623-0290

Prime Business Spot, opposite Gafoors in Parika.

Contact# 650-0402/603-1402

2 bedroom bottom flat inside washroom, opposite govt school, next to main road, centre street, Lusignan ECD. Call: 642-2678

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600

Pluck chicken $290 per lb, 25 lbs and over, free delivery, white and brown eggs.

Tel#219-2170/225-0480/2259304

Shermar’s Trucking ServiceTransport to any part of Guyana 24 hours #619-1490/ 699-8490/225-9666

One bedroom self-contained apartment at Parfaite Harmony #225-6571

Pure German Shepherd pups, Riumzeight Gardens WCD. #269-0671/688-1656

1 Two bedroom apartment $35,000 at Diamond, E.B.D Tel#613-7478

1 85 Daf Hauler $1.3M, 1 40 feet trailer $6050. Tel#694-1258

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

HEALTH

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924

TAXI SERVICE

HOUSE PLAN TO BE DRAWN OR ESTIMATES. CALL 216-0671/ 692-8464/ 622-0267

EDUCATION Care for elderly/care for children First Aid and CPR programmes: 227-4881/2323878

GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) DRESSMAKING

Support worker/ caregiver programme train to work as inhome caregiver in Canada. #227-4881/232-3878

Learn to Cut & Sew at Enid’s Dressmaking classes.

Tel#223-9106

PEN PAL

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

Need a friend for a serious relationship. Call Mike #6988360 No Text Please

1 bedroom apt for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly. Light and Water included. Lodge. Call: 6230076

1 foreign used komatsu excavator for sale, 2010, 3,103 hrs. Serious enquiries only.

Call/Whatsapp #677-8104

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158

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Kaieteur News

LEARN TO DRIVE

2 bedroom apartment. Toiletbath inside, flowing water.

1794 West Minister WBD, Newly Built. Contact #6772786 Fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment for rent, light & water included, wifi included #601-0959/689-8757 12 Sussex St Charlestown Well secured two story bond, space located at Ketley St, Charlestown with light and water. Contact #664-0353 1 Pickup Hilux $3000-$4000 a day. Contact# 604-9608 One bedroom bottom flat South Riumveldt Park. Joan #218-1376

WANTED House or land to buy in Annandale H/Scheme, ECD. Contact #609-1040 Wanted Drivers must have Lorry Ages 35and up Apply Nimbus water system Tel 2317002 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Live in female shop assistance and experience waitress with secondary education $20,000 wkly #610-3974 Contractor with working team for finishing concrete/ wooden building. Tel#2271830 Wanted experience hire car drivers and dispatchers at Ramada Princess Hotel Tel: 616-5419, 265-7076 Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt.

Tel#686-9608 One female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. Age 2535. Contact 1868-386-5302 Cashier, Waitress, Waiter,Bartender,Kitchen helper,Cook, Manager-3 yrs experience, Apply @ Midtown Hotel Restaurant & Bar 176 Middle St South Cummings burg VEHICLE FOR SALE Nissan Laurel Executive antique car, Nissan Pathfinder 4-door Jeep.

Superb condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#660-3415/609-7766 Tractor Massey Ferguson (foreign used) MF165 $1.5M MF 135 $1.1M MF 265 $1.8M 165 loader, tractor $1.9M @ Vreed-en-Hoop. Call 682-5230/ 615-4414.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501 Toyota BB newly registered PXX, flare kit, TV, CD, burner, mags etc $2,000,000. Tel# 6137478 Pickup truck from Canada, extra-cab 2005 Tacoma $1.9M Ford F150 sport $1.3M, Ford ranger sport $1.1M. Call: 6825230, 615-4414

1 Honda RD5, PRR Series, in excellent condition with air condition, fully powered, alarm, lady driven. Contact No #624-6570

LEGAL NOTICE 1

LEGAL NOTICE 1 CONTD

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT O F J U D I C AT U R E O F G U Y A N A (COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION) FORM 5A ORDER 2018-HC-BER-CIV-FDA166 BETWEEN: GUYANA WATER INCORPORTED , a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel A i r, Georgetown, Demerara. Applicant and- FREDDIE HALALL Respondent NOTICE TO: Freddie Halall Of Lot 144 Albert Street No. 79 Village Corentyne, Berbice

may proceed to hear the said Fixed Date Application and pronounce final Judgment in your absence notwithstanding

TAKE NOTICE that an application by way of Fixed Date Application has been filed in the High Court Registry at New Amsterdam, Berbice on the 8th day of May, 2018 by Guyana Wa t e r Incorporated for the following order:(a) The sum of $186,112.00 (one hundred and eighty six thousand one hundred and twelve dollars), being the sum due, owing and payable by the Respondent to the Applicant in water rates. (b) Interest in the said sum at a rate of 6% (six percent) per annum and 4% (four percent) thereafter until the full sum is paid. (c) Costs AND UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Mr. Nigel Niles and/or Ms Tiffany David Attorneys-at-Law whose address for service and place of business is at Guyana Wa t e r Incorporated, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, B e l A i r, G e o rg e t o w n , Demerara, Guyana sealed and certified copies of the Fixed Date Application with Affidavit in support, Notice of Appointment of Attorneys-at-Law and all related document filed herein will be delivered or sent to you.

TO LET

AND TAKE NOTICE that you FREDDIE HALALL do have within 28 (twenty eight) days after the second and final publication of this Notice, to file your Defence.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter is returnable for hearing on the 15th day of March 2019

Commerical Building- Camp St area, commerical spaces available at Enmore Mall ECD. Call Richard# 609-7675/6741705 /233-2614

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such Defence and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing the Court

One lady driven Juke in immaculate condition, low mileage, asking price $2.6M. Contact#653-0018/666-7748

Dated this 1st day of February 2019.

LEGAL NOTICE 2 2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-2 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-2 BETWEEN (ARCHER) OTIS TRENTON Petitioner -and(ARCHER) FEZA nee MATHIESON Respondent To the Respondent FEZA ARCHER nee MATHIESON Last Known Address: Lot 207 Long Creek, Soesdyke Linden Highway, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 2nd day of January, 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by OTIS TRENTON ARCHER, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 18th day of January, 2019 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to you may appear or attend in person or by duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28 (Twentyeight) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. continued on the next page

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 09, 2019

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

PAGE 24 LEGAL NOTICE 2

VACANCY Vacancy exists for experienced Pharmacy assistants to work @ reputable pharmacy in G/ town. Call: 628-8811 between 8am-6pm Professional Mechanic, Machinist, Male cleaner, Apply @ Technical Services, Eccles Industrial Site Female cleaner Office & Home, age 25 to 50. Call: 2332745 Scooter Driver (Business).

Call: 223-5282/223-6006.

Georgetown applicants preferred. Background checks will be completed.

LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 19th day of March, 2019 at 9:15 am before the Honorable Mr. Justice Gino Peter Persaud in the Direction Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/ Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed Dated the 21st day of January, 2019

Red Doom Canal #2 $4.8M, Negotiable. Call: 644-8396 Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road.

Call: 261-2988/695-8215 5 acre to lease, Coconout & other fruit trees on Demerara river. Call: 261-2988/695-8215 Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 6869608 PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, James St, Albouystown. #682-8236 Transport property for sale, BB Eccles EBD. Tel# 6160499/616-9490 2 Storey Building @ Prime location in Georgetown. Ideal for business & residence. 89 Robb Street, Bourda. #44-208737-1598/ 225-8427/264-1130 Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all amenties, huge yard, security. Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 6603415/609-7766 6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amentities, private yard/ parking.

Located in Georgetown. Call: 6603415,609-7766 House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

VACANCY Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 6008457/683-8765 General Domestic, must know to cook & salesperson, Apply Keyfoood McDoom EBD One Live-in Domestic to work on resort in Mahaicony River. #649-3783/225-6571 General Domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358 Vacancy: Experienced Domestic/Babysitter 2-3 days a week, valid food handlers certificate, send info to 6904722 Vacancy exists for one experienced cook for a restaurant. Call: 231-8737 from Mon-Fri Robinson Moulder Operator, Logging Truck Driver atleast 3 yrs experience- Eccles Industrial Site EBD. Call Richard #609-7675/674-1705 Sales Person @ Ark Enterprise/ The Container House. Apply in Person @ 17 Lombard Street, Knowlege of tools vital.

Minister anticipates improved IT, Science performances at Berbice schools ...as laboratories are commissioned With moves by the Ministry of Education to commission information technology and science laboratories at schools in Berbice it is anticipated that performances in these subject areas will noticeably improve.

At least this is expectation of Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry.

During the course of this week Henry visited five schools within Regions Five and Six where she commissioned the laboratory facilities over a two-day period.

On Thursday, the Education Minister visited the Woodley Park Secondary School in Region Five to have their science laboratory commissioned. That facility was constructed at a cost of $14M and it is the first for the school. Minister Henry told the students that she expects to see improved performance in the science subjects taught at the institution. Further, she encouraged the teachers to ensure that the new science laboratory, delivers content that will see improvement among the school population. The Education Minister also commissioned a new set of steel pans at the Belladrum Secondary School on Thursday. During her visit to Berbice too, the Minister presented 12 desktop computers and accompanying accessories to the New Amsterdam Primary School, compliments of her Ministry, to aid the school’s delivery of Information Technology [IT] programme. During her brief remarks, the Education Minister told the children that in the 21st Century, it is important that they are computer literate and that the school’s IT programme is the first step

A pupil student of the New Amsterdam Primary School being assisted by Minister Nicolette Henry to cut the ceremonial ribbon to commission her school’s new IT Laboratory. towards realising that.

Additionally, Minister Henry said that she is looking forward to academic improvements from the school, and is optimistic that the computers will be adequately utilised. The donated IT equipment is valued at over $1.6M.Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Minister commissioned an Integrated Science Laboratory at the Canje Secondary School, Region Six. According to students there, the laboratory will greatly benefit them, particularly those who are preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate [CSEC] examinations this year. While at Canje Secondary, Minister Henry also handed-over sports items and home economics utensils to the students. On a previous visit to that school, the Edu-

cation Minister had engaged the students, during which they highlighted the need for the items. Minister Henry had then made a commitment to deliver the items.

The Education Minister on Wednesday too, commissioned a new science laboratory at the Vryman’s Erven Secondary School. Teachers and students of the school expressed their gratitude and happiness for the new facility, and were urged to use it responsibly. In addition to commissioning the lab there, the Education Minister was engaged in a tree-planting exercise.

After the Vryman’s Erven Commissioning, the Education Minister visited the Berbice Educational Institute where she officially commissioned yet another science laboratory there. According to

Minister Henry, the commissioning of the three laboratories is aligned with the Ministry’s STEAMS [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality] drive. She said that in order to execute the Science aspect of STEAMS, schools must be equipped with science laboratories that meet the required standard.

Further Minister Henry noted that it is important that the laboratories are managed in a way that is in keeping with best practices, so that students can be in an environment that is conducive for learning. Minister Henry, during the Berbice also paid a visit to the GibraltarCourtland Primary School where she distributed items including books and other educational items to Grade Six pupils.

GWI Region 10 Manager says no water shortage at health facilities Despite claims of a water shortage, among other issues, affecting the operation of health workers in the Region 10, the Guyana Water Incorporated [GWI] has assured that this is not the case.

In fact, GWI through its Region 10 Manager, Mr. Rawle Friday, has disclosed that the water company has not been in receipt of any water shortage complaints at its Linden office.This publication was privy to an interview between Senior Health Visitor [ag], Karen King, and an official of the region’s public relation department, during which King shared that health centres at Christianburg and Amelia’s Ward, for instance, have been facing the water shortage challenge for over a month.King, during that re-

corded interview, made it clear too that “You cannot do much without water...we need water to wash our hands as we are also dealing with body fluids. We are dealing with babies and we need to wash our hands after each child, because we just can’t just use hand sanitizer, because not everyone is okay with that.”

Even in the face of the reported water issue, King had informed that since the unavailability of potable water is paramount among the concerns facing particularly Community Health Workers [CHW] in the Region, efforts were being made to address the concerns urgently.

But Friday insisted yesterday, “We have not received any complaints from any one of the health facilities, espe-

GWI Region 10 Manager, Rawle Friday cially those mentioned in the article…”The Regional Manager explained further that GWI personnel make regular checks at health facilities in Region 10, and checks yesterday at the Amelia’s Ward,

Christianburg and other health facilities in Linden, showed that all are receiving an adequate supply of water.

“The regional team of GWI in Region 10 sees as very important, the supply of water to all health centres. As such, there is the provision of our direct line, myself as the regional manager and also the engineer. So should there be any issues in relation to water supply at any one of the health facilities, they can contact us directly at any time,” he asserted.

According to Friday, “GWI is committed to providing an adequate supply of potable water to all citizens and encourages customers with concerns to contact its Customer Call Center on 2278701/03/04. Additionally, the Linden office can be contacted on 444-2551”.

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

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PPP had also “illegally” raised tendering threshold - Cabinet documents indicate There appears to be evidence that a recent decision by the Ministry of Finance to raise the thresholds under which ministries, agencies and state companies can authorize contracts, may have happened, too, under the previous administration.

According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, on November 11, 2014, one day after ex-president, Donald Ramotar, announced the proroguing of Parliament, his Cabinet took a decision to raise the threshold.

The argument by the People’s Progressive Party, which is in Opposition now, is that once Parliament is

suspended, as is the case now, there should be no major decisions or signing of big deals until elections are held.

But it appears a major one was taken then.

According to the documents, the then Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on January 7th, used the powers conferred to him via the Procurement Act, and “with the advice of the National Board”, to make the regulations…that is Procurement (Amendment) Regulations of 2015.

Those regulations stated that “Schedule 2 to the Principal Regulations is amended by the substitution in Paragraph 3 for the words

“1,500,000” of the words “$5,000,000.”

According to the backup Cabinet Decision dated November 11, 2014, there was a proposal to increase the threshold for procurement through community-based participation and inclusion of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC).

The Cabinet then approved that the threshold, under community based method of procurement, be increased from $1.5M to $5M. The Cabinet decision was signed by the then Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon.

This past week, it was learnt that according to a circular issued Monday,

Kitty man charged with execution-style killing of security guard - Co-accused still hospitalised One of the two men charged with the executionstyle killing of taxi driver Kelvin Walters, appeared in court for the murder charge to be read to him.

Nursing a broken left leg, 28-year-old Roderick Thomas, of 68 William Street, Kitty, arrived at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts shortly after 09:00 hrs in a police van and had to be assisted to the lock-ups.

Shortly after his arrival, two police officers had to fetch him up the staircase to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan’s courtroom.

While there, the injured man was placed to sit on a chair while an officer had to place his left leg on another chair for support.

The man, who appeared to be in pain, was heard asking for pain medication and an extra pillow to support his broken leg.

Soon after, the Magistrate exited her chambers and read the murder charge to him.

The charge against Thomas stated that he, along with Devon Allen, on January 22 at Eccles, Public Road, East Bank Demerara, murdered Kelvin Walters.

Thomas, who the court heard is a private security, was not required to plead to the indictable charge after it was read to him.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers in addressing the court stated that the number one accused, Devon Allen is still hospitalised after suffering a broken left leg at the crime scene.

He added that Allen who is under security guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital is expected to be released soon and will appear in court

Roderick Thomas being assisted by police officers to the prison lock-ups next week for the murder charge to be read to him.

However, Attorney-at-law James Bond in addressing the court on Thomas’ behalf, told the court his client was at a private institution nursing a broken left leg after he was involved in a mining accident.

The lawyer added that his client was only released from hospital last Thursday after undergoing multiple surgeries on his leg which requires daily care. The lawyer went on to tell the court that the only evidence the police have against his client is an officer claiming to see him limping across the Eccles Public Road, moments after the shooting.

The lawyer asked the court to remand his client to a hospital and not the prison.

He cited that there is a risk of his client being infected since the prison population is overpopulated. The Chief Magistrate after listening to both sides remanded the father of two to prison until February 15 for report on the completion of the file and condition of the number one accused. According to reports, investigators believe that both men who are

nursing broken left legs were injured when Walters rammed his car into their motorcycle just as they shot him.

Walters was gunned down at around 19:30 hrs on the day in question, while driving south along the eastern carriageway of the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

Police said that he was in the vicinity of Two Brothers Service Station when two men on a motorcycle turned in front of his vehicle.

The pillion rider then whipped out a handgun and shot Walters in his face.

Although wounded, Walters struck down the suspects who fled the scene on foot, leaving their motorcycle and 9mm Taurus pistol, with 14 rounds, at the scene.

Walters was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The injuries the men sustained were said to be consistent with that of a motor vehicle accident. CCTV footage reportedly showed an individual hopping north along the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

The Cabinet decision taken on November 11, 2014 February 4, 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 approved up to $3M while the limit for construction contracts was $10M. The limit for Requests For Quotations was $1.5M. The circular was sent 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 ministries and agencies don’t have authorization.

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

According to Juan Edghill, a former Junior Finance Minister under the (Continued on page 12)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 09, 2019

Saturday February 09, 2019

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Kaieteur News

GCF Secretary Maria Leung attends Several Teams advance...

South American Union Conference Secretary of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Maria Leung recently attended the first South American Cycling Union Conference which took place at the Del Bono Hotel, San Juan, Argentina on January 26, last.

The other nations that attended the Conference were Venezuela, Uruguay, Peru, Panama, Bolivia, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia and Mexico; Brazil was absent.

Commenting on her attendance, Leung said that the experience was awesome stating that the others country reps were happy that Guyana was able to attend the meeting and are looking

GCF Secretary Maria Leung (standing 3rd left) seen with other country representatives at the South American Cycling Union Conference in Argentina. forward to the GCF’s attendance in the future.

“Some of the things discussed were getting women’s cycling on board more; preparation of our juvenile and junior cyclists

for tours way in advance of these events. Discussions were also had on BMX championships and other championship series.

I think our attendance has also paved the way for

Saturday February 09, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You've always been sensitive to the pain of an unhappy childhood, Aries. Today you can no longer stand the thought of all those children living in misery, victims of war or other atrocities.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You may feel like you need to work for a cause or political party. The period you're in right now is bringing you closer to social issues GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Unfortunately, Gemini, this may be a period of conflict and tension in your family life, especially where siblings are concerned. Don't you think it's time to deal with these problems once and for all?

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You now seem to be able to do everything you want to do, Cancer. Things are going well as you reap the rewards of important past decisions you made.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You need to be more spontaneous, Leo, and stop trying to organize other people's lives. You will see that it isn't so hard to just let things happen.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're a hard worker, and you expect the same from the people around you. Today you may want to take a look at your personal and work relationships.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Watch for any errors in orientation or strategic mistakes. You may be having some communication problems with almost everyone today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) At the moment, there's a great deal of electricity in the air, especially in your life at home. Ignore those people who try to provoke you.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If people say that you're stubborn when you're just determined, let them talk, and do what you need to do.

However, when you think you're being determined but you're actually being obstinate.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's time to face up to certain things about yourself that you may have denied for some time, Capricorn. You have only yourself to answer to, so relax.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It scares you when life seems like it's slipping through your fingers and you can't slow it down. But it isn't life that's playing tricks on you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) When you were younger, your humanity and generosity seemed limitless.

You felt very involved in the world and what was going wrong with it. Today you may remember these great dreams.

participation at numerous tours once we can make the cut with assistance coming from the world body, UCI and the Pan American Cycling Confederation – COPACI. There are so many opportunities for all our cyclists beyond what we can imagine.”

Leung noted that the sport has been experiencing some administrative challenges over the past months but is hoping that its members can see the high road and really work as a collective for the real development and advancement of the young riders whose interest must be put first.

GFF mourns the loss...

From page 29 level. “I met Clive on a few occasions and was always impressed with his tremendous level of commitment to the sport. He was one of the persons who invested heavily from his own coffers to keep the club going in Grove over the years.

He loved the sport and served well over the years.”

Forde alluded to the fact that Matthews’ unflinching and dedicated service at the administrative level was commendable and would love to see more administrators who are really dedicated especially when it comes to mobilizing and encouraging youths, like Matthews did.

“To his sorrowing children, relatives and friends, the GFF, on behalf of the entire football fraternity, extends heartfelt sympathy and pray that God will strengthen them all at this most difficult time.”

The GFF and the EBFA would be jointly hosting a wake at the Grove Ground on Monday evening. The late Clive Matthews is expected to be buried on Wednesday following a home going service at the AME Zion Church, Grove, EBD.

From page 31 Club 117 all out in 16.4 Overs.

Andrew Dennis 33, C. Anandram 20, K. Armogan 14. Keith Fraser 2 for 20, K. Moore 4 for 28.

D’Edward Cricket Club 118 for 5 in 15.2 Overs. A. Khan 23, Heralall Bridgelall 25 and J. Heeralall 38. C. Anandram 3 for 26.

2) Bush Lot Rising Star defeated Achievers Cricket Club by 6 wickets.

Achievers Cricket Club 87 for 6 in 16.4 Overs. Shamal Angel 24, Collis Noble 18, Kris Ramnarine 4 for 18.

Bush Lot Rising Star 88 for 4 in 11 Overs. Kris Ramnarine 18, Mark Burrowes 16, Rolston Lindo 22. Gerald Moonsammy 2 for 12.

3) Bush Lot United defeated Paradise Cricket Club by 53 runs.

Bush Lot United 169 for 7 in 16.4 Overs. A. Matabeek 100 (8x4,5x6), T. Miller 4 for 21, O. Bharrat 2 for 15.

Paradise Cricket Club 116 all out in 13.4 Overs. D. Phillips 36, T. Chapman 22. N. Persaud 4 for 32, T. Dhrand 3 for 16.

4) Cotton Tree Cricket Club defeated Shieldstown Cricket Club by 130 runs.

Cotton Tree Cricket Club 208 all out in 16.4 Overs. A. Shiwtahal 99, M. Singh 18. T. Jairam 4 for 32.

Sheildstown Cricket Club 78 all out in 9 Overs. Y. Singh 14, F. Gafoor 3 for 18. D. Harrynarine 2 for 26.

5) At Cotton Tree: Cotton Tree Cricket Club defeated No. 5 Cricket Club by 3 runs to advance to the final three.

Cotton Tree Cricket Club 137 for 8 in 16.4 Overs. D. Harrynarine 32, Nick Ramsaroop 59, G. Johnson 2 for 22, A. Bailey 2 for 30.

No. 5 Cricket Club 134 for 7 in 16.4 Overs. Carlton Nurse 43, M. Schultz 30, G. Johnson 35. R. Gafoor 2 for 21. A. Shiwtahal 2 for 32.

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Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Government and Hockey board sign MoU for modern sporting facility Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, yesterday, signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Guyana Hockey Board, which will pave the way for the construction of a state-ofthe-art sporting facility behind Durban Park.

The Government of

Guyana has given the entity a lease for the duration of 25 years and has mandated that the facility be opened for public use.

Minister Harmon said that the signing is a defining moment, and the beginning of a turning point, in the availability of high-quality

sporting infrastructure for Guyana’s young sportsmen and women, particularly those in and around Georgetown.

After the signing Guyana Hockey Board President, Mr. Philip Fernandes said that the entity has been trying for years to acquire a home for

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Mr. Philip Fernandes sign the MoU for the construction of a state of the art Hockey facility as Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones looks on.

the sport in the city.

“This is an important moment for us and we are very appreciative of the Government recognising this as a need and making it a priority. We see this as a very important step in taking Guyana forward in the sport.

The other countries in the Region have artificial surfaces for players to practice; however, we have to play on grass and so this presents us with the opportunity to put

full, artificial grass in our facility to enable our young people not only to train in conditions in which they need to compete, but to also invite overseas teams to come and play here,” he said.Mr. Fernandes said too that the facility will ensure that the game is more accessible to more young people, especially those from unprivileged communities, and will foster more training programmes.

Minister Harmon agreed,

noting that he desires to see more Guyanese becoming involved in the game, which, he said, could be popularised and diversified.“You have the Government’s support to promote the sport. Despite our limitations, we have done well in this sport in Guyana and further afield. So this is an important day and I hope when we look back a few years from now, we can be proud of ourselves,” Minister Harmon said.

Patrick Forde Memorial Boxing

Suriname, St. Lucia and T&T confirm fighters Just over a week remains before the second annual Patrick Forde Memorial boxing tournament punches off at the National Gymnasium on February 17th and Guyana who will be defending the overall title, will know who they will be up against since a press release from the organisers, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), have indicated that each of the three visiting nations have released their fighters’ list.The initial tournament saw the participation of three nations in Guyana, St. Lucia and Suriname. However, this tournament will see the twin-island republic of T&T making their first appearance to create a four-way battle for top honours.

T&T has a six-member team consisting of four boxers inclusive of one youth, one junior and two elites, namely, Blessings Waldport (Youth), Nyrell

Hosein (57kgs –Junior), Aaron Prince (75kgsElite) and Justin Parris (56kgs Elite).

Representing St. Lucia will be current Caribbean Championship middleweight Silver medalist, Arthur Langelier. Langelier will have a rematch with his nemesis, Desmond Amsterdam of Guyana who had defeated him for the Caribbean Championship Gold medal last year.Meanwhile, Suriname will feature four fighters in Biondi Pikientio (69-kg), Fitzgerald King (64 kg), Kelvin Wielson (110 kg) and Tony Lin (63kg).

Fifteen fights are carded for the anticipated slugfest which punches off at 19:00hrs sharp on the night and according to head of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, the timing of the event is opportune for overseas based Guyanese boxing fans, who will be in the country for Mashramani, to be able to come out and witness the local stars. The costs for tickets are $2000 ringside and $1000 in the stands.

Saturday February 09, 2019

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Kaieteur News

MOU signed with GoG to construct 2nd Football Complex - Int. full size pitch and two mini pitches to be constructed; 24 hr access for community History was created yesterday when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Government of Guyana (GoG) for the 25-year lease of 7.3 acres of land to construct a football facility at Durban Park, Georgetown.

This facility, which will be known as the “GFF Durban Park Football Complex,” is expected to accommodate an international quality full size pitch, two mini pitches and a new headquarters for the GFF. The signing was done in the Press Room of the Office of the President by President Wayne Forde, on behalf of the GFF and Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon, on behalf of the GoG. President Forde in brief remarks following the signing, thanked the Government and other football stakeholders and noted the significance of the moment: “Today marks a huge milestone for football in Guyana

GFF’s Wayne Forde and DoS Christopher Jones turns the sod at the proposed site of the GFF Durban Park Football Complex. and a defining moment for the future of every young boy and girl who dreams of playing the game at the highest level. The importance of high quality football pitches is inextricably linked to the quality of players we develop and the quality of our National teams. Without the

right infrastructure, we cannot develop football. It’s as simple as that. We cannot improve standards; we cannot compete at the highest level of the sport.”

In stating that this is the “second major, groundbreaking and game-changing infrastructural project for

GFF mourns the loss of EBFA Exco. Member, Clive Matthews The President, executive and members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has extended sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Executive Member, Clive Matthews.

Matthews was called to

higher service last week Wednesday following a brief period of illness. GFF boss Wayne Forde said he was surprised to hear of Mathews’ passing noting that he was a tower of strength at the Grove Hi Tech Club and also in his duties at the association (Continued on page 27)

Clive Matthews

football” in Guyana following the construction of the GFF’s National Training Centre at Providence, Forde said this facility will further enhance the Executive Committee’s ongoing efforts to completely transform football in Guyana.

“This project will help the GFF to increase participation in football, spot talent in its infancy stage, increase the player population, raise the quality of our football programmes, improve the image of the sport, enhance community cohesion and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. It is one more giant step in the ongoing efforts of my Executive Committee to use our time in office to lay a solid and lasting foundation for the sustainable development of football. This is a giant leap in our quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” Harmon said this project is significant, as “the people of Guyana will have access to highquality public infrastructure, which would allow for them to

develop their talent as sportsmen and women.” In providing some perspective of the history of the agreement, Harmon said it was a mutual one between FIFA and the GoG: “When the President of FIFA visited Guyana he met with the President of Guyana, H.E President David Granger, and the President of FIFA made a commitment to help Guyana achieve certain goals in so far as his organization is concerned. Our president also committed to ensure what can be done at the level of the Government, that we will do so.

This collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Football Federation is testimony of that commitment which the two presidents made.”

The Minister emphasized that initiatives such as these are “important steps in our development” and public access to the facility is an important part of the agreement for both physical health and development of skills.

“This activity of declaring the area for sport not only benefits the Guyana Football Federation

but, in our negotiation, we insisted that the public must have access to these facilities, which I have asked the GFF to maintain. That is their Corporate Social Responsibility to the citizens of that community particularly the young men of Lodge, West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt and communities that do not have real and proper playing facilities; that we will be able to maintain two public spaces where they can arrange games for their own use.”This signing will pave the way for the commencement of construction, which is scheduled to be completed by 2021. The mini pitches are expected to be available to the community on a 24-hour basis.

Following the signing, sodturning was done at the proposed site on Durban Park

by President Forde and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones against an unveiling of a billboard on the site.

President Wayne Forde also presented an official FIFA match ball to Minister Harmon.

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Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Windies seek to roll back the decades with whitewash GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – A series that began shrouded in uncertainty and contention now stands on the brink of becoming a watershed moment in West Indies cricket, as the reinvigorated home side chase their first whitewash of England in 33 years, when the final Test bowls off here today.

Only a few weeks ago in the leadup to the opening Test, pundits were harbouring thoughts of just the opposite – another Windies whitewash – as controversy swirled over the appointment of head coach Richard Pybus and Cricket West Indies officials bickered in public.

But the underdogs, with heavy defeats in their previous four Tests against India and Bangladesh, hauled themselves off the mat to inflict a crushing 381-run victory inside four days i n t h e o p e n i n g Te s t a t Kensington Oval – outplaying the English in every department.

And, as if to send a strong signal the result had not been a fluke, West Indies thrashed the tourists by 10 wickets in the Antigua second Test

in less than three days last week, to retake the Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade.

Now, even more history beckons. Not since Vivian Richards and his aggressive battery of fast bowlers humbled England in all five Tests on the 1986 home tour, have West Indies swept their arch-rivals in a Test series.

And with England demoralised after two embarrassing results, the young Wi n d i e s s i d e h a v e t h e i d e a l chance to inflict the ultimate blow on their opponents.

They will have to do it without their inspirational captain Jason Holder who paid for his team’s slow over-rate in the Antigua Test with a onematch suspension, and now will have to watch from the sidelines as his side chase history.

Stand-in skipper Kraigg Brathwaite believes a clean sweep would send the right message about the state of West Indies cricket. “[It would say] that West Indies

cricket is strong,” the experienced opener told reporters here Friday.

“For us, it’s just aiming for consistency. We’ve won the series thus far so we’re aiming to win the third [match] but for us it’s being consistent. That’s one of the main things for us.”

He added: “It looks a good pitch.

St Lucia is usually a good pitch for both and batters and bowlers so we’ve just got to continue working hard as a team, both as a batting group and bowling group.”

Holder’s absence will be huge hole to fill. It was his phenomenal unbeaten 202 which set up his s i d e ’s massive win in Bridgetown, and his splendid spell after lunch on the third in Antigua, that helped set the wheels in motion for England’s second innings demise.

Performance on the field apart, his leadership has come in for praise from local and foreign pundits alike, as he has hardly put a foot wrong.

Brathwaite said they would still be relying on his advice even though he was not part of the XI.

“Of course [I’ll be leaning on him]. He’s the leader of the group and his advice will be crucial for us,” said Brathwaite.

“He’ll still be there. Obviously we’re a family and support each and everyone. Obviously I’m captain for this game [but] he’ll be around the same way.”

Speculation is already rife about his replacement. All-rounder Keemo Paul, with 20 wickets and an average of 35 with the bat in his last three first class matches, seems the natural fit.

However, with England obviously unnerved by the pace of Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach in the series, uncapped Oshane Thomas has come into the equation, especially with a greenish tinge on the pitch at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium.

Brathwaite said the final XI would be decided late yesterday but endorsed Thomas has genuinely quick.

“Obviously he has good pace and obviously he brings that aggression and he’s bowling

consistently so he’ll bring that as well.

He has decent pace so obviously he’ll be an aggressive factor,” he pointed out.

He added: “Obviously they didn’t play the pace as they should but for us it’s just to do the things we’ve been doing well. We can’t think about what happened before, that’s gone.

“For us as a bowling group we just have to stay disciplined, keep the aggression same way and that will be good for us.”

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), John Campbell, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shane Dowrich, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel, Shamarh Brooks, Oshane Thomas.

ENGLAND – Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Keaton Jennings, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

BCB launches Dr. Puran Singh National Players Incentive Scheme Berbice Junior and Female Cricketers who are selected in the Guyana’s Cricket Teams would benefit for the second successive year with a financial stipend from the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board. The Berbice Cricket Board has obtained a $200,000 (US$1,000) donated from Barbados based Guyanese Medical Doctor Dr. Puran Singh, brother of another BCB sponsor Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh. The Berbice Cricket Board would use the donation to establish the Dr. Puran Singh National Players Incentive Scheme.

BCB President Hilbert Foster, who brokered the package with Dr. Singh, disclosed that every Berbice Under-15, Under-17, Under19 and Female Cricketers would receive $10,000 from the Incentive Scheme. In the event that more than twenty Berbicians are selected, the Berbice Cricket Board

would stand the remaining cost. The Foster led administration introduced the Scheme last year as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen Berbice Cricket.

Foster stated that the major objectives of the Scheme are to assist the Players financially, to encourage them to excel at the National level and to make sure that every Berbician is given the opportunity to fulfill his/her full potential. Last year, the Berbice Cricket Board was able to obtain funding from Memorex Industries and J.R. Engineering Ltd, for the programme, while using over $150,000 of its own fund. Among the players benefitted in 2018 were Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Nigel Deodat, Seon G l a s g o w, S h e m a i n e Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Tremayne Smartt, Sheneeta Grimmond, Shabiki Gajnabi and Lafona Gilgeous.

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Dr. Puran Singh.

The Berbice Cricket Board President stated that the Board was confident that the Ancient County would continue its proud tradition of producing National Players of the highest level.

Players like Grimmond, Giddings, Gajnabi, Smartt, Melanie Henry, Campbelle, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Umroa, Seon Glasgow, Isaiah Thorne, Rampersaud Rampertab,

BCB/Perry Gossai Memorial 100 Balls Tournament

Several Teams advance to next round - Blairmont disqualified Play in the first ever Perry Gossai Memorial Second Division 100 Balls Tournament has commenced. The To u r n a m e n t i s b e i n g organised by the Berbice Cricket Board with sponsorship from Attorneyat-Law Arun Gossai and the Gossai family in memory of p o p u l a r We s t B e r b i c e Attorney Perry Gossai. The To u r n a m e n t i s b e i n g contested by eleven teams with three advancing to the third round where they would play each other in a Round Robin basis. The two top teams from the third round would then clash in the grand finals.

In the first round, Bush Lot United defeated Paradise Cricket Club, Cotton Tee got past Shieldstown and Bush Lot Rising Star defeated Achievers. Blairmont Community Centre were thrown out of the To u r n a m e n t a f t e r t h e Competitions Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board found them guilty of playing two first division players in their match versus No. 5.

Hopetown and they would also be banned from BCB Tournament in 2019 after they gave a walkover to D’Edward Sports Club in their opening match. Results in matches played:

1) D’Edward Cricket Club defeated Bath Sports Club by five wickets in the

second round to advance to the final three. Bath Sports (Continued on page 29)

Nigel Deodat, Alex Algoo, Niveera Ramnauth, Uma Matadin and Leon Swammy among others are all expected to vie strongly for places on national teams.

Foster stated that the incentive scheme is just one of numerous developmental programmes that would be organised in 2019. Among

the others would be countywide Coaching Programme, Coaching Clinics for (batters, fast bowlers, wicket keepers and spinners), Award Ceremony, Educational Posters, Cricket Academy, Social Skills Seminar, First Aid Clinic, Scorers Clinic, Captaincy Seminar and Training of PreLevel One Cricket Coaches.

Additionally, the Berbice Cricket Board would also be hosting over 30 cricket tournaments on the cricket field at the Under-13, Under15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Under-23, Second Division, Intermediate, Female, Primary School, Internal Zone and First Division levels. The Berbice Cricket Board would also be unveiling a $1.2M sponsorship from an overseas based Guyanese

who has renewed his sponsorship of the Board’s Countywide Coaching Programme, Cricket Academy and monthly Coaching Clinics.

Dr. Puran Singh in brief remarks stated that he was delighted to be associated with Berbice Cricket as he was pleased with the progress being made in the c o u n t y. H e e x p r e s s e d confidence that the players would continue to keep the Berbice Flag flying high.

The Berbice based doctor stated the he would continue to support Berbice Cricket once proper leadership is in place. The President and Executive Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board would like to express gratitude to Dr. Puran Singh for his support and looking forward to a long term relationship.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 09, 2019

Gajnabi, Mangru shine as Select U-19 upset Demerara; bowlers propel Berbice to 8-wkt win

By Zaheer Mohamed

S

kipper Shabika Gajnabi and Mandy Magru turned in outstanding allround performances to guide the Select U19 to a fivewicket victory over Demerara, while Berbice defeated Essequibo by eight wickets when the Guyana Cricket Board senior female inter county T20 tournament continued yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club.

The Select U19 team decision to bowl paid dividends as Mangru uprooted the stumps of Keisha Fraser (09) and had Temica Wilson (00) caught to restrict Demerara to 19-2.

Opener Lashana Toussaint and Akaze Thompson rotated the strike well as they added 27 for the third wicket, but their resistance was short-lived as Toussaint was

removed by Navina Ramnauth (1-21) for 15, while Thompson was bowled by the steady Mangru for a top score of 21 which included a solitary boundary. Kaysia Schultz struck two fours, but she was run out for 15 before Gajnabi disturbed the stumps of Heema Singh (07) and had Abigail Scott (00) caught as the Select U19 kept the pressure on their opponents who mustered 104-8 when their overs expired. Mangru claimed 3-14 and Gajnabi 217.

Openers Africa Gentle and Mangru added 35 to put their team on course before Gentle who got her innings off with two fours was stumped off Schultz for 10.

However, Mangru and Gajnabi frustrated Demerara as they put on 40 for the second wicket with sensible batting. Like Gentle, both Mangru and Gajnabi got their innings going with boundaries, with Mangru being the more aggressive of the two, picking up a few more boundaries before she was caught off Schultz for 35 which included five fours.

Following her dismissal,

the select U19 suffered a mini collapse, losing the wickets of Cherry Ann Fraser (00), Casey Charles (00), both falling to Joan Vansertima, and Sarah Amin (04) stumped off Haseena Mohamed (1-18) to be at 895. However, any hopes of a Demerara victory quickly faded as the level-headed Gajnabi continued to gather runs without any hiccups and along with Omadevi Matadin (06*), who struck boundary to seal victory, saw the U19 side to 106-5 in 18.4 overs. Vansertima had 2-18 and Schultz 2-25. Gajnabi was voted player of the match.

Earlier, Berbice, led by consistent bowling from Ashmini Munisar, Tremayne Smartt and Sheneta Grimmond registered a handsome win over Essequibo. Batting first, Essequibo lost openers Avina Adrian (01) and Onica Stoby (00) to pacers Subrina Munroe and Erva Giddings respectively to be reduced to 6-2. Munisar then removed Estell Lewis (02), while Annalesia D’Aguiar (05) was bowled Grimmond and Wavey King (08) was sent

Shabika Gajnabi batted well to see her team home

packing in similar fashion by Smartt as Essequibo lost three wickets with the score on 12. They never recovered and were sent packing for 38 in 16.4 overs.

M u n i s a r, w h o w a s named player-of-the-match, claimed 3-18, while Smartt took 2-2 and Grimmond 2-9.

Opener Grimmond struck two fours before she was run out for 17, while Kimmone Thomas (02) was removed by Lewis (1-2) before Melanie Henry (06*) and Giddings (02*) saw Berbice home in 5.2 overs as they finished on 41-2.

The competition concludes tomorrow at Bourda.

Ramkarran’s century spurs Zeelugt to huge win Khandiya Ramkarran struck a fine century as Zeelugt defeated Players SC by 211 runs when the Zeelugt Sports Club T20 tournament commenced recently.

Ramkarran led with 168 as host Zeelugt managed 326-2, batting first. He got valuable support from

Nateram Dass who made 70, Keon Roberts 47 and Tameshwar Dass 19.

Players SC were limited to 115-8 in reply. A. Bhairo and Abas Alli made 28 and 20 respectively as A. Dass, R. Dass and Roberts picked up two wickets each.

The competition continues tomorrow.

Regal Stationery softball on tomorrow The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Regal Stationery and Computer Centre tournament will continue tomorrow with several matches.

In the over 40 division, Regal Masters will play Success Masters at 10:00hrs and Wellman Masters will take on HS Masters at

13:00hrs at GNIC SC. At Malteenoes SC, President’s XI Masters will face Fisherman Masters on pitch two at 10:00hrs. In the Open category, Regal All stars will play Grill Masters All stars on pitch one at 10:00hrs and Speedboat will battle Grill Masters All stars on pitch two at 13:00hrs.

Saturday February 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

CWI Regional First-Class Cricket Tournament

Despite fifties from Johnson & Singh Scorpions hold slim advantage going into 3rd day

Skipper Leon Johnson made a hard fought 58 yesterday. (Sean Devers photos)

By Sean Devers Jamaica Scorpions held the slim advantage when the second day of their sixth round, CWI Regional FirstClass Cricket match against four-times defending Champions Guyana Jaguars ended at Providence yesterday.

In bright sunshine, Scorpions resumed on 320-8 and added 38 runs in 30 minutes before they were bowled out for 358 with Jerome Taylor who smashed

a couple of boundaries remaining unbeaten on eight.

Dennis Bulli (33) added three to his overnight score before he was removed by Veerasammy Permaul at 339-9, while Derval Green, 59 overnight, continued to go after the bowling before was taken at slip off Romario Shepherd for 86 from 80 balls, 118 minutes with seven fours and four sixes.

Sherfane Rutherford (352), Permaul (3-73),

Baird out to start season on a high - First Carifta trials to run off at Leonora today National Javelin record holder, Leslain Baird, is aiming to throw over the 70 metres mark at today’s development meet at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, which will also serve as the first Carifta Games trials.

Baird, who has ruled the roost in male javelin over the past five years, is looking to lift his standard this year by taking competitions in stride.

However, the Guyana Defence Force athlete highlighted what he is hoping to accomplish today.

“My thoughts for t o m o r r o w ( t o d a y ’s ) competition are that I am looking forward to seeing a lot of athletes come out and make the qualifying times and marks for the Carifita games as well as have the seniors try to qualify for the other competition later down in the year.As for me my aim is to open my season

on the rubber track with 70+ throws, reason being that I have been throwing on grass for the past five months so I have to get acquainted back to the rubber; also I am still getting stronger and its early in the season so knowing that Pan Am and Worlds are late, I am taking my time so as to not get burn out too early like what happened to me last year at CAC Games,” Baird noted.

Nevertheless, Baird shared that there is more work to be done and his is remaining focused with a strong team behind him.

“There is a lot of work to be done so me and my coaches Robert Chisholm, Rawle Griffith and Julian Edmonds are working on my technique to get even stronger and more flexible this year,” Baird mentioned. Baird will be throwing the javelin and the discus today when the event kicks off from 09:00hrs.

Gudakesh Motie (2-70) and Shepherd (2-63) were the wicket takers for the Jaguars who ended a closely fought day on 203-5, still trailing by 155 runs.

A hard fought 58 from 184 balls, 227 minutes with seven fours and a six from 31-year-old Skipper Leon Johnson, who shared in a 101-run fourth wicket stand with 30-year-old Vishal Singh who reached the ropes eight times and batted 206 minutes and 184 balls in his 61.

But only Rutherford, who smashed five fours in an attacking 42-ball 31, of the others who batted, passed 25 as the openers once again failed to provide their team with a firm foundation. Chris Barnwell is unbeaten on 22, while Reifer is on five.

When Jaguars began their reply Chanderpaul Hemraj (4) was bowled by Green at 20-1 as he missed a drive at one that nipped back.

Chanderpaul (10) was induced into playing at a ball that left him off the seam from Taylor for him to edge it to the Keeper without addition to the score to bring the aggressive Rutherford to the crease at number three as the support staff decided to change the order from their two previous losses.

The ploy worked as R u t h e r f o r d s t r u c k o ff spinner Kenroy Williams for a couple of boundaries in the same over to bring up the 50 in the 16th over and by Lunch the hosts were 52-2.

The Jaguars controlled the second session in which they scored 85 runs and lost the wicket of Rutherford whose positive approach allowed the out-of-form Johnson the luxury of not having to take any undue risk in the early period of his innings when he was beaten a few times by the experienced Taylor on a good track for batting.

When Rutherford edged Rovman Powell to second slip in the first over after Lunch after hitting him for a couple of boundaries, the score was 62-3 and his demise brought the diminutive Singh to join his Captain.

Watched by a small gathering which included students from Anna Regina Secondary School from Essequibo, on a trip to sporting venues in Demerara, Johnson began cautiously and edged Green to the third man boundary in the 10th over before Singh, one of seven left-handers in the Jaguar’s team, stroked Powell for four to take the

score into the 70s.

Johnson took few risks as his confidence increased the longer he batted and consecutive boundaries off Williams suggested Guyana’s most successful First-Class Captain was slowly returning to form.

Singh pulled Bulli for successive fours to post the 50 stand, while Johnson ended the second session with a majestic cover driven boundary when Williams bowled full and wide.

At Tea the Jaguars were staging ‘operation rebuild’ at 137-3 with Johnson on 46 and Singh on 34.

After the break Johnson executed a glorious square drive off Taylor to register his 35th fifty at this level and second this season from 151 balls, 187 minutes with seven fours and a pulled six off Williams.

But when on 58 and well

set for his 6th First-Class ton and first in any format since his 50-over 101 against this same side in Barbados last year October, Johnson missed a pull at a long hop which kept low from Jermaine Blackwood’s first ball to leave his team on 1634.

The Scorpions were clawing their back when Singh, after posting his 15th half century at this level and third for the season from 142 balls, 177 minutes with seven fours, was taken at slip off left-arm wrist spinner Bulli for 61 at 187-5.

With half of their team gone, the Jaguars’ are hoping for another meaningful partnership as Raymon Reifer joined Barnwell, who survived 22 minutes to the end of the day, to set up an intriguing third day today when the action is scheduled to commence at 10:00hrs.

t r o Sp

Government and Hockey board sign MoU for modern sporting facility A drawing of the plan for the two facilities.

MOU signed with GoG to construct 2nd Football Complex - Int. full size pitch and two mini pitches to be constructed; 24 hr access for community

Jason Holder will look at his men from the sidelines but all will be hoping for another joyous result. (Getty Images)

Windies seek to roll back the decades with whitewash

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