Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

Govt.

Advisor says...

GPL system hacked, ransom demanded

Thursday Edition February 14, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 07 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 116,176

Ring-fencing and

tax avoidance issues fixed in new PAS template Murdered: Rohan 'Ravi' Persaud

The alleyway where the body was discovered

Handyman’s body dumped in Samatta Point alleyway Offshore blocks may be Exxonmobil's client wins subject to open bid process contract to review company's early next year - Dr. Bynoe Field Development Plans

US State Department to assist in strengthening National Oil Spill Plan

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 14, 2019

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

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ExxonMobil's client wins contract to review company's Field Development Plans

By Kiana Wilburg

U

K-based firm, Bayphase Oil a n d G a s Consultants, won a contract from Guyana to review the Field Development Plans (FDPs) of its client, ExxonMobil. This was revealed on Monday by Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

The official said that Bayphase will review the FDPs for Exxon's Liza Phase One and those of other operators.

But prior to this, Kaieteur News had reported that this company is not only a client of Exxon, but of even some of its primary contractors working here.

This publication also showed that Bayphase never gave an unflattering report on its clients.

In light of this, Kaieteur News asked Dr. Bynoe to say if he is concerned about the connection between Bayphase and ExxonMobil.

Dr. Bynoe said, “Absolutely not!”

He reasoned that it is difficult to find any potential reviewer for development plans which did not have an affiliation with an operator before.

Dr. Bynoe said, “To start casting aspersions on an entity even before it is allowed to do its job, is somewhat sad. What I also indicated in my presentation is that we went through an

evaluation process which had to have received the no objection of the World Bank and they went through it and approved this client…”

The Energy Department Head added, “If we do the research, (one would see that) it is almost impossible to find an entity which didn't work with the operator before.”

Lending his voice to the m a t t e r, G o v e r n m e n t ' s Advisor on Petroleum, Matthew Wilks, said that consulting companies pride themselves on being independent. He said, “You wouldn't last long in this business as a consultant if you were biased or didn't do your job properly. So a lot of aspersions which appeared in the press are incorrect.”

Wilks emphasized that companies need to be able to do their jobs…”

EXXON'S INFLUENCE While the Government may be eager to hire international firms to provide much needed advice and expertise on managing the nascent oil sector, Oil and Gas Consultant and former Advisor to the G o v e r n m e n t , D r. J a n Mangal, said that extreme caution must be exercised.

The Petroleum Consultant stressed that Guyana should not hire any company over which A m e r i c a n o i l m a j o r, ExxonMobil, has significant influence or the authorities would need to have

Petroleum Advisor to Govt., Matthew Wilks

Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe

mitigation measures in place to counter potential biases and sway.

Dr. Mangal said, “From the Kaieteur News research, it seems Exxon has influence over Bayphase. Any firm which has Exxon, its partners and contractors as major clients will likely side with Exxon before Guyana (such as WoodMackenzie, Rystad, Intecsea-Worley Parsons, Bayphase, etc.)…”

Dr. Mangal is of the view that the Government should not hire this little known company which seems to have links to Exxon. Should the administration hire this firm, Dr. Mangal believes it could lead one to the assumption that the Government is working for Exxon's interests.

Further, the Petroleum Consultant said it will be difficult to find firms in the

oil and gas sector without links to Exxon.

Be that as it may, Dr. Mangal said, “We must choose the most reputable, and those which have a proven track record of being unbiased.

“We need firms which can prove they have supported the interests of counties versus major oil companies like Exxon.

Guyana can afford to pay top dollar now for the best.”

He added, “I recall the Ministry of Public Infrastructure hired a oneman show for their natural gas study, and that was a flop. And the Ministry of Natural Resources hired a firm to review the Field Development Plan for Liza Phase 1, but the choice was inappropriate. The firm could not even review the cost.”

New Mayor cites need for greater accountability at City Hall - steps taken to establish audit committee

I

n the interest of greater transparency and accountability, the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, has insisted that all receipts issued by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) be affixed it's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

During a recent statutory meeting, Narine demanded an answer from City Treasurer, John Douglas, why the current receipts are not carrying City Hall's TIN. The Mayor pointed out to the fact that the laws governing the municipality require for TIN to be affixed to the receipts.

The new Mayor urged that this practice be implemented, even for vendors who have to be

financial transparency and accountability, the Council also passed a motion to establish an audit committee.

Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine issued receipts. He noted that the M&CC had previously taken a decision to have one general receipt issued to all those doing business with the municipality.

In addition, to building

The motion was brought to the table at the statutory meeting. It was moved by Councillor Denroy Tudor (continued on page 24)

LONE UK BIDDER Bayphase which was established in 1986 is not only a client of ExxonMobil, it is also contracted by NEXEN, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).

CNOOC holds 25 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Bayphase also works for Exxon's subcontractors which include Schlumberger and Technip FMC. (See link for full list of clients: http://www.bayphase.com/c lients-list2.php) Further to this, none of its reports are unflattering to its clients. (See link to view their published reports: http://www.bayphasedata.co m/reports.php) The company offers several services on a consultancy basis which include: resource auditing and valuation, cost auditing and estimation, reservoir modeling and strategic study.

With respect to Resource Auditing and Valuation, Bayphase said that this aspect covers resource assessments for all types of hydrocarbon properties including exploration development and production licenses. It said that it has extensive experience in carrying out this work for conventional oil, nonassociated gas, gas condensate, heavy oil, and

shale gas resources.

It said, too, that it has carried out this work in accordance with standards set by these bodies: The Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS), the Securities and Exchange Commission, the London Stock Exchange, the Alternative Investment Market and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

In the area of Cost Auditing and Estimation, Bayphase boasted of having over 30 years experience in developing independent cost estimates, verifying cost estimates and the development of software for cost estimating for oil and gas projects.

It claimed to be a recognized leader in the assessment of all costs associated with oil and gas projects. It said that its experience in developing accurate cost estimates covers all phases of oil and gas extraction including: Exploration, Appraisal, Development, Production and Abandonment.

Bayphase said it has also been called on to audit project expenditures on behalf of stakeholders including: Partners in hydrocarbon development projects, Banks providing loans to Oil and Gas projects and Governments who wish to understand the revenue flow in such projects.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday February 14, 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

THE EXPLOITATION OF GUYANA

S

ince the turn of the century, Caribbean Airlines has been the flagship airline carrier for Guyana.

However, there has been constant pressure on Governments by Guyanese, especially those in the Diaspora to have more airlines ply the US-Guyana route.

Poor services, high fares and mistreatment of Guyanese by immigration and custom officials in Trinidad have led to the demand for more airlines.

This government has recognized the need to improve the country’s air and land connectivity, especially with oil production scheduled for 2020.

It has often been said that Guyana geographical location has made it a potential hub between the U.S., South America and the rest of the world.

In recognition of the increasing number of visitors, oil experts and business officials who will be travelling to Guyana, American Airlines has decided to add Guyana as its 19th South American route. It is the only U.S carrier to offer airline services from the U.S to Guyana at the moment.

It made its inaugural flight from Miami to Guyana last November and has scheduled four flights per week.

Currently, Caribbean Airlines, Fly Jamaica, COPA Airlines and American Airlines are serving the GuyanaUS route. Many in the public including Government officials believed that with the addition of the Houstonbased carrier and the world’s largest airline, American Airlines would have lowered airfares between the U.S and Guyana, but that is not the case.

Recently, there have been many complaints by Guyanese about the high cost of American Airlines tickets from Miami to Guyana, but it has fallen on deaf ears. As reported in this newspaper, when compared to the other airlines, American Airlines airfares appear to be six times higher for a round-ticket between Miami and Georgetown.

For example, the cost for round-trip economy-class ticket from Georgetown to Miami using Caribbean Airlines is roughly US$700.00. For American Airlines, according to a search on the computer, is over US$3500.

Caribbean and other airlines charge about US$1000 for a round trip business class ticket while the American Airlines published charge appears to be more than US$6,000.

Representatives of the airline say that the figures are out of kilter with reality. They point to the cost of the ticket when they are for travel between Guyana and Miami on the days when the airline travels between the two countries.

They say that the charge is sometimes less that Caribbean Airlines.

At one stage it was thought that the high charge was to capitalize on ExxonMobil’s operation in Guyana.

Guyana has been slow in verifying the pre-exploration expenses of US$900 million submitted to the government

by ExxonMobil. Further, it is not certain that accountants have been hired as yet to audit the cost.

With Exxon investments in the billions, any miscalculation could cost Guyana hundreds of millions of U.S dollars in profits.

Under its contractual agreement with ExxonMobil on oil revenues, Guyana will receive two percent royalty, but is likely to receive very little of its 50/50 share of the profits after ExxonMobil and its partners deduct their investments costs and expenses.

Part of the expenses could include the cost of American airlines tickets for staffers to travel back. ExxonMobil has the right to choose American Airlines or any other airline for that matter as its choice of preference for its employees to travel, but the expense should not be borne by the Guyanese taxpayers for services that can be rendered far cheaper at other airlines.

This is definitely not putting Guyana first, which is unlike Mr. Trump who is putting America’s interest first.

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

CARICOM’S FINEST HOUR DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) deserves full marks for the position it has adopted and the actions it has undertaken in response to the regional and international crisis that was precipitated on Wednesday 23 January 2019 when the Venezuelan parliamentarian Juan Guaido, declared himself President of Venezuela and had his claim to the Presidency recognized by the government of the United States of America and several other powerful Western governments.

The CARICOM response was as follows:(1) The CARICOM Heads of Government staged an emergency Conference on Thursday 24 January 2019 and agreed upon a collective Statement that confirmed that they would be guided by the fundamental International Law principles of noninterference and non-intervention in the internal affairs of another state, respect

for national sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy, and that – within those legal parameters – they were offering their good offices to facilitate dialogue among all parties in order to peacefully resolve the crisis. The CARICOM Statement also insisted that the Caribbean region is and must remain a Zone of Peace, and called on all parties, whether inside or outside of Venezuela, to “step back from the brink” of violent conflict.

(2) On Saturday 26 January 2019 Ambassadors from the CARICOM nations of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Suriname and St. Vincent and the Grenadines presented and spoke in support of the CARICOM Statement at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

(3) On Monday 28 January 2019 a CARICOM team comprising Secretary General Irwin LaRocque and Prime Ministers Timothy Harris, Keith

Rowley and Mia Amor Mottley made their way to United Nations headquarters in New York, where they met with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, and requested the United Nations’ participation and assistance in CARICOM’s effort to create a space for dialogue and for the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Venezuela.

(4) On Tuesday 27 January 2019 the CARICOM delegation continued its “diplomacy of dialogue and peace” by meeting with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, the Foreign Minister of Mexico, and with the Permanent Representatives of such countries as Canada, Australia, Romania (representing the European Union), Brazil, Uruguay, South Africa and Benin (representing the African Union). (5) These meetings resulted in the public announcement of the staging of a joint Uruguay/Mexico (Continued on page 24)

Slothfulness and unprofessionalism at the Govt. Valuation Office DEAR EDITOR, bank and has requested a Last week I was told by what is so difficult in having I wish to bring to the v a l u a t i o n b e f o r e a n Mr. Paul to come on Friday at an alternate sign off a attention of the general agreement of sale and 1:30 pm to collect the document in your absence. I public and the relevant purchase is signed, which is valuation. When I arrived I have already paid the fees for a u t h o r i t i e s , t h e of course very reasonable. was told that Mr. Barrington the valuation and I am unprofessionalism and I first contacted the had to sign the document and currently at the mercy of the s l o t h f u l n e s s o f t h e Valuation Office in the last he would not be in office Valuation Office.I can only G o v e r n m e n t Va l u a t i o n week of last month and was u n t i l M o n d a y. I w a s hope and pray that when I do Office when it comes to told that the valuation would requested to visit the office eventually get the document completing a valuation of a take “a couple days”. It has once again on Monday the potential buyer is still property. Since last month I now been over two weeks morning. I visited again, as interested. I have turned have been following up a and I am still without a requested, at 10 am, and was away other enquires about request for a valuation to be valuation after several once again told that Mr. the property, since I already completed on a property that frustrating follow-up calls Barrington “has not come in committed to selling to an I am about to sell. I have been and visits to the Valuation as yet” and I should visit in individual, however, she and given the royal runaround O f f i c e . A f t e r s e v e r a l the afternoon at 2 pm. I I cannot go ahead with the and there appears to be no frustrating attempts to complied and visited at 2 pm agreement until a valuation end in sight. follow-up with Mr. Paul (the but still Mr. Barrington had is done and the bank gives its In March 2018 the GRA Valuator), last week I not signed the valuation as he approval of the financing. I issued a statement indicating attempted to speak with Mr. was “busy and only came in have thus far expended that it “wishes to announce Barrington, who oversees the for a few minutes and then significant time and finances that with immediate effect, a Valuation Office, however, l e f t ” . E d i t o r, I a m a n in this process and I am Valuation is not required this has proven futile since he understanding person and frustrated and fed up. w h e n a p p l y i n g f o r a is always “busy” or “out of know that at times these Name and address Certificate of Compliance to office”. officials can be busy, but withheld transfer land or property by way of sale, gift or tender.

This intervention is intended to relieve the procedural strain and DEAR EDITOR, situation was a breakdown of the political and burden on the taxpayers.”

The decision by the three Commissioners moral fabric of the country and a crisis of This information can be corroborated from the appointed by the ruling coalition not to attend a confidence in the then administration.

It would appear from the manner in which GRA’s website via link: meeting with representatives of the Carter https://www.gra.gov.gy/pub Centre does not bode well for the future of both the current administration and GECOM is behaving that we are on the verge of going l i c a t i o n s / p r e s s - democracy in Guyana.

According to media reports, the reason down that road once again. One can only hope releases/797-valuation-notrequired-for-land-property- advanced by one Commissioner for not that good sense will prevail and the good of certificate-of-compliance. participating in the meeting was that the Carter country is placed above narrow partisan Nevertheless, there is Centre is a private body and therefore seen as interests.The international community and still a need for a Valuation an unnecessary intrusion in the internal affairs other stakeholders such as the Carter Centre have a decisive role to play in safeguarding our Certificate to be done since of a sovereign nation.

This raises the spectre of ‘a ghost from the democracy. Too much is at stake especially it is required by the banks w h e n t h e y a r e b e i n g past’ when foreign observers to our electoral given our emerging oil and gas economy. The requested to finance a processes were regarded as ‘unwelcome’ country cannot be allowed to drift into a state of property acquisition. In this visitors and in some instances were beaten and political instability, which could have a case, this is exactly what has harassed. Those were the days when the will of negative impact on the economic and social happened; the proposed the people was thwarted by undemocratic well-being of the Guyanese people.

Hydar Ally buyer needs a loan from the elections. One consequence of the above

The country cannot be allowed to drift into a state of political instability

Thursday February 14, 2019

HPV vaccine for boys – the right thing to do… even if it is three years late DEAR EDITOR, In 2010, as Minister of Health, I announced the HPV Vaccine Initiative. In 2011, we launched the HPV vaccine Initiative for girls 9 to 11 years old. The Initiative’s implementation was launched with a simple ceremony at the Grove (East Bank Demerara) Health Centre. I spoke at the launching.

Among the persons present was the Regional Health Officer, who at the time was Dr. Karen Cummings, now the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health.

Amusingly, this HPV Initiative has been launched, at least, three more times since May 2015. This week, the Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence announced that the HPV Vaccine Initiative will be extended to boys.

This is a necessary move and I commend the Ministry of Public Health. In commending them, I urge that this announcement is not merely more talk, since the rollout of the Initiative to include boys is now, at least, three years late.

At the time, the PPP Government invested in the HPV Vaccine Initiative because global research had shown HPV was, and is, a common virus that infects both men and women. Studies show that HPV is so common that 8 out of 10 people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lifetime. HPV infections can cause cervical cancers in women, cancers of the back of the throat, known as oropharyngeal cancer, cancer

in the anus, in both women and men, and penis in men.

Cancers of the back of the throat have now surpassed cervical cancer as the most common type of cancer caused by HPV. Unlike cervical cancer in women, there are no recommended screening tests for the other types of cancers that HPV causes, so they may not be found until they cause health problems.

The HPV Vaccine Initiative, therefore, was more than an Initiative to stop cervical cancer. While best known as a critical strategy in the fight against cervical cancer, HPV vaccines are now seen as a potent tool in the fight against several cancers.

This is why we must spare no effort to ensure universal access to HPV vaccines for our children and other vulnerable groups.

The Minister of Public Health’s announcement that the HPV Vaccine Program will be extended to boys is correcting a grave misstep, since this progressive move is already more than three years late from the timeline established in 2010, when I was Minister of Health. At the time, we promised HPV vaccine would become part of the immunization program by 2011, starting with vaccination of girls aged 9 to 11 years.

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Kaieteur News

Parents of girls 12 to 15 years old were encouraged to bring in their daughters for vaccination also.

At the time, we established 2015 as the start date for extending HPV vaccination to boys between 9 and 11 years old. The announcement by the Minister that the program will now include boys is a case of “better late than never”.

When we outlined the details for the rollout of the HPV vaccination initiative, we also announced by 2020, we would begin providing HPV vaccines for women 20 to 40 years old who did not have the HPV vaccines, which would be the vast majority of Guyanese women of that age group. Interestingly, the US started the adult women HPV vaccine program in 2018.

When we launched the HPV Vaccine Initiative in 2011 with its rollout details, the initiative was one of the most ambitious HPV Initiatives in the World.

Vaccinating boys with the HPV vaccine is a critical step forward and even though Guyana missed the original timeline of 2015, the country still is in the forefront of developing countries when it comes to HPV vaccines. This was an important strategic (Continued on page 6 )

Guyana’s Opportunity to Move from Third World to First World DEAR EDITOR, It is with much interest that I read the article titled, ‘Guyana, a logistical hub for China’s expansion in the region’ in the Kaieteur News, published on 6 February, 2019.

The article commenced with the following statement from Dr. Evan Ellis, a Research Professor at the ‘Centre for Strategic and International Studies’ (CSIS), in his paper ‘The Future of Latin America and the Caribbean in the Context of the Rise of China’.

The article stated “(China) also will likely include enhanced river and multimodal routes linking Brazil to the Atlantic in a southerly direction through Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, and north to the Atlantic through the Guiana Shield, with improved highways through northern Brazil to the Atlantic coast of Guyana and Suriname.”

The article further stated that ‘it is not by chance that Guyana became the first Englishspeaking country in South America to sign on to the Belt and Road Initiative. Many believe that China values its relations with Guyana which is strategically located as a logistical hub suited for China’s expansion in the Region’.

In 2012, I started the public discussion about Guyana as the potential ‘Singapore of South America by 2032’, as if this was prophetic; all things being equal, there is no reason why Guyana cannot move from ‘third world to first world’ like Singapore did. However, while it took Singapore about two generations, if Guyana is organized and focused

enough, there could be significant progress in this regard over the next decade.

Nonetheless, there are some gaps, if addressed, could propel Guyana’s growth process in accordance with the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) theme ‘leave no one behind’. There are serious concerns that with such rapid growth, many could be left behind in Guyana.

The article further stated that in January, ‘Diálogo Chino reported that Guyana is a key logistical link in regional trade’….’Diálogo Chino said that the Guyana road link highlights the strategic nature “of the small country to China’s plans in Latin America. It would cut transport times to northern Brazil, China’s biggest trading partner in the region, by providing a faster route to the Panama Canal.”

This will no doubt position Guyana, as a key access route to the 422.5 million people on the South American continent and an economy of 6.5 trillion.

However, what is missing, is the bigger context, in terms of how Guyana will be organized around this economic and development opportunity. Here is where the country has the opportunity to organize its institutions and people around a ‘Service Economy’, as one of the pillars upon which the country will be developed. This requires a ‘Service Economy’ policy, strategies, programmes to put greater structure to ensuring that Guyana and its citizens are well positioned to benefit, equally.

Yours faithfully, Citizen Audreyanna Thomas

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Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

The choice facing the electorate in a nutshell DEAR EDITOR, On Sunday, my dear friend David Patterson tagged me in a Facebook post that proudly announced that as an alternative to construction of a Diamond Entrance and with the help and cooperation of DDL, government was able to access lands for a car park, market and a second entrance to Diamond.

Patterson further alluded to the PPP administration’s sale of land being the reason he could not construct this overpass. I reminded him that Diamond was a PPP project and commended him for the cosmetic improvement; in return, David replied “Thanks for reminding everyone that this was a PPP project. It takes a special type of idiot, to take an ABSOLUTELY empty area of land (it was a cane field beforehand), and develop it into a housing scheme to accommodate over 60,000 persons with only one single lane access road….these idiots decided to “double down on their master plan”, so they also opened up Grove, right next door, adding another 20,000 persons to the same single lane access road”.Of course David failed to mention that the plan and financing for the Diamond to Ogle bypass road greeted him on his desk on assumption to office.

This is the choice facing the electorate in a nutshell. Do you want a PPPC government who helps to house 80,000 people, and who have made plans and secured financing for new roads and for widening existing roads?

Or do you want an APNU+AFC government

of elitist talkers who have so far been unable to complete any of the projects inherited; unable to start any of the new projects already tabled and financed; have been unable to conceive any new projects of their own, and would clearly be unable to move a project from conception to execution in a timely manner.

The Diamond –Ogle road project has been redesigned and tinkered with endlessly to the frustration of a nation.

The PPPC added over 90,000 housing units in 23 years (Auditor General’s reports) an average of 3900 units per year, despite starting with empty cane fields. APNU+AFC in contrast met a booming and experienced construction sector, partially constructed housing schemes, and dismally failed to deliver even 390 house lots (much less homes) in three and a half years.

They have however written many and threatened to seize lots already paid for because of sloth in construction. A caring lot, this cabal! We all know about or have that coworker who waits until all the work is done to grab the file, change one word, and then whisk it away and delivers it to the boss.

APNU+AFC operate very much in that mode.

Words of advice from Indira Gandhi to David would not be amiss “There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.”

Respectfully Robin Singh

HPV vaccine for boys – the right thing...

From page 5 move by the Ministry of Health in its fight against cervical cancer, but since then, it is a critical initiative in the overall anti-cancer fight.

Once we have universal access to HPV vaccines in Guyana, we have a good chance of reducing the incidence of cervical cancer by greater than 70% by 2030, and also to have a prevention success in the fight against other cancers.

It is, therefore, encouraging that Guyana is implementing the program, as

originally envisaged, even if it is disappointing that the timelines have shifted. I encourage the Ministry of Public Health to hasten forward with the timelines.

In making the announcement, the Minister did not update the citizens of our country with the status of HPV vaccination for girls 9 to 11 years old. I f the program has been effective, the vast majority of girls between 11 and 18 years old at this time should be HPV immunized.

The Ministry of Public

Health needs to update the country on the HPV-status of girls between the age of 11 and 18 at this time.

Does the Ministry have a n y d a t a ? We n e e d t o know. Guyana cannot simply be launching the program every year without updating citizens about progress made in immunizing our children, both boys and girls, with the HPV vaccine. It is like spinning our wheels, and not going anywhere.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

The CEO of New Amsterdam Hospital was never dismissed by the Ministry of Public Health DEAR EDITOR, It is with great concern for the professional practice of journalism by a few media outlets in Guyana, that I am writing this letter to address very glaring misinformation that was carried in some sections of the press on Friday February 8, 2019.

Some print media houses along with a few online news outfits and some television newscasts (on the evening of Thursday February 7, 2019) carried stories that suggested that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr. Samantha Kennedy was relieved of her position.

I would like to categorically state that to the best of my knowledge, the CEO of the New Amsterdam hospital was never dismissed by the Ministry of Public Health.

That all these media outlets can carry a story without ascertaining the veracity of the information they may have received demonstrates gross irresponsible journalism that is most dangerous to the wellbeing of society at large.

We are living in an era where fake news is disseminated to deliberately mislead persons through the spread of misinformation. We must resolutely guard against such blatant spread of fake news in our society.

One newspaper article published on the Monday February 11, 2019 states: “Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital Dr. Samantha Kennedy remains on the job

after junior Health Minister Karen Cummings reportedly intervened in the matter.”

I would like to categorically state that I have not had any cause to intervene in this matter as I am not aware that the Ministry of Public Health had dismissed the CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The article also went on to state: “…following the embarrassing reports in the media and the RDC announcement that Dr. Kennedy was fired, the junior Health Minister, who is Dr. Kennedy’s godmother, reportedly sought a less harsh decision.”

Again, I will state categorically that I have made no such intervention on the matter of the New Amsterdam Hospital CEO, neither am I her Godmother.

Within the same article, it states that: “Dr. Kennedy went to the hospital on November 5 last year and has been the center of much controversy as several allegations were levelled against her.

The first being that she took six weeks’ leave two days after taking up the appointment.” Dr. Kennedy did not take six weeks leave after being sent to the hospital.

What really transpired was that Dr. Kennedy along with Dr. Carlos Martin from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) travelled to Israel to read for a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Systems Management at the Galilee International Management Insti-

Bomb threats in schools DEAR EDITOR, Bomb threats and bomb incidents have historically always occurred in schools internationally, but the frequency, disruption, scope, and potential devastation of explosive-related events has increased exponentially. Even more alarming, however, is the fact that schools have not kept pace in their planning and response capabilities, instead relying on outdated, ineffective, and often dangerous protocols and procedures that were not developed specifically for the educational environment.

School violence isn’t 100% preventable, but we have the capability to provide appropriate supports and interventions to students who are at risk for violence against themselves or others. An educator’s responsibility, first and foremost, is to provide a

safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

The US Department of Education and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) strongly recommend that all schools train and develop a Threat Assessment Management team, saying: “one of the most useful tools a school can develop is a multidisciplinary school threat assessment team.”

Threat assessment isn’t a way to remove students from school – instead; it allows schools an effective methodology to: Determine who is at risk, (identify) Determine how severe the risk is, (assess) and then provide appropriate supports and interventions (manage). Threat assessment and management is a means by which schools can: identify, assess and manage individuals of concern, most attackers did not threaten their targets directly 13% made ver-

bal/written threats to the target, while 10% acted physically aggressive towards the target.

Unlike profiling, checklists, automated decision-making and other methods that don’t work, threat Assessment Management is a fact-based, investigative approach, where schools can leverage trained, multi-disciplinary teams. As stated in other parts of the media, schools should recognize that the provision of security services to the educational environment is highly differentiated and specialized and should be treated as such.

Active violence which includes the use of bombs, guns and improvised weapons is driven by a particular psychology which needs to be properly understood before effective preventative measures could be instituted.

Clairmont Featherstone

tute. Dr. Kennedy travelled on Sunday November 11, 2018 and returned on Friday November 30, 2018. Dr. Kennedy has not taken any vacation leave for 2018. At no time was Dr. Kennedy ever on vacation leave much less six weeks’ vacation leave.

These convoluted ideas that are dreamed up and published by some media houses are ludicrous, puerile, and downright stupid. If this is what is being passed for journalism, it is a frightening reality in which we live.

We at the Ministry of Public Health are working tirelessly to offer the best quality health care possible to the people living in Guyana . This quality delivery is being done amidst myriad challenges even as we shape policies and guide actions to establish a health system that is efficient, effective and responsive. New Amsterdam Hospital has made great strides within the last three years and will continue to transition itself into a modern state-of-the-art facility geared towards providing the best patient outcomes within Region Six. The health of the Guyanese people is a national priority of this APNU+AFC government.

Therefore, we are not desirous of playing politics and using the health of an entire community as a means to a political end. We have a public health mandate to deliver the best quality of healthcare possible and we intend to do so.

There is never a good time to play political games in a health care system.

Oftentimes the people who use the public health care system have no other alternative.

Therefore, it is imperative that we as a government and as a ministry do not fail them.

In this regard we are constantly reviewing our systems and policies to ensure we are better able to serve the people of Region Six.Spreading false rumors and trying to create panic in society is very irresponsible.

I ask that the purveyors of such misinformation desist from such actions. I also call on the Guyana Press Association to join me in condemning the false reporting that has been done.

Yours faithfully, Dr. Karen Cummings M.P.; D.PH (h.c.); MPH; MBBS, BSc. Minster within the Ministry of Public Health

Thursday February 14, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

GPL system hacked; ransom demanded T

here is confirmation that the systems of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) came under a cyber attack last week.

From disclosures, too, demands were made to the state-owned company for payments to release control of the systems but GPL refused to buckle.

As of yesterday, the Ebilling site allowed persons to log in but the account information remained down.

Yesterday, Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon, admitted that “an incident” had occurred but GPL’s backup had kicked in.

Last week, the collections system was down for a while, he said.

Asked specifically to confirm reports that a ransom was last week made, Gordon said, “Let me not be that specific but there was something that would have led to that.”

GPL is reportedly using a Chinese built fibre-optic cable network for some of its system. There have been concerns about the technology of Huawei, a Chinese communication giant that has been doing work around the globe.

It is under the microscope now.

It is unclear whether Huawei’s equipment, including that cable, is part of the GPL systems.

What is known is that a Chinese fibre optic cable has been linking GPL’s operations.

According to Director of GPL’s Information Technology Department, Vijay Datadin, said last week, there was a “bit of a problem.

Some systems were down due to precautionary actions,” he said.

There was some trouble on part of the systems and to protect the integrity, GPL’s IT team isolated parts of it and have been working to bring them back online.

According to Datadin, there are indeed growing cyber threats that are emerging, but GPL has been looking at the situation and taking advice, even working with government teams.

He said that the Customer Information System is up and running.

A few areas of the CIS were down last week.

Asked about the nature of the hacking, Datadin said that hacking is a broad term that insinuates spying among other thing, including from overseas or someone who is working with the company using a password that may

GPL came under a cyber attack recently, officials have confirmed. have been wrongfully obtained.

He admitted that there was an “attempt” from outside and it was handled.

With regards to GPL’s systems, Datadin noted that the company does not run one system. There are several.

The fin ancial system of GPL is intact with suppliers and workers being paid as normal.

Customers who have prepaid meters were not affected, he said.

Last Thursday, GPL said

it experienced a disruption in its computerized systems and PBX (telephone system).

“Our Prepaid customers have not been affected by this disruption.

Customers attempting to contact the company’s Customer Call Centre and visiting the Customer Service Centres to conduct queries and other services have been affected.

Our Customer Call Centre service has since been restored to normalcy.

The company is working assiduously to restore

normalcy to its operations.

GPL sincerely apologize for

any inconvenience that this disruption may have caused.”

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 14, 2019

Unlicensed revolver, shotgun Sixteen y ear s la ter year ears later ter,, aces fr aud c har ge seized from miner, shopkeeper Mason ffaces fraud char harg The seized guns

A 51-year-old mason made an appearance yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to respond to a charge of fraudulent nature. Joseph Beaton appeared before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty.

It is alleged that on July 1, 2003 at King and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained an advance sum of $1,354,000 from Rhett James by falsely pretending that he would market his property.

After listening to the charge that was read to him, the accused entered a not guilty plea.

The charge stated that the victim and the accused are known to each other. In June 2003, one of James’s friends brought it to his attention, that Beaton was selling his property.

James then made contact with the accused to express his genuine interest in making a purchase. The accused informed him that the cost price for the property would be $3,427,000.

On the day in question, they both met at Maraj Building where James then handed over an advance sum of $1,354,000.

The victim contacted the accused to make further payments.

Lo and behold, James was told by the defendant that there was an injunction on the property and when it is removed that would be the right time to pay the balance.

On several occasions, the victim tried to make contact with the defendant, but only to hear all sort of stories. After sometime, the parties lost contact with each other.

During November 2017, the victim saw the accused and inquired about the property. The accused told him that he sold the property and he will repay him his advanced sum.

A good length of time passed and James became annoyed as Beaton failed to repay (Continued on page 22)

South R uimv eldt man c har ged Ruimv uimveldt char harg for death of pedestrian

Police in the hinterland seized two unlicensed guns in the last two days.

According to police in ‘F’ Division, acting on information, they went to a location at Obama Road, Upper Mazaruni, about 13:15hrs, on Tuesday, and conducted a search on a miner of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

They found an unlicensed .38 Revolver with 10 matching rounds and 354 grams of cannabis. He was arrested and is being processed for court.

Additionally, ranks while conducting patrol duties at Makari Landing, Upper Mazaruni River, observed a male shopkeeper from Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, acting in a suspicious manner.

Police said that on approaching closer, the suspect tossed a long object into the bush and escaped.

The object was immediately retrieved and found to be an unlicensed shotgun.

Efforts are being made to have him apprehended and charged soonest, police said.

Aaron Mahadeo, 33, from Stevedore Housing Scheme South Ruimveldt was yesterday placed before the court to answer an allegation made out against him for death by dangerous driving.

The charge read that on November 21, 2018 at Aubrey Barker Road, the accused drove motor car HC 7451 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Carlisle Clementson.

Mahadeo pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Police prosecutor Bisram Ramjattan objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the seriousness of the offence, the prevalence of the offence and the penalty the allegation attracts. The prosecutor further objected to bail based on the fact that a life was

lost.

The charge indicated that on the day in question, Mahadeo was driving east along the northern carriageway at a fast rate when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with the now dead man who at the time was crossing the road.

As a result of the collision the victim fell on the road surface and received injuries.

Clementson was picked up in a semi-conscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient.

However, Clementson succumbed to his injuries on December 3, 2018.

Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus granted bail in the sum of $350,000 under the condition that he report to the East La Penitence Police Station every Friday. The matter was adjourned to March 5, 2019.

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 10

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The Chronicle must be a campaign issue by the new trio When Charrandass Persaud voted for the no confidence motion (NCM), that was the lead story and the lead photo was the face of Persaud with the word “Judas.” Chronicle insiders told me the directive came from the same man who ousted David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis from the column pages of the Chronicle.

The lead story for the Chronicle was the ceremony for the opening up of the PNC Region Three campaign office. That was the lead photo too. For the Saturday, February 9 edition, the lead was the bomb threat call made to UG with the face of the UG student accused of the act with the bold headline; “Niece of a PPP leader arrested for bomb threat.”

Obviously the angle had an intention. Two days later, that is, Monday, February 11, it was front page news again with the same size of photograph of the young lady.

Since the NCM was passed, NCN has not featured any opposition MP or member of civil society on its interview programme. Enrico Woolford has only ministers as his guests. All have argued in the same vein about the NCM. This was the same Woolford, if I remember, who was pushed out of his job at the same state television after the PPP won in 1992. I hope the same fate does not meet Woolford in 2019. But then again, humans are essentially foolish people who never learn from the mistakes of the past.

Two things this country needs to be reminded off. The first one to note is that the APNU+AFC captured 33 seats in Parliament gaining the Region Eight parliamentary representative by one vote. I did not leave out the word, “hundred” or “thousand” before the word “votes”. Yes, one vote. The APNU-AFC was elected to govern by less than 5000 ballots.

You have to be a fool to assume that was a solid mandate to administer state affairs.

But this is how the APNUAFC has governed. If the Court of Appeal does not grant a stay until the Caribbean Court of Appeal finally decides on the fate of the signatories of the Cummingsburg Accord, then there has to be a quick elec-

tion.

To postpone the poll there has to be a two-thirds vote in the House. The PPP will not be generous and allow the government to use the Chronicle and NCN as propaganda tools as what is currently taking place. One suspects that as soon as the conference to extend the election begins, and the customary handshakes are done, the PPP delegation is going to zero in on how the Chronicle and NCN should report political news.

The second thing that Guyana should note is that the APNU and AFC sitting as the parliamentary majority after the minority presidency of Ramotar, cut the budget for GINA and NCN in the national estimates of 2012. The AFC then held countrywide meetings to explain these cuts and others.

I will always remember that campaign of which I was one of the speakers for two reasons. In Berbice at one of the outings, Chris Ram lost his voice and had to curtail

his delivery. And Gerhard Ramsaroop was poised for political greatness because he was very good as a speaker and Indian folks took to him tremendously.

The PPP brought out the employees of NCN and GINA to picket parliament accusing the AFC and APNU of starving the employees of NCN and GINA. The AFC and APNU stood their ground.

They argued that NCN and GINA were funded by tax payers and should not get one cent because the PPP government had turned them into propaganda organs. There is a video of some of us on Youtube from the Coalition for the 1823 Monument picketing NCN. Look how political vagaries show their faces. How does Khemraj Ramjattan face himself when he looks into the mirror? Today, the very NCN and GINA (now styled DPI), take on the face of ownership by the APNU and AFC. I plan to do a column on Clive Thomas on his transformation as a politician. I once voted for

Frederick Kissoon Thomas in a general election when he ran for the presidency.

This very man had denounced Burnham and paramountcy of the party. The WPA fought paramoutcy of the party in both the eras of the PNC and PPP in government. The WPA and Thomas are now in power. Do I see traces of paramountcy of the party in the way the state media is administered? The three new parties must make the independence of the state media a campaign issue.

The state media after the 2019 election should be governed by an independent committee.

Offshore blocks may be subject to open bid process early next year-Dr. Bynoe Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe is of the view that Guyana may be ready for a next licensing round of its offshore blocks, come the first quarter of 2020. He said that the licensing round is likely to be subjected to an open bid process.

The official said that the licensing round would be for Block C which is known as “an ultra-deep” area.

Dr. Bynoe noted that he would not want to go forward with the licensing round with Guyana’s old laws. He insisted that the principal Act being the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, needs to be reviewed, with the necessary amendments passed by the National Assembly this year. He said that he has every intention to lobby for this.

Furthermore, Dr. Bynoe revealed that his Department is slated to complete a gap analysis of existing legislation. He said that this gap analysis and the reviewed principle Act will set a strong foundation of transparency and accountability for the licensing round that would follow. He said, too, that it will allow for the Department to draft any replacement or supplementary law that it might need for the sector.

In the meantime, the Energy Department Head said that he is working towards conducting a multi-client seismic survey for data packages to encourage greater interest in the continental shelf zone. He said that this survey will be subjected to a tendering process.

(KIANA WILBURG)

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

US State Dept. to assist with strengthening National Oil Spill Plan

T

he US State Depart ment will be assist ing Guyana in strengthening its national oil spill plan. This was recently announced by Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

At a press conference on Monday, Dr. Bynoe said that his Department has been working with the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) and the US State Department on the issue.

He said that CDC head, Colonel Craig, related that there is need for a more robust risk assessment framework to inform the plan and the nation’s coast guards are being engaged on this front.

The Energy Department Head said, “Clearly, oil spill needs to be everybody’s business inclusive of the oil operators. So it is not just how we would react to a spill but the first point starts with the operators and their subcontractors. So the idea is to place on them, the onus to ensure they are doing everything within their mandate to reduce the possibility of any such spill.”

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News recently, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams had said that the plan will be ready by mid-2019.

Dr. Adams noted that the EPA had a chance to review the draft plan and several

Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe comments were returned to the Civil Defense Commission for consideration.

Dr. Adams described the Oil Spill Contingency Plan as “a work in progress” while noting that it needs a lot of details. The Environmental Engineer is also of the opinion that a proper risk assessment will be needed for the plan. He said that the risk assessment will identify the areas that are most vulnerable to an oil spill and the far reaching effects of such an eventuality.

The EPA Head said that the CDC may wish to hire someone to do the assessment since it is a technical area and the document will be a most important one for

Guyana’s oil sector.

The Inter-American Development (IDB) is just one of the many voices which called for there to be a national oil spill contingency plan in place before oil production commences in 2020.

In its special report, the IDB noted that Guyana’s CARICOM sister, Trinidad and Tobago, which has been in the petroleum industry has taken the wise move to safeguard its sector with a national oil spill plan. That plan was updated and passed by TT’s Cabinet in January 2013.

The IDB said that with TT’s new plan, “deep-water drilling operators will now be required to demonstrate accessibility to a containment lap system to arrest a subsea blow out event…”

With this in mind, the IDB believes that Guyana can take a page from Trinidad’s book and get its own plan in place soon. (KIANA WILBURG)

Thursday February 14, 2019

Overseas investigators contacted after find at home of ‘wanted’ Guyanese businessman -Crime Chief The Guyana Police Force has contacted its overseas counterparts after a search of Oudit Narain Seenarain’s Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara residence, Seenarain is listed as being wanted in the US for rape and several other serious offences.

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves said that ‘illegal stuff’, which he declined to identify, was found at the businessman’s residence.

He said that the discovery of these illegal items led to local police officials contacting investigators from overseas.

“We are in contact with them and are awaiting a response,” Alves said.

Seenarain was detained on Monday, after an illegal firearm and ammunition were allegedly found at his home.

Kaieteur News understands that police had also searched Seenarain’s home some years ago.

Police sources say that during the tenure of Police Commissioner Henry Greene, Seenarain had assisted the Force in setting up their computer network.

The US Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has listed Seenarain as being wanted for Rape, Failure to appear, and firearms violations.

However, Alves said that he is unaware of Seenarain being wanted for any crime overseas.

According to a US Department of Justice report, on or about June 2005, Seenarain

Oudit Narain Seenarain was arrested for federal firearms trafficking.

Seenarain failed to appear for his court hearing and the Northern District of Georgia Magistrate Judge issued another arrest warrant for him.

Seenarain is also wanted by the Sheriff’s Office in Henry County, Georgia, for strong arm rape, kidnapping and sodomy.

In a March 2017 interview with Kaieteur News, Seenarain claimed that his name was removed from an INTERPOL list of wanted persons.

He alleged that his name was placed on the list after an individual accused him of kidnapping and assaulting another.He stated that the alleged victim was taken into questioning and provided statements to the law enforcement officials in the US. That individual was later reportedly charged with providing false statements.

Seenarain claimed, then, that after he had got wind that

he was a part of Interpol’s most-wanted list, he immediately assembled a team of foreign attorneys and contested the accusations made by Interpol.

Legal documents were submitted to the agency dated July 18, 2016 and a reply was obtained from Interpol by letter on August 1, 2016.

Seenarain was informed

by Interpol that his request was admissible and that it was being processed.

Interpol on September 12, 2016, allegedly informed the businessman that he had been removed from the list.

Expressing relief in March last year, Seenarain had said that he can move freely without looking over his shoulder.Kaieteur News had checked the INTERPOL’s most wanted list and found that Seenarain’s name was indeed taken off.

However, additional checks to other sites showed (Continued on page 22)

Thursday February 14, 2019

Govt.

Advisor says...

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Ringfencing and Tax Avoidance issues fixed in new PSA template According to Paul, transfer pricing involves the purchasing of items from one company, or selling to related parties at artificially high or low prices. This is done to shift taxable income out of the hands of the host country. But that is just one form of transfer pricing.

When it comes to oil and gas, the schemes are many.

The Oil and Gas Consultant said, “In another form of transfer pricing, some companies use

By Kiana Wilburg

T

ight ringfencing provisions and mechanisms to address tax avoidance by oil companies are just some of the critical features in the nation's new template for Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). This is according to Petroleum Advisor to Government, Matthew Wilks.

With rigid ring-fencing arrangements in place, the government will be protected from paying for costs associated with one well being carried over to another.

In Guyana's PSA with ExxonMobil for example, there are no ring-fencing provisions. This means that costs from one well in Liza Phase One, whether productive or not, can be carried over to the Liza Two Project. In short, the nation can pay for costs several times over.

The new template will also put Guyana in a better position to mitigate the loss of revenue from transfer pricing by oil companies.

Wilks also said that the new template has more favourable terms for Guyana. At press conference on Monday, he said, “I think there is generally a tightening up that will go on in the PSAs which will give the government more opportunities to have a say as the exploration proceeds through exploration…to production.”

He said, too, that there would be a variant of the Stabilization clause in future PSAs as well as the categorization of what costs can be deemed recoverable and non-recoverable by the contractor. The Petroleum Advisor said that royalty was not touched as it would be negotiable in `future bidding rounds.

UNDP MAKES APPEAL A report that was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and prepared by Oil and Gas Consultant, Anthony Paul, had called on the government of Guyana to have future oil deals subjected to strict ring fencing provisions.

Paul in the UNDP report notes that Guyana must guard against this in future contracts. The Local Content Expert also notes that the

Petroleum Advisor to Govt., Matthew Wilks government must require where there is no prior commitment, a new model licence, asserting that it will be subject to new laws and regulations. He said that government must require signature bonuses, retain equity in all new licences, and seek early or aggressive relinquishment clauses.

ANTI-ABUSE LEGISLATION/OTHER MEASURES Given the troubles many countries have faced with collecting taxes from oil operators, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is one international body that has urged Guyana and other emerging oil producers, to institute strong safeguards against tax avoidance by oil companies.

At the top of the Institute's list is a robust antiabuse legislation which would allow revenue collecting authorities to reallocate items of income and expense.

Among other measures, the Institute called for clear definitions and procedures concerning the treatment of transfer pricing and multiple mechanisms for the government to obtain and exchange taxpayer information from other governments.

But the NRGI is not the only body that is calling on Guyana to be cautious.

Oil and Gas Expert, Anthony Paul, has noted on several occasions that local authorities should pay attention to what happened in Trinidad and Tobago. He pointed out during an interview with Kaieteur News that his homeland lost more than US$200M annually due to transfer pricing schemes of oil companies.

mechanisms to increase the reported cost of their operations, so as to again, reduce profitability and tax burden.

A common example is the bundling of services with affiliates overseas, so that there is no transparency on actual cost, but the high costs can be moved to higher profit centres. This has been going on for years in TT, with companies using different techniques, knowing well that

government does not routinely check across jurisdictions.”

He continued, “Another victim of such actions, of course, is the local service industries, who, through a series of meandering rationales are told they are either suddenly not safe enough, certified enough or competent enough to deliver a service they have been safely, efficiently and costeffectively providing for years.”

The Chatham House Advisor added, “Suddenly, a foreign supplier is brought in, without necessarily having to go through the same hoops and is paid much more. Today, for instance, there are marine services companies working off the East Coast in TT, at the expense of locals and charging the operator up to 10 times the cost of the local who was doing it before.”

The Oil and Gas (continued on page 24)

Kaieteur News

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Thursday February 14, 2019

Handyman’s body dumped in Samatta Point alleyway

P

olice are hunting t w o m e n , including a Guyanese who returned from Venezuela, for the murder of a handyman.

The dead man has been identified as Rohan Persaud also known as 'Ravi' and 'Kanhai'.

According to the police in a statement, it is investigating the murder of Persaud, 53, unemployed of Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

The murder is believed to have occurred between

01:00hrs-06:30hrs yesterday at Back Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

The body which was found with a wound to the lower abdomen is at the Lyken's Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

According to the police, two males who were last seen in the company of the victim are being sought.

Neighbours of Back Street, Grove Housing Scheme said that Persaud was seen around 6pm on Tuesday, drinking with two

men at a nearby culvert.

One of the men, known as “Pampy”, had returned from Venezuela several months ago. He lived with his family at Third Street.

Persaud lived at the Samatta Point home of his sister who resides overseas.

A woman close to the family said that she received a call from someone that 'Ravi' was found in the grassy area of the track which links the housing scheme to Samatta Point.

From indications, the man was lying there for

The alleyway where the handyman was discovered dead.

hours before being discovered. He had bled out.

There was a huge wound on his abdomen, with his intestines protruding.

Neighbours said that

police wanted to talk to 'Pampy' who was living with Persaud but he had disappeared. Persaud was described as a willing person who had a drinking problem.

Murdered: Rohan 'Ravi' Persaud

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday February 14, 2019

Protest over GPHC cancer deaths continues

S

herlina Nageer staged a peaceful picketing exercise outside of the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, to demand justice, transparency and accountability in the public healthcare sector.

This is the third consecutive week of protest action led by Nageer, since it was revealed that three children died after receiving treatment for cancer at the Georgetown Public Hospital Incorporated.

Some of the issues highlighted by the protesters included “hoggish” behaviour from healthcare providers, lack of transparency in

investigations, medication shortages, defective equipment, uneven distribution of medical services throughout the country, and the need for stronger oversight for private healthcare providers.

The picketing exercise has received support from Red Thread, ASPIRE Youth Network, and poet and activist, Renatta Burnette.

The families of Curwayne Edwards, Roshani Seegobin and Sharezer Mendonca are yet to receive conclusive details on the cause of the children's death, though Kaieteur News was informed that the hospital investigations have already concluded that an

Activists picketed the Ministry of Health for the third time, yesterday intravenous medication, Vincristine, was administered to the spine, instead of the muscle.

Vincristine is marketed under the brand name Oncovin, with strict instructions to refrain from administration to the spinal

cord.

The Mendonca family, through their lawyers, has been trying to have an analysis conducted by an independent pathologist from Trinidad. The pathologist, who was present during a post mortem

examination on Sharezer Mendonca, is yet to conclude his analysis, because he has not received the dead child's medical records from the hospital.

Though the family's lawyers requested the medical records from the

hospital, they were informed that the records can't be released until the hospital concludes its investigation.

This execution is being executed collaboratively, with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Sophia man stops trial, pleads guilty to killing father

F

aced with the likelihood of a heavy jail sentence for murder, a former Sophia, Greater Georgetown man, abruptly ended his trial yesterday by pleading guilty to the lesser offence manslaughter, over the beating to death of his

elderly father.

Kumey Bourne, also known as Kwame Bourne, 39, opted to plead guilty when his trial entered its second day before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12member mixed jury at the High Court in Georgetown.

He was later handed a 20

year-jail sentence for the crime, with orders by the court that the prison authorities deduct the time he spent in pre-trial custody.

State Prosecutors Tuanna Harding, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohamed allowed the plea moments before the Judge was about to sum up

Death

Announcement The death is announced of

Sheila Lucille King of 31 East Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

DATE OF BIRTH: 24th September, 1922 DATE OF DEATH: 9th February, 2019 AGE: 97

BELOVED SISTER OF: Malcolm, Evelyn, Roy and Neville [all deceased], and Willie D’Anjou.

AUNT OF: Jackie and Bernard Alleyne, Tom and Pinky King, Barbara Small, Gloria and Joe Bettencourt, Susan Sue Ling, Karen Lewis, Christopher and Sandra King, Richard and Vilmaris King and Peter King.

She was the great-aunt of 16; Cousin of: The Kings, The Holders, The Livingstones and The Thomases Friend of: Gem Eytle, Cecil Murray and many others.

The funeral of the late Sheila Lucille King will take place on Friday 15th February, 2019, at 15:00 hours [3:00 pm] at the Bedford Methodist Church, Camp Street and North Road.

Viewing of the body will be at 14:00 hours [2:00 pm] thence to the Memorial Gardens, Le Repentir for cremation.

A night of reflection will be held at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street on Wednesday 13th February, 2019 from 18:30 hours [6:30 pm] – 21:00 hours [9:00 pm].

MAY SHE REST IN PEACE

JAILED: Kumey Bourne DEAD: Rickford Bourne the evidence, thereafter putting the case to the jurors for deliberation on a verdict.

Before he was escorted from the courtroom, Justice Singh advised Kumey to take advantage of remedial programmes offered by the prison service in order for him to be of meaningful contribution to society when he is released.

According to facts presented, Kumey lashed his father, Rickford Bourne, 72, several times with a metal pipe after coming home

intoxicated.

The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed days later.

During a plea in mitigation, Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay, told the court that his client is a father of two and has accepted responsibility for his actions.

On Tuesday, when the trial commenced, Police Lance Corporal Jason Beresford tendered into evidence the suspected

murder weapon.

The witness, who said that he was tasked with putting an allegation of murder to Kumey, said he found the weapon in the home.

Also testifying was Aisha, who said that her halfb r o t h e r, K u m e y, w a s unemployed at the time of her father's demise.

According to the woman, after hearing of the incident she ran into her father's home where she saw him with three wounds.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 14, 2019

PAGE 17

Family car saved as Fyrish home gutted Helpless residents and others at the fire scene yesterday.

A

fire that purportedly began in a room in the upper flat of a twostoreyed, wooden and concrete house at Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice, completely destroyed the building where six persons including a six-year-old child lived.

Yuma "Sheen" Androod, her husband, her son and her in laws are now contemplating their next move since there was nothing that could be saved except their car during the two-hour blaze.

She told this publication that her husband was not home but she was in the bottom flat with her son when her mother- in- law informed her that there was smoke emanating from the back room in the upper flat.

Neighbours disclosed that the couple's car had to be pushed out from under the house since they could not locate the keys.

"She come tell me, fire deh in the house. By the time we try to go upstairs the fire already take over the house.

Dem seh the fire come from the back room,� Yuma recounted through tears.

Her mother- in- law who was the owner of the building was crying uncontrollably as she watched the home she shared with her family go up in flames.

Firefighters were already on the scene. Clive McDonald, Second in command of 'B' Division Fire Service who was at the scene of the inferno, told reporters that they received a call that a building was on fire yesterday afternoon.

"On arrival, immediately the crew from Rose Hall was dispatched but when they arrived on the scene the building was already engulfed in flames. The entire first floor had collapsed. The crew immediately went into operation to suppress and stop the fire spread."

He explained that a fire tender from New Amsterdam was summoned to assist but by the time it arrived the fire was under control.

He added that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire. Millions of dollars have been estimated in losses.

Accused child rapist freed Sherwin Leitch, who had been on trial for raping an underage girl, walked out of the Demerara High Court a free man yesterday, after a jury found him not guilty.

The charge against him had alleged that on August 27, 2016, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration of a child.

Upon his arraignment, Leitch, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Mohabir, denied the allegation.

The trial was heard incamera before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the Sexual Offences Courtroom. State Counsel Seeta Bishundial, Lisa Cave and Sarah Martin appeared for the prosecution.

FREED: Sherwin Leitch

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday February 14, 2019

Baby dies after being burnt by headlamp in GPHC incubator

W

hen Quavo Daniels was b o r n prematurely at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC), last December, the hospital saw it necessary to place him in an incubator. Shortly after, in late December, the family got word from the hospital that their son was burnt while being incubated.

The child's mother, Odessa Forde, said that the hospital was however reluctant to explain how her

baby was burnt.

Forde said they were told that specialists, including a p l a s t i c s u rg e o n , w e r e consulted to make sure the baby received the best treatment for the burns.

Forde was convinced by the hospital to give permission for her baby to receive blood.

She said that she gave whatever permission they needed to care for the child.

On January 21, last, the hospital discharged and gave the baby over to the family,

but that wasn't the end of the family's troubles. The child, who had a burn mark on his arm, was said to often make a light huffing sound.

The baby's grandmother was convinced that the child was in pain, but they couldn't figure out the exact cause of the pain. “I told the mother to find out how this baby got burn but they, the hospital wasn't telling the mother anything. “But the child kept groaning and it got worse.

We had to take the child back to hospital on Thursday. The

doctors said they tried their best to save the baby but he died.

The child's mother told this newspaper that she later learnt that her child was burnt by a defective headlamp early one morning, and that the nurse who ran to save him from the fire was burnt as well. Relatives of the dead child are seeking closure on the matter. They are hoping that a post mortem examination scheduled for later this week will provide the answer.

Quavo Daniels, is said to have suffered burns in GPHC's incubator

GIPEX for 2019 third quarter

T

he Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit (GIPEX) will be held in the third quarter of 2019. This was announced on Monday by Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

The official said that the event was scheduled for March but the Department took a reasoned decision to postpone it to allow for better value of money, greater substance for potential investors and a greater line of sight.

When GIPEX was held last year at the Marriott Hotel, the event attracted over 600 participants, including exhibitors and delegates. Those behind its success included the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest).

According to organizers, GIPEX is an important initiative since it seeks to promote Guyana's Oil and Gas Sector and will present investors with numerous avenues to explore the nation's petroleum potential.

The organizers had said that USA Oil giant, ExxonMobil, was a Strategic Partner on the project. Other Sponsors include Repsol Exploration S.A. (Guyana), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Schlumberger, JHI Associates, CXG Energy Inc., Integrated Security Services, Scotiabank, and Eldorado Offshore.

G I P E X 2 0 1 8 encompassed three days of presentations and interactive exhibitions. These focused on Health, Safety and the

Environment (HSE), the sustainable management of the industry and incorporating Guyana's Green Initiative into its development.

The conference also included presentations and panel discussions with participants from companies such as ExxonMobil, CGX, Noble Drilling, Total SA, E c o A t l a n t i c / T u l l o w, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Ministry of Natural Resources, and Go-Invest.

Keynote speeches were delivered by President David Granger; Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Public Telecommunication Catherine Hughes and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.

Other key participants will include Parker Drilling, Vinci Energies Oil and Gas, National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, Cataleya Energy Limited, ROSE Environmental Ltd., Central Equipment Rentals Limited, Courtesy Garage Limited, Mid Atlantic Oil & Gas Inc. , i-Tech Services, Fircroft Group, HB Rentals, To t a l E P A m e r i c a s , International Geological Services Ltd., Benca Process and Engineering Solutions, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Giscad Limited, KPMG, Petronas Suriname E&P B.V., Danco Electrical Contracting, Guyana Logistics and Support Services Inc., Repsol , Schlumberger, Halliburton, Saipem, and Chevron.

To learn more about the e v e n t , v i s i t : https://www.guyanaoilexpo. com/

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Boys included in HPV vaccination campaign – a critical step “Vaccinating boys with the HPV vaccine is a critical step forward. Even though Guyana missed the original timeline of 2015, it is still in the forefront of developing countries when it comes to HPV vaccines.”

This is according to former Health Minister under the PPP/C regime, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, on the heels of an announcement by Senior Minister of Public H e a l t h , M s . Vo l d a Lawrence. Minister Lawrence revealed plans earlier this week to expand her Ministry's vaccination campaign to include boys.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Ramsammy, “The Minister of Public Health's announcement that the HPV Vaccine Programme will be extended to boys is correcting a grave mis-step since this progressive move is already more than three years late from the timeline established in 2010, when I

was Minister of Health.”

“At the time, we promised HPV vaccine would become part of the immunization programme by 2011, starting with vaccination of girls age nine to 11 years. Parents of girls 12 to 15 years old were encouraged to bring in their daughters for vaccination also.

“At the time, we established 2015 as the start date for extending HPV vaccination to boys between nine and 11 years old. The announcement by the Minister that the programme will now include boys is a case of 'better late than never',” Dr. Ramsammy said.

He recalled the details for the roll out of the HPV vaccination initiative at its launch at the Grove Health Center, beginning with girls 9 to 11 years old in 2011 and including the vaccination of boys by 2015.

At that time he said, “We also announced by 2020, we would begin providing HPV vaccines for women 20 to 40 years old who did not have the HPV vaccines, which would be the vast majority of Guyanese women of that age group.

“Interestingly, the US started the adult women HPV vaccine programme in 2018.

When we launched the HPV Vaccine Initiative in 2011 with its rollout details, the initiative was one of the most ambitious HPV Initiatives in the World,” Dr. Ramsammy divulged.

HPV vaccine is intended to safeguard persons from the Human Papilloma Virus which is a viral infection that is passed between people through skin-to-skin contact.

However, there are more than 100 varieties of HPV, 40 of which are passed through sexual contact.

HPV infections can

cause cervical cancers in women, cancers of the back of the throat, known as o r o p h a r y n g e a l c a n c e r, cancer in the anus, in both women and men, and penis in men.

Cancers of the back of the throat have now surpassed cervical cancer as the most common type of cancer caused by HPV. Unlike cervical cancer in women, there are no recommended screening tests for the other types of cancers that HPV causes, so they may not be found until they cause health problems.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Ramsammy, the move to include boys is an important strategic move by the Ministry in its fight against cervical cancer and is a critical initiative in the overall anti-cancer fight.

As part of its efforts to ramp up its own fight, Dr. Ramsammy said the PPP Government had invested in

the HPV Vaccine Initiative because global research had shown HPV was, and is, a common virus that infects both men and women.

He noted that studies show that HPV is so common that eight out of 10 people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lifetime.

T h e H P V Va c c i n e Initiative, therefore, was more than an Initiative to stop cervical cancer.

While best known as a critical strategy in the fight against cervical cancer, HPV vaccines are now seen as a potent tool in the fight against several cancers.

This is why, we must spare no effort to ensure universal access to HPV vaccines for our children and other vulnerable groups.

“Once we have universal access to HPV vaccines in Guyana, we have a good chance of reducing the incidence of cervical cancer

Former Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. by greater than 70 percent by 2030 and also to have a prevention success in the fight against other cancers,” said the former Health Minister.

“It is, therefore, encouraging that Guyana is implementing the programme, as originally envisaged, even if it is disappointing that the timelines have shifted.

I encourage the Ministry of Public Health to hasten forward with the timelines,” said Dr. Ramsammy.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday February 14, 2019

82 teachers enter profession

The new teachers to soon enter the profession from Regions 2 and 3.

T

h e Te a c h i n g S e r v i c e Commission on Monday handed out 82 letters of introduction to individuals from Regions Two and Three who applied to become teachers.

The simple ceremony for both regions was held in the auditorium of the West Demerara Secondary School where all potential teachers w e r e p r e s e n t . Vi c e Chairperson of the C o m m i s s i o n , Av r i l

Crawford, explained to the prospective teachers that the letters of introduction are not appointments.

“The letters of introduction serve as an invitation for you to take to the school that you have been introduced to and after you would have taken up the offer the Head Teacher of the respective schools will forward your letter of assumption to us before you are formally appointed.

“I am therefore advising

you to take the letters at the earliest date so that the process of your appointment can commence,” Crawford explained. The importance of record keeping was underscored by Commissioner Amjad Shaw who also addressed the gathering.

“Record keeping is an important tool in this profession that always provides guidance. It directs you in a systematic way and will always keep you on top

of your game so please don't lag behind when it comes to record keeping,” posited Commissioner Shaw. A call was made to the prospective teachers to adhere to the rules and regulations governing their profession and to ensure they always display a positive attitude.

This charge was delivered by Regional Executive Officer of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Region Three, Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall.

“ Te a c h e r s a r e r o l e models and students will look at your behaviour and decide whether you are capable to teach them or not.

You will be judged by the level of commitment you show.”

REO Ferreira-Dougall also used the opportunity to congratulate all the schools that have improved in their matriculation rate and attributed it to the current policy of the ministry.

To become a teacher, at a

minimum, one must complete Secondary School and pass five subjects at CSEC inclusive of Mathematics and English A. The person must apply to t h e Te a c h i n g S e r v i c e Commission which is the constitutional body that screens the applications and fills vacancies. The Department of Education, within each region, is mandated to update the list of vacancies that exist within schools.

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

Two injured after fight near Police Station

The Central Police Station, New Amsterdam

Two men were treated for stab wounds at the New Amsterdam Hospital on Tuesday after a fight broke out between them in the vicinity of the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, in full view of ranks.

Injured are Desmond Isaacs called “Cowboy” of Adelphi, East Canje; and Troby Abrams of Patrick Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam. Commander of B’ Division, Paul Langevine, who confirmed the incident, told this publication that contrary to what is being reported in some sections of the online media, that the stabbing took place in the Station enquiries office, it is not what actually happened. He stated that both men were arguing on the street located not too far from the station.

Kaieteur News was told that around 14:30 hrs Tuesday the men had the encounter on Strand Public Road (a stone’s throw away from the Central Police Station) when it is alleged that Isaacs, armed with a knife, charged towards Troby.

Troby however managed to disarm Isaacs and inflicted stab wounds to him. Isaacs reportedly ran and attempted to approach the

station compound when he was stopped by Troby riding a motorcycle.

There another scuffle ensued that alarmed ranks who rushed out to part the fight and accost the two. Senior and junior ranks managed to take control of the situation and disarm the men who were both arrested and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital for medical attention. Up to yesterday they were both discharged and are currently in police custody.

They are expected to be charged today.

According to a source the incident stemmed from an old grievance between the men which resulted in Isaacs being charged and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Isaacs at Angoy’s Avenue whilst armed with a cutlass, had unlawfully and maliciously wounded Trobey Abrams with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause him grievously bodily harm. He had brutally chopped Trobey Abrams across his face, causing him to lose partial vision in his right eye in 2016.

It was stated that Isaacs was not pleased that Troby was involved with a female relative of his and this resulted in the bitter feud between the two that dragged on for years.

PAGE 21

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Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

Overseas investigators ...

FOR RENT

SERVICES

FOR SALE

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

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Contact# 650-0402/603-1402

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

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

Shermar’s Trucking ServiceTransport to any part of Guyana 24 hours #619-1490/ 699-8490/225-9666 For doctoring erectile dysfunction problems.

Asthma burns, hearing & hair loss. Call Bush doc. Tel 2319348

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2222 The accused was later contacted, told of the allegaCashiers, Porters, Cooks.

Submit application to Survival tion and was cautioned for the supermarket, 16 Vlissengen offence. He was arrested and later charged for the present Rd & Duncan St, Newtown offence before the court.

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Sales Person @ Ark Moreover, the prosecutor Enterprise/ The Container asked that if bail is to be House. Apply in Person @ 17 granted conditions should be Lombard Street, Knowlege of attached. tools vital.

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VACANCY

From page 12 that he was still on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm (ATF) and Explosives Most Wanted list.

In a 2018 report, Kaieteur News had stated that Seenarain appeared to be back on a US Wanted Persons list.

Seenarain had allegedly bought 34 handguns from dealers during a two-week period in June 2005, according to court documents, during which time he told employees he planned to send the weapons to Guyana.

Seenarain faces a separate indictment in Henry County, Georgia, for strong-armed rape, intent to distribute controlled substances — including cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy — and receiving stolen property in July and November of 2003.

Looking for someone suitable to manage a leading Auto Sale Tel#642-6859 Call Monday to Friday Between 8 am- 5 pm Male workers to work at Del Ice Company. Training provided. Call: 231-1408/6429191

Thursday February 14, 2019

Guyana Tourism Authority signs historic MOU to attract Diaspora

T

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the United Guyanese Diaspora Global Network Corp (UGDGN) have just entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to engage the Guyanese Diaspora in various forms of tourism.

The collaboration agreement is the first of its kind between the GTA a n d a diaspora organisation, and promises attractive travel packages for the diaspora community and information regarding travel opportunities.

Mr. Wayne Forde, CEO and the signatory for the UGDGN, declared, “Signing this MOU with the Guyana Tourism Authority gives the United Guyanese Diaspora Global Network Corp a focused vision on how we can infuse fresh energies and aspiration for the greater good of Guyana.

“The ingredients to ignite the prosperity engines of Guyana will take a united effort from all of our affinity groups signing up as evangelists for our homeland and coming together using technologies to crystalise a shared vision coupled with an execution game plan along with an innovative edge.”

Mr. Forde further enthusiastically detailed UGDGN’s

next steps: “We will be upgrading our web presence (www.ugdgn.org) to transform it into a central opportunity and information hub for happenings within our diaspora and the homeland.

“Currently, our database consists of 400+ Guyanese Diaspora Organizations in N e w Yo r k , A t l a n t a , Toronto, London and beyond, thereby giving us a critical tool to consolidate our v i r t u a l c o m m u n i t y and grow it into an engaged powerhouse!”

According to the Director of the GTA, Mr. Brian Mullis, such partnerships are vital to the success of Guyana’s overall tourism strategy.

He stated that “the alliance with the UGDNC will ensure that the GTA is positioned to more effectively and efficiently reach the Guyanese Diaspora, raise awareness of the growing variety of tourism attractions and experiences, and strengthen diaspora engagement and visitation to Guyana in the process”.

North America and the United Kingdom are Guyana’s core markets with a growing number of diaspora and leisure travellers seeking out authentic and meaningful cultural heritage, nature and adventure experiences in unspoiled destinations.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

Prison sentence for bandit shot during break and enter

A

bandit found him self in an unfortu nate position when he was shot by police officers during an attempt to escape after breaking and entering the home of a woman in Georgetown.

Robert Vaughn who was anxious to get the story over with admitted to the charge after it was read to him yesterday by Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Although the magistrate pleaded with Vaughn to be calm and think of his response before answering, the accused stated, “Your honor I guilty because I ain’t able

with no long story, I sick. I guilty, man I guilty.”

It was alleged that between February 5, 2019 and February 6, 2019 at Lot 117 ‘ A’ M a n d e l a Av e n u e Georgetown, the defendant broke and entered the dwelling house of Michelle Shirland with intent to commit a felony therein.

P o l i c e p r o s e c u t o r, Seon Blackman, related the facts of the charge.

The court heard that on the day in question around 21:00hrs the victim secured her home by means provided and went to bed.

Shirland was later woken up by the barking of her dog

and as she ventured out of her bed it was discovered that the door to her house was open.

She then summoned the police who went to the scene and made it just in time to see the accused and another man jumping over a nearby fence.

According to the police one of the suspects fired a shot at them causing the police to return fire.

As a result Vaughn was hit. He was arrested and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient and treated for the said injury.

Magistrate McGusty then sentenced the defendant to 18 months in prison.

CARICOM’S FINEST HOUR From page 4 meeting (with CARICOM attendance and support) in Montevideo, Uruguay on 7 February 2019 for the purpose of creating a mechanism for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the Venezuela crisis.

(6) On Friday 1 February 2019 the CARICOM Heads of Government staged a second emergency Conference on the Venezuela crisis and determined that the avoidance of armed conflict in Venezuela and the maintenance of peace throughout the entire Caribbean region was of such critical importance that the three Prime Ministers who had represented CARICOM at the United Nations - Prime Ministers Harris, Rowley and Mottley – would undertake the duty of attending and participating in the Montevideo meeting.

(7) The CARICOM Heads of Government also determined to issue a letter to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Mr. Luis Almagro, expressing their “disapproval and grave concern” at the fact that Almagro had purported to recognize Juan Guaido as President of Venezuela, and calling upon Almagro to withdraw his statement of recognition.

(8) On Wednesday 6 February 2019, the CARICOM team of Prime Ministers joined with representatives of the governments of Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay in Montevideo and devised the “Montevideo Mechanism” – a four stage process of dialogue, negotiation, commitments and implementation – as a suitable stratagem for resolving the Venezuela crisis peacefully.

(9) And even while offering the “Montevideo Mechanism” to President Maduro and Opposition Leader Guaido as an appropriate procedure for resolving the crisis, on 7 February 2019 the

CARICOM Prime Ministers also met with representatives of the European Union in Montevideo and explained to them why the “Montevideo Mechanism” was a more appropriate procedure for resolving the Venezuela crisis than the European Union’s peremptory demand for Presidential elections to be held in Venezuela “as soon as possible”.

This - my Caribbean compatriots – is enlightened international diplomacy at its very best! This constitutes the emergence of a collective approach to diplomacy centred around the concept of a Zone of Peace – a concept that is clearly applicable to the Caribbean region, but one that can also be applied to other areas of the world.

It is important that we fully understand that the CARICOM leadership had found themselves dealing with an extremely dangerous situation in which – on the one hand – over six million Venezuelans (including members of the Armed Forces) had voted for Nicolás Maduro in May 2018 to be their president and therefore considered him to be the legitimate President of Venezuela, and – on the other hand – a Parliamentarian who had not contested the Presidential election had made a determination that the Presidential Election was illegitimate and had declared himself interim President of Venezuela and was purporting to take over the functions of President.

This was and is a situation that could easily descend into a bloody civil war, particularly in light of the fact that the section of the Constitution of Venezuela that deals with the process for the removal of a President – Section 233 – states as follows:“The President of the Republic shall become permanently unavailable to serve by reason of any of the

following events: death; resignation; removal from office by decision of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice; permanent physical or mental disability certified by a medical board designated by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice with the approval of the National Assembly; abandonment of his position, duly declared by the National Assembly; and recall by popular vote”.

Clearly the only clause of Section 233 that could have any relevance to the situation that obtains in Venezuela is the final clause – “recall by popular vote”.

Unlike other governments that facilitated actions that would create a potentially deadly state of affairs in which an already existing governmental Administration in Venezuela would be facing off against another hostile, foreign supported, parallel “alternative” Administration, CARICOM has decided to hold itself above the fray and to try to facilitate a process of dialogue and of a search for a peaceful solution within the confines of the Constitution of Venezuela and the fundamental principles of International Law. Thus, in everything that it has done so far on this issue, CARICOM has appeared to be “the adult in the room” and the moral and intellectual leader of the international community!Surely, this is CARICOM’s finest hour, and all citizens of our Community should feel extremely proud of how well our leaders have acquitted themselves.

Let us hope that their efforts go on to bear fruit in the form of an externally facilitated, but internally negotiated, agreed upon, and implemented peaceful and lawful solution to the crisis.

David A. Comissiong Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM

Woman sentenced to prison, fined for impersonating sister to apply for passport

A

Kitty woman who acquired five passports under three different names yesterday returned to court yesterday before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and changed her plea for a charge made out against her for false declaration.

Unique Angelica Hope first appeared on January 25, 2019 and proclaimed her innocence to the charge. She was released on $100,000 bail.

This time around she admitted to committing the crime however, she wished to give no explanation as to why she changed her plea.

It was alleged that on January 17, 2018 at the Central Immigration Office Georgetown, for the purpose of acquiring a new passport, Hope made a false declaration, stating that she was Corretta Hope, knowing same to be false.

The accused was represented by attorney at law Stanley Moore, who informed the court that Hope is the mother of two. He stated that she resides at Lot 126 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

According to police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell, the accused has two passports with the name Unique Angelica Hope, another two with the name Onika Ann Benjamin and now Coretta Hope. It was also noted by the prosecutor that Hope stated that two of the passports she has were damaged.

The defendant was given her first passport under the name Unique Angelica Hope.

Then she returned to Guyana and obtained another; she went to Barbados but overstayed

and was deported.

Upon her return to Guyana, she reportedly obtained another passport under the name Onika Ann Benjamin.

Hope then returned to Barbados. However, she was once again deported after overstaying her time.

When she returned to Guyana, it is alleged that Hope went to the Central Immigration and Passport Office and gave her name as Coretta Hope, who is her sister.

The prosecutor also highlighted that investigations are ongoing and other charges are likely to be made out against Hope.

Moreover, the attorney stated that the defendant would travel to Barbados to earn money to upkeep her children. He went on to say that she admits to using her sister’s birth certificate to acquire the new passport so that she can return to Barbados.

The attorney pleaded with the magistrate to show mercy when handing down her sentence.

Prosecutor Brummell indicated that such a charge can impose a fine of $40,000 to $80,000 and imprisonment up to two years. She argued that the defendant repeatedly went to the immigration office with false declarations and as such the magistrate should send a strong message to her so that she can curb her behaviour in future.

Hope broke down in tears when the sentence was laid out.

The court taking into consideration the guilty plea of Hope fined her $40,000 and instructed that she serve six months in prison.

New Mayor cites need for greater...

From page 3 and seconded by Councillor Eon Bollers who cited the need for the committee.

Tudor added that the motion for the establishment of the audit committee will see a revitalization of transparency within the municipality and the “re-cultivation of hope” in administrative work. He emphasized this is just a first step in the right direction to ensure that a new page is turned to implemented best practices of accounting.

“This committee, once established, will help to provide the necessary oversight that is needed at this point in time for council. This committee, as the name states, is focused on providing clarity to auditing practices and ensuring that the practices are utilised, not only at the level of council but can be a template for other municipalities not only in Guyana but certainly regionally. So, with that being said, I stand in support

of the motion to be passed,” Tudor said.Mayor Narine said the committee would help the council better address matters such as terms of reference.`“Persons who will be elected to the Committee will not make decisions behind the council's back but to bring the terms of references before the councillors to be vetted in order to move forward,” Mayor Narine said.

Councillor Bowlers said that the present council has taken note of the past controversies and lack of transparency and did not want to follow in those footprints. He reiterated that City Hall had experienced a shortage of funds and it is important that funds are properly managed through the birth of an audit committee.

“This oversight Committee would ensure the accuracy of all financial records, regulations and transactions to be in order compared to international and local account-

ing practices and standards.

It is also in the best interest of our constituents, which is the residents of Georgetown that we have transparency and accountability.”

This will be the first time,` also, that the council establishes tender and solid waste committees. The motions were also passed to aid in promoting transparency at the council on solid waste and tendering which will also allow for two separate committees to be set up to oversee the sectors.

Last year at the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Mayor and Councillors, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, had urged them to take a new course of action to return Georgetown to its former glory. The minister stressed that transformation would only be possible with commitment, removal of apportioning blame and taking full action to hit the reset button.

Ringfencing, Tax Avoidance issues ...

From page 13 Consultant said that examples on what to do in the oil and gas industry and how to protect Government revenue are all around Guyana.

“All its authorities need to do is simply pay attention.”

For the time being, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is gearing for a round of meticulous training from the Inter-American Centre of Tax

Administration, an international agency that is versed in detecting any petroleum scheme used by oil operators.

This was confirmed recently with GRA's Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. Kaieteur News understands that the Centre will provide GRA with a general overview of the oil and gas industry, information

on tax regimes and tax models. As it relates to tax and contractual issues, GRA will be given a crash course in tax and contractual compliance, commodity pricing, ring fencing and transfer pricing.

Other issues to be discussed include: tax administration structure and procedures, tax risk assessment and evaluation and tax audit procedures.

Thursday February 14, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Major Solar Power Project to be implemented throughout Guyana The National Procurement and Tender Administrative Board (NPTAB) received bids to the notable projects include the Design of the Hospitality Institute, and Docking and Rehabilitatune of hundreds of millions each for major energy projects, including solar energy. Other tion works for two ferries.

Guyana Energy Agency Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 80 Grid-Connected and Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic Systems in All Ten Administrative Regions

Ministry of Education Shortlising of Consultants for the Design of the Hospitality Institute

Audit Office Provision of Audit Services Procuring Entity 1.Chateram Ramdiall 2. D. Bahadur & Company Bank of Guyana Technical Assistance for the Procurement and Implementation of a Real Time Gross Settlement System and a Central Securities Depository System and Integration of Government Payment Procuring Entity: 1. The International Securities Consultancy Limited (China) 2. ICO Corporation (USA) 3. Price Waterhouse Cooper Tax & Advisory Services Limited (Jamaica) 4. Monetics PTE Limited (Singapore) Ministry of Agriculture - NAREI Supply and Delivery of One (1) new Minibus

Guyana Revenue Authority Rehabilitation and Modifications of Building and Associate Works

Ministry of Education Supply, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Equipment Lot 1-3 Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre

Supply, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Equipment, Linden Technical Institute

Supply, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Equipment, Leonora Technical Vocational Training Centre

Supply, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Equipment Lot 1-3, Essequibo Technical Institute

Ministry of Agriculture - GLDA Supply and Delivery of Two ATV Double Cab Land Cruiser with Fifth Wheel Hitch

Supply, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Equipment Lot 1-2 GITC

Supply, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Equipment Lot 1-2 Mahaicony Technical Vocational Training Centre

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 14, 2019

Thursday February 14, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Chase move up batting charts, Roach on EY and CWI partner verge of top 10 for a Life after...

Roston Chase drives during his unbeaten 102 on Tuesday’s fourth day of the third Test against England.

Thursday February 14, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your heart may feel extra loving today, which is good, since you will probably need it. There is most likely someone close to you who needs a lift of some sort.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You may feel a bit protective today, Taurus, and with good reason. Others are likely to be aggressive when it comes to moving in on your territory. Be strong.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may be a bit confused today, Gemini. More than likely, it will be hard for you to get an accurate read on your emotions.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Secure your emotions and make sure you're set in your mind before you take action today, Cancer. This is a terrific time to get things started.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Break through the potential moodiness of the day, Leo. Burst into song while walking down the street. Encourage others to sing back to you, as if your life were an opera. Your creativity is extra strong at this point, so let it shine in unexpected areas of your world.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be plagued with restlessness, to the point that you may not be able to get anything done. If you sense that this is happening to you even in the slightest degree, stop whatever you're doing and take a break.

Your work isn't worth the sacrifice of your sanity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be careful of exerting your will too strongly toward someone who really isn't receptive to it. Be conscious of other people's feelings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Overall, this should be a pretty good day for you, Scorpio, as long as you don't get overly sensitive about certain things.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is one day in which your heart pounds with excitement. For some reason, Sagittarius, there's a quiet voice inside warning that you may be getting yourself into a great deal of trouble.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Be more aggressive when it comes to your intentions in a romantic situation, Capricorn. It would be a great idea to impress your lover with a delicious home-cooked meal on a night like this.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It would be a good idea to socialize with others today in a comfortable, open setting. Say what you feel instead of just concentrating on what you think. Be just as good a listener as you expect others to be for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Stick with what comes naturally, Pisces. If something feels difficult or abrasive, this is a sign that your energy is better used elsewhere. But don't turn away until you're sure that what you're facing is actually a combative force

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Roston Chase’s fifth Test hundred has seen him make a significant rise in the latest ICC batting rankings.

The 26-year-old climbed 10 places to 41st in the latest rankings released Wednesday, following West Indies’ 232-run defeat to England in the third and final Test in St Lucia.

Chase made an unbeaten 102 out of the hosts’ 252 all out, after they were set an improbable 485 to win the match He finished the series with 160 runs at an average of 40.

There was little good news for the Windies players elsewhere in the batting rankings as opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who led the Caribbean side in the St Lucia Test in the absence of suspended captain Jason Holder, slipped further to 35th while Holder also fell to 36th.

Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich remained steady at 45th while Shimron Hetmyer lies 47th.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach, meanwhile, has moved up one place to 11th, following his series haul of 18 wickets. He started the series in 24th spot and now stands on the brink of joining skipper Jason Holder in the top 10.

New-ball bowler Shannon Gabriel lies 13th but is the only other frontline West Indies bowler in the top 50.

As expected, Indian captain Virat Kohli heads the batting charts while South African seamer Kagiso Rabada sits on top the bowlers rankings.

Ramnarine guides...

From page 30 respectively. Mahindra Dindyal grabbed 6-40 from six overs, while Romario Stephen had 2-20 and Toshal Surujpaul 1-10. G Square Cavaliers responded with 104-4. Stephen struck 76 not out; Stephon Madramootoo snared 3-25, while Michael Retemiah and Terrance Sofeleigh had one each.

The final will be contested on Saturday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success between G Square Cavaliers and Maria’s Pleasure/Zeelandia.

From page 29 Programme. Scott is an exprofessional footballer, who has personal experience of retiring from elite sport, the challenges it poses and the impact personal development can have on making the transition out of a competitive sporting career.

Scott said: “Cricket West Indies has taken a conscious and proactive decision to assist their athletes in and out of sport. By having a focus on personal development away from sport, it can improve clarity of mind, sense of self, and optimism for life after competitive sport. Personal development isn’t a quick fix; it should be viewed in the same way as competitive

development – a long term, strategic process. We feel privileged to be working alongside such a prestigious organisation” Johnny Grave, Chief Executive for CWI, commented: “CWI is investing heavily in developing and providing the resources so that cricketers have the opportunity to perform at elite level and have the support to develop during and after their career in the game The partnership with EY is an illustration of how CWI is supporting every aspect of the game and this pilot is hopefully the prelude to ongoing support for the players after they leave professional sport behind them.”

PAGE 28

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

P&P Insurance backs Brave Heart Football Club

A representative of P&P Insurance hands over the sponsorship cheque to the Brave Heart Football Club.

P&P Insurance has actively been involved in the sports arena by funding or sponsoring events for those who care to approach the organisation.

The latest sporting body to benefit from P&P’s generosity was the Brave Heart Football Club, which strives to provide an outlet for youngsters predominantly in the East Ruimveldt area.With the help of P&P, the Football Club was able to construct goal posts and offset expenses for a Mashramani smallgoal tournament. In recognition of the company’s generosity, the team is expected to place the entity’s logo on their uniforms.

P&P Insurance Executive Director, Vikash

Panday, outlined the importance of sports in a school curriculum. In addition, he pledged to continue supporting the Club’s endeavours.

“On behalf of the Brave Heart Football Club, we want to say a very big thank you to P&P Insurance for making it possible for us to maintain the youths in the community and getting them involved in sports,” a representative of the Football Club stated.

The East Ruimveldt Brave Heart Football Club were started a little over two months ago and cater to children between the ages of 1 and 11; the Club currently has in excess of 30 students in its male and female teams.

DCB 2019 Under-15 Inter Association

East Bank and Georgetown on winners row in latest action In second round of the DCB 2019 Under 15 Inter Association, East Bank Demerara duo Taddeus Lovell and Zachary Jodah demolished West Demerara by 95 runs, while Georgetown gained the upper hand over East Coast Demerara, attaining victory by 7 wickets.

East Bank Demerara vs.

West Demerara Over at Everest, East Bank won the toss and elected to bat, scoring a well composed 149 all out off 35.1 overs their allotted 42 overs, in a reduced overs match due to the early morning showers. Taddues Lovell once again demonstrated his prowess with the bat, scoring a brilliant 60 before he was caught by Reneldo Hussain off Sachin Balgobin’s bowling. He was supported by Zachary Jodah who chipped in with 25 and Joash Charles 16. Bowling for West Demerara, Nityanand Mathura was the most instrumental bowler, grabbing 4 for 14, while Sachin Balgobin took 3 for 15.

In reply, West Demerara struggled to reach their target and fell short by 95 runs, as they only managed to score 55 all out from 21.1 overs. Alex Parah was the only batsman to score double figures, with 11. Bowling for East Bank, Zachary Jodah was the most destructive bowler claiming 3 for 7, while he gain support from Joash Charles and

Taddeus Lovell made 60 and took 1 for 15.

Dhanesh Persaud who took 2 for 14 and 7 respectively. East Bank won by 95 runs.

East Coast Demerara vs.

Georgetown Meanwhile over at Lusignan, East Coast won the toss and batted, but the batsmen did not apply themselves well to the Georgetown challenging bowling spells, and were bundled out for a meager 93 off 44.2 overs. Niranjan Sheopersaud was unbeaten on 17, while Shiv Singh scored 16.

Bowling for Georgetown, Avinash Rajkumar, Rayad Latif and Krisna Singh grabbed 2 for 22, 13 and 7 respectively. They were well supported by Alvin Mohabir and Shaylian Walters who collected one wicket a piece.

In reply, Georgetown themselves were made to work for their runs, and eventually surpassed East Coast’s score in the 44th over, reaching 94 for 3.

Jodon Campbell topped scored with 29, while Alvin Mohabir contributed with 21 not out. Bowling for East Coast, Nicholas Sheopersaud, Josh Aliv and Shiv Singh took one wicket each for 17, 12 and 7 respectively. Georgetown won by 7 wickets.

The third and final round will be played tomorrow with East Bank facing Georgetown at Everest Ground, while East Coast will compete against West Demerara at Georgetown Cricket club Ground (GCC). All matches start at 9:00 hours.

Thursday February 14, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Berbice Cricket Board unveils $1.2M Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme The Berbice Cricket Board has secured a sponsorship worth close to $1.2M from overseas based Berbician Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh for another countywide Coaching Programme. Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster and Dr. Singh recently agreed on the proposal that would target every cricket talent in the Ancient County.

The sponsorship would be divided into two parts $770,000 for a countywide coaching programme and several coaching clinics, while $400,000 would be used for the Berbice Cricket Board Annual Cricket Academy.

Foster, who is spearheading the Berbice Cricket Board Marketing Team, stated that Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh’s investment was a major boost for the continued development of the game in the county. He recalled that Dr. Singh in 2018 also donated $1M to a similar project which was highly successful. The Berbice Cricket Board stated that a

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh total of 200 young cricketers would be involve in the countywide coaching programme with fifty each from West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Central/Upper Corentyne.

The Coaching Programme would be conducted by Level III Coaches Winston Smith and Julian Moore. They would be assisted by Coaches Andre Percival, Balram Samaroo and several Pre Level I Coaches. The Berbice Cricket Board under the sponsorship would also

be hosting coaching clinics for the most promising players on a regular basis.

Clinics would be held separately for batsmen, fast bowlers, wicketkeepers and spinners.

The 2nd Annual Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy would be hosted in July, 2019 for one week at the Albion Community Centre. A total of seventy youths would be selected by the Coaches to attend the Academy. The Academy main objectives would be to make sure that, players understood their roles as Representatives of Berbice, History, Rules of the Game and that they are all rounded cricketers. Foster stated that since his election in February 2019, Berbice Cricket has enjoyed a remarkable transition with the Board being financial stable, Cricket is being played at all levels, Clubs are being established in every village, while numerous developmental programmes are held on a regular basis.

The Berbice Cricket Board is targeting at least 30 tournaments in 2019 at the

EY and CWI partner for a Life after Sport Project ST JOHN’S, Antigua EY partnering with Cricket West Indies to launch elearning and development programme to help West Indies cricketers prepare for life after sport.

EY’s Personal Performance Programme team has announced that it is launching a two-year pilot of its e-learning and development programme for Cricket West Indies (CWI), adding increased value to CWI’s existing Player Lifestyle Development Programme.

The Player Lifestyle Development (PLD) Programme was designed

by CWI for the holistic development of its cricketers, focusing on their personal and professional growth through classroom sessions.

EY’s and CWI’s collaboration has brought a new and modern element to the PLD Programme, whereby EY’s Personal Performance Programme is a bespoke technology and e-learning programme. An e-learning platform, it has been designed to assist athletes with the personal development needed to be a success both today, as professional athletes, and tomorrow enabling athletes to transition once their

professional sporting career has ended. The programme offers a particular focus on personal growth to prevent the pitfalls many face during and after an elite career.

This bespoke platform will facilitate specific elearning modules designed for Cricket West Indies to ensure a unique experience for those participating while offering CWI an extended resource capability and live performance analysis.

EY’s learning and development programme was created, and is led by Scott Ward, Lead for the EY Personal Performance (Continued on page 27)

Under-15, Under-17, Under19, Under-21, Under-23, Intermediate, Female, Double Wicket, Primary and Secondary Schools, Interzone, Second Division and First Division levels.

Foster expressed gratitude to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh for his continued confidence in the Berbice Cricket Board and investment into the development of youths. Dr. Singh was described as a true friend of Berbice Cricket and Foster disclosed that the Berbice

Cricket Board would shortly be presenting its highest Award to him.

Dr. Singh, in brief remarks stated that he was delighted to be associated with the current leadership of the Berbice Cricket Board as his finance was well used, accounted for and he was delighted to play a major role in developing the talent of players who would follow in the footsteps of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher. The USA based Medical Doctor urged the

Berbice Cricket Board to uphold the high standard it has set itself and to work even harder to achieve even more success in the future. He reassured Foster of his continued cooperation in the future as he was excited about the progress of Berbice Cricket. Dr. Singh’s brother Puran, who is based in Barbados, last week announced that he was sponsoring the BCB Financial Stipend Programme for National Players at the cost of $200,000.

PAGE 30

Thursday February 14, 2019

Kaieteur News

Shannon Gabriel suspended for four ODIs over Joe Root sledging incident ESPNcricinfo – Shannon Gabriel, the West Indies fast bowler, has been given a fourmatch suspension by the ICC for his use of an apparently homophobic remark directed towards Joe Root in the St Lucia Test. Gabriel, who pleaded guilty to the offence, was fined 75% of his match fee and received three demerit points, pushing him over the threshold for a ban.

Gabriel was charged with a Level Two offence under article 2.13 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, covering “personal abuse”. There was no formal hearing with the match referee, Jeff Crowe,

after he accepted the charge.

Although Gabriel was not in the original squad for the first two ODIs against England, he is understood to have been lined up as an injury replacement for Keemo Paul.

Root was picked up by the stump mics while batting on the third day responding to an unheard comment from Gabriel. “Don’t use it as an insult,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”

The incident was dealt with at the time by the on-field umpires but Gabriel was charged the following day after the footage received

widespread attention. Root said at the close that things said on the field “should stay on the field”, but nevertheless received praise for his stance, including from UK equality charity Stonewall.

Speaking yesterday before the news of Gabriel’s ban, England coach Trevor Bayliss repeated his feeling that stump microphones should be turned down between deliveries. As well as Gabriel, Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed was last month given a four-match suspension for making a racist remark that was picked up by the TV broadcast.

“I’ve said it once before, no I’m not in favour of it and I’m not going to change my

mind,” he said. “If stump mics were around a few years ago there would be some blokes seen as ‘holier than thou’ who would have been in trouble as well.

“I think [stump mics] should be down. I know there are people who think the opposite and think it is good for the game but sometimes in the heat of battle things are said, when guys given a bit of time to sit down and think about it would give themselves a bit of a kick up the backside.”

Gabriel was previously given three demerit points in April 2017 for making deliberate physical contact with Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed; and another two in November last year, following a coming together with Bangladesh’s Imrul Kayes.

Having accumulated more than four points, he was banned for the following Test, in Dhaka.

He has now reached eight demerit points within the same two-year period, which converts to four suspension

points - equivalent to a ban from two Tests or four limitedovers internationals.

England and West Indies will play five ODIs, starting in Barbados next Wednesday. At the time of the West Indies’ squad being announced, chairman of selectors Courtney Browne said: “Shannon Gabriel remains very much in our World Cup plans but with a heavy workload expected in the Test series he will be considered for selection later in the ODI series.”

FIBA Americas Qualifiers

Training squad trimmed to 10 players The countdown continues before Guyana’s national men’s side depart for Colombia where they will compete in pool B of the FIBA Americas 2021 final round of qualifiers, and with one week remaining before the team play their first match, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) is upping the team’s preparations.

Head Coach, Junior Hercules, of the side that will be competing in their first FIBA Americas qualifiers in Tunja next week, has noted that trials have been extended to tomorrow and the initial 16member training squad of local players have been cut down to 10.

Hercules explained during an invited comment to this publication that it would’ve been ideal for him to have all six of the overseas based players in Guyana for training but the financial constraints of the GABF will not allow that. With the exception of Sean Doman who is currently

Junior Hercules

Kevon Wiggins

in training with the local squad, the U.S. based players of Skipper Stanton Rose, Rawle Marshall, Kevon Wiggins, Anthony Moe and Delroy James will have to wing out to Colombia from the USA. The reduced squad of local players reads: Travis Burnett, Travis Belgrave, Shaine Webster, Timothy Thompson, Dominic Vincente, Akeem Crandon, Orlon Glasgow, Harold Adams, Dave Causway and Yannic Tappin.

The last players to be axed were Kevon Emanuel, Tyrone Hamid and Carlos

Edwards.

Guyana have been placed in pool B of the qualifiers that runs from February 20th to 24th alongside the hosts Colombia, Paraguay and Bolivia, with the top two teams of the group advancing to the 2021 FIBA Americas tournament that will see world number one, USA, participating in the biennial event.

Guyana qualified for the FIBA Americas qualifiers after winning the nation’s maiden Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) men’s championship last June in Suriname.

Ramnarine guides Good Success, SS/Jaguars to victory; Stephen, Dindyal propel Cavaliers Led by a fine all-round performance by Mahase Ramnarine, Good Success/ Sans Souci/Jaguars combined defeated Maria’s Pleasure/Zeelandia by six wickets while G Square Cavaliers overcame Noitgedacht Sports Club by a similar margin when the Wakenaam Cricket Committee Regal Sports U19 40-over tournament continued on Saturday.

Maria’s Pleasure/ Zeelandia batted first and managed 169-7 off their

reduced quota of 20 overs due to rain at Zeelandia.

Kevin Hemraj made 36, while Joshua Williams contributed 23 as Ramnarine claimed 3-24 and Beesham Moses 2-14.

Ramnarine then blasted 98 and got support from Derwin Bacon 24 as Good Success/Sans Souci/Jaguars responded with 170-4 in 12.2 overs. Direndra Sitaram captured 3-37.

At the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, Noitgedacht SC took first strike and scored 103 all out

Mahase Ramnarine in 18 overs. Romelo Headly made 30, while Fitzroy Retemiah and Emanuel Welcome got 14 and 12 (Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 14, 2019

PAGE 31

Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tourney

Two matches go to 3-games on opening night

T

he Guyana S q u a s h Association (GSA) first tournament for the year; the Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap S q u a s h To u r n a m e n t commenced with seven matches in Category ‘A’ at the Georgetown Club on Tuesday evening from 18:00hrs.

In Category ‘A’ each player is given Handicap points of ‘plus or minus’ to allow the lesser ranked players a chance of winning against the more experienced players.

Forty-four participants are expected to participate in two categories; with both the Open and next round of Category ‘A’ scheduled for last Evening; night two of tournament which concludes with the Finals and the GSA’s fund raising Bar-B-Q on Sunday.

Only two of the seven matches went to three games with the first one being between Dhiren Persuad (11) and Teija Edwards (11). The two players were even after a 14/15 win for each in games one and two.

The taller Edwards, who came from 14/7 behind in the second game to move to

Ex Caribbean Squash Queen Nicolette Fernandes was among those who watched the action on Tuesday night.

Teija Edwards plays a back hand and pushed Dhiren Persaud to three games.

14/14 on match point but she then failed to take one more point and was defeated 14/15 as Persuad prevailed.

The only other match to go to three games was the contest between Gianni Carpenter (-6) who was forced pull out all his shots against Abhinav Singh (14).

A small gathering of mostly parents and which included former Caribbean Squash Queen Nicolette Fernandes, watched as the

determined Carpenter fought through his negative handicap in the first game for a clean slate of 21 points to the win.

His second game advance was cut short at 4/15 by a killer drop from Singh.

A focused Carpenter was careful to come through in the third game with another clean sweep to win 15/14, 4/15, 15/14.

Other matches on the first night saw the girls

Kirsten Gomes and Abosaide Cadogan not dropping a point in their opening matches, while Mohryan Baksh, Dhiren Persaud, Gianni Carpenter, Demetrius DeAbreu and Nicholas Verwey also booked places in the next round.

The tournament continued last evening and this evening the Valentine night competition should be very competitive since the

senior players should showcase their squash skills.

Action on each Evening is scheduled to commence at 18:00hrs Tu e s d a y N i g h t ’ s Results: Category A Mohryan Baksh (-3) beat Kayden Pynaendy (13) 15/14, 15/13 Kirsten Gomes (-4) beat Louis DaSilva (7) 15/13, 15/13 Dhiren Persuad (11) beat

Teija Edwards (11) 14/15, 15/14, 15/7 Abosaide Cadogan (-4) beat Arvin Seelall (12) 15/13, 15/13 Gianni Carpenter (-6) beat Abhinav Singh (14) 15/14, 4/15, 15/14 Demetrius DeAbreu (-4) beat Aishanti Persuad (11) 15/12, 15/11 Nicholas Verwey (-8) beat Grant Fernandes (13) 15/13, 15/14 (Sean Devers)

Thomas century hands Regal Masters MYO Inter-Jamaat huge win - Wellman, Fisherman, SVC Grill Masters victorious softball continues E on Sunday

ric Thomas struck an attacking century as Regal Masters defeated Success Masters by 179 r u n s , w h i l e We l l m a n Masters, Fisherman Masters and SVC Grill Masters also registered victories when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Regal Stationery and Computer Centre 20-over tournament continued on Sunday last.

Thomas struck 125, while Mohendra Arjune made 76 and David Harper 52 as Regal Masters posted 269-3, batting first at GNIC SC. R. Karim claimed 2-42.

Success Masters were restricted for 90-9 in 15.4 overs in reply. Richard Persaud made 15 as Tyrone Sanasie picked up 3-16 and Parsram Persaud 2-14.

Wellman Masters beat HS Masters by 47 runs at the s a i d v e n u e . We l l m a n Masters took first strike and managed 203-4. Wayne

Eric Thomas

Wayne Jones

Jones slammed 90 and Lloyd Ruplall 58.

HS Masters were bowled out for 156 in reply. Troy Lewis made 50 and Jai Ram 20; Imtiaz Mohamed captured 3-18 and Latchman Kallicharran 3-20.

At Malteenoes Sport Club, Fisherman Masters overcame President’s XI Masters by 17 runs.

Fisherman Masters made 150 all out, taking first knock with Unnis Yusuf, Jagdesh Persaud and Ejaz Mohamed scoring 36 each. President’s XI Masters were limited to 133-5 in reply. Saheed

Gittens scored 36.

In the Open Category, SVC Grill Masters got the better of Regal All stars by 19 runs. SVC Grill Masters scored 117 all out in 19 overs, batting first. Delbert Hicks made 33 and J. Fernandes 28; Eon Hooper claimed 3-16, while Amir Nizamudeen and Fazal Rafiek had two wickets each. Regal All stars mustered 98 all out in 18.2 overs in reply. Delroy Perreira made 21 and Ricky Sergeant 16; David Lukenauth and A. Narine had two wickets apiece.

Mohendra Arjune

The Muslim Youth Organisation Inter- Jamaat 15 overs Softball Cricket Competition is set to continue on Sunday at MYO ground.

LBI will play New

Amsterdam at 09:00hrs, New Mosque will take on Tuschen Train Station Masjid at 11:00hrs and New Amsterdam will face Diamond New Scheme at 13:00hrs.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Thursday February 14, 2019

Berbice Female Team’s victory was due to early preparation, investment, hard work President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster has hailed the Berbice Female Team success in the just concluded Guyana Cricket Board Inter-county Championship as just reward for the hard work of the Berbice Cricket Board, the players and the Management of the Team. The Berbice Female Team under the captaincy of West Indies Player, Tremayne Smartt last week captured the Championship Title of the Guyana Cricket Board Intercounty 50-Overs and 20/20 Tournaments.

Foster noted that both titles were the result of the Berbice Cricket Board being the only County Board in Guyana to invest in their players. The support of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Foster stated is also crucial as it has the only established Female Team in the county. Berbice has benefitted from the Rose Hall

Town Youth & Sports Club investment with players like Sheneta Grimmond, Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry, Plaffiana Millington, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Marian Samaroo, Dian Prahalad, Uma Matadin and Sherica Campbelle among others emerging from the well structured programme. Foster also hailed the contribution of Tucber Park and Rose Hall Canje Clubs who are now trying to establish female teams.

The Berbice Cricket Board in December hosted the Nand Persaud Co. Ltd 30Overs Tournament between Rose Hall Town Metro Female Team, West Berbice and New Amsterdam/Canje.

Immediately after the Tournament ended, the Berbice Cricket Board began preparation of its Under-19 and Senior Teams under the guidance of Level III Coach Winston Smith and Manager

The winning Berbice Female Team Sylvia Autar. For over two months, the Berbice Female Cricketers trained on a daily basis and as such were fully prepared for the Tournament both physically and mentally.

Foster was full of praise for Coach Winston Smith and Manager Autar who on a voluntary basis made themselves available on a daily basis to be with the team. Smith, he stated is a great motivator/coach and was a huge asset to the development of Berbice Cricket. The Berbice Cricket Board President stated that as long as he remains head of

Berbice Cricket, every Intercounty Team would be selected early and be properly prepared as he strongly believes that early preparation is the key to success.

The Berbice Under-15 Team since early January has been involved in coaching sessions with Coach Leslie Solomon and has played three trial matches as part of their intense preparation.

National Player Isaiah Thorne has been appointed Captain, while Rampersaud Rampertab would serve as his deputy. The team on

We d n e s d a y w o u l d b e involved in a three hours batting clinics before their departure on the 24th F e b r u a r y, 2 0 1 9 f o r Georgetown. The Berbice Cricket Board, Foster stated would shortly begin preparation for the Under-17 and Under-19 Inter-county Tournaments as the Board strives to win all the titles this year.

Unlike their counterparts in Essequibo and Demerara, the Berbice Cricket Board does not enjoy the luxury of a Guyana Cricket Board built hostel and does not receive a

cent of financial support from the National Board.

Berbice Cricket depends entirely on its Management ability to raise funds for every aspects of operation including office rental, salaries, cricket tournaments, developmental programmes, transportation, umpiring cost, stationery, trial matches, inter-county caps among others. The Guyana Cricket Board has not provided the Berbice Cricket Board with a stipend since 2009 when Foster’s elder brother Keith was elected President.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 14, 2019

PAGE 33

Hamilton hungry for more as new Mercedes makes track debut

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O N D O N (Reuters) Formula One champions Mercedes ran their new car for the first time at Silverstone yesterday with title holder Lewis Hamilton saying he felt 2019 could turn out even better than last season.

With some other teams racing against time to get their new cars built and ready for the start of pre-season testing in Spain on Monday, Mercedes made sure they were on track in every respect.

Hamilton’s Finnish team m a t e Va l t t e r i B o t t a s performed the initial shakedown laps as part of a 100 kilometre filming day, with five-times world champion Hamilton due to be in the car during the afternoon.

“I completely switched off from racing for a while, trying to focus and re-centre myself and training hard for the new season. 2018 was a great year, but I feel like

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the race at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Nov 25, 2018. (REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo)

2019 can be even better,” Hamilton said.

“I want to achieve more, I want to continue to keep pushing. I feel energised and I’m ready to attack.”

The Briton won 11 races last year on his way to becoming only the third driver to win five titles and with a career tally of 73 wins is now only 18 off Michael Schumacher ’s all-time record of 91.

Hamilton has also won 51 of the 100 grands prix in

the V6 turbo era that started in 2014 and four of the last five championships.

“The buzz really starts at the beginning of the year when you see the car coming together. And then you get to the shakedown and you get into the car — it just never gets old,” he added.

Mercedes have also won the last five constructors’ championships but team boss Toto Wolff warned that rule changes could shake things up.

“We’re taking nothing for granted and there’s absolutely no feeling of entitlement to be at the front,” he said.

“In fact, with the regulation change for the new season, every team can have a shot at the title and we’re seeing all of them as a potential threat.”

Mercedes said the new car, sporting a similar silver livery and branding to last year’s model, had changed substantially under the skin.

Technical director James Allison said the team had worked hard on the suspension and aerodynamics to deliver a car that would be kinder to its tyres than last year and remain competitive at every track on the calendar.

“Components that we felt were stripped to the bone in 2018 have been taken, one by one, and subjected to a further round of aggressive analysis to shave further weight from them,” he added.“Collectively each of these victories add up to a handful of kilos that have

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been invested back in the car on aerodynamics, suspension and power unit to bring performance.”

Mercedes said changes had been made to the cooling architecture of the power unit, making it more efficient and also bringing aerodynamic benefits.

Some 7,000 drawings were turned into components and cumulative testing of the parts amounted to around 500,000km before the car had even left the garage for the first time.

The season starts in Australia on March 17.

t r o Sp Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tourney

Two matches go to 3-games on opening night

Kirsten Gomes (left) beat Louis DaSilva on the opening night.

(Sean Devers photos)

FIBA Americas Qualifiers

Training squad trimmed to 10 players

Nicholas Verwey plays off the glass in his defeat of nine year-old Grant Fernandes.

Shannon Gabriel suspended for four ODIs over Joe Root sledging incident Joe Root and Shannon Gabriel shake hands at the end of the St Lucia Test. (Getty Images)

Stanton Rose (on the ball) is very likely to retain his captaincy but will join the team in Colombia.

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