Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

Court of Appeal

Tuesday Edition

affirms residency not

February 11, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 06

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

a requirement for voting

Price $80

- Unanimous agreement on CJ's decision

Online readership yesterday 117,919

Energy Department Director says...

75% of Stabroek Block discoveries oil, 25% gas … natural gas engagement heating up

Energy Director Dr. Mark Bynoe

Local Content Policy completed; to be released this week

US firm hired to revise decades-old petroleum law - local law firm to be involved

Depletion policy to come after elections - guidelines with IDB

Guyana's Local Content Policy has been completed

Broker unaware of any medical malpractice insurance in Guyana Former Senegal PM, Gary Best remains Jason Carter to co-chair hospitalised as police Carter Center elections delegation await DPP's advice

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

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Bisram to have shortened Local Content Policy completed; to be released this week PI as magistrate opts for E ‘hybrid’ case “This court will never slaughter justice", were the words of Magistrate Renita Singh yesterday as she made her ruling on the way forward in the Marcus Bisram case.

Her statements came midway in the brief proceedings which commenced at the Whim Magistrate's Court at 13:10 hrs. Magistrate Singh, before she made her ruling, noted the submissions made by the defence, that recused Magistrate Alex Moore had ruled that the case shall proceed by way of a paper committal, a shorter version of a PI. However, Singh told the court that while the ruling was made, it was never recorded on the case docket.

It was based on such that she declared the ruling null, and pointed out that a new trial has commenced.

She said that while there were differing arguments from both the defence and state on whether the matter should take the course of a Paper Committal or Preliminary Inquiry, she has considered their arguments and has opted to proceed via a "third avenue".

In that, statements will be tendered, the main witness will be allowed to be called

Marcus Bisram at court yesterday by the prosecution, the defence will cross examine the said witness as requested along with another, and a visit to the locus (scene of the crime) will take place.

In that regard, Magistrate Singh justified that the court will not be the medium to, "slaughter justice" in the interest of expediency.

Prosecutrix Stacy Goodings along with the defence team led by Attorney Sanjeev Datadin and Dexter Todd appeared satisfied with the Magistrate's ruling and a

date was given for the continuation of the case. The matter is set to continue on Thursday.

Marcus Brian Bisram returned to Guyana through a historic extradition process late last year. He was charged with coercing, procuring and demanding five persons to murder Faiyaz Narinedatt.

Narinedatt was reportedly beaten and his body dumped on the public road in Berbice.

A number of other persons have been charged.

Murder accused jailed 12 months for escaping from custody

T

errence Pitt, 26, of Third Street, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, called 'Shots' and 'Sonna Boy', was yesterday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, for escaping from lawful custody.

The sentencing was handed down by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, when Pitt appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Pitt changed his not guilty plea and admitted that between November 11 and 12, 2019 at Georgetown, while in lawful custody at the CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, pending investigation for murder, he escaped.

Pitt is also charged with the murder of Darrel Breedy.

On Pitt's first court appearance he was not required to plea to the

indictable offence. It was alleged that on October 5, 2019, at Hummingbird Street, Festival City, Pitt murdered Breedy during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Kaieteur News had reported that 53-year-old Breedy of 2037 Hummingbird Street, F e s t i v a l C i t y, N o r t h Ruimveldt, met his demise around 03:30hrs on the day in question.

This was after he tried to scare off some armed men who had gained entry into his home through a window at the bottom flat of the building.

According to sources, Darrell, who worked at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, was asleep in his home that he shared with his wife, children and mother(continued on page 9)

Jailed: Terrence Pitt called 'Shots' and 'Sonna Boy'

nergy Department Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe, revealed yesterday that the longawaited Local Content Policy has been completed and printed. The Director said that during the course of the week, this crucial document will be available for the public to access.

Speaking at his first press conference for the year at the Ministry of the Presidency, Dr. Bynoe said that the policy, which ensures local goods and services are given first preference; Guyanese are trained for jobs in the sector; and relevant technologies are transferred, is fit-forpurpose.

Expounding further, the Director said the policy offers a balanced alignment between the Government's policy goals, while maintaining consistency with Guyana's international and regional trade and economic cooperation obligations.

Further to this, the Energy Department Head said that the policy promotes education, inclusion and advancement of Guyanese persons who demonstrate expertise and experience required to participate in the petroleum industry; ensures participation of Guyanese persons in employment opportunities; assures capable Guyanese suppliers of contracting and procurement opportunities within the petroleum sector, inside and outside of Guyana; and localizes

Guyana's Local Content Policy has been completed supply chains in procurement of goods and services that support the petroleum industry by providing opportunities for Guyanese persons and suppliers.

Dr. Bynoe was also keen to note that the policy will stimulate efficiency and cost benefits to the oil and gas sector by potentially increasing supplier response speeds and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

The policy is also expected to enhance alignment with good industry standards in the petroleum sector, and drive local competitiveness through increasing the range and scale of employment and supplier opportunities.

In addition to the foregoing, Dr. Bynoe noted that the policy will contribute to efficiency and reduced costs for investors, while developing the export potential of local suppliers.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

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

Coronavirus - a greater sense of urgency is needed here The rest of the world is unsettled and on edge, when the latest reports are absorbed. Yet, the sense here is that this coronavirus threat is over there, way over there and, therefore, we may not be as concerned or as committed as we ought to be, whether at the official level or that of the individual.

If this is indeed the case, then it should be distanced from quickly, and all the stops pulled out to prepare and protect against this troubling health scare, which instils growing dread in more than a few places.

The World Health Organization is concerned, and deeply so. According to an article in Bloomberg dated February 10th, “WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus voiced concern over the spread from people with no travel history to China, saying “we may only be seeing the tip of the iceberg.”

There are two alarms in that stark warning from the head of the WHO. First, there is that phrase of “no travel history to China.” The hard question and sharp concern that must be faced head-on is this: if there is no travel history and no physical connection, then are there other places unconnected by any route (land, air, sea) to China, which could be the source of this ballooning problem? Because if it is so, then what is the world really facing at this time and what could be done to identify and contain it before things get out of hand? More pointedly, we do ask: can this virus be contained?

Let’s be clear here: we at this paper have no interest in spiking anxieties, since we already have enough of them to spare. But we have a duty to convey awareness and, hopefully, increase the level of local interest and precautionary measures that should be put in place in a sensible and practical manner.

We have no less an authority than WHO Director General Ghebreyesus, who was prompted to state publicly that what is known about coronavirus, in terms of numbers and sources, is “the tip of the iceberg.” The WHO leader is not supposed to be a sensationalist or an alarmist, and he is far from either. But this health issue has the grim results that attest to its frighteningly unknown nature.

From the New York Times edition of February 10th, there is reporting of 97 coronavirus-related deaths in a single day in China, which is a number to give the shakes. Also, that the reported cases of the virus on a cruise ship in Japan have almost doubled to number over 130 such victims.

In addition, over in distant Europe, and according to a BBC story on February 10th, “The UK government has declared coronavirus a “serious and imminent threat” to public health, and announced new powers to fight its spread.” This is only after a mere four reported cases of the sickness in the UK. The British are not the kind of people to panic easily, if at all, but its health stewards are taking urgent and preemptive steps to get in front of the fight against what is feared can spread out of control rapidly, and with dire implications.

Among the steps that can be implemented are “People can now be forcibly quarantined or sent into isolation and will not be free to leave under the new measures.”

This is tough thinking and still tougher acting, should circumstances so necessitate. It may not be too farfetched of a recommendation, which this paper makes, that Guyanese health officials be ready to institute earlier than later. At the very least, it has to be on the table of options considered.

This is not the time to panic or to shrink, but we must also be concerned enough not to be casual or careless, but especially vigilant. This applies equally to citizens and coordinators and captains in the health sector. It is better to be safe than sorry, and this means that it is better that the most discretion be exercised. It is time to take awareness and preparedness to another level, be those at our ports of entry, in our schools and communities, or in the crowded places of our daily commerce.

Heed objective, unbiased views DEAR EDITOR, Objective reports, editorials and commentaries, once unaligned with (critical of) a major party, are maligned no matter how valid their arguments and views. The same applies with polls and pollsters – they are attacked by a party and its supporters for findings that a party trails in support. Thus, one is not surprised that reports critical of the one sided negotiations with the oil companies are rejected outright.

When commentators or editorials critique a party, they are attacked by its supporters and described as a supporter of an opposing party.

The same is true of critiques of oil negotiations. A critique is welcomed by supporters of the opposing party and is viewed as excellent. But on the other side, an objective (critic) is labeled as a soup

drinker; this is not to say there aren’t soup drinkers around who sell their souls for a position. There are many soup drinkers and political grass hoppers (rank opportunists) also jumping from party to party when their personal goal is not met. Both major parties have these opportunists and at times they are rewarded with positions.

But regrettably those who are professionals and care for country and offer sound advice or seek justice are reviled.

This is hypocritical thinking but is reality in our political culture.

Government and parties should heed professional, unbiased views and reports (especially on oil) that are supported by strong evidence instead of rejecting them outright.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Oil wealth trickling down to the masses is nothing but a pipe dream DEAR EDITOR, Many of my fellow Guyanese think that now that oil is found and would be produced here, we would be a rich nation.

On the other hand, there are many of us who would say, ‘Ask the citizens of Iraq, Libya, Syria, Nigeria, Uganda, Sudan, Venezuela, Brazil and Trinidad, how well the oil trickle-down theory is working for them so far’.

The citizens of many of these oil-rich countries have only the results of a bomb trickle-down campaign to show for their oil — in the form of a bomb crater 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, where their family homes once stood.In the view of many of us, Guyana’s oil wealth would never trickle down to the masses; that wealth is reserved for those in power, and already rich and wanting to get richer.

Just look at the culture of Guyana and you can tell what would happen to the proceeds from oil. Oil wealth trickling down to the masses is nothing but a pipe dream. It has never happened in any Third World country, and will never happen here in my beloved land.This world is an extremely brutal place; I remain pessimistic about Guyana being an exception to the norm, as obtains in Third World countries with copious amounts of natural resources. I wonder, do we in Guyana have the metaphorical “brains and mindset” to keep the potential oil wealth in Guyana? For the time being, the jury is out on this matter!

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

Some thoughts on the upgraded Leguan Stelling jetty DEAR EDITOR, In an article which appeared in the news media, it was revealed that residents of the Island of Leguan have observed that the contractor for the Ferry Jetty was using barnacle infested planks on the upgraded jetty connecting the stelling.

Reporters, who visited the Jetty, saw pest infested planks which were installed on the upgraded Jetty. They subsequently contacted the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) of their findings but were informed that the old wooden planks they saw on the Jetty and which residents complained about were existing planks which were never removed because they were found to be in good condition. However, a further response was to be given to news media on this issue by MoPI but apparently none was received.

Barnacles are marine crustaceans related to shrimps and crabs and live by filtering particles from salty/brackish water.

The planks on the Leguan Jetty which residents claimed were damaged by barnacles could not have happened since the planks were well above high tide level and hence out of reach to be infested by barnacles.

The damage seen on the planks was probably due to wood

decaying fungus/microbes which digested the moist cellulose from the greenheart (GH) planks. The moisture in the planks came from heavy rainfall on the Island and not from the Essequibo River. The weakened cellulose fibers of the GH planks have therefore affected their structural rigidity and should have been replaced. Some of them however, have stood the test of time and were in good shape and were not replaced. The MoPI should therefore receive a credit for this as would have been stipulated in its contract.

In any refurbished job it is extremely difficult to list every item of work which should or should not be done since much of the damage requiring repairs are hidden from the estimators and these only come to light during construction. Hence, the need for a change order clause in any refurbishing contract to cater for these unknowns.

To prevent decay of the wooden planks and prolong their life, they should have been injected with a fungicide but unfortunately Guyana does not have a facility for such treatment as yet.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

JAGDEO AND ALI HAVE SUBMITTED INTEGRITY declarations to the Integrity Commission by alleging PPP leaders have done the same? Or it is that the Chairman of the DECLARATIONS Integrity Commission provided false information to the newsDEAR EDITOR, There was a bold headline story in another newspaper alleging that Bharrat Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the PPP, and Irfaan Ali, the PPP’s Presidential Candidate, are among a new list of persons published by the Integrity Commission who did not submit their financial and asset declarations required by law. The statement that Drs. Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali are among persons who have not submitted their declarations is a blatant, deliberate lie. Both Jagdeo and Ali have unequivocally stated all their submissions have been made. Thus, it is either that the newspaper totally fabricated the story or that the Chairman of the Integrity Commission, who was quoted by the newspaper, provided false statements to the newspaper.

The fact is that since these declarations have been required in 2000 to present, Bharrat Jagdeo, both as President of Guyana and as Leader of the Opposition, has submitted on a timely basis for every year. The same is true for Irfaan Ali who was first required since around 2006 to submit declarations.

Neither of them has had to be warned and neither of them has ever failed in their submissions.

From his Facebook Page, we know Anil Nandalall is suing the newspaper and its editor for libelling both Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali. The newspaper prominently promoted a total lie. Who is responsible for this blatant lie? Could it be that the newspaper decided to balance out the terrible image of the large number of Government Ministers, MPs and other officials who have breached the law and failed to submit their

paper?

At a time when President David Granger has injected honesty and decency as an election issue, someone must do the decent, honest thing and tell the nation the truth. The newspaper must state whether it simply made up the information or if the Chairman did provide false information. The Chairman must immediately clarify what the position is.

APNU+AFC senior officials have been exposed by their own appointed Integrity Commission. The fact is that prior to 2015, none of them submitted their declarations, in total violation of the law. They claimed then that the Commission was appointed by the PPP and had persons who were not impartial and other excuses. Since 2015, the Integrity Commission has been made up of persons appointed by David Granger and APNU+AFC. The Chairman of the Commission is a known friend and associate of Moses Nagamootoo. What, therefore, are the excuses now?

Mr. Granger too is obligated under the laws of Guyana to submit his declarations to the Integrity Commission. Has Mr. Granger fulfilled his obligation in accordance with the law?

Mr. Granger and the Commission have an obligation to the nation to answer clearly this question. The honest and decent thing is to be transparent with the Guyanese people - Mr. Granger must tell the nation if he has submitted his declaration and, if he has, when he did so. If he will not do the decent and honest thing, the Integrity Commission is abrogating its duty to the Guyanese people by remaining silent.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Tuesday February 11, 2020

IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER DEAR EDITOR, February 11, 2020 has been declared National Day of Prayer in Guyana.

In all ages and in all religions, the spiritual aspirants and devotees of God have expressed their innermost yearnings and noble sentiments and feelings through hymns, praises and prayers.

Sometimes they would sing and pray out of the fullness of their hearts, dwelling in exalted moods, untouched by cares and wants. But in most cases, it is awareness of their limitations and imperfections, or the sense of misery and helplessness that makes us, the weary and struggling souls turn to the Omnipotent and ever-perfect Being for solace and comfort.

Buffeted by the troubles of life, or worried by the consciousness of sin, and realizing the uselessness of human help, we turn to God for safety and protection. The seeker of enjoyments, finding all human efforts fruitless, looks up in his helplessness to God for the fulfillment of his desires.

The seeker of knowledge may not have any worldly trouble or material desires to disturb him, but he feels in his heart a soul-hunger, a sense of emptiness, or the misery of a limited existence that nothing in the world can remove. His soul yearns for the higher life, and in the course of his search, he comes to God, the source of peace and blessedness. It is out of dire necessity that all types of seekers seek the divine help and grace.

Thus, to all of them God is a constitutional necessity. And so great is this need that that even skeptics, in their despair, have been heard to cry out to the Almighty for solace and support.

Prayer is intrinsic to man.

It is natural, essential and part of our being, just as gravitational pull is to the earth. It is divine quest that leads the weak and the strong alike across life’s vicissitudes – the changes in circumstances and fortunes. There is no state of being that is more sublime and ecstatic as when the mind bathes and dips into the ecstasy of prayer – an experience of overwhelming feeling of joy. When we are at the crossroads of life – of indecision, as we often are – sincere prayers strengthen the

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decision-making faculty in us and the right road is pointed out to us. Finding ourselves the cross-roads of life, realizing that all our learning and culture, wealth, family and friends are of no avail to allay our agonies, we then take the one great decision; we take our problems to the Lord in Prayer. As we press on with the practice, our lives undergo a wonderful transformation to a subtler realm that opens up new views and visions all around. At this stage, prayer happens naturally, not a mere practice, but as natural as breathing.

There is nothing wrong if a prayer starts off for one’s own betterment, as, in course of time it gets properly shaped and covers the entire family members. This divine spark will extend to fellow beings for their welfare, also. It does not matter if the prayer starts on a small scale, so long as it contains the fire of spiritual fervor. Just as water poured near to the root of the tree nourishes the entire tree, prayer always reaches its destination. The seed of prayer planted on the fertile area of the mind grows into a big tree which gives shelter as well as fruits.

It is heart-warming to know that the Merciful Lord, who created us, has not left us in the wilderness – alone and lonely; but He stands by

our sides and lifts us up from the whirlpool of life. He has given us tools potent enough to match the ordeal on hand.

PRAYER is a method that is so complete and effective. We soon realize that we are all charged by the Battery of God. The pendulum of action now starts to swing from a life without meaning to a life with purpose. Such is the Power of Prayer. We cannot afford to be without it.

Grant me, O Master, by Thy grace To follow all the good and pure, To be content with simple things; To use my fellows not as means but ends To serve them stalwartly, in thought, word, deed; Never to utter word of hatred or of shame: To cast away all selfishness and pride: To speak no ill of others: To have a mind at peace, Set free from care, and led astray from Thee Neither by happiness nor woe; Set Thou my feet upon this path, And keep me steadfast in it, Thus only shall I please Thee, serve Thee right.

(Tulsidas) God Bless.

Yours truly, Pt. R. Balbadar

A MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT DEAR EDITOR, Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share an observation with my fellow Guyanese that I believe is a most important development. As my brothers and sisters would be aware, as we approach national and regional elections on March 2, many “smaller” political parties have emerged. I absolutely agree with President David Granger when he declared that the emergence of such political movements is a most welcome change. The president mentioned that democracy is now flourishing in Guyana. And, I whole-heartedly agree.

It is not just the formation of new parties; it is the transformation of the entire socio-political atmosphere under the astute leadership of the David Granger administration. The rule of law is being respected; there are no more allegations of State-sponsored threats, acts of terror, torture, nor murder.

Instead, Guyanese are truly free to openly associate with any political movement; Guyanese may speak freely, without any fear of reprisal.Over the past four years there has been a totally positive, and refreshingly transformative change of our political culture. And. I am convinced that if David Granger is allowed to continue his visionary work, the oppressive, tyrannical rule of yore will become nothing more than a filthy stain on the fabric of Guyana’s historical tapestry.

Regards, Mark DaCosta

We need a wholesale intervention from ABC and EU countries DEAR EDITOR, PROF DESMOND THOMAS IN HIS BOOK, “‘Electoral System Reform for a Diverse Nation, the Case of Guyana” stimulates thought and debate to help save a racially-broken country.

(1) The biggest obstacle to electoral reform . . . in this country is skepticism; after 50 years of living in this electoral system, nobody believes that we can do better,” [Thomas] said.

(2) “To move forward, we need to solve the ethnic problem,” he stated. We ended up with a highly polarised system and the identification of the two major parties with the two races has institutionalised the racial problem.” (a) I have given up on the ethnic parties - PPP and PNC. They reinforce each other in their period grudge matches otherwise known as elections. They are locked in battle. So, no reforms are possible. These two parties must be outlawed from doing business. But that is not realistic. (b) Suriname had tried something called Apanjhaat democracy - a system where everyone votes for his/her ethnic party; and the winning Combo shares the spoils proportionally. This too has its shortcomings. It broke down in Suriname. (c) Ravi Dev proposed a system of Federalism as a solution. No one is interested. His concept never got debated. (d) I like the concept of Federalism (though not Dev’s version). I am proposing a Federal Union with the United States or Canada. (Half of the Guyanese population settled in those two countries).

Arguments in favor (1) ExxonMobil has oil

drilling/refining operations in Oklahoma and Texas. But these States never felt pressured to offer sweetheart deals to EM, the way some men did. (These men negotiated a secret contract and hoped to keep it hidden from the Guyanese people) (2) Trotman says we need “protection” against Venezuela. Really? Well, the best protection can be obtained by seeking a Federal Union with the United States or Canada. And, we don’t have to enter “corrupt” sweetheart deals with ExxonM. (3) When there is a problem in one of the 50States: (Say California: Threat of riots over Rodney King verdict). Federal power enters, defuses and solves the problem. Guyana, a small State with the threat of race riots and violence always hanging over its head needs this sort of intervention of Federal power.

(4) Should the kind of Federal Union I am proposing becomes a reality, the principals of PPP and PNC may still run for State elective offices - but they will do so under different rules. Under the watchful eyes of Federal power. A different political culture will emerge. Winning elections for State offices will cease to be ethnic prizes.

(5) In a Federal Union with Canada or United States, Guyana’s products will have a bigger, ready-made dutyfree market. (A market of 325 million in the U.S.) Billions of investment dollars will flow to Guyana to open factories and service industries. Within 1015 years, per capita incomes will begin to approximate that of the US or Canada.

Guyanese people will be free to live in other states of the Union. (Right now, everyone

in Guyana, including Guyanese politicians, wants green cards for the U.S./ Canada). Now that’s real freedom. Of course, not many will opt to move. Why? Development and same living standards will come to Guyana. [Fact: all the states that join the Union in the 1800’s – Texas, California, New Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska – today approximate the same levels of social and economic development].

(6) Given the corruption in the Oil Contract, Guyana is on the path to become a resource-cursed country (like Angola, Venezuela, Nigeria).

In a Federal union with United States, there is zero-chance of such corruption going undetected, unpunished.

Arguments Against Lots of folks will label my proposal a Sellout; Recolonization scheme, etc.

None bothers to explain their arguments. They tend to attack the messenger. Neither U.S. nor Canada is interested in Colonization schemes. The idea of a Federal Union is really a package of terms to be negotiated. Just as, say, NAFTA was negotiated and approved in referendums by the States involved. Joining a Federal Union with U.S. or Canada is not less, but more freedom for all the Guyanese people.

Think of these facts Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in 1990. A war followed. U.S. led a Coalition of some 20countries. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia paid back every dollar that the war cost. Are (Continued on page 6)

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Tuesday February 11, 2020

Guyanese must insist on a stake in their own country DEAR EDITOR, My visit to Albouystown, an inner city community in Georgetown, last Monday, revealed to me the hopelessness of its residents. Most households have no jobs, poor housing, narrow roads and poor sanitation. It was clear to me that this community, just a mile from the Office of the President, and less than a mile from the Corporate and commercial Georgetown and Government Ministries, that this was a forgotten part of Guyana.

The hopelessness there and the plight of former and even current workers around the Sugar and Bauxite communities and those in rural Guyana tell the sad story that ordinary Guyanese do not have a stake in their own country. The promise of independence has eluded us for more than fifty three years now.

Our failure at managing our rich natural wealth after nationalization of the com-

manding heights of our economy in the seventies and then the partial privatization in the nineties did not give Guyanese any significant stake in our own economy.

Bauxite was leased to Russian owned Rusal, GT&T to American controlled ATN, our major Gold and other resources to foreign owned companies, now Oil and Gas resources to big Foreign Oil Companies.

The major value from our resources is created overseas and the billions are made and retained by societies overseas. In the divestment of these resources no attempt was ever made to retain any form of local ownership to ensure that Guyanese have a stake in our own country.

The consequence is that we continue to be employees, being paid little, with no participation in profits, and when the finite resources run out or become marginal we have nothing to show, not even the little employment. On top of

that our Government takes a disproportionate amount from us through an extortionately high level of taxation.

Then even worse they squander, waste and misappropriate those taxes by a big, corrupt bureaucracy.

Our constitution in its current form and the racially divisive politics of the PPP and PNC are the biggest impediments to our progress. It gives rise to large, wasteful and incompetent Governments that rob us of our earnings. Racial division and voting along ethnic lines supports corruption in public office and undermines democracy. It makes Politicians behave as “Lord of the Land” neglectful of the needs of the masses.

This is vividly shown by their record in Government.

- Plight of Bauxite workers at Kwakwani - left destitute by neglectful governments who give the rights to our Bauxite to foreign companies instead of the residents there - Lands at Wales being distributed by APNU to foreign companies instead of the poor, displaced sugar workers - The entire riverfront at Wales/Patentia given to an Oil major rather than leased to a company whereby sugar workers hold the shares but then rented to provide the people of that community with employment and a stream of income.

- The same experience with lands of closed Diamond Sugar Estate lands, not one acre given to displaced sugar workers, but to political elites of the PPP

- GT&T shares sold by PPP to a Chinese Company instead of the employees of that Company.

We must create structures and systems that give everyone, businessmen and women, but also the average person, nurses, teachers, police, public servants, a stake in our economy.

We must not be only employees, we must be owners.

While we encourage and invite foreign investors who bring capital and technology, we must create and foster a culture of entrepreneurship at every level. Poverty has no place in a resource rich country like ours if managed well politically. We must eliminate poverty from every corner of our country.

Policy makers must lead with the right policies to create a fertile ground to spur this quest for ownership. The transformation this would bring to our economy is limitless.

We must have a stake in our own country.

- ownership of lands - Ownership of businesses - Ownership of our coastline, our seafront & riverfront, our mountains and grasslands - Our gold, diamond, bauxite, oil & gas To achieve the transformation this new thinking brings Guyana needs new leadership. It requires rallying all Guyanese around this new vision, mobilizing the resources, building confidence in leadership in an inclusive, transparent and accountable Government. The racially divisive politics of the PPP and

APNU have failed and therefore has no place in this new Guyana.

Their record in Government tells a tale of failed promises, Incompetence and mismanagement.

Extortionately high levels of taxes to finance large expensive, large, inefficient bureaucracy have resulted in more than 30 percent of our people in poverty, unemployment of 30 percent, youth unemployment of 40 percent, massive migration, escalating crime, daily blackouts, poor medical care.

What If? Had we insisted on accountability in Government by voting differently: - We could have had a bridge across the Demerara River and a bridge across the Corentyne River.

- A network of highways and roads to the Airport and Lethem and across our country.

- State of the art hospitals

in Georgetown and across Guyana.

- 5 G Telecommunications infrastructure.

- A state of the art smart grid delivering reliable, low cost electricity powering our homes and industry - Large scale agricultural and industrial developments in our city and coastlands Just look at the contrast with the Governments of our two neighbours, Trinidad and Suriname. The Trinidadian Prime Minister insisted on a royalty of 12.5% on its Gas resources. Suriname securing 6.5% plus taxes of 36% plus selling the oil blocks with a large selling bonus, a method similar to our Change Guyana’s, plan. The difference in leadership is glaring, and that’s why the people in those countries enjoy a higher standard of living.

Robert Badal Presidential Candidate Change Guyana

We need a wholesale...

From page 4 Guyanese officials really worried about a Venezuelan invasion?

A Federal Union with the United States or Canada is the answer.

We get the military protection we need plus a host of other bonus benefits. Let the Guyanese people be free - to enjoy greater freedoms. Isn’t that the reason why half the population moved out and settled in North America?

The ideology of the PNC is ethnic triumphalism. Ethnic domination over the other races. The evidence is abundant. I know. I met President Granger in his office in July 2015. I asked him about the 90 out of 125 appointments that went to AfroGuyanese. I said: “Mr President, don’t you want to win over an Indian-base of support? To win the next elections?”

President Granger told me he will correct the problem in the months ahead. On a scale of 1 to 20 (20 = max worse), the problem quickly became a 20. Shortly after 16 out of 17 permanent secretary appointments went to Afro-Guyanese.

Guyana is locked in a bad political system - supported and reinforced by both PNC and PPP. Guyana needs to be saved.

Elections will not do it. We need a wholesale intervention from ABC and EU countries.

Yours truly, Mike Persaud

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

T

he malpractice complaint filed

by Kaieteur News's Publisher, Glenn Lall against Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram has been withdrawn.

The complaint was filed against Ram over his failure to represent Kaieteur News in a libel suit by former head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington.

On the day of the hearing the judge adjourned the matter twice to allow for Ram to appear for his clients.

He did not show. The following day he abandoned his clients.

The matter came up before the Legal Practitioners Committee (LPC) last week.

Both Ram and the complainant (Lall) were present for the hearing before the committee at the Court of Appeal.

Lall then informed the secretary of the LPC that he was no longer interested in pursuing the matter.

The newspaper publisher said that Ram had no part in the decision to withdraw the complaint.

He said, “I took it upon myself to withdraw the

Attorney- at- law, Chris Ram

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

complaint; Chris Ram did not ask me to do it.”

Lall told Kaieteur News that he realized the contribution that Ram is making to the national discourse on topical issues in Guyana, most importantly the nation's contentious oil deal, far outweighs any issue between them.

Lall said, too, that he realised how happy the oil companies would be to see two individuals who have been vocal in their stance for renegotiation of the contracts, fighting amongst themselves.

“Our oil is under contention, so I decided that

is far more important. I called a truce so that we could continue to fight in Guyana's best interest, “he added.

The publisher had filed the complaint with the LPC – the body responsible for hearing grievances of clients and sanction lawyers-- after Ram, Kaieteur News's attorney at the time, decided not to show up for Court, last December.

The publication is involved in a number of libel suits filed by the former head of NICIL. When the case came up, Shaunella Glenn, another (continued on page 22)

Depletion policy to come after elections - Energy Dept. says guidelines with IDB

I

t appears that Guyana will have to wait until the March 2020, General and Regional Elections are over to have a Depletion Policy in place.

Kaieteur News became aware of this during a press conference that was held yesterday by Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

A t t h e m e d i a engagement, this newspaper asked Dr. Bynoe to provide an update on the policy which allows the leaders of the day to determine how fast or slow the oil and gas resources must be developed.

The Energy Department Head noted that since it is a policy issue, one would have to wait after March 2 for certain decisions to be made.

Be that as it may, Dr. Bynoe did note that Depletion

Policy Guidelines were completed since December last and submitted to the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) which funded the exercise.

It was in early 2016 that talks emerged about the need for Guyana to have a depletion policy. Trinidadian Energy Expert, Anthony Paul would have cautioned in a previous interview that if Guyana wants to lengthen the life of its oil industry, then it urgently needs to put this policy in place.

In the absence of this crucial document, ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, are steaming ahead with plans to extract Guyana's oil as quickly as possible from the Stabroek Block. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that

ExxonMobil would be introducing five Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSOs) into the Stabroek Block, by 2025.

The first FPSO, Liza D e s t i n y, h a s b e e n i n operation since December 2019. The second FPSO, Liza Unity, is projected for hook up by 2022. The FPSO for Payara has a 2023 deadline. The IMF noted that a fourth FPSO would be in Guyana's waters in 2024 with the fifth vessel hooked up in 2025.

In a special report prepared for Guyana's authorities, the IMF said that bringing five oil production projects on stream in five years is “unprecedented.” It said that if this were to be realized, Guyana would reach one of the highest ratios of oil daily production per capita in the world.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Court of Appeal affirms residency not a requirement for voting - Unanimous agreement on CJ's decision

T

he Court of Appeal has affirmed a December 2019 ruling by Chief Justice Roxane George in which she held that pursuant to the laws, living in Guyana is not a requirement for voting.

Yesterday, the panel of Judges led by Chancellor of t h e J u d i c i a r y Yo n e t t e Cummings-Edwards unanimously agreed that the Chief Justice was correct in arriving at such a decision.

The other judges were Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory. In upholding the ruling of the Chief Justice, the panel of judges agreed that there is no additional requirement of residency as a qualification for voting.

The Chancellor in her ruling held that the provisions of Articles 59 and 159 of the Constitution must be read in conjunction.

Article 159 outlines: Subject to the provisions of Article 159, every person may vote at an election if he is of the age of eighteen years or upward and is either a citizen of Guyana or a Commonwealth citizen domiciled and resident in Guyana.

Article 159 (1) reads: No person shall vote at an election unless he is registered as an elector.

Article 159 (2) (C) reads: (2) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (three) and (four), a person shall be qualified to be registered as an elector for elections if, and shall not be so qualified unless, on the qualifying date, he or she is of the age of eighteen years or upwards and either – (a) a citizen of Guyana; or (b) is a Commonwealth citizen who is not a citizen of Guyana and who is domiciled and resident in Guyana and has

been so resident for a period of one year immediately preceding the qualifying date; and (C) satisfies such other qualifications as may be prescribed by or under any law.

She highlighted that the Constitution clearly states that a person becomes eligible to be placed on the National Register of Registrants (NRR) when t h e y t u r n 1 8 . To b e registered, these persons would have to be at their place of abode at the time the enumerator visits.

They however cannot be removed from the NRR unless they are certified to be insane or if they have been convicted by a court for any elections-related offence five years prior to the qualifying date set.

According to the Chancellor, in reading the provisions of the aforesaid

Articles, she is of the view that residency is not an additional qualification to vote on the qualifying date outlined in Article 159 (6).

Though not ventilated before the Chief Justice, Attorney General Basil Wi l l i a m s , b a c k e d b y Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, the Appellants, had contended that the residency requirement was introduced via the Constitution Amendment Act No. 4 of 1991, as it was validly passed.

Those in support of this contention were lawyers for the Chief Elections Officer and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). But Anil Nandlall, lawyer for the Respondent, Christopher Ram, as well as lawyers for the Bar Association of Guyana which appeared Amicus Curiae, were in disagreement.

They all contended that the Constitution Amendment Act No. 4 of 1991 was a piece of “sunset” legislation, as it was enacted specifically for the 1992 general and regional elections.

Nandlall had robustly argued that the piece of legislation under review died a natural death, when the situation it was intended for came and went. Weighing in on this issue, Justice Persaud

Attorney General: Basil Williams

Attorney-at-Law: Anil Nandlall said that although Article 65 of the 1966 Constitution provided for a one-year residency requirement, it was removed from the current Constitution.

Deeming their reliance on the Constitution Amendment Act No. 4 of 1991 as “badly misplaced and fundamentally flawed”, Justice Persaud agreed with Nandlall, that the legislation was only passed to cater for the 1992 elections. This Act, he said, did not to any degree, enforce conditions permanently.

“The Constitution Amendment Act No. 4 of 1991 was essentially a piece of sunset legislation which has its origin in Roman

law…” Justice Persaud underscored. He said that although it introduced the requirement of residency, it was limited to a specific period. Justice Persaud therefore agreed with the Chief Justice that there are no laws which exclude Guyanese citizens residing overseas, or out of their district from voting.

He said that GECOM does not have the authority to remove or disqualify an elector, as this can only be done by virtue of the provisions of Article 159 and subsections 2, 3 and 4. Like Justice Persaud, the Chancellor pointed out that the law makes provisions for voting overseas, and those who qualify in this category include Ambassadors, High Commissioners, as well as their spouses and children; and staff of an Embassy, as well as their family members. Both judges noted (continued on page 13)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

PAGE 09

MEH SHARE OF THE NATIONAL CAKE GONE TO EXXON!

I

have never and will never accept the argument that poverty is the root cause of crime. There may be high levels of crime in poor communities, but this is association not causation.

I have known extremely poor individuals, many of whom went hungry for days, who never took to crime. I have known people who have more than they need and have been involved in crime. Yet you never hear anyone saying that having wealth is a source of crime.

I believe that those who commit crimes do s o because they believe that there is a strong likelihood that they can get away. And once that risk of escaping punishment is increased, crime rates will fall.

There is open support in some instances for criminals. There are persons in the society who actually view criminals as role models.

There are some women who love to boast about their men friends who are criminals. Unless these sorts of values are crushed, crime

will fester.

If those who commit crimes are more easily ostracized socially, and if they are more likely to be arrested and punished, crime will reduce appreciably. It boils down to moral sanctions and law enforcement.

There is no reason to steal and rob others, even if you are jobless. This is Guyana, and there is always someone who will be prepared to give you a meal until you can do better. I therefore do not accept the proposition that because young people are not obtaining jobs in the country, this is the reason for them stealing.

I will, however, accept the proposition that the wealth of this country is skewed in favour of a few.

When Cheddi Jagan first returned to office in 1992, he discovered to his dismay that 5% of the population owed 70% of the lands. He set about trying to convince large landowners to give up some of their concessions and give it up to small farmers.

In the gold industry, there are all categories of miners – small, medium and largescale.

A few large, foreignowned companies extract hundreds of thousands of ounces of gold each year.

They export this gold. And they create a few hundred jobs to placate the population that their investment is good for the country.

When they leave, as the owners of OMAI did, the country is no better off.

There is no class transformation. The poor remain poor; the workers remain workers.

There are few local miners who possess large numbers of concessions beyond what any one person should be allowed. After all, how many mining concessions should one man have when there are poor persons who also want to mine for gold and cannot obtain lands.

I agree that we need to look at the bigger picture of how our wealth is handed out to a few foreign companies.

Right now, most of Guyana's

Dem boys seh...

Dem party supporters really smart

P

olitics is a game wheh people love to fool demself, especially when is time fuh elections. If is one thing politicians like to see when dem talking, is nuff people. That is why when dem got any political rally, dem party does get photographers to tek a picture from overhead.

These days dem have drones, suh is nuff drone shots to show people.

But wha dem boys know is that when you look at some of dem photograph is de same people you seeing. If dem have a meeting in Linden and dem have one in Georgetown is de same face you seeing. De same thing if you have a meeting in Kitty and one at Leonora.

But dem boys see de same faces at de rally in Linden and at de rally in Kitty. Is only de clothes change.

That happen because some people paying to have a big crowd which de experts does call rent-a-crowd. So a man put on he green and yellow today, and he red tomorrow. De

problem does come when he trying to attend two rally at de same time.

Dem boys want to know if people don't wuk. Some of dem does glad fuh de outing; dem always ready to travel long distances to go to mek up de numbers.

One man had de two party clothes in a bag when he lef home. When he was dressing at one rally dem boys ask him if he don't have a wardrobe home wid a mirror. Dem didn't check de bag or dem woulda see something of interest.

Is de same thing wid de flags When a man passing through a stronghold fuh one party he got de flag. And when he passing through anodda party stronghold he got anodda flag.

As old people seh: no tricks; no living. Is de voting does separate de sheep from de goat.

Some politician who got six people in dem house does end up wid only one vote.

That mean is dem who vote fuh demself.

Is three weeks to go and all dem tricks gun done—two jersey, two flag and free money.

Talk half and watch de election crowd.

Murder accused jailed 12 months for...

From page 3 in-law when he heard a noise in the bottom flat of the twostorey building.

Upon investigation, Breedy saw two masked men searching his property and a

scuffle ensued between the armed men and Breedy.

It was during the scuffle that one of the bandits shot Darrell in the abdomen.

The bandits then carted off a 32-inch flat screen

television and $11,000 in cash.

Leon Patterson, an 18year-old fruit vendor of 27 'B' Field Sophia is also charged with the murder of Breedy.

wealth is in the hands of foreigners, from bauxite to gold and now to oil and gas.

The oil deal which the government signed with Exxon Mobil effectively hands Guyana's oil wealth to Exxon. The oil multinational will get the hog's share of the oil wealth. It will make its shareholders richer while shortchanging Guyanese.

These oil companies do not deal in millions. They

deal in billions, and when they strike a deal, they will get billions. It is sad that our negotiators approved a deal which deprived the country of US$55B. That US$55B is going right into the pockets of Exxon's overseas shareholders.

And in case you do not know what that means, let me tell you. It means every single man, woman and child has been robbed of G$15M

each.

I do not know about you, but with me and Big Aunty alone, that works out to G$30M in my household alone. And you still want me to vote on 2nd March 2020?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday February 11, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Jude Bentley gave me a bicycle for the AFC's 2015 campaign

I

embarked on a serious begging campaign for the AFC for the 2015 election campaign. I specifically requested non-monetary items. The cache was wide and impressive. I got computers, cell phones, micro-wave oven, blenders, a huge refrigerator, plenty food items, sleeping bags for camping, etc.

I am not at liberty to disclose the donors, all of whom would not like to be identified for obvious reasons – business people's fear of being in the bad books of our political leaders, many of whom are morbidly vindictive – remember the PPP government and the trench-cleaning outside my home? Remember the APNU+AFC government

and the street lamp outside my home?

Before I come to Jude Bentley's generosity, let me describe one of the most hilarious incidents in my begging campaign. I went to the owner of this large import firm. He gave me a few cartons of foreign beverages. The same day when the stuff was put in the fridge, the AFC's office staff

and the road campaigners killed themselves with laughter. They asked me to drink a bottle of the stuff. That thing was close to being as unpalatable as poison is. He could not have imported that stuff for sale. Even the homeless folks would have refused that stuff. I subsequently found out that the importer was a huge PPP s u p p o r t e r, s o h e w a s deliberately cynical.

There were two famous bicycle stores on Robb Street between Orange Walk and Cummings Street, directly opposite the animal clinic. I went to both. Both gave me a cycle each. That was when I first met Jude Bentley. Those cycles were intended for campaign workers at the AFC office, but they brought a huge quarrel between one campaign worker and one of the security officers. The campaigner took one of the cycles to do a personal errand and kept it overnight.

A fight almost broke out.

The two cycles, since the 2015 campaign finished, are locked up inside a large container that still sits on the parapet outside the AFC's head office. I am assuming that those things are not rotting beyond repair.

It would be nice to refurbish the one Mr. Bentley gave me and place it somewhere connected to him, a reminder of what a generous young man Jude was. The

problem is; I don't know which one he donated to me.

If the young brother who is always in the shop with him can identify the model the firm imports, then we can identify which of the two he gave me.

I didn't speak often to Jude Bentley after April 2015, but I did see him regularly in the National Park with his cycling team. Last December I met with him when I went to repair my bicycle at his store. I gave the repair guy a tip. But it was when I went home, I realized it was the Christmas season and I should have given a much bigger tip. I went to the store and couldn't find the repair man. Bentley is always at the counter. He shouted for the fellow and told the guy, “look this big man wants to see you.”

Last month I went again to Jude's store to buy a bicycle. The National Park authorities banned me from leaving my cycle in one of the guard huts, so I had to leave it in the open, where, for the whole of December and p a r t s o f J a n u a r y, t h e elements damaged it.

I bought a new one, and asked Jude if he could get one of his workmen to remove the plastic covering that was tightly pasted over the cycle.

He called a little fellow about eight years old to do the job. This little chap was the splitting image of

Frederick Kissoon Bentley. I am assuming it was either his child or his nephew or a close relative.

That was the last conversation I had with Jude Bentley.

My condolences to his family, relatives and friends. I hope the AFC issues a statement expressing gratitude for the bicycle.

I end with a few lines from one of my favourite Sarah Brightman songs, “Winter in July.”

“Future dreams can never last When you find yourself still living in the past Keep moving on to higher ground Looking for the way you thought could not be found We may not know the reason why We're born into this world Where a man only lives to die His story left untold Make the best of what's given you Everything will come in time Why deny yourself Don't just let life pass you by Like winter in July” (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

US firm hired to revise …local decades-old law firm to be Petroleum laws involved

T

he Department of Energy has hired a US firm, Hunton Andrew Kurth LLP, to conduct a revision of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, among other things.

Revealing this during a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency was Energy Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

The Act has not been updated in decades, and Government has been criticised for not having revised it before the beginning of oil production.

The firm will be working closely with Guyanese firm, Cameron & Shepherd to revise, replace and/or develop the legislation which will govern Guyana's fledgling petroleum industry moving forward.

The Energy Director was keen to note that this consultancy, by involving a local firm, demonstrates the Department's commitment to local content.

“What we are aiming for is not just a company coming into Guyana but local expertise also being built, so that over time, more of these resources can [go toward] Guyanese rather than [continuing] to import… expertise.”

Dr. Bynoe said that the contract is projected to last one year, with the entire consultancy set to cost US$1.2M. The cost of the consultancy will be financed through an ongoing US$20M loan from The

World Bank. The loan is for a project called the Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project, meant to facilitate a wide-reaching enhancement of the legal and institutional frameworks and the strengthening of the capacity of key institutions to manage Guyana's oil and gas sector.

The Energy Director said that the firm will also provide legal advice to the Department of Energy on all matters related to the oil and gas sector.

“This consultancy is critical in the Department of E n e r g y, s e t t i n g o u t conditions that will level the proverbial playing field, bringing greater clarity and certainty to the sector's operations and enhance operational efficiencies,” Dr. Bynoe told reporters.

He indicated that the consultancy concerns many aspects of the sector.

“Take, for example, we have been clamouring for legislation around local content. We have no such legislation. All of those have to be developed. We've been clamouring for a modular refinery. We have nothing that governs downstream activities [and] midstream

activities.”

The sister agencies to the Department of Energy, with responsibilities to the sector, will also receive support from the firm. “[One example is] the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their regulations. What regulations would they have that will govern the Petroleum sector? And there again is an absence or a dearth of such regulations.”

He said that the firm is expected to exact a wide sweep of the sector's needs.

The firm has served several reputable companies, individuals, governments and institutions. The “About Us” page on its website says that it serves clients across a range of complex transactional, litigation and regulatory matters. Its strengths are purported to be in the energy, financial services, real estate, and retail and consumer products industries, as well as considerable experience in more than 100 distinct areas of practice, including privacy and cybersecurity, i n t e l l e c t u a l p r o p e r t y, environment, and mergers and acquisitions.

Court of Appeal affirms...

From page 8 that Guyanese residing overseas are not included in this category as they would have to fulfill the residency requirement for registration.

In rejecting the arguments proffered by Williams, the Chief Elections Officer and GECOM, the Chancellor said that the Constitution Amendment Act No. 4 of 1991 has already served its purpose and is no longer valid, since it did not find itself in the current Constitution, despite there being several constitutional reforms.

The entire panel of appeal judges dismissed Williams' contention that though the Act was omitted

by error from the Constitution, it is still in full effect, pursuant to Section 10 of the Law Revision Act. The Chancellor, in concluding, held that being a citizen of a country must carry some privileges and the right to vote seems to be one.

She said that to impose additional conditions for non-resident voting will bring into question what decides non-residency in relation to persons studying and working overseas, and those preparing to return to Guyana. Though Justice Gregory did not go into the details of her ruling, she said she had the opportunity of perusing the rulings of her colleagues, and was

therefore, in full agreement.

In light of the foregoing, the panel of judges agreed that the appeal was without merit and ought to be dismissed; parties in the matter were ordered to bear their own costs. In a post via his Facebook page Nandlall in commenting on the favourable ruling said “ D e m o c r a c y , constitutionality, the rule of law & the rights & freedoms of the Guyanese electorate won a resounding victory!”

While Williams said he was not disappointed with the court's ruling, he indicated that he will be appealing to the highest court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

PAGE 13

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Gary Best remains hospitalised as police await DPP's advice

By Shikema Dey

F

ormer Army Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral (Ret'd )Gary Best still remains a patient at the Cardiac Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital, as police prepare to send a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for recommendations in relation to a fatal accident which occurred on Saturday last.

This is according to Commander of Division 4A, Assistant Commissioner Edgar Thomas.

Thomas told Kaieteur News that the matter is still under investigation.

According to him, “the police are still gathering evidence.�

Best, 61, of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, was behind the wheel of the black Toyota Land Cruiser that struck and killed former National Cyclist Jude Bentley, who was riding at the time, early Saturday morning on the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy turn.

The accident occurred at around 05:00 hrs. Police said that a breathalyzer test revealed that the former Chief of Staff was above the legal limit for alcohol.

Best, who was being detained at the Kitty Police Station, was rushed to the hospital after complaining of feeling unwell.

According to a police report, Best alleged that he was proceeding east along the southern lane of Clive Lloyd Drive when the cyclist suddenly appeared in front of him. He reportedly told police that he applied brakes and the right side front of his vehicle struck Bentley, who fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries.

Eyewitnesses who were at the scene at the time of the

Fmr Chief of Staff Gary Best Dead: Former National Cyclist, Jude Bentley accident said that Bentley's body was dragged some feet away from impact before the vehicle came to a halt. After the initial impact, the vehicle struck a lamp post on the southern side of the road.

Bentley was on his routine training exercise when he was struck down.

According to reports, Best had claimed that Bentley had no reflectors or protective gear on his bike at the time, citing this as the reason he did not see him on

the road.

However, family members disputed these claims after the broken parts were found scattered along the accident scene. Further, dash cam footage was given to the family showing the now dead cyclist on the public road outfitted with his reflectors and other protective gear.

Meanwhile, the post mortem was conducted yesterday by State Pathologist Nehaul Singh.

Singh gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.

The body was handed over to the family for burial.

Parts that were gathered at the scene from Bentley's mangled bike

Mahaicony pedal cyclist dies after colliding with bus

A

57-year-old pedal cyclist lost his life on Sunday after he collided with a minibus on the Mahaicony Public Road. According to police reports, the dead man, Terrence D'Aguiar of Lot 2 Cottage, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, died on impact.

Kaieteur News was informed that the accident occurred at around 18:00hrs.

Reports state that the minibus BXX 3501 driven by a 49-year-old resident of Eccles, East Bank Demerara was proceeding west along the southern side of the public road.

The driver in his statement told police that

the pedal cyclist, who was proceeding in the said direction, in front of him, made a sudden right turn, which caused the left front section of the vehicle to collide with him.

As a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist fell onto the road where he received injuries to his head and neck. He was picked up by the driver in an unconscious state and rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver, but no trace of alcohol was detected.

He was taken into police custody and is assisting with the investigation.

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

PAGE 19

Fight at St. Agnes Primary‌

DPP withdraws charges against teacher

T

he Director of P u b l i c Prosecutions (DPP) has withdrawn the matters against St. Agnes Primary School teacher Tiffani Hinds, who was slapped with two charges due to a physical altercation between her and three parents.

When the matter was called yesterday before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, the police prosecutor informed the court that based on advice from the DPP, the charges against the teacher had been withdrawn.

On January 20, Hinds, the parents Sherwin Dalrymple and Soyini Gardener, along with a relative of the parents, Kendace Peters, were all charged for assaulting each other.

Hinds was charged for assaulting Gardener, and provoking her with intent to insult or annoy her.

The charges are dated January 15, 2020, and the incident occurred at St. Agnes Primary School, Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown.

While Hinds's matters were dismissed by the Magistrate, Dalrymple, Gardener and Peters are expected to make another court appearance next month.

Dalrymple is facing two charges. It is alleged that he assaulted Hinds and provoked her with the intent to insult or annoy her. His partner, Gardener, is accused of assaulting Hinds, so as to cause her actual bodily harm and maliciously damaging property of the said victim.

The meeting later spiraled out of control after the parents of the boy who allegedly injured the other

Tiffani Hinds

Sherwin Dalrymple

Peters, who is the sister-in-law of Gardener, is charged for assaulting the teacher and unlawfully and maliciously damaging her dress.

It was reported that the incident took place in the head teacher's office during a meeting between the teacher and the parents of two male students.

The meeting was called after an altercation between the two boys resulted in one being severely injured and the child taken to the public hospital by the teacher to receive medical attention.

The child was reportedly taken back to a private medical facility later that evening for further treatment.

The cost incurred from this visit was asked to be repaid by the parents of the other student.

Soyini Gardener (front) and Kendace Peters

reportedly began attacking the teacher.

The parents believed that it was the teacher who

instigated the parents of the injured child to take him to a private medical facility and instruct them to pay.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Patron Sonia Noel kicks off philanthropic initiative 'Love Revolution'

T

h e L o v e Revolution kick started its momentum of proactive engagement with a celebration at Palm Court last Tuesday.

Under the auspices of the patron, Sonia Noel, of the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA), the organization paid tribute to the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations of the Republic status of Guyana, with a mission of 'love' as the catalyst for youth empowerment, social transformation and sustainable development.

Roshini BoodhooPersaud hosted the evening proceedings.

Apostle Claude Brooks started the programme with a prayer and a message of love.

Sonia Noel told her audience that her love for humanity motivated her to start this campaign, because society is b e c o m e s l e s s compassionate.

There were several musical renditions.

The gathering was reminded by Noel, of the renaissance of the overarching concept of love as a means to resolve conflict, to negotiate through uncertainty and that

to determine the wellbeing of future generations is the genesis of this humanitarian movement.

“Through this philanthropic initiative, the SNFCA proposes to actively mobilize youth and galvanize creative energy to actively make a difference in the lives of communities, in particular, and the lives of our citizens, at large.”

The first outreach programme to challenge students to champion 'love' as the answer to forwardthinking strategies for better living, was hosted at the Theatre Guild.

It welcomed the students to commit, to contribute and to celebrate the value, the purpose and the relevance of love in everyday interaction.

“This is the essence of the Love Revolution, whereby the leaders of tomorrow commune, in realtime, and corral their positive thoughts to signal the way forward for a better nation,” Noel said.

The programme at Theatre Guild was hosted by Caribbean fashion guru, Trinidadian, Richard Young, a stalwart member of SNFCA, who coursed an

exciting afternoon of uplifting motivation in the heart of Guyana's national celebrations.

SNFCA hopes that the movement develops from national to regional and even gains international recognition.

The corporate social responsibility of partners to the 'Love Revolution' were Palm Court, Trans Guyana Airways, Impressions

Sonia Noel (centre) with several others 'Love Revolution' participants

The first outreach programme to challenge students to champion 'love' was hosted at the Theatre Guild Branding Ramp Logistics, BK International, Pastor Joseph (Liberty Church, NY), Crafted by Chey,

Sonia Noel Designs, Trophy Stall, Eclipse Photo Studio, Spotlight Productions, Strategic Services, Theatre

Guild of Guyana and the Ministry of Education.

Sonia Noel closed off the proceedings with a

purposeful presentation of her philanthropy.

“Let's take care of each other and our environment.”

10 Calypsonians sing their way into finals

A

s Guyana approaches its 50th year as a Republican nation, Barticians celebrated with 21 calypsonians on Sunday night as they battled for a spot in the final round of the Banks DIH Limited Adult Calypso competition.

Twenty-one voices were heard, but only 10 advanced to compete against the reigning Calypso Champion – Kenroy Fraser, better known by his stage name the “Mighty Believer.'

Barticians looking on and enjoying the show

'Mighty Believer' was a former Junior Calypso winner, who performed 'Guyana must be a paradise' last year.

The defending champion will be guaranteed stiff competition as the 10 finalists expressed their elation and confidence for the Valentine's Day sing-off.

“I think it's a dream come true. I've always wanted to take part in calypso competitions,” were the words of first-time Calypsonian EGO, on

Queen Makeba performing 'A Woman's Almanac'

Junior Calypso Monarch, Omaiah Hall

making the cut.

Born and raised in Linden, EGO said his motivation stemmed from the election season.

“Based on what is going on in the country presently, I decided that we need a song depicting love and unity.

[My song] tonight was 'We Are The Guardians'.

Regardless of culture, religion or belief, one word behind that is unity.”

EGO's given name is Quincy Lacon, and he described his song as one of the perfect songs for this time.

A determined Karen Bennett, going by the stage name 'Queen Makeba,' has qualified for the first time in six years.

Queen Makeba performed 'A Woman's Almanac' as a message to all women that beauty does not

fade with age. She stated that qualifying for the final means a lot to her and she will deliver nothing but her best.

Roger Hinds, better known as 'Young Bill Rogers,' son of the renowned Bill Rogers, will be competing in the finals for both Chutney and Calypso competitions.

Young Bill Rogers noted the importance and honour of being a part of Guyana's 50th republican anniversary through the chutney and calypso competitions.

“This is where Guyana became a republic; this is where Mashramani started; this is where the first calypso competition was started in 1970.

It's 50 years that the calypso competition has been held in Guyana.”

The winner will walk away with $1.5Million when the competition ends Friday night at D'Urban Park, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will be awarded $600,000, $400,000 and $200,000 respectively.

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Cleaner admits to stealing foodstuff from man who owes him money

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A 60-year-old man was yesterday hauled before a City Magistrate to answer to a break and enter and larceny charge. He admitted to committing the act and was remanded to prison while his sentencing was deferred.

Victor Munian, a cleaner was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.The charge stated that on February 1, 2020, at Sheriff Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered a food shop and stole a gas bottle, foodstuff and $9000 cash.

According to Munian, the owner of the food shop owed him $21,000 and every time he inquired about the money, the owner told him that he would get it another day. He added that he was tired of hearing “today, tomorrow,” so he

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broke into the shop and stole the items.

The facts of the charge stated that, on the day in question about 16:30hrs, the virtual complainant secured his business place and around 17:30hrs, he heard a loud noise. Checks were made, and he discovered his business had been broken into and the articles were missing.The matter was reported, an investigation was launched, and Munian was later contacted. When the allegation was put to him, Munian told the police, “Officer I break into the place and carry away the things because he owes me money.”

After listening to the facts of the charge, Magistrate

Remanded: VictorMunian Marcus remanded Munian to prison and his sentencing was deferred to today, when he is scheduled to make his next court appearance.

No bail for taxi driver accused of stealing gold chains Twenty-nine-year-old Seon Haywood of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara was yesterday remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on a simple larceny charge.Haywood, a father of two, was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when he denied the charge which alleges that on February 9, 2020, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole two gold chains valued $70,000, property of Celine Teekaram.According to the facts of the charge, on the day in question Teekaram was walking when the defendant followed her for some time before he snatched the chains.

The woman then raised an alarm and police who were on patrol apprehended Haywood and the items were found in his pocket. The matter was adjourned to February 17.

KNews boss withdraws...

From page 7 lawyer provided representation for Kaieteur News. She was, however, ill-prepared for the proceeding since Ram only made the files to the case, available by way of a junior in his office, a mere 20 minutes before the trial began. Kaieteur News successfully petitioned the Court for time to retain another attorney to handle the matters. As a result, the Court deferred the matters and awarded $200,000 cost against the newspaper for the delays.The matter stemmed from lawsuits Brassington repeatedly filed against Kaieteur News for publishing stories about his handling of major deals involving state assets.The deals involving major projects and contracts such as the Marriott Hotel, the Berbice River Bridge, Rusal, and sale of a number of state properties date back to 2009. From the inception, Kaieteur News's publisher and editors refused to be muzzled in the face of what they saw as a number of irregularities.However in 2014, months before general elections, Brassington began to file writs. In the end, there were 19.

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Banks DIH once again supports faith-based, other organisations

L

ast Thursday, Banks DIH Limited presented Deeds of Covenant disbursements to twenty-seven organisations during an annual ceremony held at Thirst Park.

Human Resources Director Mr. Andrew Carto said the presentation of Deeds of Covenant to faith-based and other organisations, is part of the Company’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates.

“This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility as we embrace the work of these organisations that perform charitable work across Guyana.” he added.

Chairman/Managing Director Mr. Clifford Reis, and Co-Managing Director/Marketing Director Mr. George McDonald made the presentations to the representatives.

Sister Julie Matthews of St. John’s Bosco Boy’s Orphanage, who spoke on behalf of the recipients, expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for providing assistance to the organisations.

“We are encouraged by the financial support given by Banks DIH in assisting us to serve the society in a meaningful way,” she added.

The 27 organisations were Missionaries of Charity, St. Andrew’s Kirk, The Scouts Association of Guyana, Girls

Banks DIH Executives with representatives of the faith-based and other organisations who received Deeds of Covenant disbursements Guides Association, St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, The Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Uncle Eddie’s Home, Salvation Army, Gentlewomen’s Relief Association, St. George’s Cathedral, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Guyana Red Cross Society, Guyana Society for the Blind, Guyana Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, St. Thomas More Men’s Home, St. Phillip’s Parish Church, St. Vincent De Paul Society, St. George’s Cathedral (School Feeding Programme), Dharm Shala, Guyana Sanathan Dharma Maha Sabha, Shaheed’s Boys and Girls Orphanage, St. Ann’s Orphanage, St. John’s Bosco Boy’s Orphanage, Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre and Our Lady of the Mount Charities.

PAGE 24

Fmr Senegal PM, Jason Carter to co-lead Carter Center elections delegation

Former Prime Minister of Senegal, Aminata Touré With three weeks to go before this country’s General and Regional elections, it has been announced that former Prime Minister of Senegal, Aminata Touré, will play a major role in monitoring the process.According to the USbased, Carter Center, Touré and Jason J. Carter, chairperson of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, will co-lead the Center ’s international election observation mission in Guyana.“The Carter Center and my grandfather, (US) President (Jimmy) Carter, care deeply about democratic governance in Guyana,” the Chairman said.

“This election is an important opportunity for all Guyanese to rise above political divisions, respect democratic principles, and move together toward a brighter future. I look forward to returning to Guyana to observe this important election.”

Meanwhile, Touré said that she is honoured to colead the mission. She served as the Prime Minister of Senegal from 1 September

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

2013 to 4 July 2014 “We hope the election will help move Guyana forward in the spirit of inclusive governance.”The Carter Center has had a core team and group of long-term observers in Guyana since early January.

Carter and Touré will arrive in the days leading up to the election to meet with key stakeholders — including political party candidates, civil society organizations, government officials, and other international election observer missions, before observing polling, counting, and tabulation on March 2.

The Carter Center is observing Guyana’s general election at the invitation of the government of Guyana.

The entity has been coming here since the 1990s.

In 2015, the former US president, 95, was here for the elections but left on an emergency after falling ill.

The center has been instrumental in brokering critical agreements on how elections should be run.

A not-for-profit,

Jason Carter nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center says it has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care.

The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.

There are a number of other observer missions, including from the European Union delegation.

Broker unaware of any medical malpractice insurance in Guyana A majority of doctors and private hospitals in Guyana have no malpractice insurance.

A professional liability insurance, it is critical in helping provide doctors and hospitals with coverage in case of lawsuits.

According to head of P&P Insurance Brokers, Bish Panday, the insurance is normal in other parts of the world. However, in Guyana, this is not so.

In fact, Panday disclosed yesterday, he is unaware of any doctor who has taken such insurance coverage.

“Medical malpractice insurance is an established form of insurance. I am not aware that it is normally bought in Guyana,” the official said.

According to Panday, this may not likely change anytime soon, unless the regulatory authorities in Guyana make changes as to the requirements for doctors and hospitals.

The issue of insurance in Guyana would be critical, as there have been too few cases where victims and their families have managed to successfully fight cases against doctors.

Families have complained of not receiving settlement and being forced to resort to the courts without any assurance. They have also been complaining of long waits.According to one doctor, who operates a private

Insurance broker, Bish Panday clinic, malpractice insurance is expensive.

“I can tell you of maybe one doctor who has it. I am not sure. It is not a requirement. It does not need a law change. Maybe the Medical Council of Guyana, which regulates doctors, can make it a requirement for licensing.”If that happens, a number of insurance companies may very well come knocking to provide coverage.“I can tell you that in other countries, no hospital will hire you unless you have insurance as a doctor. If anything goes wrong, that hospital would not want to be liable.”

The spotlight came sharply down on operations of private hospitals after it became known that one of them came in under scathing criticisms from the Medical Council in 2014.

A grandfather, Edward Subryan, 74, died, with the

Medical Council investigation finding that the private hospital and two surgeons did not provide proper health care.

The investigation came after the family, peeved by the quality of medical care, complained to the Council.

The report recommended that the hospital and doctor reach an out-of-court settlement with the family.

The council also found that the doctors breached protocols by not keeping proper records or relying on the patient’s past history.

During a simple colonoscopy, the patient’s colon was accidentally perforated. He died days later.

A post mortem examination found pus and fecal matter in Subryan’s chest area.The Medical Council report said that the doctors did not meet the standards of being doctors.The family has been fighting to have the matter closed, but hearing little.

Another family is now fighting a private hospital in court over the death of an engineer.He reportedly died from complications during a simple hernia operation.

Recently, the same hospital mentioned in the report above came under the spotlight after a pediatrician suspiciously ordered x-rays for two children.

The family is now claiming that the tests were not needed because the doctor erred. The case is heading to court.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

PAGE 25

75% of Stabroek Block discoveries oil, 25% gas … natural gas engagement heating up T

he proportion of oil to gas in ExxonMobil's discoveries is finally out in the open. Roughly 6 billion of the 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels, or 75 percent, is oil.

This was revealed to reporters during a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency's Kairuni Room, by Energy Director Dr. Mark Bynoe.

Up until now, the public has only been privy to the knowledge that there are 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels. That figure includes the quantity of oil as well as gas. Dr. Bynoe said that about 2 billion of those 8 billion barrels are gas, with a conversion factor of about 5.8. That amounts roughly to 340 billion cubic metres of gas.

These figures do not include ExxonMobil's 16th discovery from the Uaru well. Dr. Bynoe noted, however, that these are rough estimates, based on analyses of a single well for most of the finds.

“We all can appreciate that this is a very complex [process] and it also requires a lot more appraisal before one can be able to determine precisely how much you're treating with,” the Energy boss said.

This is a fair statement, as subsequent appraisals of a discovery after the first well is drilled may yield more comprehensive results.

Energy Director Dr. Mark Bynoe For instance, ExxonMobil recently had reason to revise its estimate of the oil and gas content in its first 15 material discoveries in the Stabroek Block, to indicate that the quantity of the reserves was found to be a whopping 2 billion oil-equivalent barrels more than the 6 billion oilequivalent barrels previously estimated.

There has been a fixation in public discussion on oil development, and very little about gas.

Dr. Bynoe said during yesterday's media briefing that Government is deepening its engagement on gas–to-shore possibilities, with a projection of gas being able to land on Guyana's shores by 2023.

The revelation that the gas content is roughly 25 percent of Guyana's reserves

Map of ExxonMobil's first 15 Stabroek Block discoveries; the 16th find has not been included in current estimates is sure to raise heads.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo recently said that it is important for regular discussions to be had in the public about Guyana's gas, as with the oil.

“Is the quantity enough to have gas sector development, not just oil?

What would be the cost of probably moving it? What are the subsidiary industries?

Is there adequate gas to come and build other types of industries…the downstream

industries?”

Jagdeo said those are all the conversations that a Government should have already been having with its people.

What has been put to the public in December last by Kaieteur News is that ExxonMobil informed the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) that between 30 to 50 million cubic feet per day of Natural Gas (NG) can be made available for electricity

generation in Guyana, from the Liza-1 field.

Then, in January, this newspaper revealed Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, saying that the excess gas from that project can meet all of Guyana's power needs for more than 15 years.

International firms like OpenOil and Rystad have provided results of their own calculations of Guyana's share, but they were not privy to the proportion of oil

to gas in ExxonMobil's discoveries. OpenOil, for instance, has indicated that it u s e d a $ 6 5 - p e r- b a r r e l assumption to make its calculations based on 7.9 billion barrels of oil. Gas does not carry the same price as oil, nor does it carry the same development costs.

H e n c e , D r. B y n o e ' s revelation also has implications for projections of the revenues from the production of this oil, as well as Guyana's share.

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Tuesday February 11, 2020

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Beckham, Neymar ‘agree’ to Inter Miami transfer

David Beckham (right) and Neymar (left) have been discussing an Inter Miami transfer.

NBC Sports - David Beckham and Neymar have been discussing an Inter Miami transfer for the Brazilian superstar and they aren’t being coy about it at all.

That’s because they’ve both admitted it won’t happen for quite a long time. The main thing here to remember is that they both want it to happen, so bookmark this page and share it when Neymar arrives in MLS at Inter Miami in 2030.

Speaking on a video posted by YouTube channel Legends on Legends via Otro, Becks and Neymar sit down for a lovely chat and the new MLS side fronted by Beckham and his ownership group, who enter the league in 2020, obviously came up.

“America has a huge opportunity because they have many other sports that are the

number one, two or three sport. Soccer, now, is growing very quickly and I think it’s a real opportunity for America to have great players there. So I’m going to get you to sign a piece of paper after. A blank piece of paper.

It’s going to be a contract for Miami, for ten years’ time.

We’re not going to pay much,” Beckham laughed.

Neymar joined in with the banter but on a more serious note revealed he wants to sign for Inter Miami and all Beckham has to do is give him a call to get it going in the future.

“Deal. Deal. I was the one who asked to play for his team. I want to. I told him already. I told him I will play there one day,” Neymar said.

“No, but I believe it is a great opportunity for the country

to grow its soccer. As I said before, I already have my contract with David. A few years from now, I will be there.

We’re in this together. He is my president.”

So, that’s that sorted then.

There is a little tongue in cheek with this chat between Beckham and Neymar but there’s obviously a connection there and this could happen.

Neymar is currently 28 years old so I predict that in less than eight years time we will see him ripping it up in MLS with Inter Miami.

The Brazilian superstar will certainly be interested in Miami’s lifestyle and this transfer is one which makes sense for everyone, as long as Inter Miami can get the right financial package together to entice Neymar to MLS.

Pride dislodge...

Tuesday February 11, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some welcome visitors from far away could come to see you today and cause temporary chaos in your home.

You'll be glad to see them, however, Aries, as they'll have some great news .

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) News could come your way, perhaps through local magazines or newspapers, about possible renovations occurring in your community.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you've been striving for success in the field of writing, speaking, or publishing, Gemini, you have the chance for a real breakthrough today.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Success and good fortune might be in the wind for you today, Cancer. Whatever it is will probably have you feeling especially elated and satisfied with your accomplishments.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Successes have been coming your way continually for a while, Leo. The downside is that excessive celebrating and overindulging in food and drink could have you feeling physically out of sorts today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Upheavals within a group with which you're affiliated, perhaps professionally, might cause you to alter your goals slightly, Virgo.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A number of people in interesting fields, such as law, education, or writing and publishing, could cross your path today, Libra. This could involve your job, or perhaps these people attend a social event that you host in your home.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A chance to take a long journey, perhaps to a distant state or foreign country, could suddenly present itself to you today, Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some traumas, phobias, or hang-ups from the past that have been limiting you in some way could suddenly come to the surface today, Sagittarius. You might get the most insight by analyzing your dreams.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Romantic novels and movies might have caused you to feel especially passionate and sensual.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Although you may have been feeling somewhat out of sorts for the past few days, Aquarius, today you could feel as if you just got a new lease on life.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you're likely to be longing for a little break from your daily routine, Pisces, and for an evening alone with a love partner. You're feeling sensual and passionate, but you also have much to report concerning new opportunities .

From page 32 Georgetown.In a low-scoring game at the National Stadium where neither team reached 200 in either inning, Jaguars failed to chase down a modest 182 for victory on Sunday’s final day after resuming on 155 for nine.

Jaguars are 7-½ points clear of third placed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force who drew with Volcanoes in a rainravaged affair at Windsor Park.Volcanoes, meanwhile, lie fourth on 40.4 points while Scorpions have moved into fifth spot on 36.8 points after posting their first win of the season following two draws and a defeat in the two previous rounds.Hurricanes are bottom on 29.2 after suffering their defeat of the season.

In the next round starting Thursday, Pride host Red Force in the long-standing bitter rivalry at Kensington Oval, Jaguars travel to Grenada to take on Volcanoes, while Scorpions host Hurricanes at the Trelawny Multipurpose Complex in northwestern Jamaica.

Rose Hall Community ...

From page 31 reelected to their positions were Secretary Vishaka Singh, Treasurer Geetanjalie Beharry and Ameera Adram as Assistant Treasurer/Secretary.The committee members are Budram Ramoutar, Rovin Bahadur, Veerasammy Mootoosammy and Joel Sietaram. The Public Relations Officer is Ameer Rahaman. The Rose Hall Community Center, which once derived its members from the Rose Hall Estate, is one of the founding members of the Berbice Cricket Board.

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Perera, Stokes, Malinga, Roach and Perry among ESPNcricinfo awards winners for 2019 ESPNcricinfo - The year 2019 will be remembered in cricket for two incredible fourth-innings chases and a scarcely believable World Cup final, and the ESPNcricinfo Awards for the best on-field performances of the year reflect that. While Kusal Perera’s 153 not out in Durban beat Ben Stokes’ 135 not out at Headingley for the Test batting honour, Stokes didn’t go empty-handed how could he, given the year he had - taking home the ODI batting award for his nerveless performance in the World Cup final against New Zealand.

Given the manner of England’s exit in the 2015 World Cup, where they managed to win games against only Scotland and Afghanistan, no one would have predicted they would lift the trophy four years later. That they did was largely due to the vision and leadership of Eoin Morgan, who beat stiff competition from Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli to be voted Captain of the Year.

But for all the one-day glory, England had a poor year in Test cricket, losing six and winning only four of 12 Tests. One of these defeats was by a margin of 381 runs, against West Indies in Bridgetown, thanks to a rampaging Kemar Roach, who won the Test bowling award for a spell that demolished England for 77 all out.

While New Zealand couldn’t claim the world title, they did enjoy a very successful 2019, losing only two bilateral international series out of ten. But only one player from the country won honours in our awards - fast bowler Matt Henry for turning a target of 240 into an insurmountable challenge for India in the World Cup semifinal.

For a second year in a row, the T20I batting award went to Glenn Maxwell, for an unbeaten century that gave Australia their first bilateral T20I series win in India. The bowling award was picked up

by Lasith Malinga, who repeated his 2007 ODI feat of taking four wickets in four balls, this time against New Zealand, bowling them out for 88 in Pallekele, with his final match figures reading 41-6-5.

Australia’s might in women’s cricket today isn’t dissimilar to how their men’s side dominated in the 2000s.

They have won four of the six World T20s played so far and are ranked No. 1 in both short

Triple delight: Jofra Archer, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes were the three England players to win ESPNcricinfo awards for 2019. (Getty Images) formats. Their biggest stars are Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry - who won the women’s batting and bowling awards, both for performances in the Ashes. Lanning’s 133 not out, which handed England their biggest T20I defeat, was voted higher than her teammate Alyssa Healy’s worldrecord score of 148 not out, against Sri Lanka. In the bowling category, Perry was virtually peerless. Her award-winning taking 7 for 22 was the best ODI performance by an Australian woman and fourth best overall.

This is the 13th edition of the ESPNcricinfo Awards, where a jury of former players - among them Michael Hussey, Daniel Vettori, Daren Ganga, Isa Guha, Ramiz Raja, Daryll Cullinan, Shahriar Nafees, Ajit Agarkar and Mark Nicholas - and ESPNcricinfo’s senior editors vote on the best performances in the three men’s international formats, and performances in women’s and Associates cricket at large, in the previous calendar year.

Along with Captain of the Year, the only other category for year-round performances is Debutant of the Year, and this was won by an England fast bowler for the second time in a row - Jofra Archer, who made his England debut only halfway into the year, but ended it with 55 wickets from 22 matches across formats.

The Associate awards went to George Munsey for his hundred against Nether-

Kemar Roach celebrates a wicket © Associated Press lands in Scotland’s highest T20I total, and to Oman quick Bilal Khan for helping his side qualify for the T20 World Cup by taking 4 for 23 against Hong Kong.

Test batting performance of the year: Kusal Perera Perera’s innings was one of the greatest of all time, not just of 2019 Test bowling performance of the year: Kemar Roach Shades of the West Indies’ 1980s pomp in the best Test bowling performance of 2019 ODI batting performance of the year: Ben Stokes One man (and a boundary) stood between New Zealand and a World Cup title ODI bowling performance

of the year: Matt Henry Or how India were knocked out of the World Cup T20I batting performance of the year: Glenn Maxwell The T20I batting winner took on Jasprit Bumrah and came on top T20I bowling performance of the year: Lasith Malinga Twelve years after he pulled off the impossible, Malinga did it again Captain of the year: Eoin Morgan Morgan unshackled the team from the ignominy of 2015 to lead them to their greatest World Cup triumph Debutant of the year: Jofra Archer Archer had a part in every high England hit in 2019 Women’s batting performance of the year: Meg Lanning The opposition better beware when Australia’s apex predator is on the prowl Women’s bowling performance of the year: Ellyse Perry Perry demolished England while getting the best ODI figures by an Australian woman Associate batting performance of the year: George Munsey How a Scotland opener broke into the list of the top five T20I scores of all time Associate bowling performance of the year: Bilal Khan He came, he yorked, he blew Hong Kong awa

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Young, Seales named in tournament team All-rounder Nyeem Young.

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, CMC – West Indies stars Nyeem Young and Jayden Seales have been named in the ICC’s Under-19 World Cup team of the tournament.Young, a fastbowling all-rounder, starred in the group stage with two halfcenturies and a five-wicket haul, finishing the tournament with 140 runs and eight wickets.Seales, meanwhile, was one of the most impressive seamers on show during the tournament, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 18 runs apiece.Akbar Ali, who led Bangladesh to victory over favourites India in Sunday’s final, has been named captain of the 12-man squad which includes players from six different nations.

Bangladesh and India both boast three representatives on the team.

In announcing Young, the ICC said West Indies “seem to have unearthed a future star all-rounder.”

“He underlined his credentials straight from the off, making 61 with the bat to top-

score in his side’s groupstage opener against Australia, before taking five for 45 to beat England next time out – becoming the first West Indian to take a five-for and make a half-century in an U19 match,” the ICC said.

Of Seales, the organisers noted that he “staked his claim as one of the side’s best up-and-coming fast bowlers as he looks to join a prestigious tradition.”

Former West Indies fast bowler, Ian Bishop, now a well-respected television commentator, was among a five-man panel choosing the team of the tournament.

SQUAD – Akbar Ali (Bangladesh) – captain, Yashasvi Jaiswal (India), Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan), Ravindu Rasantha (Sri Lanka), Mahmudul Hasan Joy (Bangladesh), Shahadat Hossain (Bangladesh), Nyeem Young (West Indies), Shafiqullah Ghafari (Afghanistan), Ravi Bishnoi (India), Kartik Tyagi (India), Jayden Seales (West Indies) Akil Kumar (Canada) – 12th man

Tucber Park CC advance to semifinal of BCB Lewison U15 50 overs competition Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) of New Amsterdam, Berbice advanced to the semifinal of the BCB Lewison U15 50 overs cricket competition. In their latest encounter they whipped Blairmont Community Center Cricket Club (BCCCC) by nine wickets in their game played on Saturday at the Blairmont Ground.The host batted first and were bowled out for 108 in 33.2 overs. No batsman made any significant contribution.Bowling for TPCC Lyndon Simon picked up 3 wickets and was well supported by Delon Hendore and Abdulla Azad with 2 wickets apiece.Tucber Park in reply reached 109-1, with skipper Kevin Kisten flaying the attack for a well-played unbeaten 70. He got good support from D. Fredericks who was unbeaten on 28. Kisten and Fredericks shared in an unbroken 108-run partnership for the second wicket.Tucber Park were expected to play Albion Community Center in a semifinal encounter.The competition is being sponsored by S. Lewis and Sons General Store of Williamsburg/ Rose Hall Town Corentyne.

Tuesday February 11, 2020

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Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Bogdanovic buzzer beater lifts Jazz Bojan Bogdanovic hit a 3pointer at the buzzer to lift the Utah Jazz to a 114-113 victory over the host Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Bogdanovic had just two field goals and eight points for the night, 13 below his season average. But Utah executed the final inbound play to perfection, with Bogdanovic making a 28footer over James Harden and P.J. Tucker, the final clutch 3 in a sequence of them down the stretch.

Harden registered a tripledouble (28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) with his pass to Robert Covington, whose 3-pointer with 28 seconds left gave the Rockets a 110-109 advantage.

Jordan Clarkson paced the Jazz with 30 points off the bench while Mitchell added 24 and six assists. Rudy Gobert had 12 points and 15 rebounds. Russell Westbrook led the Rockets with 39 points. After a hot start from the perimeter, Houston shot just 10 of 33 from behind the arc over the final three periods.

Boston Celtics 112 Oklahoma City Thunder 111 Kemba Walker scored 27 points to help Boston to a road win over Oklahoma City.

Walker hit a pair of crucial 3-pointers late to seal the victory for Boston, which won its seventh straight. The

Celtics have won 10 of their past 11 games.

It was just Oklahoma City’s second loss in 11 games.

Philadelphia 76ers 118 Chicago Bulls 111 Furkan Korkmaz scored 31 points to carry host Philadelphia past Chicago.

Joel Embiid added 28 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots for his 30th double-double this season while Ben Simmons had 19 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his fifth triple-double. Tobias Harris contributed 14 points for the Sixers, who improved to 24-2 at home.

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 32 points while Luke Kornet added a career-high 25. Cristiano Felicio had 13 for the Bulls, who dropped their fifth in a row. Thaddeus Young also had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Memphis Grizzlies 106 Washington Wizards 99 Ja Morant recorded his first career triple-double with 27 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds as visiting Memphis rallied late to defeat Washington in the nation’s capital.

Kyle Anderson added 16 for Memphis while Jonas Valanciunas had eight points and 18 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. posted a doubledouble with 14 points and 11

Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) and guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrate after the Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) rebounds, with Tyus Jones adding 13 points off the bench for Memphis.

Bradley Beal led Washington with 26 points. Beal has been a force throughout the season but especially in recent games — since being snubbed for the Eastern Conference All-Star Game. Mo Wagner scored 19 off the bench for the Wizards, with Davis Bertans adding 15 and Hachimura 12.

Atlanta Hawks 140 - New York Knicks 135

Trae Young scored 11 of his 48 points in the second overtime as Atlanta held on to defeat visiting New York.

John Collins added 32 points and 16 rebounds for the Hawks. DeAndre Hunter

added 19 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the second overtime.

New York saw its fourgame winning streak end despite getting 35 points and 18 rebounds from Julius Randle.

Reggie Bullock added 21 points and Mitchell Robinson had 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Los Angeles Clippers 133 - Cleveland Cavaliers 92 Lou Williams scored 25 points and Paul George 22 as Los Angeles rebounded from a demoralizing defeat one night earlier for an easy road victory over Cleveland.

Marcus Morris Sr. had 10 points in his Clippers debut as Los Angeles distanced itself from a surprising 27-point defeat against Minnesota on Saturday. The Clippers won without Kawhi Leonard, who received a day of rest on the second night of a back-toback scenario.

Andre Drummond scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in his Cavaliers debut, while Kevin Porter Jr. added 17 points for Cleveland. The Cavaliers saw their

losing streak extend to six games while also falling for the 13th time in their past 14 contests.

Portland Trail Blazers 115 - Miami Heat 109 Damian Lillard recorded 33 points and eight assists to lead Portland past visiting Miami.

Gary Trent Jr. contributed 22 points and four steals off the bench, and Trevor Ariza scored 19 of his 21 points in the first half as the Trail Blazers won for the seventh time in the past 10 games. Carmelo Anthony scored 15 points, CJ McCollum added 13 and Hassan Whiteside had 11 points, 17 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Goran Dragic had 27 points and seven assists off the bench for the Heat, who lost a season-worst third straight game. Duncan Robinson scored 19 points, Jae Crowder had 18 points and 11 rebounds in his team debut, Bam Adebayo added 13 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, and Derrick Jones Jr. scored 11 points.

(Field Level Media)

Brazil qualify for 2020 Olympic men’s tournament

Pele is depressed, reclusive due to health issues, says son

French soccer player Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian soccer legend Pele pose ahead of their meeting in Paris, France April 2, 2019. (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann) SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian soccer great Pele is depressed over his poor health and reluctant to leave the house because he cannot walk unaided, his son Edinho said in an iAnterview published in Brazil yesterday.

Pele, widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers in history and who will be 80 in October, has had hip trouble for years and now needs a frame to walk. Many of his recent public appearances have been in a wheelchair.“He’s pretty fragile. He had a hip replacement and didn’t have an adequate or ideal rehabilitation,” Edinho told TV Globo.

“So he has this problem with mobility and that has set off a kind of depression. Imagine, he’s the King, he was always such an impos-

ing figure and today he can’t walk properly.

“He’s embarrassed, he doesn’t want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house,” his son added.

“He is very sheepish, reclusive.”

Edinho said he had argued with his father because he had not done the physiotherapy called for after a hip operation.

Pele, the only player to win three World Cups, spent most of his career with Brazilian team Santos before moving to New York Cosmos in the 1970s.This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of the striker’s third World Cup title, won in Mexico in 1970 with what many people believe is the greatest team of all time.

Brazil players in action during a defensive wall in the South American Olympic Qualifiers at Alfonso Lopez Stadium, Bucaramanga, Colombia against Argentina. (REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez) BUCARAMANGA, Colombia (Reuters) Reigning Olympic men’s football champions Brazil qualified for this summer’s tournament in Japan with a 3-0 win over Argentina on Sunday.

Brazil had to beat their arch rivals in the Colombia qualifier in order to join them as one of South America’s two representatives at the Tokyo Games.

Paulinho scored the opener after 11 minutes before Matheus Cunha added a second

on the half-hour mark and a third early in the second half.

Argentina had already qualified for Tokyo after winning their first two matches in the round robin qualifying tournament. Uruguay lost out despite beating hosts Colombia 3-1 earlier on Sunday.

Brazil won the gold medal at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, giving them the last major international title to have eluded them.

PAGE 30

Zeelugt, Southside triumph

Keon Roberts Anthony Adams (right) and Cecil Adams Zeelugt and Southside registered victories when the Dwayne Stephen Big Yard Auto Sales /East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee 40 overs round robin competition continued on Sunday last. Batting first, host Zeelugt managed 213 all out. Kanhaiya Ramkaran made 44, Koen Roberts 35, R. Persaud 32 and V. Daniram 31. G. Ranking had 3-29, P. London 2-40 and T. Mangra 2 47.Cold Fusion were bowled out for 146, in reply. Balbinder Shivperaud made 45, R. Dokie 23 and T. Mangra 17. Daniram grabbed 4-13, A. Dasss 2-29 and Ramkaran 2-32.

Southside beat host Ruby 219 runs. South Side batted first and posted 269 all out.

Akshaya Persaud struck 87, A. Singh made 26, Cecil Adams 23 and K. Christian 20; A. Habib bagged 4-53, J. Rajkumar 2-44, W. Marks 2-44 and R. Bhagwandin 2-72. Ruby were sent packing for 50 in 14 overs, in reply. Anthony Adams captured 4-5 from four overs while Cecil Adams had 3-4 from two overs.

Kanhaiya Ramkaran

Yahoo Sports - Roger Federer got the win on Friday, however that wasn’t the biggest part of the night for the tennis great.Federer, in front of nearly 52,000 fans in his first-ever match in South Africa, beat Rafael Nadal 6-4, 36, 6-3 in an exhibition while raising $3.5 million for his foundation. Federer, whose mom was born in South Africa, called the night “magical.”“We tried our best as always,” Nadal said, via the Associated Press. “It’s a lifetime experience playing in front of such an amazing crowd in an amazing stadium.

It was a big pleasure for me to be part of it.”The Roger Federer Foundation had a goal to raise $1 million from the exhibition match, which it would use to support early childhood education in six southern African countries, per the Associated Press. Yet, with a crowd of 51,954 people in Cape Town Stadium — which is the largest crowd on

Roger Federer and Bill Gates take on Rafael Nadal and Trevor Noah in the exhibition match held at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday. (AP/Halden Krog) record for a tennis match, and organizers said they had 200,000 more ticket requests they couldn’t fill — they easily surpassed the mark.Federer and Nadal weren’t alone, either. Comedian and South African native Trevor Noah a n d Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates were in attendance,

and even paired up with the tennis stars for a quick, o n e -set doubles match.“Roger’s at a disadvantage,” said Noah, who was paired up with Nadal, via the Associated Press. “We’re both half-Swiss, half-South African, so I’m in his head. I know what he’s going to do.”

Gajnabi smashes brilliant 152 as Rose Hall Town Metro beat West Berbice by 324 runs

New leaders Barbados Pride.

Park one fifth of a point behind five-time reigning champions Guyana Jaguars but with their innings and 81-run victory inside three days are now at the summit of the sixteam table on 65.2 points.

The victory was Pride’s third on the trot following their shock opening round

Federer, Nadal raise $3.5M in South African exhibition in front of nearly 52,000 people

BCB/RHTYSC Nand Persaud Female 50 overs Tournament

Pride dislodge champions Jaguars to top standings

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados Pride have stormed to the top of the standings in the Regional Four-Day Championship following their crushing innings win over Leeward Islands in Basseterre on Sunday.

They entered the fourth round encounter at Warner

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

defeat to Windward Islands Volcanoes last month in Kingstown.

Jaguars, meanwhile, slipped to second on 49 points, after suffering their second defeat of the season with a seven-run loss to Jamaica Scorpions in (Continued on page 25)

West Indies female all rounder Shabika Gajnabi smashed a majestic 152 as she spearheaded her team Rose Hall Town Metro to a crushing 328 runs victory against West Berbice in the opening rounds of the Berbice Cricket Board RHTYSC/Nand Persaud Female 50 overs cricket tournament.

Playing at the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town, Gajnabi, who failed to gain selection to the West Indies female World Cup squad, stroked 24 boundaries and blasted two massive sixes as she added 220 for the second wicket with Marian Samaroo, who scored 45. Captaining the RHT Metro team in the absence of Shemaine Campbelle, Gajnabi won the toss and elected to take first strike. Kimmone Thomas and Samaroo put on 30 for the first wicket before Thomas was bowled by T. Isaacs for 06.

The rules stated that every wide bowled, resulted in two runs for the batting side and would not be bowled back. Samaroo, played the supporting role to her West Indies counterpart, Gajnabi, who looked a class above the other batters. Kassie Munroe chipped in with 40 not out, while other useful scores came from national under 19 player Oma Matadin 15,

Shabika Gajnabi

Aleema Arokium 16, Erva Giddings 15 not out and Dian Prahalad 12. Extras contributed a healthy 120 runs as the inexperienced West Berbice bowlers struggled under the heated atmosphere. Bowling for the visitors, T. Isaacs 2 for 62 and D. Frank 3 for 65 were the best bowlers.

Needing to score an impossible 425 from 50 overs to win, the West Berbice team made 100 all out in 33 overs against an experienced RHT Metro bowling attack that included two bowlers who played for West Indies and

several Guyana players, despite the absence of West Indies players Shemaine Campbelle and Sheneta Grimmond.

National player Kantana Mentore top scored with an unbeaten 30, while Isaacs returned with the bat to score 15. Erva Giddings 2 for 15, Sherika Campbelle 2 for 17, Plaffina Millington 3 for 19 (10 Overs) and Dian Prahalad 3 for 30 were the wicket takers for the RHT Metro team, who would now play New Amsterdam/Canje in the second round of the tournament.

Tuesday February 11, 2020

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Mahadeo and Adonis joined by Hamel-Smith and Pinas as top prize winners

Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge

By Zaheer Mohamed For the fifth consecutive year, Guyanese Dillion Mahadeo has dominated the Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge, while Delice Adonis won her second title with an awesome display that thrilled the fans on Sunday at the National Park.

However, while the duo dominated the main categories, they were joined in the winners’ row by Shane-Hamel Smith of We Heart Crossfit of Trinidad and Tobago and Kim Pinas of Rock Crossfit of Suriname, both winning the male and female categories respectively in the over 30 segment.

Mahadeo was in a class of his own as he dominated from the onset chalking 485 points, winning ahead of fellow Guyanese Omisi Williams of Perry’s Gym who marked 460 points. Hamel- Smith occupied third position in this category with 442 points, followed by Kellon Reid of Addicts/Sharpy Fitness gym of Guyana on 414 points and Mark Tawjoeram of Rock Crossfit of Suriname with 400 points.

Adonis earned 456 points to win the female segment, while Pinas placed second on 445 points, Semonica Duke of Genesis Fitness Guyana finished third on 440 points, Tonnica Archer of Genesis Fitness Guyana was fourth on 416 points and Lieke

Omisi Williams (left) and Dillion Mahadeo perform the no touch box jump.

Verwoerd of the Backyard Box of Suriname was fifth with 410 points.

Hamel-Smith won the over 30 category ahead of Reid, Demron Thompson (296 points) of Crossfit Island Fit of Barbados, Gene Beck of The Backyard Box of Suriname (272) and Paul Meusa of Kares Crossfit (264) in that order.

Pinas scored 445 points, winning ahead of Lieke Verwoerd of The Backyard Box of Suriname with 410 points and Rochelle Jin

Wong Joe also of The Backyard Box with 319 points.

Following event one, two and three which included one mile bag carry, 75 overhead squat, one mile run, eight wall over burpees, four cleans, 100m heavy bag carry, 25 single arm kettlebell ground to overhead, 25 no touch box jump and rope climb (15ft.), Mahadeo who pocketed $500,000 for his feat had gathered 294 points, while Williams was on 282 followed by Shane-Hamel Smith on 256.

Mahadeo continued his

Delice Adonis (C) with the other top place finishers in the female category. dominance in event four and five which was made up of eight toes to bar, four thursters 85lbs, six chin over pull ups, chest to bars, 54 double unders, 27 pistols, 15 handstand pushups, nine bag cleans, 6/3 muscle ups, three deadlifts, 24 handstand walk to win by 25 clear points.

Adonis had amassed 268 points after event three to lead by a narrow two points as Duke followed closely with 266 points, Tennica Archer on 258 and Pinas on 256. Following the final event, Adonis emerged as the champion by 11 clear points.

The event was spon-

sored by Kares Crossfit, Lotus Hardware, Lucozade and Icool Water, Berkinstock Guyana, MVP Sports, Pollo Tropical, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Fitness Express, Genesis Fitness Gym and Windjammer International Hotel.

Speaking with the media following the event, Mahadeo added that it feels great to be the champion once again. “I must thank my fans, my sponsors, family relatives and friends. The hard work that I have put in has paid off and I am getting better every year,” he said.

“The competition is get-

ting really intense and that just pushes me to get better, I have a lot more work to put in. This competition was a stepping stone my upcoming international assignment. I used this as a preparation for that event and I am looking forward to my training stints in the USA sponsored by Lotus Hardware and that should push me to the next level.”

Adonis stated that she was happy to rub shoulders with the overseas athletes. “I must thank the overseas athletes for participating; they pushed us to work harder and I learned a lot from this competition,” she added.

Rose Hall Community Centre holds AGM, elects new head The Rose Hall Community Center Cricket Club of Pl Rose Hall, East Canje, Berbice, recently held their Annual General Meeting and election of office bearers. The activity was held at the club’s headquarters at the Rose Hall Community Center.

Former president Roy Jaffarally, who gave a newspaper interview of his intentions to compete against incumbent BCB President Hilbert Foster without the knowledge of the club, did not found favour with the voters.

Dr Beharry a Medical Doctor with Guysuco and current treasurer of the BCB was unanimously elected to the position of President. Dr. Beharry had served as President of the club before.Also elected to the executive body are Charran Singh as first vice president, Mark Sampson the second VicePresident and Zahir Hussain the third vice president. While Singh and Hussain were reelected, Sampson is serving his first term.Also (Continued on page 25)

Ravindra Harry strokes magnificent 59 net ...

Semonica Duke performs the single arm kettlebell ground to overhead.

Omisi Williams in action.

From page 32 Spain and Italy. Persons interested in learning more about wines, can visit the location at Marriott as well as follow the Wine Vault on social media via the Facebook page ‘The Wine Vault at Marriott.’

The store is opened daily from 08:00hrs to 22:00hrs.The choice wines of the Wine Vault at Marriott can also be found in many of the country’s top restaurants, supermarkets and bars.For this pre-Valentine’s Day tournament, the Wine Vault featured its Ventisquero wines.

According to Wine Vault co-owners, “Ventisquero produces high-quality avant-

garde, modern wines with grapes from its own vineyards in Chile. Fine wines from Ventisquero that reflect this quality are Enclave, Vertice, Heru, Pangea and Fuego (starting at just $2,500) which are balanced, aromatic wines that reveal their terroirs, have different flavors, and are at their very best when complemented by food.”

Meanwhile, their Valentine’s Day Special includes excellent wines, chocolates and roses at great prices. Patrons are encouraged to reserve the package with the wine of their choice for their special Valentine occasion.

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Ravindra Harry strokes magnificent 59 net to win Wine Vault pre-Valentine golf tourney For their pre-Valentine’s day inaugural golf tournament on Saturday last, both red and white Ventisquero wines offered by the Wine Vault at the Marriott were exquisite, crisp, firm, fruity and soothingly refreshing. And indeed similarly so the competition of the day was firm, refreshing and - with the performance of young Ravindra Harry - one could even add, exquisite.

Playing off a handicap of 15, Ravindra produced an excellent gross of 74 to finish with the fantastic net score of 59. And refreshingly (like the previous weekend’s Sunday tournament) it was a senior veteran golfer – this time Maurice Solomon - who came closest to the younger man with an outstanding net score of 63.

Co-owners of the Wine Vault – Marcelle Shewjattan, and Ravi and Varsha Mangar – were well represented at the occasion by their staff Ms Nadia Khedoo and Mr Lakeram Harripersaud, who in addition to adding their own warmth to the occasion with their gracious personalities, were also pleased at the ambience of the Golf Club and the camaraderie exuded by the golfers who participated in the tournament.

LGC President Aleem Hussain indicated that the Wine Vault had committed to sponsoring a tournament in support of golfing at the Lusignan Golf Club for nearly a year, and agreed that this special pre-Valentine time was ideal, especially with the introduction of the Ventisquero brand of wines.

With fine golfing weather and superbly well-manicured grounds, the golfers teed-off excitedly at 12:30 p.m., many of them captivated and stimulated by the fine selection of wine prizes on hand. In the 19-36 Flight, the best net scores were returned by wine connoisseur Maurice Solomon (63/26) – 1st; followed by a tie between Troy Cadogan (67/26) – 2nd and Nirmaldeo Sarwan (67/24) 3rd.

Other good performances in the Flight were offered by Brian Hackett (73/22); Rohan Albert (75/25); Bholawram Deo (77/19); Carlos Adams (79/26) and Eion Blue (79/28).

In the highly competitive 10-18 Flight, where the bulk of the golfers play, Ravindra Harry’s 59/15 had no close contender; following him were former Guyana Open female champion Shanella London (66/13) – 2nd and Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud (67/13) – 3rd.

The bunch was close after as

The Wine Vault reps and the winners proudly displaying their Ventisquero wines. From left: Patrick Prashad, Mr Lakeram Harripersaud of Wine Vault, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Nirmaldeo Sarwan, Club President Aleem Hussain, Ravindra Harry, Mike Mangal, Ms Nadia Khedoo of Wine Vault, ‘Max’ Persaud, Maurice Solomon and Joaan Deo acting for Club Captain Chatterpaul Deo. some 9 golfers placed within 5 strokes from the Winners Row; these were Aasrodeen Shaw (68/13); Lekhnarine Shivraj (68/15); Kalyan Tiwari (69/15); Patanjilee Persaud (71/14); George Bulkan (71/ 16); reigning Guyana Open female champion Christine Sukhram (72/12); Maxim Mangra (72/18); Rakesh Harry (73/14) and former Guyana Open female champion Dr Joaan Deo (73/16).

In the 0-9 Flight, Former Guyana Open Champion Mohanlall Dinanauth - very likely motivated by the Ventisquero prize - produced

a great play to beat the group, scoring both the group’s best net (66/6) and the tournament’s Best Gross (72).

Former Captain Patrick Prashad was close on his heels with a good 67/9. After them, Mike Mangal’s 75/8 placed him 3rd, while reigning

Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud delivered net 77 off a 2 handicap. Visitor Romick Cummings netted 85 off a 7 handicap.

The Wine Vault– at The Marriott Hotel,Block Alpha, Battery Road, Kingston, Georgetown Tel 592-231-2518,

emailthewinevaultgy@yahoo.com and web site www.thewinevault.gy - since 2017 has focused on introducing a vast array of wines from around the world, including from France, California, Argentina, Chile, Australia, (Continued on page 29 )

GDF against the ‘Rest’ at National ...

From page 33 Dewani Lamkin lost to GDF’s Colin Lewis in the National Championships and in the absence of Lewis, Lamkin says he is going for revenge when he comes up with one of Lewis Gym mates.

Forgotten Youth Foundation’s (FYF) Richard Subratte will be coming up against Soldier and junior flyweight champion Quincy Abrams in a n o t h e r r e match.

“The Jackman sisters from East Rumiveldt, the Albouystown fighters, Boxers from Berbice and Essequibo will all be there ……everybody coming up against the Army,” concluded Blake, who along with Poole

Clairmont Gibson drops his guard and taunts fellow GDF boxer Delron Fordyce to hit him before the fight was stopped in the 2nd round. are the only International Amateur Boxing Association

(AIBA) accredited level three star Guyanese Boxing Coach.

Police’s Dewani Lampkin goes toe to toe with GDF’s Kevin McKenzie.

Tuesday February 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

GDF against the ‘Rest’ at National Gymnasium’s Tarmac As GBA hold Mashramani Extravaganza on Feb 16

By Sean Devers Come February 16, all roads lead to Mandela Avenue when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) hosts their one-night Mashramani Boxing Extravaganza on the tarmac of the National Gymnasium from 18:00hrs in keeping with Guyana’s 50th Republic Festivities.

This will be the first Amateur Card to be held outdoors in recent times and the GBA aims to make the Event as competitive and entertaining as possible with some good fights carded for the evening.

Admission is free and there will be a well stocked Bar and the GBA is encouraging those in the Boxing fraternity to support this venture.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle says fans are free to make donations to help the Boxers presently in Cuba training for the Olympic qualifiers from March 26 to April 3 in Argentina.

The 2020 Olympics will be held in Tokyo Japan from July 24 to August 9.

“Although some of our

Champions again! GDF successfully defended their Best Gym title. best Boxers like Keevin Allicock, Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam and Dennis Thomas are presently in Cuba, we have some talented young fighters who can produce entertaining bouts. So we are trying to give the Guyana Boxing public a competitive night of Boxing,” National Boxing Coach Sebert Blake informed.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) under the stewardship of GBA’s Technical Director and National Head Coach, Te r r e n c e P o o l e , h a s dominated local boxing for over two decades and the individual Gyms have not been getting a fair opportunity to win ‘Best Gym titles’ due to the large number of Pugilists that represent the Army.

But this time GDF will

not be fighting as a team and according to Blake, all the Gyms will be ganging up against the GDF Boxers to make it a man-to-man rivalry.

“We want to see if the GDF will be able to put up a battle against the rest of the Gyms,” said Blake, the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Coach.

Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker of the Republican Gym is back in the Gym and wants to reclaim his title and is coming up against GDF’s Daren France, while National lightweight Champion Clairmont ‘Cartel’ Gibson who knocked out Jamal Eastman of the Rose Hall Jammers Eastman,will again trade punches in what is anticipated to be a riveting re-match.Policeman (Continued on page 30)

Boxing Coach Sebert Blake.

Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge rt o p S

Mahadeo and Adonis joined

by Hamel-Smith and Pinas as top prize winners

Young, Seales named in tournament team

Perera, Stokes, Malinga, Roach and Perry among ESPNcricinfo awards winners for 2019

The participating athletes following the presentation.

P. 29

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