Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR

Oil Spill readiness... Tuesday Edition

Insurance policy a must for all operators

February 12, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 08

NEWS

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

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

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Guyana will reject all

unreasonable, unjustifiable costs by oil companies

- Govt.'s Petroleum Advisor

Female UG bomb threat suspect remanded

Manager charged for using Night Club as brothel

Sheneza Dianne Jaffarally

Police swoop on seawall nets 59 motorbikes, sends several riders running

ERC says...

Several diplomats, foreign officials fail to declare assets

Greenidge continued role in int'l matters, national security is troubling - Ram Appointing AG as External Auditor for Natural Resource Fund a wrong move - NRGI

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday February 12, 2019

ERC says...

Several diplomats, ministries' employees fail to declare assets

T

he Office of the I n t e g r i t y Commission has named 66 persons in its latest list of persons in public life who have failed to declare their assts.

According to the February 2 Official Gazette, this latest list involves several diplomats, and officials of several ministries.

This include the Ministries of Agriculture, Business, Communities, Education, Presidency,

Foreign Affairs, Indigenous People's Affairs, Legal Affairs, Social Cohesion, Public Infrastructure, Social Protection and Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

At the Ministry of Agriculture, the names include George Jervis, a former Permanent Secretary; Cecil Seepersaud, Andrea Branford, Sharon Fareed, Bibi Hakim and Mohamed Khan.

For the Ministry of Business, the lone name is

The latest list of persons who have failed to declare their assets has been published and it includes several serving ambassadors and employees of the various ministries.

L o w e l l P o r t e r, C h i e f Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau.

At the Ministry of Communities, the names include Roger Rogers,

Jennifer Roberts, Michael Blackman, Narine Ramroop and Puran Persaud.

For the CH&PA, the list i n c l u d e d C h i e f D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n n e r,

Germene Stewart; Denise K i n g - Tu d o r, G l a d w i n Charles and Lenise Tucker.

There was one name for the Minister of EducationChief Planning Officer, Evelyn Hamilton.

However, it appeared that the big problem of compliance was at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

There are 24 names with many of the them diplomats.

Rawle Lucas, Adviser to the Minister on Foreign Trade and Investments, was in the list too.

The diplomats included George Talbot, David Hales, Halim Majeed, Clarissa Riehl, Dr. Shamir Ally, Hamley Case, Keith George, Cheryl Miles and Dr. Riyad Insanally.

At the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the two names are Deputy Permanent Secretary, Tamika Barkoye and Joycelin Kim-Kyte Thomas- Solicitor General.

At the Ministry of the Presidency, the names listed Frederick Mc Wilfred, Roxanne Barratt; Edward Persico; Carlton Semple; Ronald Backer, Keith BobbSemple; Alexis Sullivan; Linda Griffith; Megal Hazel and Ermys Wilson.

At the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the names include Roland Barclay, Ron Rahaman, Ronald Charles, Kevin Samad, Ankar

Doobay and Morsha Johnson-Francis.

The lone name for the Ministry of Social Protection who failed to comply is W h e n t w o r t h Ta n n e r , Director of Social Services.

The Integrity Commission Act was assented to on September 24, 1997. The Act provides for the establishment of the Integrity Commission and make provisions for the purpose of securing the integrity of persons in public life.

The Act also provides for the appointment of a Chairman to head the Commission, not less than two and not more than four (4) other members of the Commission, a Secretary to oversee the day to day work of the Commission and other officers for the proper performance of the Commission.

Public Offices and Positions listed under schedule 1 of the Commission's Act should disclose their financial assets and liabilities on or before June 30, each year.

When a public officer ceases to be a person in public life, he/she should disclose his/her assets and liabilities to the Commission within thirty days from the date that individual cease to be a person in public life.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

UG beefs up security following bomb threats

T

he University of Guyana (UG) is set to beef up security measures following bomb threats that virtually shut down its operations since last week.

Last Tuesday, threats of bombs being strategically planted on the grounds of the University of Guyana [UG] circulated on the campus.

Students and staffers were aware of the bomb threats via an anonymous social media post.

In response to the attacks, UG vice Chancellor Professor, Ivelaw Griffith, told a press conference at the Education Lecture Theatre at the University's Turkeyen campus yesterday that the board has since activated an emergency preparedness plan. According to the Vice Chancellor, UG is collaborating with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to help tightened security measures on Campus.

“The University does not have the luxury of ignoring

the threats; every threat is taken seriously. Beginning Wednesday, everyone will have to display an ID [Identification Card].

“If you don't have your staff or student ID, you'll have to have some other form of identification to gain access to the campus.”

“This campus has 51 different buildings and we have talked for a while about electronic key access. So if you are a student and you have a legitimate reason for being in a building when we have the system that allows that electronic access, you can use your ID,” Professor Griffith added.

Additionally, he told the news conference that there will be restriction of visitors to the back gate on the campus. “There will also be random searches of vehicles that enter the University compound.”

Professor Griffith told the press, too, that efforts are underway to put systems in place to help students, who

From Left: Professor Ivelaw Griffith, Deputy Police Commissioner Maxine Graham, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves, and the Director of Strategic Initiatives at UG Dr. Fitzgerald Yaw missed lectures following last week's threats.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the University will be meeting with the students to work out such issues, especially those that are preparing for exams.

He said so far, the Police's Bomb Disposal Unit has given its clearance that no bombs or foreign devices were found on UG's grounds.

“Therefore classes will

be back to normal soon,” added Griffith.

Crime Chief, Lyndon Alves, who was also at the media conference, revealed that while the police have already brought charges against one person in relation the bomb threats--investigations into the matter are still continuing.

Alves said that police are looking to locate other persons who may be involved in the crime.

Last Tuesday, a social media post by an individual claiming to be 'KIRA' resulted in pandemonium on UG's Turkeyen Campus.

According to the message “Calls were made to several people issuing a warning!!! They have planted two bombs in haversacks in the University of Guyana. Secure the students! Get them out.

Please do not IGNORE This!!! Please do not ignore

this!!! If my body is found it is because I spoke out.”

Shortly after, Police in a statement said that the force was probing the disturbing posts which first surfaced after threats were leveled against the privately operated Nations School.

The Director of Nations School, Dr. Brian O'Toole, was recently shot, a development which some believe is linked to the ongoing threats.

Greenidge continued role in int'l matters, national security is “troubling” - Ram

I

n keeping with the constitution and the recent ruling of Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, dual citizens are not to hold any ministerial post or even sit as part of the National Assembly.

A t t o r n e y a t L a w, Christopher Ram has noted that the constitution is being violated by both government and opposition.

But he said that the most worrying violator on this matter is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

Ram said that President Granger and his Government have “no intention of honouring the Constitution which they swore to uphold.

I hold this view because of his refusal to revoke the appointment of Ministers Carl Greenidge, Joseph Harmon, Rupert Roopnaraine and Dominic Gaskin, all admitted violators of Article 155 who are therefore ineligible for a p p o i n t m e n t a s Vi c e President or Ministers.”

“Mr. Greenidge's is particularly troubling since he continues to lead Guyana's engagement in some major international initiatives, some with security implications.”

The Attorney noted that the conflict extends to the ministers' places in the National Assembly in which

they cannot continue to sit.

Ram said that this reality makes it hard to contemplate any sitting of the National Assembly to extend the election date.

Alliance For Change (AFC) had said that Minister Dominic Gaskin did not violate Article 155 of the Constitution as he did not pledge allegiance to another country. He was born in the United Kingdom.

Nevertheless, Ram thinks that Harmon, Greenidge and Gaskin should be removed from the National Assembly.

He said that that “will leave people like (Minister Ronald) Bulkan and (Khemraj) Ramjattan as

leading front-benchers on the Government side while ( O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarians) Gail Teixeira, and possibly (Odinga) Lumumba and Anamayah of the PPP/C will also have to go.”

Ram said that for President Granger to remove the violators of article 155 “would require a demonstration of strong leadership which has so far been missing, thus making unlikely an early p a r l i a m e n tary vote to extend the National Assembly beyond March 21.”

On February 2, Chief Justice George-Wiltshire held that former Government Member of

Parliament (MP) Charrandass Persaud, was not “not qualified” for election to the National Assembly by virtue of his own acts in acknowledging allegiance and adherence to a foreign power to the sovereign state of Canada, in contravention of Article 155 (1) (a).

She was at the time ruling on an application by Berbice resident Compton Reid challenging the validity of Persaud's eligibility to be in the National Assembly, given that he is a citizen of Canada, as well as the legality of his critical vote that led to the passage of the December 21st noconfidence motion against the government.

According to Article 155 (1) (a) of the constitution, “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who is, by virtue of his or her own a c t , u n d e r a n y acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

Attorney at Law, Chris Ram

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 12, 2019

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

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

EDITORIAL

Elections—when people shun all else Elections! This is the focus and object on which all national attention is fiercely uninterruptedly concentrated.

It is about the courts, how to march ahead, who should walk away from parliament, why there should be staying, and what are the government and GECOM about.

Everybody, from laymen to leaders, domestic eggheads to vocal diaspora, and children to racial and political champions are experts on every aspect related to this national season-long festival now in full bacchanalian swing.

Just look around; listen carefully. Except that there is no need to either look or listen at all. The conversations and positions are so saturating that the uninterested would either stumble over them; or this could fall right on their unsuspecting heads.

The few, who happen to be totally oblivious, would be quickly reminded of day-to-day reality, indeed hourly reality, with developments, rumors, news, competing personalities, and social media feeds abounding.

This is Christmas, carnival, and Mashramani all rolled into one. This is the flavor and spirit of an allencompassing, missing-nothing, saying-something, and knowing-everything national elections watch.

Guyanese are now so engaged in this election watch that securing the home, feeding the dogs, checking pay slip, bank deposits and balances, and mortgage and light bill payments all take a distant second place. Very few citizens have time or interest in such.

Since everybody is busy talking--really arguing--at the same time, nobody has any complaints about noise nuisance. Election music is the sweetest music around to be found, and all think they are either Sam Cooke or Otis Redding; or Mohamed Rafi or Mukesh. This is the symphony, the calypso, soca, and chutney in Guyana’s election music hall.

The watch is all over: even wake-houses and funerals, too; the commotion is enough to raise the dead. And a good Guyanese sendoff is too sober and without spirit(s) if there is no political talk at this time. Whispers are allowed.

In the already tumultuous run-up to this particular election, nobody is either sleeping or silent. Part of the Guyana elections watch is unflagging round-the-clock vigilance, so that no one pulls any fast one. Political players are reported to be sleeping with “one eye open” and head suspended off the ground. That way nothing passes the most stringent and critical of scrutiny.

In the US during the Alan Greenspan era, there came this phenomenon called Fed Watch; or, more precisely, Greenspan watch. The man spoke and the world economies shook; he did not utter a word, and all manner of interpretations in multiple languages and from many cardinal points tumbled forth one upon the other.

This had all the compulsion of a once-in-a-lifetime eclipse. This is where Guyanese are presently; whether examined individually or in aggregate, there is this luminous splendor and ear-splitting thunder of 700,000 conversations (in both creolese and foreign accents) being carried on simultaneously, and all arriving at the same deadlocked places.

All those honest folks who always insisted with a straight face and a hand on a stack of sacred scriptures, that they are never, ever interested in politics, are today part of the standing room only, falling off the wagon crowd caught in the spider’s web of commentary and criticism and suspicion of who playing games, and who will be the eventual winner.

None wants to talk at any length about other matters, such as West Indies cricket, or the cost-of-living, or crime, or the border problem. None!

Elections watch is at such an excitable state in enchanted Guyana that the streets of Georgetown could be swamped and not many would care to object for too long. That is, with the exception of those whose homes are under water.

Rejected rice again - no one is accountable, business as usual DEAR EDITOR, Just about three months after the Panama fiasco, news of another rejected batch of exported rice - this time in Jamaica - is sending shockwaves in the industry.

Every time there is a question concerning quality and safety of Guyana’s rice in an export destination, we must be shocked and worried, because such occurrences threaten the total export market.

Jamaica is one of the more important export destinations for Guyana’s rice. This is not the first time that poor quality rice has been quarantined and rejected by Jamaican authorities. The rejected batch of rice in Jamaica follows a similar, but larger batch that was exported to Trinidad and rejected, and then exported to Panama and rejected. When Guyana sends poor quality and unsafe rice to any destination, it is a threat to all the markets, all thirty-five destinations, that Guyana exports rice and paddy to at this time.

The response from the APNU+AFC government is business as usual, not a word

of concern. Even as stakeholders in the industry express their shock, there is total silence from the Ministry of Agriculture. The GRDB, with responsibility and oversight for rice and paddy export, is also silent.

The revelation of yet another batch (more than 70 tonnes) of exported poor quality, fungus-infected rice, raises serious questions and demands answers from the Minister and from the GRDB. The GRDB has a standard protocol designed to prevent the export of poor quality rice products, whether it is bulk rice, packaged rice, paddy or bran. Inspectors and testers visit the source of the rice product before it is prepared for export, and then scrutinize the product before export, by physical examination and testing at the wharf during the loading process.

The standard protocol, therefore, requires the GRDB to certify that the rice or rice products loaded into ships for export meet all standards specified by the importing country. This is an intense, intrusive process for which the GRDB, the Ministry of

Agriculture and Guyana have no apologies. It is designed to ensure that what is exported meets the specifications of the importing authorities and countries.

Given the frequency of poor quality and unsafe rice being exported, the questions beg themselves: are the standard protocols still in place? If they are not being rigidly implemented, who is responsible for easing the rigidity with which these protocols are to be implemented? If they are no longer implemented, why not? What mechanism has been put in place to prevent export of poor quality and unsafe rice and rice products?

Is it now a free-for-all, where private exporters are no longer subjected to checks and balances?

Has the government abrogated its oversight and regulatory authority? Why has there not been an investigation already?

In the past, as Minister of Agriculture, I visited Jamaica and other export destinations. I often met the relevant ministers in these countries and always provided assurances that the Government of Guyana is

playing an active oversight role. In instances where there might be glitches that affected the smooth export process, I ensured that I was in the loop and that the relevant GRDB officers were engaged aggressively in resolving problems, even if it meant travel to the export destinations.

Just as in the Panama situation, the GRDB is already late in its response, and the Ministry of Agriculture and the government are recklessly hands-off. The GRDB is accountable and must publicly address what happened and what they are doing about this latest episode which threatens the market for rice. This cannot be treated as business as usual.

The farmers and the country need to see that the GRDB and the Ministry of Agriculture are acting aggressively and decisively to assure the market and the farmers in Guyana, that exporting of poor quality and unsafe rice and rice products will not repeat itself. The GRDB Board continues to display impotence. An independent investigation is needed immediately.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Those bomb scares DEAR EDITOR, There is a confirmed official report of a bomb scare called into the University of Guyana last week. On this Monday, it was shared that another of these troubling, definitely dangerous, scares were experienced at a City School. This is not good, whether at an educational institution where there are o l d e r, m o r e m a t u r e , students; or at a school where the audience is younger, much younger, and easily susceptible to issues of panic and control, and unanticipated peril.

For the bomb scare that was called in to the city school around midmorning on Monday of this week was one attended by children all the way down to the Nursery level. This means little children as young as just under four years of age were impacted.

Negatively.

Something is wrong with this development; wrong with the picture; wrong with the people actually initiating and executing such a phone call; wrong with the people, the intellectual fingerprints (if the caller was not acting alone) behind such a serious and

sordid situation. This should not be viewed as the work of a crank or a prank. That is totally out of any sober thoughtful consideration. Any kind of consideration, including and especially the political, if such were to be the case.

This has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms as the work of social anarchists bent on fomenting dissent, intensifying pressure, and leading to places where this society cannot go, and must not go.

It is beyond the unmentionable and unthinkable, it is also highly contemptible, and serves no constructive purpose. None. If, by some chance, there is a political linkage, then this can only be viewed in the harshest, most deplorable light. Let this be made clear and right up front: no aspersion of any kind is intended in that direction, or at any person, or at any group, political or otherwise.

Still, there is much that has to be said and rather bluntly.

First, the political h i s t o r y o f t h i s s o c i e t y, particularly as matters have gravitated and

escalated (declined) during past elections seasons do not offer either much comfort or much confidence, as to either the reliability, even ability, of key groups to walk a purely peaceful and politically principled line. There are no innocents here.

Second, an ugly start has been made at places of learning, where and what is next on this undermining agenda has to be the automatic follow-up question? There was that occurrence at a top city school a few weeks back, which should be considered of a privately malicious nature. The scare at UG does not fall into such a euphemistic and polite category. It is neither inappropriate nor untimely to question, given what has happened, as to where next and how? And, of course, by whom?

Unfortunately, the field of opportunity is wide open and inviting, be it the copycat, the damn fool, or those reckless enough to play stupid games with the combustible. In addition, tensions are quite high in opposing camps; and sometimes, the diehards or adventurous take things into their own hands, and

too far, without a second thought or a second of hesitation.

Therefore, it is imperative that all political leaders seize the moment to not only caution their followers (especially the known loose particles), but to go out of their way to reassure the public that the wellbeing of this entire society is of paramount importance to them as leaders, their philosophy and conduct as a political e n t i t y, a n d t h e c l e a n aboveboard road down which this specific national elections season is going to be conducted.

Those messages should be affirmed and reaffirmed at every o p p o r t u n i t y, as the alternatives can only be tantamount to Pyrrhic victories. Such public commitments should be followed by other societal leaders and groups, and closely monitored by the media and other civil groups for adherence in word, spirit, and deed.

Further, and even more unfortunately, this could be preaching to political atheists and agnostics, whose first and foremost interests are about party and power; and not (Continued on page 6)

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Companies and Contractors need some control DEAREDITOR, I wish to be pellucid on the onset of this commentary which I believe is extremely important at this juncture.

I welcome the oil and exploration companies and inventors to our beloved Guyana. Exxon Mobil, I believe, as per my commentaries in previous appeals, will make Guyana an example of unique partnership between Exxon Mobil, its affiliates and the citizens of Guyana.

However, we as Guyanese need to institute regulations and laws to protect prime properties and lands, so that it will remain in the hands of Guyanese. This will give us Guyanese a chance in protecting our assets and developing ourselves.

It has been observed that these oil companies have been buying out properties, prime residential lands and lands for office spaces. This free flow of investment by the international corporations and their affiliates will definitely inflate prices for land and properties, as it is known that these companies have tremendous financial resources.Renting properties from Guyanese will cause us to build to international standards and specifications needed by the investors and oil companies and will give Guyanese an opportunity to raise their standards and control the valuable assets of Guyana.

I have already seen that prime lands and homesteads are being bought out by foreign corporations. Definitely this will deny wealth from being

circulated amongst us. Investors and expatriates will always need to export their earnings during and after production.

If the Government of Guyana in cahoots with the Opposition does not act on this promptly, Guyana will stay in what a former Prime Minister of Jamaica described some of us in the Caribbean are: Beggar My Neighbour Policy.

I can’t blame the foreign investors and exploration companies for trying to do it all and take it all if they can.

Corporations and businesses operate as persons and they look after their self-interests and the shareholders first. We as the owners of our independent country must ensure we protect our assets and our citizens and get the maximum benefits for our country and people.

In my opinion, the current Government and the previous have made several errors as if they are sleeping and were fast asleep when the contracts were signed and Memoranda of Agreements were initialized. Or they were just not conscious and thoughtful to the realization of the necessity to safeguard our lands and properties. My appeal to our Government and Opposition is to take the example of Trinidad. Trinidad, according to information never allowed such companies to purchase properties or lands but they may rent, thereby giving their citizens a chance to invest and to be a partners in national wealth creation. My understanding also is that no country in the world allows oil companies to buy out

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Kaieteur News

residential properties or build properties on lands locally purchased. They go into contracts that they find acceptable to build offices and residential properties.

We must ensure that valuable lands and properties are secured for our children and our children’s children and for generations to come. Otherwise we will have to rent lands, flats, houses and offices from the foreign investors and we will become nothing and own nothing. Wake up Government of Guyana, current and/or future.

Wake up Private Sector Commission of Guyana. Wake up Chambers of Commerce.

Our ordinary citizens must do the things that are necessary to direct the Government, Opposition and politicians to listen to us and to protect our assets. In my opinion, it is also a useful and most tangible idea for a political party to make this a part of their National Manifesto for future governance. The days are far gone when people will merely vote for race.

Guyanese need excellent management and leadership. We the people need to be respected by the politicians. I wish to politely remind the politicians that the people of the country are the bosses of the politicians.

They can be fired by the people at any time for poor management of resources and failing to protect our assets for the benefits of the people.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr Chairman/ Founder RK’s Guyana Security Services Commissioner: Ethnic Relations Commission

Splinters of Citizenship DEAR EDITOR, The debate so far would appear to have focused on the issue of ‘dual citizenship’ almost instinctively from a political perspective, understandably so – taking into account the manner in which it initially arose in December 2018.

Certainly the writer does not recall any earlier deliberations on the subject; and while one understands the rush to conclusion by most commentators, there nevertheless seems a case for indulgence in more reflective examination.

This would possibly result in the identification of variations of ‘dual citizenship’ which might fall under two broad headings (however loose the descriptors), i.e.: Involuntary Deliberate INVOLUNTARY The first situation that comes to mind is being born in a ‘foreign’ country which offers automatic citizenship.

At what stage one is assumed to have rejected country of birth – a circumstance beyond the individual’s control, regardless of whether he or she becomes a parliamentarian or not?

The next set of circumstances could include parents who would have accessed residence in another country, when the individual concerned was a child unable to make any decision for his/herself.

So that if and when citizenship is conferred, the latter may not be of age to understand or make a decision – regarding a future that cannot possibly be

predicted.

Then, there is the stage when the individual is old enough to decide on his/her future livelihood, and must choose a professional career that, in the absence of appropriate local academic programmes, is forced to seek overseas educational opportunities.

It is not unknown that the periodicity of some high level developmental programmes must require residency to be approved – in the form of citizenship. It is hardly a choice that can be refused, taking into account the predetermination to return to one’s country to contribute a specific expertise – evolving, albeit in selective circumstances, into being a parliamentarian. There may be other variations to this theme.

DELIBERATE At this stage, the individual is a mature decision-maker, more likely with a professional record of some kind, and ambition to being a high level decisionmaker.

In the process, however, he or she hedges his/her bets, accesses other citizenship as a fallback mechanism in case ambitions are frustrated at some point in time.

Again, there could be variations to this scenario.

However, intricated in these variations is the substantive enquiry regarding ‘allegiance’ to one’s home country. It is not as

if ‘single citizenship’ automatically connotes absolute ‘allegiance’ anyhow. Even now, in the world’s greatest democracy, the U.S.A, there are publicly portrayed identifiable groups of cultural and political dissidents. One vivid example is the NAZI cult.

Of course, there is no similar activity here. On the other hand, too many are sensitive to the separate espousal of being African and Indian respectively.

Where does ‘allegiance’ lie first?

There is no righteousness being suggested in the foregoing perspective. Quite the contrary, all that is being asked is that we reflect much less hastily on creating more splinters in an already broken governance and social structure. Our population is simply much too small to be able to afford the possible decimation of skills and experience so desperately needed.

What criteria are to be used to evaluate ‘allegiance’?

Who would be qualified to conduct the evaluation and what, even if effective, would become of the discards?

The more one reflects the more counter-productive the emotional intelligence appears.

Can we now agree to make the appropriate amendments to the Constitution?

Yours faithfully E.B. John

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Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

Vocational training in the private security industry and allied professions DEAR EDITOR, I would like to bring clarity to a long outstanding and equally confusing topic, that of vocational training in the private security industry, and allied professions namely the Joint Services and other agencies in that conceptual web.

Having perused security training in several countries over the last twenty-five years, I will narrow my discussion to a mere few, for purposes of simplicity. In the laws of most countries, there is some piece of legislation or common law provision, for governing the local security industry.

In Guyana, it is the Watchman’s Act. Over the many years, security providers have been referring to their security operatives as Watchmen, Security Guards and Security Officers respectively, without realizing that there is a certain statutory training requirement, attached to each category, at least in theory. And

which carries with each certain legal obligations. Poor understanding of the various categories of security personnel have over the years, exposed many local security contractors to untold litigation and misery.

For example, a Security Watchman need not be trained at all, since his role is to patrol, observe and report. Owning to the rudimentary nature of his employment he may not be literate, or actually know how to write reports or statements. However, once he continues to function within the specified limits of his engagement, he can never be accused of dereliction of duties, and hence expose his employers, if a company, to liability litigation.

Internationally, Security Guards on the other hand, have customarily received various degrees of training by way of security regulations, and the defunct National Guard Service of Guyana, stood prominently among them.

So even in the absence of an agreed upon, or statutory provision,

most security guards receive from three to five days of induction training, often in accordance with standards set by the government, the Qualifications Authority or Accreditation Council, Industry Lead Bodies or Sector Education Training Authorities, as they are called in some jurisdictions.

Security training is generally delivered using the outcome-based, industry-specific modality, in most developed societies, and the Commonwealth; with Israel, the United States and Canada being notable exceptions, because they are on a different qualifications framework, given their educational civilizations.

Nonetheless, the latter countries still stand out favourably, when an international comparability analysis is carried out, as their curricula usually provide for the cultivation of certain specific core competencies, Critical Cross Field Outcomes (CCFO) and Exit Level Outcomes (ELO).

Most security providers these days fancy referring to their security

The ASYCUDA system and “difficulties” DEAR EDITOR, I wish someone would explain to me why the introduction of the ASYCUDA system is apparently creating so many problems in Guyana.

The system was introduced in St Vincent and the Grenadines way back in 2007, and I did not hear any of the complaints I am hearing in Guyana in 2019.

St Vincent’s Customs & Excise conducted training programmes for

importers and customs brokers, then the system was implemented in two tranches: (a) the Manifest and Cargo Management Module in May, and (b) the Declaration Processing Module and other supporting Modules in October. The system has been running since then (i.e., 2007).

ASYCUDA has been operating internationally even longer. Guyana, I think, used to consider itself more

advanced than St Vincent. Twelve years ago St Vincent began using the system. And we still cannot introduce it without myriad problems?

I know the head of GRA says the system will make it more difficult to avoid paying or to underpay customs duties. Is that the reason why in this corruption-prone society we are finding “difficulties”?

Pat Robinson Commissiong

Water rates are too high DEAR EDITOR, There’s a classic economic paradox about the price of water and value, and it comes from Adam Smith: Why do diamonds cost more than water?

The comparison is meant to demonstrate how pricing works— that even though water is essential for human survival, our economy puts prices on things based on scarcity and value (and marginal utility).

As long as water remains abundant, the cheapness of water most likely shouldn’t change. With the addition of water meters in the Arcadia/ Mocha Area on East Bank

of Demerara, the serious question as to the cost for water in an abundant Nation as Guyana comes in focus.

Why does a four-member household pay $20,000 in water bill?

Research shows an average bill of $15,000 per home monthly in this small village. How ridiculous! This is more than one pays for electricity, which we often complain about.

These high rates that are being charged for a simple commodity such as water are being imposed upon the poorer class of people. Well over 60% of Arcadia/Mocha’s residents are self-employed.

Water rates should be designed

to fully recover the costs of providing water by charging customers in accordance with how they contribute to the costs.

Schedules of water rates that charge customers in accordance with the cost of service would be efficient from the economic point of view, in that the price of a unit of water would be equal to the cost of the resources used to obtain and deliver that water.

With this letter, it is hoped that the higher authorities at Guyana Water Inc. hears the cries of the Arcadians and Mochians. We need help. Our water bills are too HIGH… Madonna Esau –Singh

Those bomb scares...

From page 4 necessarily in that order. What follows has to be placed in the public domain: battle stations are being, if not already, drawn; and

troops indoctrinated and geared up for a confrontation. Unless sanity and the greatest of care are exercised, this promises to deteriorate into full-fledged conflict.

As is well known, the politics of this country has never been less than hostile; a word closely associated with belligerence is being meticulously avoided. It begins with a “w.” With so many powerful helpful tools around, and resources and agents to match, bomb scares could come

to look like child’s play and amateur hour.

Let there be great will by one and all through immovable commitment to not descending to such an unrecoverable, harrowing to contemplate, abyss.

This has to be a time for maturity of the highest order and supreme statesmanship. There will be no winners, if worse comes to worst.

It is hoped that deafness has not already taken hold.

Sincerely, G.H.K. Lall

personnel as Security Officers, however, only the government or a municipal authority, or organization sanctioned by either of them can determine how security officers ought to be trained in a particular jurisdiction.

Usually, security officers receive very detailed training, the departure from, or transgression thereof, results in serious consequences for the officer, Contract Company, and very often, the Client Company as well.

Then security training must be fit for purpose, this could only be achieved through the strict adherence of certain regimes, these are Accreditation, Equivalency and Articulation (AEA) and Quality Control (QC).

The training curricula or unit standard must have a definite period for review and all training must have a level descriptor which denotes its consumption audience, and provision for the Recognition of Prior Learning or Current Competencies - which has to do with the awarding of credit for past learning of any sort.

So while space does not allow for a comprehensive study of the subject at hand, a cursory view shows the complex nature of training in the security and allied sectors and seeks to explain the high degree of personnel error in these sectors, as is the case with unnecessary police killings, the not

so recent death of a senior intelligence officer and his wife; the high accident rate for drivers in the sector and among emergency workers, such as fire fighters and ambulance drivers, and exceptionally poor investigative procedures by supposedly highly specialized agencies.

More significantly, a recent competency void almost resulted in the death of the newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, while in transit. The government’s lack of understanding of the private security industry, and its inability to properly police the sector has exposed the industry to the risk of domination by foreign security companies, who will enter the market under the pretext that they are here to fill the void for specialist security services; such as cash-in-transit risk management, bomb incident management, CCTV management and audits, security driving, crisis management, and intelligencerelated services among others, and they do have a point.

Solution: review the current security regulations to provide for the introduction of a Security Industries Authority, and a Security Industries Council, security industry trade association; and professional associations, and compulsory training and licensing for various categories of workers in the local security industry.

Clairmont Featherstone

If in ten years…

DEAR EDITOR, I’m usually an optimist, but after reading Friday’s article by Rooplall Dudhnath - in which he states that the newfound oil riches of Guyana trickling down to the average Guyanese is nothing but a pipe dream - the wind of reality has blown me off my stool.

As much as I’d like to disagree with Mr. Dudhnath, the truth is, he’s likely to be correct. There are so many examples around the world of oil-rich countries with dirt-poor populations. The common fly in their ointment is politicians who are crooked. Do we have such politicians in Guyana? We absolutely do. And Guyanese know who they are.

As Mr. Dudhnath stated, Guyanese would again be conned into voting according to race. The same politicians who had demonstrated how efficient they are at squandering the money of Guyanese on themselves and friends, would be put in charge of the oil purse, and apart from a few crumbs thrown to some people, they will enrich themselves on a scale never before seen in this part of the world. They will do a few projects to show they’ve done something and Guyanese, once again, would be, to put it mildly, screwed once again by the politicians.

Once again, the optimist in me kicks in. The only way to avoid remaining in the poverty in which we’ve been wallowing for so long, is to avoid putting any of those greedy, manipulative and dishonest

politicians anywhere near the control of anything concerning the oil wealth.

If in ten years, Guyanese are not the wealthiest citizens in the Caribbean, it would be because once again politicians have conned us into voting race instead of voting in the honest people who have the country at heart.

If in ten years, we do not have an efficient source of electricity, be it hydro or otherwise, we would have been bamboozled.

If in ten years, we do not have an all-weather highway and/or railway from the coast to Lethem, then once again we would have been hoodwinked.

If in ten years, policemen, teachers, nurses and civil servants are not earning the kind of salaries that rival those of the U.S., then we’ve been ripped off.

Whether or not this oil wealth filters down to the ordinary citizen of Guyana, is dependent on how wise the Guyanese public has become. Stick to the old formula of voting race and we will get the same results and continue to wallow in poverty. Only the insane expect a different result by repeating the same action.

Oil should usher in a new day for Guyanese and our young people should be smart enough not to go the way of their parents with race voting. It has never benefited any of us but the chosen few. Continue the practice and Mr. Dudhnath would be right on the money.

M. Alves

Tuesday February 12, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Guyana will reject all unreasonable, unjustifiable costs by oil companies-Govt.’s Petroleum Advisor

By Kiana Wilburg If oil companies rack up costs which are exorbitant and unjustifiable, Guyana will not be paying for it. This assertion was made, yesterday,

by Petroleum Advisor to the Government, Matthew Wilks.

During a press conference which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency, yesterday, Wilks said that the power of the government is in cost recovery audits. He said that this is the case whether it is for the controversial US$900M pre-contract costs and any costs going forward.

The Petroleum Advisor said that he noted concerns in the media regarding certain costs being incurred by operators.

Wilks said, “Let me just put it very bluntly, if anyone tries to charge costs which are unwarranted or not benchmarked to norms, or are excessive, the Department will reject them. That is the purpose of cost recovery audits.

It is not merely to sign off on costs. It is to say no under the right circumstances. So ‘no’ will be said when we look at costs.”

The Petroleum Advisor continued, “That is the whole purpose of getting qualified companies who have experience in auditing, who have benchmarking capabilities. It is such that they can look at the costs and they can benchmark them. They can tell the government if the cost is excessive or in the right order.”

He added, “If anything is excessive and there is no good reason for it being done, it will be disallowed and that is a risk to any operator. If an operator spends too much or gold plates or doesn’t seek cost efficiency, it might be spending its own money and not the government’s because we will disallow it, pure and simple!”

GUYANACAN DICTATE There has been mounting

Bartica police sensitize motorists, pedestrians to safety Traffic ranks stationed at the Bartica Police Station yesterday conducted a road traffic exercise where they distributed over 100 traffic aids and flyers to motorists, pedestrians and pedal cyclists.

The ranks also took the opportunity to interact with motorisst, enlightening them on the safe use of the road and calling on them to remember the 5 ‘C’s’.

Pedestrians were briefed on the proper use of pedestrian crossings and the need to wear bright clothes at night.

concern over the exorbitant airfare bill ExxonMobil could be racking up with American Airlines; a bill which the nation will have to pay the oil giant claims it in cost recovery.

But several oil and gas consultants are saying that Guyana’s authorities can put an end to this practice. They posit that the government can stipulate what airfare expenses the oil operator is to incur or even outright refuse to pay what is not deemed to be reasonable.

Last week, Oil Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal had explained during an interview with Kaieteur News that in cost recovery, the oil operator can claim for money it spent on a number of things, one of which includes airfares. He contended, however, that the country can regulate anything that has to do with cost recovery.

Dr. Mangal said, “Guyana can dictate anything with cost recovery because the objective is to ensure that costs being claimed are reasonable. The country can refuse to pay for costs it deems are unreasonable.”

The consultant then pointed out instances where countries refused to pay costs claimed by oil companies.

He also stated, “We can recall some ministers saying Exxon should not be audited and Exxon would never inflate

Govt.’s Petroleum, Advisor, Matthew Wilks costs. And myself and Christopher Ram saying the opposite, and calling for audits.

But the issue with these airfares is the tip of the iceberg; Exxon is probably defrauding Guyana of US$100’s of millions via cost recovery, in addition to the billions being taken with the unfair contract.”

Dr. Mangal who worked as a Petroleum Advisor to the coalition Government also made comments on the matter via his Facebook Page.

Responding to a question sent to him, he said that there is no need for Guyana to do away with Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) to bring an end to cost recovery woes.

He said, “Many countries

have PSAs. The problem is the government’s refusal to manage the contract. The problem is the government’s refusal to lift a finger to protect Guyana’s interests under the contract.

“We need large teams of highly qualified and ethical oil and gas professionals, but the government has ensured we have none, as this benefits Exxon.

“With regard to the cost recovery of flights, other countries are able to handle this. Some countries restrict which oil company personnel can travel on which flights and in what class. But Guyana just wants to sit back and let Exxon take everything.

And the PPP would be no better.”

Kaieteur News also spoke with several industry stakeholders at the recently concluded energy conference in Trinidad and Tobago. They included Chairman of TT’s Energy Chamber, Eugene Tiah; Renewable Energy Consultant, Siana Teelucksingh; and International Energy Consultant, David Small.

The consultants shared the view that cost recovery is an area that needs strict management by governments to ensure overpriced items are not allowed to further chip away at the government’s take from the oil project.

Energy Consultant, David Small said that in Trinidad and Tobago, the oil operators are required to submit statements and these are reviewed for reasonableness every three months. He said that if abnormalities are found, the authorities ask for more information, and if it cannot be justified then the operator will not be able to recover that sum from the country.

Just last week, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, acknowledged the fact that Guyana has a right to scrutinize all costs being recovered by oil companies. He went as far as to say that under a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, “every cent” that will be charged by the operator must be for services that were competitively procured.

PAGE 8

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

As EPI/MCH meeting gets underway...

Guyana’s measles free status linked to laudable surveillance system -need to address ‘worrisome’ maternal mortality emphasised -HPV vaccination campaign expanded to include boys Guyana remains on high alert in the face of an ongoing measles threat that has already infiltrated neighbouring territories.

Although cases of the disease have been confirmed in Brazil and Venezuela, Guyana has been fortunate enough to keep it at bay. This development has been linked to Guyana’s vibrant surveillance system.

This notion was emphasised yesterday by Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO] Representative, Dr. William Adu Krow, who observed that currently measles is highest in the countries of the Americas.

Dr. Adu Krow noted that while there were 847 cases in 2017, the figure increased to over 6,000 in 2018. “There has been no recorded case of the ailment migrating to Guyana...This is testament of the strength of Guyana’s surveillance system,” Dr. Adu Krow noted.

The PAHO/WHO Representative’s measles disclosure was forthcoming even as he addressed the opening of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation – Maternal and Child Health

[EPI/MCH] meeting being held at the Kingston, Georgetown Pegasus Hotel.

The meeting, which will span the period February 11 – 15, 2019, represents a collaboration between the Ministry and PAHO/WHO. Chief Medical Officer [CMO], Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, turned the attention of the mainly MCH officials audience to the issue of maternal and child health.

“This is uppermost in peoples’ minds,” the CMO announced even as he alluded to the country’s struggles with teenage pregnancy.

He said Guyana and other Caricom countries are exploring ways to “expand interventions” to deal with the teenage pregnancy phenomenon here. He pointed to the fact that the country’s struggles are compounded by the influx of pregnant women from neighbouring countries.

He continued by stressing the importance of the survival of pregnant women. “Mothers must survive for children to survive.”

He intimated that the birthing process is poised to be strengthened

Officials at yesterday meetings. countrywide.

According to the CMO, while the country’s immunisation programme has achieved global standard of 95 per cent coverage, he emphasised that all children must receive their full complement of vaccine to be fully protected, “otherwise we would be only giving vaccines.”

Dr. Persaud also encouraged the MCH officials to pay attention to recordkeeping issues and to maintain the high standards expected in the sector.

Dr. Adu-Krow challenged the country’s healthcare workers to “use every strategy in every Region, in every village and every community to ensure all are vaccinated.”

On the issue of maternal mortality, he cited “worrisome” early 2019 figures. So far there have been four maternal deaths in Guyana.

“No woman must lose her life during pregnancy because of haemorrhage,” Dr. Adu-Krow said. He called for improvements in clinical competencies in Guyana’s health sector.

He suggested a review of maternal deaths and ‘near misses’ as well as assessments of maternal anaemia. He even stressed the need for the correct use of death certificates involving pregnant women and the high unmet need of family planning in the country.

“Persons of reproductive age who want contraceptive

must have it,” said Dr. AduKrow.

Despite the several challenges faced by the Public Health sector, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, who also delivered remarks at yesterday’s forum, recalled, “EPI in Guyana, which celebrated 42 years last year, has registered great success with the support of all stakeholders including the private sector.”

The Public Health Minister made it clear that Guyana continues to expand its coverage of antigens with (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday February 12, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

A class analysis of Guyana’s main political parties Analysis of political developments in Guyana tend to shy away from undertaking a class assessment of Guyana’s main political parties, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

This reluctance is because those doing the analysis fear being labelled as leftists since class analysis are associated with leftists. If you remove the glossy covering from all of the

main political parties, all that separates them is the narcissist view that each can govern Guyana better than the other. But for one party to govern a country better than the others, means that the policies of that party have to be different to the policies of the others. But how different are these policies going to be when the two main political parties represent the same class interest. You cannot represent the same class and

have any significantly divergent policies.

It has been a paradox of Guyana’s political history that despite the PPP and the PNC claiming to be left-wing parties, they both became captive of the bourgeoisie class in Guyana. Their policies have benefitted the propertied class more than the working class. In the 1950s and early 1960s when the PPP ruled Guyana, its policies were viewed as radical and leftist.

Dem boys seh ...

Only a wife and dem boys can find all seven trillion nerves in you body A man got bout seven trillion nerves in he body. Believe it or not, it don’t tek long fuh he wife to find all of dem. She does do that in about a minute.

GECOM ain’t much different from a husband. It already telling people how dem boys does get pun all seven trillion nerves in every member. And GECOM got nuff people but dem boys know how to get pun all dem nerves.

Last week nuff groups picket GECOM. De PPP start then de APNU+AFC continue. When that done dem boys decide to call more people to picket GECOM. Of course, is GECOM got to seh when it ready fuh elections.

Dem boys write how people seh GECOM stalling. Since then, nobody in GECOM not talking to dem.

But dem boys don’t care bout that. Dem got a right to represent people. Jagdeo had more than seven trillion nerves and dem boys always find every one.

He come out of power and he still vex and cussing dem boys.

He was suh vex that when he was sharing out radio stations he didn’t give de Waterfalls paper any. He tell people that if de Waterfalls paper can torment him every day wid one news paper imagine what it gun do when it get radio.

Is when Soulja Bai come

in that de Waterfalls paper get a radio. But that ain’t stop dem boys from getting pun APNU+AFC nerves.

Dem boy seh that is not only politicians does get vex wid dem boys. Some big man who should be protecting children deh pun a mission.

Parents minding dem daughters just like how a farmer does grow mango.

And indeed dem gyal just like mango. That is wha got dem big man in trouble. Dem boys seh some men does sit down and wait fuh de mango fuh ripe. But dem big man does pick dem and eat dem wid pepper and salt.

Talk half and know that dem boys gun find all you nerves.

And indeed the PPP policies were progressive from a working class perspective.

But even though Jagan pursued left-wing policies, the propertied class was able to exert considerable influence on his party. It was, for example, felt in some circles that it was this class that caused the fracture between Jagan and Kwayana over the favouring of Balram Singh Rai. Burnham came to power in 1966 and by 1970 declared his government as socialist.

He proceeded to bring the commanding heights of the economy under his control.

Quickly, more than 80% of the economy was under State ownership.

Burnham policies benefitted a small family-styled local capitalist class more than it did the working class.

Indeed the working class suffered under his rule.

Burnham’s party lost power in 1992 and it took it 23 years to be returned to office.

One of its first acts was to jettison the Rodney Commission of Inquiry. It did so because the Commission was revealing how brutal, oppressive and hard life was under Burnham.

The younger generation does not need such a Commission for them to understand the hardships and oppression unleashed on Guyanese under Burnham.

They know that from the stories they would have heard from their parents and grand-

parents.

The real reason for shutting down the Rodney Commission of Inquiry was not the sullying of the PNC. The real reason for the opposition was the shame that such a recollection evokes.

The PNC wants that narrative removed from the collective conscience of our nation. The PNC has chosen to forget, to erase from the historical memory of Guyana, what is too shameful to remember.

This is why since 1992, supporters of the PNC object to the PPP and its supporters referring to the PNC’s twenty-eight years in power. They do not want to touch that narrative.

Under that narrative, it was a small band of familyowned businesses that reaped the greatest benefits from Guyana’s economy. The private sector was miniaturized, and it was this miniaturized remnant that made a lot of money. The traditional propertied class did well and many members of this class transferred their monies outside of Guyana.

After the food shortages hit, a new entrepreneurial class emerged. They made a lot of money by doing what the official economy was unable to do. And out of this grouping of entrepreneurs emerged a nouveau riche class.

By the time Desmond Hoyte came to power in 1992, there were two strata of the capitalist class in Guyana. On

the one hand you had the traditional family-owned business class, and on the other hand you had the nouveau riche.

Elements from both of these classes joined forces in an attempt to have Hoyte reelected. They used their finances to gain favours and influence over Hoyte. But behind the scenes, some of these same persons were twotiming Hoyte. They were also financing the PPPC. Therefore when the PPP came to power in 1992, it was easy for elements of the propertied classes to find favour with the leadership of the PPPC. They could do this because behind the scenes they were heavily financing the PPP. And they used their financing of the PPP’s elections to curry favour with the leadership of the party. Under the PPP, and under neo-liberal policies of the PPP, it was the propertied classes that benefitted more than the working class.

The working class did benefit and benefit tremendously under the PPPC, but the propertied class benefitted far more because the economic system favoured that class. The PNCR has returned and nothing much has changed.

PAGE 10

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A boy loses an eye, a woman loses her life, and bodies rotted away One of the things I enjoy as I am getting on in age is walking my dog in the nights at Giftland Mall. You see the manifestations that mask the realities of Guyana. You see fancy people with fancy cars and for an ephemeral moment, Guyana appears like Singapore or Trinidad in your eyes.

Saturday night was not just another night. I couldn’t get parking. The patrons were

overflowing. I asked one of the security ranks what was going on.

He said there was a big sale on. I looked at the types and models of vehicles in the parking lot and yes, you would think you were in rich Singapore or oil wealthy, Trinidad. You look at the folks going into the mall and you wonder if this is the real Guyana. It is not.

That Saturday as I

watched at the people on the Giftland turf, I couldn’t get out of my mind the image of that cook in the newspapers who died after the truck she was travelling in was stuck on the muddy road for two days.

She was trying to get to her work place. She was earning her living as a working class employee.

She had to use the only trail that leads to the CuyuniMazuruni district. The track is referred to as the Puruni Road.

The post mortem revealed she died from ruptured arteries. With my limitation of medical science, I am guessing that she was stressed out and hypertension ensued and she burst some vessels.

When you see photographs of this strip, it makes you extremely livid.

How can any government of decent leaders allow their citizens operating in the gold industry to use that pathway?

Is there money to transform it from a trail to road? Yes, but our leaders spend more on luxuriating things.

I can think of the cost of

the dozens of billboards around Guyana announcing the 2018 national budget or the dozens of millions spent

by UG on entertainments and high priced conferences. This woman was a mother. Her children must find the manner of her death very painful.

Then there is the situation of an eleven-year old boy of East Canje who lost his sight when his eye was struck by a nail that was pelted at him.

According to this newspaper, he couldn’t get treatment at the New Amsterdam Hospital because there was no doctor on duty.

In a Caribbean country in the 21st century, the second largest hospital in the country did not have a doctor to treat a little boy in an emergency situation.

Where was that doctor?

Why he/she was not disciplined? You want to know why? Because the little boy doesn’t have parents who have status and wealth.

Then there was the case of bodies rotting at the New Amsterdam hospital morgue because the morgue was not

functioning. The rotting bodies occurred in 2019. Now here is what I wrote in my column of Friday, September 3, 2010: “The Georgetown Public Hospital has run out of HIV drugs and had to borrow from a small neighbour, Suriname. Public mortuaries do not function. The stories of rotting bodies are common place.” May I remind you that this article was written eight years ago?

I did another piece on rotting bodies when the mortuary broke down in Essequibo.

The relatives who came in from abroad for the funeral saw their loved one in a decayed state.

These morbidities flash in my mind whenever I am with my dog at the Giftland Mall and I am gazing at the glitzy folks and their expensive cars.

Is this the real Guyana I am looking at? Or is there a sad, tragic Guyana that does not belong to the 21st century? How does a child feel when he/she hears that his/ her mother died from stress after the truck she was in was stuck in mud for two days?

Frederick Kissoon How does a parent feel when he knows that his child’s eye could have been saved if there was a doctor on duty at the only hospital that was available in their district?

When Charrandass said, “Yes, yes” in parliament , there was an APNU+AFC parliamentarian that kept shouting; “No Charran, no Charran, no Charran.”

I keep getting these emails from diaspora folks saying; “No Freddie, no Freddie.

Why do you support the no confidence vote?”

So I plan to wake up tomorrow shouting; “Yes, Freddie yes, yes Freddie, yes Freddie.” I will do so in sympathy with the poor blind boy, and the unfortunate dead cook.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Female UG bomb threat suspect remanded Citing public safety, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, yesterday remanded a 25-yearold student of the University of Guyana (UG) to prison, after it was alleged that she made several bomb threat to the tertiary education institution.

The woman, Sheneza Dianne Jaffarally, 25, a sales consultant at Yellow Guyana, and of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Jaffarally was charged under the telecommunication Act. She pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on February 5, last, at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, she sent by means of a public telecommunication system, for the purpose

of causing needless anxiety to the staff and students of the University of Guyana, a message which she knows to be false.

She was represented by Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat who in an application to secure bail told the court that the young woman has an unblemished record.

The lawyer stated that her client vehemently denied the allegation when it was put to her by the police. The lawyer said that police are alleging that her client called the university via phone and made bomb threats.

The lawyer added that a document was shown to her cli-

ent while she was in custody.

That document, Rahamat said, appeared to be a print out of phone records for a cell phone similar to that of her client’s.

However, the lawyer said that the document was unsigned, unstamped and had no letterhead and appeared to be something generated from a computer. Other than that, the lawyer said there is absolutely no evidence to show that her client ever made any calls, or threats to the university.

She added that from the time of her client’s arrest, she has fully cooperated with the investigations. She added that the police

even went to her Cummings Lodge home and removed all her electronic documents.

The lawyer went on to tell the court that if bail is granted to her client she will adhere to any conditions. The lawyer further argued that her client was kept in custody beyond 72 hours, even though the Crime Chief, in a public statement said that he would not breach her constitutional rights.

However, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the defendant firstly on the ground of the serious nature (Continued on page 22)

Swan man wanted for killing Capoey excavator operator Police has issued a wanted bulletin for a Swan man for the December murder of a Capoey excavator operator.

The man’s name has been given as Carl Welcome Jr, called ‘Ralph’ and said to be from North West District, Region One and Swan, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Welcome, 19, is alleged to have murdered Shervin Melville between December 16 and December17.

Melville of Capoey Lake top, Essequibo Coast, was drinking with an unidentified man at his home. Melville reportedly shared his one flat wooden and tarpaulin home, with his 20-year-old wife and their two-month-old baby.

Hours before his demise, the man reportedly had an argument with his wife, who later left for her mother’s home; leaving Melville home alone. Kaieteur News under-

Killed: Sherwin Melville

Wanted: Carl Welcome Jr

stands that the man’s wife, Joya Henry, discovered her husband’s dead body the following morning, with his throat reportedly slit.

Family members are of the view that drinking with the strange man led to an argument with his wife.

The family claims that Melville was strangled before his throat was slit. The unidentified individual, who is the family’s prime suspect, was reportedly seen leaving the village some time around 04:00 hrs on the day that the murder was committed.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 12, 2019

PAGE 13

Police swoop on seawall nets 59 motorbikes, sends several riders running

P

olice in 'A' Division on Saturday last conducted several cordon and search operations in the Division's Number Two Sub-Division.

Police said that 18 persons were detained for questioning in relation to several offences including robbery under arms, simple larceny and house breaking offences.

According to police, also, between 23:00hrs Sunday and 05:00hrs yesterday a police team comprising ranks of Headquarters and 'A' Division conducted a similar exercise at the Georgetown Seawalls (Camp StreetVlissengen Road).

Six persons were arrested for various offences and 59 motorcycles impounded.

A dozen motorcycles were abandoned by the riders during the operation.

A verification of the authenticity of the documents of the said cycles is being done since many are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. Seventy grams of cannabis was also found.

The operations were spearheaded by several senior officers.

No confirmation yet that skeletal remains are that of Bartica miner

T

he partial remains suspected to be that of Bartica goldminer, Philbert Fraser, was brought out from the backdam by police over the weekend.

Fraser, known popularly as “Rasta Royo�, 62, of Third Avenue, Bartica, in Region Seven, is believed to be dead.

Skeletal remains of a male were found in the mining area of an operation controlled by Fraser.

A truck driver had gone in search of the miner after not hearing from him.

He found a deserted camp site and after venturing into the mining pit area, he found the skeletal remains.

According to police, a second team has gone back to the Arimu backdam to conduct more investigations.

Family members are not confirming anything saying that the police are yet to definitively say that it is indeed Fraser.

Fraser would leave his home for long periods in the backdam. He had reportedly left before the Christmas holidays.

Fraser is said to be well-known in Bartica,

No confirmation yet: Philbert 'Royo' Fraser

a popular waterfront community for miners, and has a football team.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Protests in Berbice over New Amsterdam hospital's CEO

D

irector of Health Services in Region Six, Jevaughn Stephens, told reporters that he did not lie to the public when he said that the acting CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr. Samantha Kennedy was not fired.

He was picketed by Region Six Health Committee members and PPP-C supporters yesterday outside his office He had made those statements in a report published online by the Department of Public Information (DPI).

He explained, "The director did not lie to the public. I responded to what I saw on television and on the media that the CEO was fired and I said that the CEO had not been fired. Up to today the CEO is still on the job so I do not know where the notion of the CEO is fired came from. “I can say clearly that the CEO still remains on the job".

He added that while he

was present at the Health Committee meeting with PPP-C Councillor Zamal Hussain who made the statements at the last RDC Statutory Meeting that Dr. Kennedy was removed, he said he heard the Permanent Secretary "indicate to us that they are looking at appointing a CEO. That could mean that the same person is appointed to the position, or a different person".

However, as against what Stephens told the media yesterday, it was revealed to the media through a recording of the meeting that the PS did say that they are looking to have someone from Region Six other than Dr. Kennedy fill the position.

The Permanent Secretary, Collette Adams, told the members of the committee with Stephens present that "we are looking at having the CEO position looked at and also have somebody at the region fill that position".

She added, "We are

The protestors yesterday. looking around because we are here to work; we are here to make things happen and so we are going to have the interview done by the ministry so we can have the right people fit the right position."

It should be noted that when the statements were made at the RDC statutory meeting by Zamal Hussain, Stephens at no point attempted to correct or clarify what was being said by the opposition Councillor.

He however responded to other health matters.

When asked why he did not clear the issue when it was raised, Stephens said, "I did not have all the facts, I had to clarify. After the RDC I had to call my PS for more information and I was reassured that they are looking to appoint someone in the position."

He recalled that during a previous meeting at the RDC, the Regional Chairman had told him not to speak directly to him when responding to an issue but rather relay the information through the Health Committee Chairman Zamal Hussain.

"So that is why I chose not to say anything, I only responded to what he asked and at that point it was not opportune to me to walk up to Zamal to tell him my thoughts.".

Hussain told reporters

that they have continued their protests because previously the Director of Health Services in Region Six, the Minister of health, and the permanent secretary "are lying to the public".

He recalled, "They said that they will be replacing the CEO because of the i n c o m p e t e n c e , mismanagement and all the deficiencies that are in the health sector. Unfortunately, the following day the Director of Health Services held a press conference to say that they will not let go of the acting CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital".

Hussain opined that it is a sad situation for the region since despite all the deficiencies made public about the health sector, keeping the acting CEO, Dr. Kennedy "is an indication that the APNU-AFC

government continues to tolerate mismanagement, corruption, cronyism and all kind of things particularly in the health sector".

The Chairman of the Health Committee in the region called on the health director for Region Six to apologize to the committee.

"He must indicate to the minister that we will not sit by idly and allow the mismanagement of this particular CEO to continue.

The lives of people are at stake here".

After speaking with the media, Stephens interacted and took pictures of the protesters in front his office.

He even shook hands with PPP-C Councillor Zamal Hussain.

They both shared their thoughts on the entire situation and parted ways (continued on page 19)

Police seeking help to identify man who died in Berbice accident

Police are asking for help to identify this Berbice accident victim.

P

olice in 'B' Division are the seeking the help of the public to identify a man of African descent who died following an accident along the Number 61 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

The accident took place a

week ago, on February 4.

The man identified himself as Godfrey Wayne Gomes of 'C' Field Sophia, Georgetown before he succumbed to his injuries.

He was clad in a gray short sleeve shirt and light blue short jeans. The body is currently at the New

Amsterdam Mortuary.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, Gomes was at the time crossing the road when he was struck down by a car.

The driver of the car is currently in police custody while his car is lodged at the 51 Police Station.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Insurance policy a must for operators going forward-Energy Dept. Head Oil Spill Readiness…

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he Energy Department has i n i t i a t e d discussions with Central Bank to ensure oil companies comply with the nation's laws on having a recognized insurance policy.

Making this declaration yesterday during a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency was Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

He said that there will be

no approval from the Department of Energy for companies to self insure.

Currently, the ExxonMobil-Guyana contract allows the oil giant to self-insure. This means that the company has given the nation some level of assurance that it will handle the liabilities that come with any possible oil spill.

On that premise, Kaieteur News asked Dr. Bynoe about the application of his Department's decision will on Exxon's PSA

Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

To this, Dr. Bynoe said, “The contract speaks to the fact that the minister can have a waiver and allow a company to self insure, That is at the discretion of the minister but we are taking a position which says that we will not be allowing self insurance because it would go against Guyana's laws.”

H e a d o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, has expressed on

several occasions that selfinsurance by oil companies may not be ideal for Guyana.

Also in agreement with his position is Founding Director of Mexico's Agency for Security, Energy and the Environment (ASEA), Carlos De Regules.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Regules insisted that it would be in Guyana's interest to make insurance policies mandatory for the oil and gas sector. Regules said, “With self insurance, companies

show their own balance sheet as a guarantee and that we (Mexico) will not accept as a valid guarantee. We always insist on having an insurance policy. Self insurance is not good enough. You must show a policy that is in line with international standards…”

Stressing the importance of insurance policies, the ASEA Director noted that there is an international law or understanding that you cannot claim abroad what you do not claim domestically. He said, “If a country expects to demand compensation for an oil spill or accident, it needs to have a domestic framework to show if that happened domestically, they would be claiming response and remediation and that is very important to bear in mind.”

Further to this, the ASEA Director said that setting the appropriate obligations to ensure oil and gas operators are capable of responding in a timely manner to oil spills is hinged on two things: insurance policies and making it mandatory for the operators to have sufficient technical capacity to respond to emergencies. He said that this means the country must have trained personnel, materials and equipment to be deployed within the first hours of an emergency.

Regules said, “This is very important and it is a lesson that can be learned from any of the major oil spills that occurred around the world. You can contain a crisis more efficiently when you are prepared. So making those two things, insurance policies and technical capacity, mandatory are the two ingredients for preparing for an emergency in this industry…”

In sharing a bit of the Mexican experience, the Oil and Gas regulator also said that it would also be important for Guyana to have a robust system in place to review insurance policies.

He said, “In Mexico, you must have an insurance policy before a permit is granted. In fact, companies have to comply with our insurance regulations and our SEMS which stands for Safety Environmental Management Systems Regulations.”

The ASEA Director said that the oil operators also have to go through a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and provide an appropriate

Energy Dept. Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe design for their project. He said that once they comply with all those things, and a thorough review is done, then it is a go.

COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE International donor agencies such as the World Bank have also called for Guyana to demand insurance policies from operators which are comprehensive.

In this regard, the organization warned that operators have often sought insurance which only covers certain activities. These may include third party legal liability and control of wells, re-drill, and cleanup of sudden and accidental pollution from a well out of control.

It cautioned that industry regulators must ensure that an operator's insurance covers every possible eventuality since “for some operators, their insurance excludes blowout or subsurface pollution or below-wellhead risk.”

T h e Wo r l d B a n k highlighted that there is insurance that covers a blowout from an oil project.

It is referred to as Operators' Extra Expense (OEE) insurance. The World Bank said that emerging oil producers such as Guyana would want to ensure that this is in place especially when one considers how other nations suffered in the absence of this.

In this regard, the financial institution cited the case of the major oil spill which occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill led to a loss of 53,000 barrels of oil a day for many weeks.

It covered 6,500 square kilometers and involved five million barrels of oil.

The source, the Deepwater Horizon field, was operated by BP under a joint operating agreement with Anadarko Petroleum and Mitsui Oil Corporation.

The financial consequence of the spill was more than US$8 billion since the insurance of the operator did not cover pollution following a blowout.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 12, 2019

PAGE 19

Mystery over “Cinderella” rice shipped from Guyana; seized by Jamaica

T

here seems be m y s t e r y surrounding a rice shipment seized by Jamaican authorities, recently.

The local miller has said he did not ship any rice for the year to Jamaica and in any case has been paid for his shipments.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture said that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is investigating the matter.

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that 70 metric tonnes of “White Cinderella” rice, valued at approximately $4.6 million, was confiscated by Jamaica's Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry.

According to reports, a series of inspections were

carried out which revealed that the grains had signs of mould, clumping, discoloration and wetting resulting in the detention by a food storage inspector.

General Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan, has since expressed concern over the claims, as no rice has been shipped to Jamaica from Guyana for the year by the miller who packages under the Cind e r e l l a Brand.

“I am very disturbed by these reports.

We have since reached out to the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division in the Ministry of I n d u s t r y, C o m m e r c e , Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica and are awaiting a response.

“The situation is puzzling since the last

shipment left Guyana on 15th December and arrived on the 19th December, 2018.

Like any other shipment, the rice that was sent to Jamaica underwent a series of physical tests and was certified.

“The Board conducts such tests on paddy, rice and rice by- products prior to any shipment leaving Guyana,” Hassan said.

GRDB export records also revealed that the supplier, to date, has not received any complaints from the buyer in Jamaica or any other of its markets and has been paid for all rice shipped.

Export reports also indicate no single shipment from the supplier amounted to 70 tonnes.

The General Manager further stated that rice could

develop mould if it becomes wet in storage.

“It is very important that the rice be stored in a dry place. Mould and other bacteria can develop on the grain if the rice is exposed to moisture or becomes wet in storage,” Hassan said.

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has since made contact with Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division in the Ministry of I n d u s t r y, C o m m e r c e , Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica. It is yet to receive official word on the matter.

“The Board is calling on all players within the industry to remain vigilant as the matter is being investigated.”

Over the weekend, Jamaica's Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation

Division (FSPID), in the M i n i s t r y o f I n d u s t r y, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF), announced it has confiscated 70 metric tonnes (1575 bags) of White Cinderella rice, valued at approximately $4.6 million, which was imported from Guyana by a local distributor.

“Upon inspection the rice had signs of mould growth, clumping, discolouration and wetting.

As a result, the rice was detained by a Food Storage Inspector.”

According to a statement of the Jamaican government, a statutory detention notice was placed on the rice and samples collected were submitted to the FSPID's Microbiology Laboratory for testing.

“The results revealed

that the rice had microbial levels above the accepted limits.

Therefore, the rice was deemed not suitable for human consumptions and was condemned. This seizure is the first for the year.

“The rice was imported by a large chain distributor in Jamaica with whom the matter was discussed extensively, and in keeping with the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation (FSPI) Act (1958) and Regulations (1973), the rice was detained while arrangements made for disposal.”

The FSPID is a regulatory department with responsibility for ensuring t h e s a f e t y a n d wholesomeness of food entering commerce.

Bomb scare at the office Protests in Berbice over New ... of the OMBUDSMAN

The Office of the Ombudsman

T

he police were yesterday called in to the Office of the Ombudsman where there was supposed to be a bomb.

A call was directed to the Office of the Ombudsman reporting a bomb supposedly in the building.

The building was evacuated and thoroughly searched and it was found to be free of any explosive device or material.

It should also be noted that this building houses several government offices.

Recently there have been

a number of threats circulating through social media wreaking havoc within schools, both private and public and even at the University of Guyana. This is the first attack/threat on a public office.

Source: Guyanese Critic

Beterverwagting fire was caused by woman of an unsound mind - Fire Chief

T

he investigations into the fire that destroyed the two-bedroom home in Beterverwagting last Sunday between the hours of 3:00 hours and 3:30 hours has been thorough and completed, says Fire Chief Marlon Gentle.

The occupant of the home is 53-year-old Maurette, who lived with her 18- year-old son. Unfortunately the son was not home when the blaze started and could not render any form of assistance in preventing it.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle said that during the interview of the woman, she displayed

signs of being uneasy and he further confirmed that she is of an unsound mind.

He also said “that the building has no form of electricity” which gives even more of a confirmation to her mental illness since she was unable to say what may have caused the fire when she was asked the question in the first place.

When asked where the woman is at the moment since she is expected to be homeless as a result of her unfortunate experience, he said that “someone in the same village “took her in”.

From page 14 peacefully.

Meanwhile, as the protesters were heading back to the New Amsterdam Hospital front they were met by approximately 25 APNUAFC protesters shouting "Jagdeo must go". They had a banner in hand that read "No house-to-house registration, No elections" and placards reading, "PPP keep your distance , leave our director alone", among others.

Some protesters stated that they are countering the claims of the people that the Director and CEO are unfit for the position they hold.

According to the former Public Relations Officer of the N-A Hospital, it is their democratic right to be out protesting.

"We are out here to ensure that we still have our Jevaughn who is our Director and our CEO must remain.

We need to give the lady a chance to do she work but you see people do not like changes and because we are advocating for change it is a problem."

PNC-R executive for Region Six, Mohmaed Hussain, told reporters that the people picketing the hospital and the director are only highlighting the bad sides of the health sector in the ancient county.

He added, "They want to have their own way but they have to know that they are in opposition and they need to stay in opposition."

Co-coordinator and Field Operation Director for the

PNC in Region Six, Pastor Anil Sugrim, of Corriverton, Berbice told the media differently, he said their objective on the picket line in front the hospital is to get GECOM to do a house-tohouse registration.

He was asked if they were protesting the hospital for the house-to-house registration process to be carried out and he replied, "yes".

He later changed what he said and indicated that they were on their way to GECOM and saw the PPP-C protesting so they decided to stop.

Later, the government protesters proceeded to the GECOM office in New Amsterdam to protest for registration to be done before elections are held.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Riverview man not guilty of Oriley Small's murder

By Feona Morrison

M

orris Prince breathed a sigh of relief yesterday afternoon when a 12-member mixed jury announced that he had been found not guilty of the March 19, 2016 murder of businessman, Oriley Small, who was shot about 10 times.

Prince, 33, whose last known address was given as Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown had been on trial for the offence before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown.

Small, 31, of Lot 2 Smyth Street, Georgetown was shot as he returned home after a night out at one of the city nightspots. He was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

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

MURDERED: Oriley Small There are reports that the father of one said, “Hey boy, move from deh” to the gunman, who then opened fire. Small reportedly tried to flee, but slipped and fell. It was reported that as Small lay on the ground, the hooded shooter stood above him and pumped several bullets into him.

The unanimous verdict was well received by relatives of Prince who sprung from their seats and began shouting “yes”. Their

FREED: Morris Prince celebrations were immediately silenced by the court marshal who ordered everyone to remain silent.

Outside the courtroom, Prince who was crying, hugged and kissed his loved one. Relatives of the deceased appeared shocked after the verdict was delivered to a packed courtroom.

Prince was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Mark Waldron, while the case for the State was presented by

Prosecutors Tuana Harding, Teriq Mohamed and Abigail Gibbs.

During the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses including Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo, who said he assisted with investigations.

According to Sarrabo, on the day in question he was performing duties at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Brickdam Police Station, when he received certain information which caused him to contact Prince.

Sarrabo said that he was further tasked with putting an allegation to Prince which stated that he (Prince), while in the company of others, and armed with dangerous weapons, murdered Small.

The police witness said that Prince was cautioned in accordance with the judge's rule but denied any involvement and also declined to make a statement.

Under cross examination b y Wa l d r o n , S a r r a b o admitted that there were no eyewitnesses to the killing and that Small's sister (Charlene Forde) had told

investigators that she saw a man dressed in a 'hoodie' leaving the yard soon after she heard gunshots.

According to Sarrabo, the sister could not identify the man. Further, Sarrabo agreed with a suggestion put to him by Waldron that there was no evidence linking Prince to the crime since no gun was recovered.

Charlene Forde told the court that the day prior to his demise, her brother left his Lot 2 Smyth Street, Georgetown home for Rio Inn, where he had worked as a security guard. She said that she celebrated her birthday on March 19, 2016.

She said that in the wee hours of that morning, she was at home when her brother called her via phone for her to open the door.

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

Further, in her testimony, the woman recalled that after her brother was shot, she saw

a man about six feet two inches in height walking away. According to her, that individual was slimly built and was wearing a black 'hoodie', which had a marijuana leaf at the back.

The witnesses said that she was unable to get a good look at the man whom she suspected had shot her brother, since there was a boutique in the vicinity of her home which obstructed her view.

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

U n d e r c r o s s examination by Prince's lawyer, Mark Waldron, it was put to Forde that in her police statement she said that she was personally aware that her brother had many enemies. The woman agreed with this suggestion and admitted to knowing Prince, who she said was a friend of (continued on page 22)

Govt to rehabilitate Region Ten youth facility

T

he Youth Centre in Old Kara Kara, in the mining town of Linden, will soon be rehabilitated so that the youth there can easily access several services which will benefit the community at large. Several Ministers of the Government over the weekend visited the Region for an outreach. They visited several areas to hear and address the needs of residents.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, led a team to the community of Old Kara Kara where she took the opportunity to listen to the concerns of residents.

Residents pointed out that they would like to see improvements to the Youth Centre since they believe that with adequate resources, youths will be gainfully occupied.

While visiting the facility, Minister GarridoLowe was able to assess the needs and together with the Regional Democratic Council representative, promised that those needs will be met at the earliest time.

The Minister said, “The APNU/AFC Government cares for our young people

and will ensure that opportunities are made available to you to learn skills that will benefit you now and later in your lives.

Therefore, I will make a Computer Training Kit available to you, our young people, so you can learn to use the computer properly.

“You will also be able to print, scan and do some photocopying”.

Minister Garrido-Lowe promised that immediate action will be taken on the requests. These included changing a part of the roof, re-wiring and re-painting the inside of the facility and changing a section of the internal wall.

The youths are eagerly awaiting the transformation of their Center.

A mother of two said she would be happy when the centre is fully operational since her children who are in school, will be able to complete their assignments using the computers, whether its printing or photocopying at a significantly reduced cost as well as having those services in her community instead of having to leave home and execute same.

The community of Old Kara Kara has very resourceful persons who

Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe in discussion with a youth

remain committed to the development of the youth.

Accompanying the team was a renowned athlete and FIFA Trained Referee, Lawrence Griffith, who also engaged the youth. He will be returning shortly to give a much needed boost to their social life as it relates to developing sport in the community.

One resident requested the acquisition of some chickens so that she can maximize opportunities in t h e p o u l t r y i n d u s t r y.

Minister Garrido-Lowe assured her that immediate

contact will be made with the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) so that her request can be met.

Persons continue to benefit from the GLDA's Hinterland Development Black Giant Poultry Programme (dual purpose chicken) which commenced in early 2017 and would receive the requisite start-up feed and other supplies. This breed of chickens after a certain age has the ability to eat leftovers from the kitchen.

Minister Garrido-Lowe

also took the opportunity to share the success stories that are taking place nationwide, a welcomed transformation for Guyana and Guyanese.

Reflecting on the recent presentation of Budget 2019, the Minister also took the opportunity to refresh in the minds of residents, a presentation made by Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Yearwood who said, “Those who cannot see that transformation must be suffering from a sad state of glaucoma.”

A m o n g t h e

transformational initiatives are restoring Georgetown to the “Garden City” it once was instead of the “Garbage City” Guyanese have got so accustomed to seeing; significantly increasing Old age pension which is currently $20,500; public assistance to $9,000 and providing scholarships not only for coastlanders, but also for Hinterland residents as well just to highlight a few.

In 2018 alone, 31persons from the Hinterland received full scholarships to attend the University of Guyana.

Residents were also updated on projects being executed by the Ministry throughout the hinterland and noted that similar initiatives can be realized in their community once there is that commitment towards change which will significantly improve the ambience which currently exist.

Bauxite mining is one of the main economic activities in Linden which has a population of approximately 40,000. Through the Office of the First Lady, hundreds of youth there were trained and continue to receive training to becoming information technology savvy.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Berbicians brace for more weeks of water woes It was at a meeting a week ago with the Managing Director of Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) that Dr. Richard Van West Charles assured Berbicians that the water issues currently experienced throughout the ancient county will be resolved within a week’s time.

However, this is not the case.

The Regional Manager, Randolph Leitch, at his GWI’s Chesney office, disclosed that the problem is expected to continue for the next week or more due to the Guyana Power and Light’s ongoing issue with low voltage.

According to Leitch, “We

are still having power issues from GPL; we are still getting a lot of low and high voltage intermittently”. Residents from areas such as Fyrish and on to areas like Adventure and Manchester are the ones that are affected.

He added, that in terms of a resolution he could not provide an exact timing but assured that in the meantime they are “trying our utmost to ensure the pump stations are running”.

Leitch pointed out that up until Friday morning the stations were down but as of yesterday they were up and running. That, however, was short lived since they went back down during the peak

period (15:00-16:00 hrs) Saturday.

The manager said that GWI has been monitoring the situation and has noticed that that has been the trend for the past two weeks, with the stations going down at the time provided above.

As it relates to what the power company has been telling GWI, the power company has indicated that they are still experiencing generation issues.

The regional manager explained that they are currently sending water from other pump stations clos to villages affected. The plants located at Port Mourant and New Amsterdam respectively are

GWI’s Chesney Branch, East Berbice

Manager charged for using night club as brothel Following the recent raids at Club Diamond and Bar, another prominent city bar was also raided which resulted in the discovery of 22 Venezuelan women.

Andy Bynoe called ‘Montana’, the manager of Rio Night Club, was yesterday made to answer a charge of using the club rooms for brothel purposes.

The charge alleged that between November 1, 2018 and February 5, 2019 at Rio Night Club, Bynoe, being the manager of the said club, knowingly used the rooms as a brothel.

After the charge was read to the accused by Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, Bynoe entered a not guilty plea. At the time he was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Bynoe was represented by attorney at law Keoma Griffith. The attorney informed the court that the defendant is 32 years of age with two children. He resides at 248 Oronoque

Andy Bynoe Street, Bourda, Georgetown.

According to the attorney his client who has no previous charges is not a flight risk. He related that the accused was in police custody since February 5, 2019 and has been assisting with police investigations.

Based on his submission for reasonable bail for his client, attorney Griffith

said that the charge can attract a fine instead of a conviction and as such the prosecution has no case.

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant. However he asked that conditions be attached to the bail.

Principle Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus then granted bail in the sum of $30,000 under the condition that Bynoe report every Friday to Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters. The matter was adjourned until February 18, 2019.

The facts of the charge indicated that on the day in question police ranks acting on information went to Rio Night Club where they conducted a raid. Nearly t w o d o z e n Ve n e z u e l a n women were found at the said night club.

Bynoe, being the manager of the club, was arrested and taken into police custody. The charge against him was later made out.

still running on generators but this too is becoming a problem since according to Leitch, four motors were burnt over the past week.

He added, “If the power continues like this then more motors will be burnt”. A large motor is estimated to cost $3M while a smaller one goes at $2.5 M. In the case of an extreme shortage of water, Leitch said the company will look to have water distributed by trucks but as of now it has not reached to such an extent.

Nine pump stations are currently down in the region.

Randolph Leitch – GWI’s Regional Manager

PAGE 22

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

Riverview man not guilty of Oriley...

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From page 20 her brother. Also testifying was former Police Sergeant Eon Jackson, a Science Officer, attached to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL). According to Jackson, during 2016, he was stationed at the Ballistics Section at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Jackson recalled that on March 21, 2016, he received two evidence bags from one of the police ranks investigating the killing. The witness told the court that the first bag contained 10 fired .40 casings.

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

Police Constable Christopher Persaud, who is a crime scene rank, testified to visiting the crime scene where he took several coloured photographs of things of eviden-

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tial value, including the motionless body of a man, which was lying on a parapet.

Former Police Corporal, Derwin Eastman, who is currently on remand for murder, testified that on March 19, 2016, he was performing duties at the Brickdam Police Station, where he was the Subordinate Officer in charge of the Crime Intelligence Unit, when a man on a bicycle came and reported something.

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

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh in his testimony gave Prince's cause of death as multiple gunshot injuries.

The doctor said that all nine bullets exited Prince's body. The mother and aunt of the deceased also testified.

Female UG bomb threat...

From page 12 of the allegation. Secondly, he noted that the allegation has the potential to spread public terror and that there is another investigation ongoing in relation to a similar allegation against the said university.

The prosecutor added that if bail is granted to the defendant, there is a likelihood that she would tamper with the witnesses and the investigation.

The Magistrate after listening to both sides remanded the woman to prison on the ground of public safety.

She was instructed to make her next court appearance on February 18 when she will appear in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.

The woman’s family had released a statement, which reads “… we wish to categorically deny the allegation levelled against her and will strive to undertake every possible means to ensure that her name is cleared of these claims”.

Her family believes that she is being used as a scapegoat, and that the leaking of her name is indicative of an ulterior motive.

The incident, which caused UG to shut down for a short time, also resulted in the institution ramping up secur i t y .

The threat followed others made against the School of the Nations, Queen’s College and The Bishops’ High School.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Mae’s schools closed after threats of bombing surface

Police want to question Eccles woman for fraud An Eccles, East Bank Demerara woman is wanted for questioning by the police into alleged fraud.

Police in a wanted bulletin said that the woman is Trisha Karisha ResallyJurakan.

She is said to have committed the fraudulent conversion on Alicia Rajpal and Sursattie Dookie between July 5 and October 9, 2018.

“Anyone with information that may lead to the ar-

rest of Trisha Karisha ResallyJurakan is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-6978, 225-8196, 2262870, 226-7065, 227-1149, 2267065, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence,” the police said.

Resally-Jurakan is said to be of East Indian origin and was born on November 19, 1984. She is from Block ‘I’ Eccles.

Wanted: Trisha Karisha Resally-Jurakan

Guyana’s measles free status...

Notice Board outside school informing parents school will be closed for two days Resulting from the recent threats that surfaced on social media over the weekend the Mae’s schools had no other alternative but to issue an immediate cancelation of classes throughout the institution. Parents were called in to immediately uplift their children. The duration of the shutdown is uncertain at this time however, a notice board outside the school informed that the institution will remain closed for two days or until the school is assured by the police that the building is safe.

The school was evacuated around 9:35 hours and the police with a sniffer dog were summoned. The safety and security of the children and staff remain the utmost importance to the Mae’s administration. The building was searched and no devices or anything that might be a threat to the students or staff of the Mae’s Schools were found.

In previous weeks online threats surfaced. Similarly threats were made to other schools resulting in classes

being disrupted. There have been threats towards The School of the Nations, The Bishops High School, Queen’s College, The University of Guyana and now the Mae’s Schools seem to have caught the attention of this fear mongering individual or group of individuals.

Threats began surfacing since mid-January, School of the Nations being first. The director Dr. Brian O’Toole was shot twice. Other schools experienced similar threats of bombings and shootings.

APNU supporters yesterday again picket Linden GECOM office Several APNU supporters, yesterday for the second time in two weeks, took to the streets, where they picketed the Linden GECOM office on Republic Avenue, emphatically declaring that unless there is House to House registration, there will be no elections. They further stated that elections would not be held before 2020. No Registration, No Elections and “We don’t want a fake President, we want Granger for President,” were some of the chants of the protesters. Organizer of the protest, Leslie Gonzales, said that the protest action would continue for as long as it takes for the message to be heard.

He however said that the way forward would be determined following the results of a meeting with the Guyana elections commission that was billed for yesterday.

During yesterday’s pro-

test action, disgruntled APNU supporters again drew attention to the issue of persons, especially youths, who would be denied the opportunity to vote, if new registration is not done. Last week APNU supporters simultaneously staged protest action in Linden, Essequibo, Georgetown and Berbice.

APNU Region Ten Party Chairman,Jermaine Figuiera, in an invited comment, had pointed out that house to house registration is of paramount importance and should be a priority.

Figuiera added that this year’s budget would have catered for House to house registration, and that when the motion was tabled in the House, the opposition did not object to the amount of money that was allocated for it. He further expressed the belief that the present voters’

list is “tainted,” as many persons’ names that are still on the list have died--some for over ten years.... and on top of that, some persons that are now eligible, their names are not on the list.

From page 8 the addition of the birth dose Hepatitis B that is currently being piloted in Regions Two, Three and Five and will be expanded to three others this year. A review of the last five years, the Minister said, has shown that the immunization coverage for the immunized child at one year remains above 90 percent for all antigens. However, she noted that there continues to be a decline in the coverage after this period.

But despite the inroads made, she noted that Guyana remains vulnerably challenged with migration issues, constant border traffic, increase in neighbouring countries of outbreak of measles, yellow fever or diphtheria, hence the need for active monitoring and surveillance. The Minister also made reference to the ever constant problem of the country’s difficult geographic terrain as well as lack of adequate cold chain, communication among others.

These, she shared, amplifies the notion that “we must focus on ways of effectively responding to these hurdles, and of course lobbying for adequate funding to increase protection for our people.”

“We must identify our targets; use our data to make informed decisions so that our

activities reach the intended objective. Nothing remains constant, and situations may change dramatically.

“It means therefore that we must cater for the unexpected, try always to remain one step ahead, and ensure that our procurement process for supply of vaccines is efficient, and that we are prepared to effectively deal with any threat or outbreak,” Minister Lawrence warned.

She also alluded to the need to ensure that “vaccines can easily reach our hinterland Regions, that the monitoring process is well established and that there is ongoing training of personnel for new vaccines and for Effective Vaccine Management.” Even as she highlighted the need to focus on the Ministry’s ongoing HPV vaccination campaign, the Minister noted that the primary aim is to reach as many girls as possible, even in the hinterland.

“Let us remember that cancer is rampant in our country and we have to intensify our efforts to sensitize, educate and protect the young assets of our country,” said Minister Lawrence.

She disclosed that from yesterday, the HPV vaccination campaign has been expanded to include boys in all regions of the country. Added to this, she said that the Ministry has also introduced the “opt-out” policy for parents who do not want their children receiving the HPV vaccine. “We will not force any child to take the vaccine,” Minister Lawrence assured.

At yesterday’s forum too, the Minister disclosed that the Public Health Ministry is set to ink a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] with the Guyana Defence Force with a view of expanding its delivery of healthcare services to hard-toreach interior communities.

Among the other key officials slated to present at the EPI/MCH meeting are: Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton; Dr. Oneka Scott; Dr. Travis Freeman; Dr. Dennis Bassier; Dr. Janice Woolford; Dr. Padmini Singh; Dr. Serena Bender; Dr. Suzanne Siebs; Ms. Shonette Jonas; Mr. Wilton Benn; Dr. Karen Campbell; Ms. Andreea Budburg and Medex Ms. Debra Henry.

PAGE 24

Govt. moves to Appeal Court for stay of CJ’s judgments in no-confidence motion cases The government, through Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams has moved to the Court of Appeal—where it is seeking an interim stay of the judgments and orders made

by Chief Justice (CJ) Roxane George Wiltshire—in relation to cases arising from the December 21, 2018 passage of the No-Confidence Motion in the National Assembly.

The government is further asking for a Conservatory Order, preserving the previously existing state of affairs that the President, Cabinet and all Ministers of the Government remain in office until the hearing and determination of the appeal filed in regards to the judgments which were handed down on January 31, at the High Court in Georgetown.

In the court filings Dr. Barton Scotland, Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana; Bharrat Jagdeo, Leader of the Opposition and Christopher Ram, Attorneyat-Law have been listed as Respondents.

In a Notice of Appeal filed last week, the government said that the CJ erred and misdirected herself in law when she ruled that the National Assembly of Guyana properly, validly and lawfully passed a motion on a vote of confidence provided for by Article 106 (6) of the Constitution by 33 votes and

Attorney General Basil Williams that Government was defeated.

The Attorney General further contends that the CJ erred and misdirected herself in law when she ruled that the passage of the motion of no confidence provided for by Article 106 (6) of the Constitution by the National Assembly on 21st December, 2018 requires immediate resignation of the President and Cabinet.

“The Honourable Chief Justice Roxane George Wiltshire erred in law and fact

and her decision was unreasonable and cannot be supported having regard to the evidence,” Williams maintains.

The government has filed a summons with the Court of Appeal supported by an affidavit sworn to by State Counsel Raeanna Clarke, in which it is requesting the Stay and Conservatory Order. The Court of Appeal is yet to fix a date for hearing.

According to Clarke, “I am advised by my Attorneys-atLaw and verily believe that the Conservatory order is necessary to preserve the status quo ante as the period for the hearing and determination of the matter may expire before that time prescribed in Article 106 (7) of the Constitution which requires that the President and Government remain in office and hold elections within three (3) months.”

Clarke said, “That I will contend that the appeal has good prospects of success and the Honourable Court ought to grant a stay and a conservatory order in order to ensure that if the appeal is successful it is not rendered nugatory.”

Clarke, in the affidavit, said that the Court of Appeal has held that it has jurisdiction to grant a stay of execution of a declaratory judgment in matters that would affect the public interest.

‘Something has to give,’ EU’s Barnier tells Brexit Britain LUXEMBOURG/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said yesterday British Prime Minister Theresa May should endorse a permanent customs union with the bloc - as proposed by the opposition Labour party - to break the impasse over their looming divorce.

Barnier told a news conference in Luxembourg that time was “extremely short” to conclude a deal before Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29.

He then met UK Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay for what both sides said were “constructive” talks in Brussels late yesterday.

“It’s clear from our side that we are not going to reopen the withdrawal agreement but we will continue our discussion in the coming days,” Barnier said afterward.

The EU is urging May to work with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to unlock ratification of the withdrawal agreement she negotiated with Brussels.

British lawmakers over-

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

whelmingly rejected the deal, agreed in November, in a vote last month, leaving Britain on course for an abrupt Brexit with no transition period to minimise expected economic disruption.

“I found Corbyn’s letter interesting in tone and in content,” Barnier said earlier in the day in Luxembourg of the Labour leader’s Brexit proposals, sent to May. “Something has to give on the British side.”

In a reply to Corbyn published by May’s office late on Sunday, she rejected the idea of a customs union, saying Britain must be able to strike its own trade deals after Brexit.

Barnier said he understood May did not want to delay Brexit to win more negotiating time and reiterated the controversial Irish border fix - or “backstop” - in B r i t a i n ’s w i t h d r a w a l agreement was an insurance policy the EU hoped never to use.

“This time that remains

is extremely short,” Barnier told the joint news conference with Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. “The withdrawal agreement which we agreed with Theresa May’s government ... remains the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK.” Barnier said it was up to London to provide clarity on what is next - a view shared by Bettel.

“We never pushed for Brexit, we never demanded Brexit,” Bettel said. “The responsibility started in London and is still in London.”

Barnier reiterated the bloc’s offer was to tweak the political declaration on EU-UK ties after Brexit that forms part of the package to reflect a plan for a closer future relationship that could obviate the need for the contentious backstop.

“We are determined to organise an orderly withdrawal. This orderly withdrawal is the prerequisite that we need to build a ... future relationship,” he said.

20 remote hinterland communities to have internet by mid-year

Officials at the press conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre yesterday.

Twenty hinterland communities are being targeted to receive internet by mid-year, as part of an ambitious project by the administration to bring more government services to remote areas.

The solar-powered hubs, complete with VSAT dish (a very small aperture terminal) linkup for internet connectivity, will be managed and monitored by the individual communities.

It is a project that is long in the making that will see a total of 200 such hubs being built over five years in hinterland communities, says Minister of Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes.

The official was yesterday speaking to reporters shortly after a key meeting with stakeholders from various communities and government entities that will be overseeing the US$17M coming from the Guyana REDD-plus Investment Fund (GRIF), a multi-contributor trust fund established to manage payments for forest climate services provided by Guyana.

According to Floyd Levi, Chairman of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), while the individual

hubs will be managed by the communities, it will be Government who will be picking up the tab for the internet connectivity. The project is being seen as a major one by the administration. According to Hughes, by next year December, some 200 Government services will be online.

It will allow especially remote and poor areas whose residents would normally have to travel to town, to apply online to secure services like passports, drivers’ licences and birth certificates.

The internet service will see live streaming, allowing for classes to be taught to students, and even access to medical service with a doctor from elsewhere via the satellite linkup.

According to Phillip Walcott, the Project Manager for the pilot project, a needs assessment costing US$525,000 had been completed in 2017. It would have given detailed information of the communities that are in critical need.

The United Nations Development Programme is involved in the project, overseeing the implementation.

Already, several companies have tendered for the

provision of internet services and these are being evaluated, Walcott said.

He said that Government has learnt valuable lessons from the 172 ICT hubs According to Minister Hughes, the project is a huge one as for the first time, some communities will have access to internet, one of sustainable goals which have significant positive implications for remote areas.

She stressed that in many communities, there are no phones with the only communication being radios, a huge security risk. The hubs will now change all that.

According to Levi, simple things like applying for a child to enter school will be possible at the 20 communities.

There is a possibility of the project allowing government entities to exchange documents, and reduce the red tape for citizens.

The 20 communities targeted for the pilot phase are Kaikan, Jawalla, Phillipai, Paruima, Kako, Isseneru, Kangaruma, Tassarene, Kurukubari, Monkey Mountain, Apoteri, Rewa, Surama, Aranaputa, Toka, Shulinab, Maruranau, Karaudanau and Wiruni.

U.S. will keep investigating journalist Khashoggi’s murder: Pompeo BUDAPEST (Reuters) The United States is still probing the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said yesterday, as U.S. lawmakers continued to demand stronger U.S. action to punish the perpetrators.

“America is not covering up for a murder,” Pompeo said during a visit to Hungary, adding that the United States would take more action to hold accountable all those responsible for the U.S.based journalist’s death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

After initially denying his death, Saudi Arabia has confirmed that its agents killed Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of

the Saudi government.

Riyadh denies its senior leaders were behind the killing.

U.S. lawmakers, Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, have sought a strong response by Washington to Khashoggi’s murder and to the humanit a r i a n c r i s i s i n Ye m e n , where a Saudi-led coalition i s f i g h t i n g Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The Trump administration had faced a Feb. 8 deadline to send a report to Congress on who was responsible for Khashoggi’s death and whether the U.S. government would impose sanctions on those behind the killing.

Ahead of the deadline, a group of Republican and Democratic senators on

Thursday renewed their push to penalize Saudi Arabia, unveiling legislation to bar some arms sales and impose sanctions.

President Donald Trump has resisted such legislative efforts, viewing weapons sales as an important source of U.S. jobs and standing by Saudi crown prince and Trump’s ally, Mohammed bin Salman. Trump is also reluctant to disturb the strategic relationship with the kingdom, seen as an important regional counterbalance to Iran.

Eleven suspects have been indicted in Saudi Arabia for Khashoggi’s murder, and on Friday a top Saudi official rejected accusations that the crown prince ordered the killing.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Tuesday February 12, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Marc Marquez suspects front-end still a ‘critical point’ for Honda Autosport - Honda’s 2019 MotoGP bike is still susceptible to front-end crashes despite the manufacturer ’s effort to improve this aspect, believes Marc Marquez.

Marquez suffered 23 crashes across the 2018 season on his way to a fifth MotoGP title, a contributing factor in the shoulder problems that led him to undergo surgery over the winter.

The operation meant Marquez was not fully fit for this week’s Sepang test, and after completing limited laps on all three days he concluded Friday’s running down in 11th place, a little under a second

off the pace set by Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci.

Although the Spaniard was not pushing hard enough to be certain, he pointed to the two crashes suffered by Honda stablemate Cal Crutchlow as evidence that the front end on the 2019 bike remains tricky.

“Of course we are working also on this area, but this test I wasn’t concentrated on this area because I wasn’t pushing like always,” said Marquez.

“I didn’t have any saves, any moments, I was always smooth.

“This is not normal for me, but Cal crashed two or three times, and still it looks like a

critical point but we will see.

“When I will be ready to push I will push like always but this test I didn’t have any saves, I wasn’t pushing, and to try the things in the front, I say to them [the team] it is better to not try.

“We tried [to improve] acceleration because it’s where I can feel, but going into the corner I was not pushing.”

When Marquez’s opinion was put to him, Crutchlow said he felt his Sepang crashes stemmed from something different to the traditional cause of Honda riders “being too greedy with the front end”.

Crutchlow explained:

Tuesday February 12, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're an appealing person, Aries, but today you could project more magnetism than ever. Don't be surprised if you draw admiring glances from strangers you pass in the street.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you may contemplate changes in your home. They could be physical, like redecorating, refurnishing, or remodeling. Or someone could move in or out.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you aren't currently romantically involved, Gemini, today you might suddenly see an old friend or neighbor in a new light. This can be thrilling, but it might not be a good idea to do anything about it just yet.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your financial situation could undergo some positive upheaval now, probably as the result of a career advance.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A powerful desire for change could have you thinking of traveling, or perhaps relocating to a distant state or foreign country. Friends who live far away could be trying to convince you to join them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some vivid and interesting dreams could bring a lot of repressed memories up and force you to confront them. This could be a bit disconcerting, but still positive.Psychological obstacles to financial success and romantic happiness could be cleared away

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A transformation in your circle of friends could occur today and change your life, Libra. Someone exciting could move in nearby, and you could hit it off.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Opportunities to do wellpaying creative work could come to your attention today, Scorpio, perhaps online.

You will probably like it, as it may give you freedom.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You probably feel especially sexy and passionate now.

You may enjoy browsing through catalogues of rich fabrics or furniture.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Legal matters should definitely work in your favor today, particularly any involving property. You're likely to feel positive about life, and your home life should be especially gratifying.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A call from a romantic partner could lead to an intimate get-together, Aquarius. It's likely to be highly gratifying emotionally and bring you closer together. Passionate poetry and sexy novels could especially appeal to you right now.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Creative projects that you may have been working on for a while could prove especially ego boosting, Pisces. You're doing a great job. A change of employment and increase in income may be in the works.

“You have to take my crashes differently, because when we normally crash with the front end with the Honda, we crash a lot in the braking zone and we over-stress the front and we crash.

“My front end feeling at the moment is the completely opposite. I feel like I don’t have the load like last year, so maybe they have improved it, and I need to also adapt and we need to adapt the setting to it.”

Due to his injury lay-off Marquez explained that he has primarily focused on comparing two different types of engine, rather than trying to hone finer details on the RC213V. The reigning champion

Batting collapse...

From page 28 course for a solid total. Taylor faced 95 deliveries and struck four fours in notching her second half-century in three innings while Campbelle hit a single boundary in a 43-ball knock.

Once Nashra had Campbelle stumped in the 20th over, however, the innings declined quickly, and only Afy Fletcher, with an unbeaten 21 at number eight, showed any resistance thereafter.

Taylor was seventh over in the 37th over, caught and bowled by Baig.

Ameen then gave Pakistan the strong start to their run chase they needed, posting 32 for the first wicket with Nahida Khan (15) and a further 44 for the second wicket with Javeria.

The right-handed Ameen, with scores of 96 and 52 already in the series, punched five fours off 107 deliveries, also posted 46 for the fourth wicket with Dar, after Javeria and captain Bismah Maroof (5) fell in quick succession to leave Pakistan on 82 for three in the 25th over.

Ameen eventually perished in the 39th over in a slide which saw three wickets tumble for 11 runs but Pakistan steadied themselves to turn back the Windies’ late bid.

Scores: WEST INDIES 159 off 47.3 overs (Stafanie Taylor 52, Deandra Dottin 28, Shemaine Campbelle 26; Nashra Sandhu 3-21, Diana Baig 342).

PAKISTAN 163 for six off 47.2 overs (Sidra Ameen 52, Nida Dar 26, Javeria Khan 24; Stafanie Taylor 2-17, Shakera Selman 2-24).

Marc Marquez rides. said he was “more or less” decided on which engine he prefers but added that Honda wanted to defer a final decision until after the last pre-season test in Qatar later this month.

“Still we have one test and they [Honda] say that is not a big drama to choose here [at Sepang], but more or less for me the way is clear,” said Marquez.

“But it is better to try in Qatar because the conditions we had these three days, especially this last day, we won’t have during all of the season.

“The track was so easy, there was a lot of rubber, everything worked well because there was a lot of rubber on the track, a lot of grip, and it was easy to ride the bike.”

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Kaieteur News

Fatal fire caused by energy spike: Flamengo CEO RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - The fire that killed 10 young footballers at Flamengo’s training ground in Rio de Janeiro was caused by a spike of electricity that led to a fire in an air conditioning unit, the club’s CEO Reinaldo Belotti said on Saturday.

The fire started in the early hours of Friday morning, a day after a devastating storm struck Rio and killed at least six people.

Belotti said the adverse weather conditions caused energy spikes that could have caused the fire at the Ninho do Urubu, Flamengo’s training center on the outskirts of the city.

“It was succession of events after a catastrophic day for Rio that led to this even greater catastrophe,” Belotti told reporters.

One of the 13 young players to escape the blaze had previously said he fled the building after waking up and seeing his air conditioning unit on fire. Three teenagers were taken to hospital with injuries, one of them in serious condition.

Belotti did not take questions but said a reported lack of permits for the building was not a factor in the accident.

The Rio de Janeiro’s mayor’s office said in the hours after the blaze that the dormitory was built on an area registered as a car park.

The city had warned Flamengo “almost 30 times” to close the lodging down, it said.

Belotti said there was no connection between the lack of permits and the fire.

“This area was well known to everyone,” he said. It was comfortable and adequate. We were proud of it.”

“The truth is that it was a tragic accident.

It was not because of a lack of investment by Flamengo, it was not because Flamengo did not take care.”

All 10 of the dead were aged between 14 and 16 and either played for the club or were having trials there, Brazil’s Globo website reported.

Flamengo have not revealed information about the players.

‘He is a free man’: Thailand releases refugee Bahraini footballer after extradition bid dropped BANGKOK (Reuters) Thailand yesterday freed a jailed refugee Bahraini footballer with residency status in Australia, after Bahrain abandoned its bid to seek his extradition, and immigration officials said he was immediately driven to the airport.

Hakeem Al Araibi, 25, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and received refugee status in Australia, was arrested in November last year at a Bangkok airport while on a honeymoon trip, following an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain’s request.

However, the Middle East nation has withdrawn the request, prompting a Thai court to approve a motion by prosecutors to drop the case against the footballer, Thai officials said.

“There are no grounds to hold him anymore. It is his right to decide where he will go next. He is a free man,” said Chatchom Akapin, an official in the Thai AttorneyGeneral’s office.

A Reuters witness said Araibi was seen leaving the Bangkok remand prison in a car and immigration officials said he was heading for the main international airport in the Thai capital.

Rights group Amnesty International, which lobbied

for his release, later said Araibi had arrived at the airport.

It was not immediately clear when or why Bahrain withdrew its request. A Bahrain government spokesman declined to give details when asked who ordered the halt of the legal proceedings.

However, authorities in Bahrain, which has accused Araibi of crimes committed during the Arab Spring protests of 2011, said the country reaffirmed its right to pursue legal action against him.

In a statement, Bahrain’s foreign ministry said it had noted the halt of legal proceedings and the verdict against the footballer remained in place.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had no comment on the case.

The detention of Araibi, who appeared with his feet in shackles at a court hearing last week, drew international criticism, with Australian authorities and fellow footballers urging Thailand to release him. He says he faces torture if returned to Bahrain.

In the Australian capital of Canberra, Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the decision of the Thai government.

“We greatly respect the process that they have had to work through and we greatly appreciate their listening to the issues that have been raised by our government and many others,” he told a news conference.

On social network Twitter, former Australia soccer captain Craig Foster, who had helped lobby officials at world governing body FIFA, said, “My thanks go to the wonderful people of Thailand for your support and to the Thai government for upholding international law.”

Araibi has said he wants to return to Australia, where he has lived since 2014 and plays for a Melbourne football club.

He was convicted of vandalizing a police station during 2011 anti-government protests in Bahrain and sentenced in absentia after he fled. Araibi denies the charges, saying he was playing in a televised soccer match at the time of the police station attack.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother’s political activities during the 2011 protests.

Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Alyssa Healy wins Belinda Clark Award ESPNcricinfo - Alyssa Healy swept the honours at the Australian Cricket Awards as she won the Belinda Clark Award alongside the T20I and ODI player of the year titles.

Healy was instrumental in Australia’s victorious World T20 campaign in West Indies where she scored 225 runs at 56.25 to be named player of the tournament. Those runs contributed an overall tally in the voting periods (January 9, 2019 to January 7, 2019) of 578 runs at 41.29.

In six ODIs, Healy scored 329 runs at 54.83 with a best of 133 - her maiden international hundred against India in Vadodara.

Across both formats there was also her impressive glovework.

“This is something unreal,” Healy said.

“Honestly, winning that T20 World Cup was a pinnacle of the season, to do it with this new group was special. But to win an award with Belinda Clark’s name on it is something every cricketer dreams of “We’ve got such a tremendous team at the moment, I think anyone in our group could have won this award which is pretty special.

I finally turned a corner and believed I was good enough for international cricket. It’s been an unbelievable 12 months, not sure I can cap it but I’ll give it a crack.”

It was the first time there had been separate T20I and ODI awards in the women’s

Alyssa Healy with Cricket Australia’s Women’s ODI Player of the Year Award. (Getty Images) categories.

Among the nearest challengers were pace bowler Megan Schutt, who claimed 28 wickets at 11.50 in 17 ODIs and nine wickets at 17.44 in five ODIs while also becoming the first Australian women to claim a T20I hattrick, captain Meg Lanning and allrounder Ash Gardner who was named Player of the Match in the World T20 final against England.

Healy winning the Belinda Clark Award made it the first time in six years that it has not gone to either Lanning or Ellyse Perry, the pair sharing the honour between 2014 and 2018 - Lanning three times and Perry twice.

Elsewhere in the women’s

game legspinner Georgia Wareham was named Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year. Wareham took 2 for 11 in the World T20 final against England as part of a breakout season where she claimed 12 wickets in 11 T20Is at 12.67.

Heather Graham, the Perth Scorchers and Western Australia allrounder, was named Domestic Player of the Year after making 481 runs across one-day and T20 cricket and claiming 32 wickets at 19.94. She was also the joint-leading wicket-taker in this season’s WBBL although that fell outside the voting window for this award which spanned December 2017 to November 2018.

Gervonta Davis knocks out Hugo Ruiz in first round to retain title BBC Sport - Unbeaten Gervonta Davis retained his WBA super-featherweight belt with a first-round knockout of former champion Hugo Ruiz in California.

It was a 12th straight win by knockout for American Davis and his 20th win inside the distance from 21 fights.

Referee Jack Reiss called a stop to the fight after two minutes and 59 seconds following a late-round bombardment which floored the Mexican veteran.“I just wanted to put on a great performance,” the 24-year-old said.

Ruiz had stepped in as a late replacement after Davis’ original opponent, threedivision champion Abner Mares, withdrew last month after suffering an eye injury.

Following the fight, Davis sported a T-shirt in the ring showing his support for rapper 21 Savage - the British

Davis (left), with promoter Jim Watson, showed his support for arrested rapper 21 Savage after winning the fight. (Getty Images) citizen has been detained by US immigration officials who say he arrived in the country as a child and failed to leave when his visa expired.

Elsewhere, Ruiz’s compatriot Rey Vargas successfully defended his

WBC world superbantamweight title against Venezuela’s Franklin Manzanilla, while Alberto Machado of Puerto Rico lost his WBA secondary superfeatherweight belt to American Andrew Cancio.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Milo Schools’ Football tourney

Canje and Lodge Secondary win on day two

Canje’s Keron Solomon who scored the lone goal during their match against South Ruimveldt Secondary.

The seventh edition of the Milo Schools’ Football Tournament continued on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue with three matches which resulted in wins for Canje a n d L o d g e S e c o n d a r y, while Marian Academy and President’s College played to 1-1 draw.

Marian Academy had looked set for a victory against the East Coast based President’s College (PC) during the opening encounter of day two in the this year’s tournament that is supported by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) with the theme, “Stop gender based violence”, but the lads had

Lodge goalscorers from letf, Shemroy Myers, Troyston Louisy, Nicholas Sharples, Marcus Bamfield and Leroy Sealey. to settle for a draw.

The teams evenly matched skills until the 20th minute when Marian A c a d e m y ’s Ridel Hernandez netted from just outside the eighteen-yard box; a pass received from the mid-field, which was expertly slotted pass the keeper.

Keron Solomon scored a

well taken free kick for President’s College’s equaliser.

The last fifteen minutes of play saw both teams press high for chances to score but when the opportunities came, they were not well received and the group round-robin clash was destined for a draw.

Lodge Secondary

trampled newcomers St. Mary’s 5-0 in the final match of the day which kicked off in overcast conditions and finished under light showers.

Shemroy Meyers bagged a brace in the 18th and 47th minutes, while Marcus Bamfield (30th), Leroy Sealy (32), Nickolas Trotman (52) and Triston Louisey (64th) netted one goal each in the

rout.

Meanwhile, Canje Secondary of Berbice needled Georgetown’s South Ruimveldt Secondary in the second match of the day, thanks to Keron Solomon’s 33rd minute strike.

The tournament continues this weekend with six more matches, three each on Saturday and Sunday.

GMRSC executive re-elected unopposed - Completion of drag strip is club’s priority The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Executive Committee (Exco) elections last Friday at the club’s Thomas Lands and Albert Street office where the incumbent President, Rameez Mohamed, who was first elected in 2017, was again elected, unopposed, for a third successive year.

Mohamed and his slate reads: Sunil Persaud; Club Captain, Hansraj Singh; VicePresident, Azad Hassan; Assistant Secretary Treasurer, Nirmal Sookram; Treasurer, John Bennett; Committee Member, Paul Jewanaram; Committee Member, Azim Jafar; Secretary, Haniff Mohamed; Committee Member, Motilall Deodass; Committee Member, Joel Evans; Technical Advisor and Kamal Seebaran; Committee Member, will oversee the operation of the club for one more year.

Vice-president of the GMRSC, Hansraj Singh, has noted that the main objective of the reelected Exco is to

The newly elected GMRSC’s executive committee pose for a photo opportunity at the club’s Thomas Lands office. complete the resurfacing of the drag strip at the South Dakota motor racing circuit at Timehri which will cost an additional average cost of $40million.

The launch pad of the strip that costs in excess of $14million was completed last year, and when the entire project is completed it will be done at international standard, Hansraj shared with

Kaieteur Sport.

Among other infrastructural works include phase two of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) track expansion which has a projected cost of $260million.

Phase one of this began last year with the foundation being laid.

“The benefits of this (track expansion) will be

tremendous.

Our first FIA approved tracks will allow for more high powered cars and overseas competitors, and will in return develop the s p o r t l o c a l l y, a l l o w i n g North American and European competitors to throw down at our local track,” Hansraj noted.

Meanwhile, President of the GMRSC, Mohamed,

shared with this publication that when the project is completed, it will boost Sports tourism in Guyana as well.

The GMRSC boss gleefully disclosed that a proposal is in the works for the construction of a Karting surface at South Dakota, “We are currently looking at a go kart track at South Dakota because we want to give the kids

bigger exposure, at a bigger track with a bigger crowd. Of course it will be of FIA standard so that will allow them (karters) to get better accustomed to international standard.

Next on the GMRSC’s calendar will be the next month’s National Race of Champions which is scheduled for March 3rd.

(Calvin Chapman)

PAGE 30

GSA’s Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tourney

Action starts this evening at GT Club The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) first tournament for the year serves off at 18:00hrs this evening at the Georgetown Club with what promises to be a very competitive annual Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Tournament.

Forty-four participants will participate in two categories; Open and Category A, with each player awarded a number of plus or minus points as is usual in handicap tournaments, the field is leveled to allow the underdogs a real shot at the wins and a test of stamina and patience for the more skilful players.

The Open category should see some stunning performances from the experiencedAlexArjoon, Regan Pollard and Deje Dias from the men, and Ashley Khalil and Taylor Fernandes for the women. Steven Xavier will also contend in this category.

In Category A, returning champion Michael Alphonso will be battling against an array of improved players, including Nicholas Verwey, to retain his title, while Abosaide

Alex Arjoon

Regan Pollard

Ashley Khalil

Taylor Fernandes

Cadogan and Kirsten Gomes will be a closely matched bout if they meet as their games usually produce thrilling affairs.

Games will run each

weekday from 18:00hrs and throughout the day from Saturday afternoon, before finishing on Sunday. The customary fundraiser BBQ will be held on Sunday 17th.

Batting collapse sends Windies to series defeat DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Stafanie Taylor struck her 33rd oneday half-century but West Indies produced another dodgy batting effort to crash to a four-wicket defeat to Pakistan and concede the three-match ICC Championship series 2-1 here yesterday.

Opting to bat first in the series decider at the ICC Academy, West Indies were dismissed for 159 in the 48th over, with skipper Taylor topscoring with 52, opener Deandra Dottin getting 28 and Shemaine Campbelle, 26.

They were 87 for two at one stage but lost their last eight wickets for 72 runs as left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu (3-21) and new ball seamer Diana Baig (3-42) ran through the innings with three-wicket hauls.

In reply, Pakistan overhauled their target in the 48th over, with opener Sidra Ameen top-scoring with 52, Nida Dar hitting 26 and Javeria Khan chipping in with 24.

The defeat came on the heels of Saturday’s 34-run

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

Stephens to attend Cummings Lodge Secondary, gets donation from Giftland Mall For Region Nine swimmer Coleen Stephens, the ‘only child’ for her parents, 2019 has started auspiciously without her even getting her feet wet.

The teenager, who gained two gold medals at the last National School’s Swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre on the East Coast of Demerara, recently, became the first individual from her Region to be awarded a sports scholarship in Georgetown.

It is understood that the talented swimmer is set to attend the Cummings Lodge Secondary School in Greater Georgetown and with her Swimming scholarship she will have access to the Aquatic Centre, which is two Villages away from her new school.

The historic Scholarship was made possible through the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs after recommendations from Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports Dr George Norton.

The Department of Education held a small simple ceremony for her before her departure to attend an unnamed school in Georgetown and were putting together a farewell package for the young Swimmer who received a donation for the Giftland Mall, located in Liliendaal East Coast Demerara, shortly after her arrival in the City.

Giftland Mall is reportedly consideri n g making Stephens, who celebrated her 16th birthday last S e p t e m b e r, a B r a n d Ambassador since she is the first from Lethem to gain

Coleen Stephens collects the donation from Giftland Staff. a sporting Scholarship.

“I am elated! This (Scholarship) is a dream come true,” an excited Coleen vehemently exclaimed.

“I always wanted to improve my swimming and one day I hope to compete in the Olympics,” said Stephens who has been swimming in the Rupununi River since she was a toddler.

Quado Vancooten, who was appointed Swimming coach for the Region Nine team for the first time last year,

says, Coleen is very talented but like the other hinterland swimmers, lacks the luxury of proper training facilities which has caused her development in the Pool not to be at the level that it should.

This opportunity should only improve Coleen’s technical development in the Pool and increase her hope of being an Olympian but also open doors for other talented youngsters from the hinterland. (Sean Devers)

Boodie, Heyliger guide Police to 96-run victory over TSC Captain Stafanie Taylor … struck her second half-century of the series. loss at the same venue, after West Indies had convincingly won the series opener by 146 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

West Indies were off to a dodgy start when Kycia Knight was bowled without scoring off the third ball of the innings from Baig with just one on the board.

And further

disappointment followed when Dottin, who had sent warning signs with a couple of fours and sixes in a 20-ball cameo, was run out in the eighth over with the score on 35.

However, Taylor and Campbelle put on 52 for the third wicket which appeared to put West Indies back on (Continued on page 25)

Kevon Boodie struck a belligerent century, while Jason Heyliger grabbed five wickets as Police defeated Transport Sports Club by 96 runs when the Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society Second Division 40-Over tournament continued on Sunday.

Boodie slammed 107 and got support from Jason Heyliger with 51 not out and Keston Harcourt 29 as Police posted 228-6 after they opted to bat at Everest Cricket Club. Offspinner Azeem Azeez picked up 2-45.

Jason Heyliger

Kevon Boodie

Transport SC were bowled out for 131 in reply.

Devon Allen made 32, while Adrian Hinds and

Azeez got 22 each.

Hayliger bagged 5-11 from 6.4 overs, while Harcourt took 2-16 off seven overs.

Tuesday February 12, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Root century helps England build huge lead against West Indies (Reuters) - Joe Root became the first England player to score a century during the series as the visitors strengthened their stranglehold in the third test against West Indies yesterday.

The England captain compiled an unbeaten 111 in St Lucia as the visitors closed in on a consolation victory after losing the first two tests in the threematch series.

Ben Stokes was on 29 and England were 325 for four in their second innings at the close, an overall lead of 448 runs with two days remaining in Gros Islet.

Root had endured a poor series with the bat, making just 55 runs in his five previous innings.

But he made amends by notching up his 16th test century with a classic drive through mid-off for four, albeit off a generous full

toss from Alzarri Joseph.

R o o t ’s c e l e b r a t i o n showed just how much the innings meant to him as he punched the air, hugged team mate Stokes and then soaked up the minute-long applause from a proEngland crowd singing his name.

West Indies endured a long day in the field, picking up just four wickets.

Their cause was not helped by a thigh injury incurred early by pace bowler Keemo Paul, which left them with only three quick bowlers complemented by Roston Chase’s part-time spin.

Batsman Darren Bravo was also absent from the field after being struck on a finger on Sunday.

The morning session s t a r t e d w e l l f o r We s t Indies when Rory Burns fell for 10 after clipping the

first ball of the day straight into the hands of Joseph at square leg.

Paul picked up the wicket but his morning turned sour when he later left the field on a stretcher, a n d f r o m t h e n o n We s t Indies struggled to impose themselves.

Keaton Jennings was the only other England batsman dismissed in the first session.

Jennings’ wretched tour continued when he allowed an innocuous Joseph delivery to hit his thigh pad before the ball trickled onto the stumps so softly that it barely dislodged a bail.

Jennings had a wry smile on his face as he departed for 23, his highest score in four knocks in this series.

Joe Denly also gave his wicket away softly, caught-

But in the fourth over of the morning, Paul had to be stretchered from the field after damaging his quadriceps while sprinting for a boundary ©Associated Press behind off a wide Shannon Gabriel delivery for 69, while Kemar Roach used the second new ball to bowl Jos Buttler for 56.

Bamfield grabs 5 as DCC overcome GNIC SC Dequain Bamfield grabbed five wickets as host Demerara Cricket Club defeated GNIC SC by four wickets when action in the Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods Generation Next U19 tournament continued on Sunday.

GNIC SC were bowled out for 61 in 21 overs after they were asked to bat. After being restricted to 11-7 at one stage, Trevon Jones propped up the total somewhat, hitting three fours in scoring 23 as Bamfield finished with 5-15 and Qumar Torrington 3-19.

DCC responded with 62-6 in 15 overs. Alphius Bookie made 25 not out as Dwain Dick picked up 3-8 and Trevon Charles 2-11.

Shooters Pool Club Easter tournament set for April 13 Shooters Club along with Chris Prashad of California, USA, are collaborating to host an Easter Pool tournament which will cue up on Saturday, April 13th with $160,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.

There will be trophies for the first to fifth place finishers along with prizes for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and fans will be treated to attractive giveaways.

The tournament will break at Jupats Bar in New Diamond Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara and all the games are expected to be aired via live streaming.

Joe Denly took his chance to make his case by accumulating fluently ©Associated Press

PAGE 32

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Kaieteur News

GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National 2017/2018 Finals

Rivers View, Eagles, Santos and Tabatinga to collide on Saturday History would be created on Saturday when the national finals of the inaugural GFF/Pele Alumni/ Frank Watson Memorial National 2017/2018 championship is contested at the Guyana Football Federation Training Facility, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Set to battle for the winning trophy and bragging rights are Cluster’s 1, 2 and 3 winners, Santos FC (Georgetown Football Association), Eagles FC (West Demerara Football Association), Rivers View FC (Bartica Football Association) and Tabatinga (Rupununi Football Association).

All the teams in the finals would be rewarded with trophies and were all told by GFF President Wayne Forde that all teams (10) that made the Final Playoffs are winners.

The finals cluster was contested at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground on Saturday last and this was another history making day

as it was the first time ever in the nation’s history that a National Finals Playoffs was contested in the Cinderella County.

Some exciting matches were witnessed between eventual Cluster 3 winner Rivers View FC, home team Dartmouth Dominators and Atkinson Brothers of Region One. The latter team played very well, but their finishing, like has plagued many a team, was their downfall.

Their goalkeeper and Captain, Henry Phillips was brilliant for his side, bringing off a number of sensational saves including a blinder against Dartmouth but misjudged a ball that was held up by the constant sea breeze that swept across the ground all day which resulted in the ball dipping over his head and into the back of the nets.

The shot that was taken

by Rivers View’s Shawn Williams in the 68th minute carried the Bartica boys to victory 2-1 which set the platform for their eventual qualification for Saturday’s

The victorious Rising Stars FC of Bartica pictured with Deputy Mayor and BFA Secretary Ms. Aretha Embleton and Coaching Staff after winning Cluster 3 at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground. final day which is anticipated to be riveting.

Brian Joseph, GFF Youth Development Coach and a member of the Federation’s

Technical Department in an invited comment stated that they are very pleased with what they have witnessed to date, citing that many talented players have been identified

and would be called to the national set up.

“We are very excited with the successful hosting of this competition so far. It’s been exciting times for Guyana’s

Rising Stars Captain Kevin Ready (left) and Sultan Evans carrying Dellon Jones on their shoulders following the win over Dartmouth Dominators.

football and we are definitely on the right track to achieve our objectives in terms of where we want U15 football to be.”

Joseph noted that all the matches have been very competitive and the players have adapted and represented well.

“Obviously the new facility has influenced the style of play for most of the teams as they were able to keep the ball on the surface and play which is really exciting for us. We’ve already identified a few players who we want to invite into the national programme because of their outstanding performances to date; so it’s exciting times for youth football.”

Joseph also applauded the Pele Alumni and the GFF for its efforts in ensuring that teams from Region 1, Rupununi, Bartica and Essequibo have been afforded the opportunity to showcase their skills.

“There is definite talent in those areas and I am happy that we’ve created that environment where those players talent can be recognised, identified. Going forward we’re definitely going to expand this into the other categories so that we can expand the national players pool as much as possible. We expect a highly competitive round of final matches.”

GDF dominate Joint-Services Cross Country The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) male and female teams proved their powers of endurance and determination to win, when they clinched the Champion titles at the Inter-

Services Cross Country Championship that got underway Sunday at Timerhi.

Among the male teams, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) finished in second place with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) finishing third.

Meanwhile, GFS females finished in second place behind the GDF.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 12, 2019

Plans moving apace for Triple Crown first leg on February 24th - Over $20million in cash prizes up for grabs Horse racing fans are promised an exciting first leg of the Triple Crown.

All systems are set for the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown’s first leg which gallops off in just under two weeks, February 24th, at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Port Mourant, Berbice, according to chairman of the organising committee, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr. In an invited comment with this publication, Mohamed disclosed that the track is in good condition for next weekend’s race meet and that turfites can expect to be fully entertained with some of the overseas horses having already arrived in Guyana.

Over $20million in cash and prizes will be up grabs over the three legs of the Triple Crown event with the second leg slated for March

24th at the Rising Sun, while the grand finale will be on Easter Sunday, April 21 at Port Mourant Turf Club.

The feature race at the first leg will attract a total prize purse amounting to almost $2million with the winner of that C Class and lower race pocketing

o

$1million.

The winner of the threeyear-old Guyana bred race will pocket $400,000, the F Class winner; $350,000, H Class; $300,000, I Class; $250,000, J class; $230,000, K Class; $220,000, L Class; $200,000, L Class and lower; $140,000.

PAGE 33

t r o Sp

Root century helps England build huge lead against West Indies GDF dominate JointServices Cross Country P.

29

England’s day started on a bum note when Rory Burns clipped Keemo Paul’s first delivery of the day straight to square leg ©Associated Press

Stephens to attend Cummings Lodge Secondary, gets donation from Giftland Mall P. 28

Root kept going for his strokes and brought up his 16th Test hundred shortly before the close © Associated Press

P. 30

The army top performers and supporters share the moment for a photo. (Sgt. Oslen Quamina of G5 Branch)

Proprietor of Giftland Mall Mr Roy Beepat with Coleen Stephens.

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