Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR Medical Council NEWS apologises 5 years later for grandpa’s death

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

Friday Edition February 14, 2020 -Vol. 22 No. 07

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Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Dead: Edward Subryan

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 129,573

PURELY CRIMINAL to have ExxonMobil draft

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Cabinet document - Jagdeo Victims fail to ID Two held trying to break into tomb of woman slain brothers held for - claim they were ‘sent’ to on Xmas Day retrieve photo placed in coffin Giftland Mall robbery p.

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- but cops say IT expertise may help them close case

PPP Govt. would renegotiate deals for Kaieteur, Canje and other blocks p.

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Nabbed s er tomb raid

- Opposition Leader

ERC implements rapid response unit to tackle elections complaintsp.

- as parties sign code of conduct

The damaged tomb with partially exposed casket

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Two more p. 27 high-end hotels coming to Guyana - NICIL

Trotman should have heeded Expert’s - Chatham House advice on ExxonMobil deal Associate Fellow

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

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Purely criminal to have ExxonMobil draft Cabinet document - Jagdeo “Can you imagine the government, which looks out for our interests… in a negotiation with [ExxonMobil]… gets the company to prepare the first draft of our negotiating strategy?”

“This is criminal, purely criminal.”

These and other comments were made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference at his Church Street office, yesterday, of news that ExxonMobil drafted a Cabinet Memorandum on behalf of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, before Government signed the Stabroek Block off to ExxonMobil in 2016 with a new agreement.

The revelation, brought to the public by Kaieteur News just days ago, came from a report Cabinet itself commissioned, but has not officially publicly released.

The report, which builds on information supplied by Government officials, states that an ExxonMobil official,

President David Granger

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

Brooke Harris, wrote the first draft of the Cabinet memorandum that Minister Tr o t m a n p r e s e n t e d t o Cabinet for its approval of the controversial licence.

Jagdeo said that the Global Witness report paints a troubling picture, but that the Cabinet-commissioned report, produced by British law firm, Clyde & Co, paints an even more worrying one.

Even in an attempt to absolve himself, Trotman facilitated the release of information which

implicates him even more, Jagdeo said.

He said it is unheard of, that in negotiations with a f o r e i g n c o m p a n y, Government would allow the same company to draft its negotiating strategy.

“This is the most unusual thing.”

“Is this not the height of incompetence and callousness?”

“That is what [President David] Granger has to answer for,” Jagdeo said, as the President has been silent

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo on many controversial issues, with regards to the sector.

As Chair of Cabinet, the President approved the deal.

But Jagdeo pointed out that, later, Granger would go on to say in 2018 that he did not even read the contract.

This time around, Jagdeo expects that the President should speak up about this matter, which has now, because of Global Witness, reached international proportions.

“Are you now aware that

Two Region 6 GWI employees allegedly assaulted by customers

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wo customer service employees attached to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) were on separate occasions assaulted by customers while conducting meter-reading exercises. A GWI release stated that on Monday, 10th February, 2020, a customer services field staff attached to GWI's Chesney office was subjected to what appeared to be a politically-motivated physical assault.

The staff at the time was clad in a green jacket, which she frequently wears, and which was provided to her as an athlete who represented the region at sporting events.

Upon arrival at the customer's premises in the village of Toopoo, Albion, Corentyne she called out and was greeted by a male figure, who secured his dog and gave the field staff access to the premises. However, while conducting her duties, a second male appeared, hurling profanities and stating that he doesn't want any APNU/AFC people in his yard.

The male then cradled the GWI staff by the breasts and pushed her out of the yard.

Following this, the employee was instructed to make a police report and visited the Albion Police Station. The matter was transferred to the Whim Police Station, since that station facilitates sexual offences matters.

“The official report was filed with the Sexual Offences Department at the station and GWI awaits further action on the part of the police.” GWI stated. It is alleged that in a separate incident, a customer services field staff was on Wednesday, 12th February, 2020 physically assaulted by a customer while conducting

meter reading in the village of Maida in the Corentyne.

“The customer prevented the GWI field staff from opening the meter box by placing her feet thereon.

Following this, she pushed the staff and his cellular phone was thrown to the ground. A report has been filed at the Whim Police Station.”

the negotiating position that came to you was drafted by the company with whom you're negotiating?” Jagdeo asked. Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram, in his column 'The road to first oil', called the revelation 'the most important bit of information' in the report.

The firm found that, on May 25, 2016, “Harris [Exxon's former Commercial Advisor] provided by email a first draft Cabinet Memorandum to [Legal Advisor to Minister Trotman, Joanna Simmons Homer]”.

Ram wrote, “It did not stop there: Clyde states in its report that the Cabinet Memorandum was prepared along the lines of [that] email”.

The report states, “we were also provided with various emails exchanged from 20th May 2016 until 31st May 2016 between Hon. Minister Trotman, Mrs. Homer and Mrs. Harris regarding the Cabinet

Memorandum…”

Then, “We understand that the Cabinet Memorandum was prepared further to the email correspondence and draft versions exchanged between… Homer and…

Harris during the period…”

Trotman and Homer received “daily phone calls” from the Exxon-led consortium, Clyde & Co. stated. ExxonMobil wrote the first draft, and then steered its development throughout the entire process leading up to 3rd June, 2016 when Trotman placed the document before Cabinet.

The memorandum was titled, “Proposal for Cabinet's consideration and approval of the process required for the issuance of a new Production Sharing Agreement with Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited and its joint venture participants Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Limited”.

Kaieteur News

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Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Vicious attack on a Child Welfare Officer It is another instance of honest intentions interfered with through dishonest criminal calculations, of where the industrious are waylaid and wounded for a purse, the pittance of a penny or a pound. The incident in Albouystown on Wednesday relays so much of so many committed to sow violence and to inflict what is disfiguring upon the hardworking and law-abiding in this society.

We reported of the attacking and scarring of a Child Welfare Officer on the way to work. She may, in the course of her unheralded and thankless official responsibility, save a child from the lime, grime, and crime of the streets, maybe prevent another from joining the ranks of her unkind, uncaring attacker, who resorted to the application of stark terror, when his muscular efforts proved futile.

Her unrecommended resistance did not prove to be enough of a shield.

Perhaps, it might even fall into the realm of the unwise, notwithstanding the fact that it is her neighbourhood and among her people. By the same measure, her very obvious religious garb did not serve as protection or deterrent either when, in times past, it would have been like a halo that said: off limits! Do not touch!

As we have been prompted to articulate at this paper, from time to time, nothing appears to be sacred anymore: not the Cross, not the Crescent, not any church, not the mosque, not the mandir, not the community of the village.

For that community speaks of so many other environments in this society, where watching citizens were standing by and shrinking from doing anything. It is because of the great fears harboured these days for men with any kinds of weapon, which leads to safe distancing and noninvolvement that come from the dread of being made targets later when the media spotlight has moved on.

Those who previously felt motivated to step forward and intervene (“to part” in Guyanese parlance) are now weighed down by the proliferation of violence that spirals so easily and so wantonly in every nook and cranny of a besieged and frightened society. To a large extent, Guyanese now obey that caution since time immemorial: discretion is the better art of valour. It is better to pick up one’s hurt pride later, than to have to be picked up in shattered pieces there and then.

We simply say that this is how Guyana of today is, across atmosphere and horizon and landscape, and where fear is the overriding key. Other than for the few intrepid and stirring exceptions, there are no foolhardy or daring, just the sensible and the self-protective, who could end up being victims themselves. And that is just what may have played out on an early Wednesday morning in Albouystown.Yet all is not lost, for when the clouds are darkest, there are rays that flame into sparkling luminosity. Oh, but for those candles that come out of nowhere and flicker with a gleam amidst the morning haze. It is most inspiring; it is that inexplicable miracle that occurs when all appears lost.It is of those rarities, the handful of concerned, sympathetic, and helpful citizens, who are moved to stop their movement, and lend a much-needed hand in a time of severe trauma, a time when there are only clouds and no rays of helping, healing light.

That they may be doing so at some risk to themselves only adds to the glow that their actions bring.

On this occasion, there was not one, but two Good Samaritans, who saw what was happening, recognised the plight of this hapless woman, and cared enough to pause in their tracks.

It is the stuff that is so abnormal in any place in this country at this time, which makes it so grand to applaud, 26 stitches later, and which is sure to bring flashbacks of that harrowing moment later and a long time thereafter.

We are blessed by citizens such as these; we are made infinitely better for having them among us. Now, if we could only have more of them, as the calendar creeps forward, this Guyana of ours may find it in itself to be a far different and better place.

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.

The approach to governance has to be transformed DEAR EDITOR, It was the immortal British novelist Charles Dickens who in ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ wrote the famous first paragraph words: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” These words find an echo in Guyanese politics today.

It was the best of times when President Granger announced First Oil and that Guyana has now become a big player in the international oil industry. It was the worst of times when news broke that the royalty agreement we made with ExxonMobil is nothing near what Suriname got.

I believe that Guyana’s negotiating team undertook an assignment for which they were totally unprepared.

Their great fault, I believe, is that they were poorly briefed and woefully uninformed about the shenanigans that prevail in the oil business.

Hard it is, however, for me to accept that geopolitical reasons had a role in this m o m e n t o f i n f a m y.

Venezuela today is in no position to threaten anyone and it has been so for some time now. The harsh truth is that Guyana got a raw deal, and I suspect that those who were present now resort to fig leaf excuses to diminish their culpability.

Yet this controversy, even though scandalous is also revealing of something much bigger: it is our oneparty, partisan governance

system that has been a disturbing feature of our political life as far back as I c a n r e m e m b e r.

This approach to governance stinks. The whole architecture is rotten.

Governance is about making decisions and implementing them. And this is true if the entity governed is an organization, a village, a country or any other.

Decision-making, if dialectically driven, produces better outcomes. It seems as if a magical transformation occurs when a new government sits its ministers around the cabinet table.

They become allpowerful, all-knowing, and so much more.

This happens whenever one of the two major parties wins power.

They have been amazingly consistent through the years. Either one of them seems to enjoy vicious delight in keeping the other out of governance.

They can do big things, all on their own, I would imagine.

I can remember the mammoth National Service project that the old PNC government conceptualized and implemented. It was hailed as transformative of our economy and society. It failed. I doubt that the president then would have sat with the opposition to get their ideas or suggestions and would have re-worked the project to make sense.

Ever since then, and up to today, this monopoly of

governance has been an obsession on both sides of the political divide.

I could well imagine that t h e i n c u m b e n t administration may now be pondering the consequences of ill-advised actions. The decision to go it alone rather than approach the negotiations with Exxon as a joint venture between APNU/AFC and the opposition PPP/C is regrettable.

Never in our postindependence has a political situation emerged where government and opposition decided that a collaborative approach to governance is what the people of Guyana are entitled to.

Oil revenue now gets into the equation. We will now see what happens after polling day, and whether a new era in political governance has finally arrived. Should the president and opposition leader at that time decide that they will work together to hatch a strategic plan on the spending of oil revenue, this will be a clear sign that governance is trending in a more progressive direction.

The plan is strategic, in the sense that the oil revenue will be invested in projects that give us the best shot of maximizing our economic growth rates in the future.

Should we see evidence of an unchanging governance style, I will have to conclude that our not-sogood political leaders have now proved the theory of

insanity correct: it is doing the same thing repeatedly and still expecting a different result.

By now it should have dawned on them that their monopolistic system of governance hurts our economy and society. A model of shared governance has potential for a better Guyana.

I am not convinced that shared governance in the context of Guyana is as implausible as walking on water.

Decision-making is a process and there are ample avenues of opportunity for the opposition to participate.

Objectives have to be defined, options identified and evaluated, and the course of action selected.

There are intervention points in this process for full partnership.

I am disappointed that the campaign manifestos of our numerous political parties have so inadequately addressed this subject.

A point of note is that the government and opposition are not called to share power——only governance.

It is the governing party that is vested with the authority to set the national agenda and make the final decision. But it has the responsibility to bring a new approach to our governance model, and it should.

There is a big benefit to be derived from good governance, and I believe we are deserving of it.

Wesley Hicken

Guyana is a Laughing Stock over Oil Contract DEAR EDITOR, In recent years, I traveled extensively around the globe conducting research on social science issues.

Wherever I traveled, including in India (where my western accent gives away that I am not from that country), people were curious about my background. When I mentioned I am from Guyana, oil contracts quickly came up. Guyana makes the news everywhere (in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia) on oil.

Business people wanted to know how Guyana gave such favourable contract terms and conditions to the oil magnates. Business people crave for such deals.

They laugh at us for practically giving away our oil for virtually nothing.

Worse, they are amazed that no one was or is held accountable for such terrible contracts. Even some staff of the oil companies ridicule Guyanese as being ‘stupid’ for giving away their oil.

In the diaspora, in New York, Toronto, and London, Guyanese and Caribbean people are shocked to learn about the terms of the contract. People have nothing good to say about the oil deals. And they believe there was corruption.

And in Trinidad, they really poke fun at us. While we think that we will outpace Tr i n i d a d a n d b e c o m e wealthy, little benefits will redound to the average

person. The oil companies will get more than 90% of all revenues generated from energy sales.

Guyana gets 2%, 1%, and 0% royalty for oil. Contrary to what someone penned (KN Feb 12), Guyana does not get 52% from the oil revenues. After 75% (plus other related costs like current labour) are deducted from total revenues of oil sold, for cost recovery, Guyana will get 2% royalty and share the remaining 25% in a fifty-fifty proportion or 12.5% each. Thus, Guyana will get 14.5% and then from that amount will pay the taxes of the oil company.

Guyana’s share of revenues may well fall below 10%.

The average royalty given to other countries in oil

operations is 12.5% and that percentage of revenues on the front end of sales before costs. Then profits are shared in a ratio in which the country gets the larger portion. The companies pay their own taxes. Guyana is far off from these basic worldwide standards. Not surprisingly, the country is a laughing stock. The oil company “ketch a pakoo and buss its back”, as we say in Guyana.

Every effort should be made to increase royalty and profits for the benefits of our people. Let us show the world we are much smarter than being the laughing stock that oil companies have made us.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, I have been most excited at the discovery of petroleum products in Guyana and welcome the involvement of ExxonMobil in this venture.

ExxonMobil is positioned to make massive profits from this lucrative venture and all the international partners affiliated with ExxonMobil, including Hess Petroleum, have extolled the financial prospects of this project.

However, I also believe that ExxonMobil, a world renowned business conglomerate, has had a lot of negatives heaped on it by various countries where they have operated.

While they have made great contributions to nations, business corporations, individuals, universities, etc. and have definitely made a significant and positive impact in the world, they, like individuals or personalities of high calibre, may not always get the credit they deserve.

Guyana presents ExxonMobil with a gem of an opportunity to erase the negative image plastered upon them. This is like virgin territory. They can show the people of the world how they can make a nation shine on many fronts.

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

GRA welcomes efforts to level playing field through reporting and self-compliance DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) would like to extend its gratitude to Mr. Loric Peters for highlighting a suspected instance of noncompliance with Value Added Tax (VAT) in the Friday, February 7, 2020 edition of Kaieteur News letter columns.

Mr. Peters is encouraged to provide the information on the company that is allegedly in breach of the tax law. He can also write the GRA to provide the information, following which the GRA will conduct its own investigation and take the necessary measures to ensure the alleged defaulter is compliant.

The GRA would also like to remind the general public that every person who carries on a taxable activity is required to apply for registration within 15 days to charge VAT if your taxable turnover equals or exceeds the threshold of $15 million at the end of any period of 12 or fewer months (Section 11 (a), VAT Act) or at the beginning of any period of 12

months where there are reasonable grounds to expect that the total value of taxable supplies to be made‌will equal or exceed the threshold (Section 11 (b), VAT Act).

VAT is charged at the standard rate of 14 percent after registration on the supply of all items taxed at the positive rate.

For more assistance on registering for VAT, contact the Tax Advisory Services Section on telephone number 227-6060 extensions 12011204.

The GRA can institute civil penalties for failure to apply for VAT registration.

Section 80(1) of the VAT Act notes a person who fails to apply for registration as required by Subsection 11(1), (7), or (8) is liable for a penalty equal to double the amount of output tax payable from the time the person is required to apply for registration until the person files an application for registration with the Commissioner.

Continued failure to apply for registration can also lead

to criminal penalties being instituted against defaulters.

This is in accordance with Section 66 of the VAT Act, which states a person who knowingly or recklessly fails to apply for VAT registration as required by Section 11(1), (7), or (8) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $25,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.

The Authority remains committed to ensuring equal opportunity for economic growth in Guyana through the fair and transparent administration of the country’s tax laws.

This can be achieved through voluntary compliance and enforcement activities, which include investiga-

tion of reported breaches of the tax laws.

In this regard, the GRA is continuously engaged in compliance campaigns to ensure that entities that are required to be registered are so registered and the applicable taxes are charged and remitted. The Authority encourages the general public to

continue to be vigilant as we continue to work together to level the playing field.

All instances of suspected tax fraud can be reported to the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) via telephone number: 227-6060 extensions 3200-3208. Additionally, our Special Investigations Unit

(SIU) Hotline can be contacted on 225-5051. Reports can also be made anonymously and all information provided will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

Public Relations Unit Communication & Tax Advisory Services Division Guyana Revenue Authority

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Kaieteur News

Thank you “Global Witness”.

Yours is a humanitarian effort!

DEAR EDITOR, When the PSA with Exxon was released to the public, the asininities of the contract were released in fits and starts

by Chris Ram, Anthony Paul and others as they were discovered. The avid reader has never been privy to the entire contract and all its lopsidedness in a one piece, one place and one time scenario.

As a result there are so many misconceptions out there in the oil and gas scenario. The one popular concept amongst the people is that Raphael Trotman, on behalf of the Government, had signed a contract with Exxon that gives away more than is normal in PSAs around the world, and because of the Government’s reluctance to renegotiate the PSA, the people will not get their rightful share of revenue from the oil resource that is hypocritically touted as belonging to the people, by the government.

The populace does not have a clear picture of the magnitude of money value that would be lost, relative to the assumed volume of oil in our reservoirs and the comparative value in infrastructure that would be foregone to the detriment of our prosperity. Thanks to “Global Witness” - an NGO with two de-

cades of experience in exposing corruption in the extractive sector around the world for perusing the PSA that Government signed with Exxon, and ascertaining that Guyana would lose 55 billion over the expected 40-year extraction life of 15 of the 16 discoveries made by Exxon, relative to a fair rate of returns - if we had a fair contract with Exxon.

The dynamic of change is on a surge, with pressure on the oil majors by NGOs like Global Witness and the transparency organizations in the extractive sector around the world.

This humanitarian effort by “Global Witness” and others should be applauded - for championing the rights of millions of impoverished people in resource-rich countries for a fair rate of returns for their resources from these oil majors.In Guyana’s context, the PSA the Coalition signed is second to none on the planet, in terms of what it gives away to Exxon.

Some damning evidence had recently been unearthed by “Global Witness”. In the wake of these disclosures, the Government remains in denial mode - clutching at straws in defence by hiring consultancy firms to prove their innocence, rather than

to commit to renegotiation.

KN had played its part and continues to expose the depravities of the PSA. It is time our people put aside our petty political differences and support the thrust to renegotiate the Contract, given the magnitude of what is at stake and its relative implication for our future development.

The struggle to get the PSA renegotiated will never succeed without the NGOs given that the people are nothing more than bystanders as the Government administers the state in gross contradiction to article 13 of the Constitution.

While the Coalition has failed to fulfill any of their promises from their 2015 campaign and continues to pontificate on their old promises for this election, I cannot understand what hinders them from adding one more, politically expedient life-saving lie that the public is begging for - a promise to renegotiate the PSA. Could it be on a promise of longevity in governance that the PSA was signed, so this promise will not be forthcoming?

The Coalition’s failure to add this last promise to their repertoire of unfulfilled promises only enhances the thesis of collusion with Exxon.

Rudolph Singh

GTT has failed in its service in more ways count. the kind of mundane service than one Let’s say that there is that our citizens should face DEAR EDITOR, It is with great frustration as a citizen of this country that I type this letter to complain about the “Great” GTT, that Guyanese are systematically forced to use.

I cannot help but notice that there is a petition online and a story in the Kaieteur News of Feb-13-2020, affirming that over 5,400 persons are asking for the liberalisation of the telecommunication sector. Let me opine that this figure is not to be mistaken to be understood that those who make up that number are the only ones concerned with this issue.

GTT has failed in its service in more ways than one. I for one have had many issues with the Company and this is not my first letter of complaint again them, because I am of the strong belief that more can be done for us as Guyanese, and that competition helps to force the hands of corporations to do better in their service to customers.

I do not have MMG, someone sent $800 from their MMG to my phone, it was with the intent that I would have it as credit, but the individual made the mistake and sent it as money to my ac-

something intrinsic about the MMG application that I am ignorant of, what pains my heart though, is the fact that I received a message from GTT saying: “MMG REF NO: PP200213.137.A01703. You have successfully received amount 800.0GYD from 6— ———. Please visit the nearest MMG Agent to be registered and collect money or Call 0664 for Customer Care” I then opted to call the Customer Care number provided, and after being placed on hold for many intervals, I was asked the information in the message, which includes Reference Number, who sent the money, the amount, my number and the date. After about 5 minutes of conversation with the customer service representative, I was informed that my grievance would be escalated and my complaint dealt with within the next 24 hrs.

Now the reason the individual tried to send the $800 as credit, is because I wanted it to use. If I provided all that information, why under this sun should I be made to wait for all that time to elapse before I can get that $800? Is this

in 2020? Where is the development in telecommunication that we were promised by this company as they changed from GT&T to GTT? What is $800 to this utility company?

Credit is one of the most important things in an emergency, why should I be made to wait for so long? How many security points does this $800 have to pass through before it can be approved or be returned to sender or sent on the path it intended?

In addition I am apolitical, but I have made observations of many promises that were made to the Citizens of Guyana by the two main political parties in Guyana, as it relates to the telecom sector and the preventative obstructions placed before these companies seeking to bring relief to Guyanese, and it does not speak well for belief in new and other promises made by these parties.

In a country where a simple transaction and correction of a mistake will take a multimillion-dollar company a whole day to rectify - and it has been this way since time immemorial - it begs the question: Where is the Promise?

Totally frustrated GTT customer

Friday February 14, 2020

GAWU does not share Lincoln’s views DEAR EDITOR, The GAWU has seen and considered Mr Lincoln Lewis’ letter titled “Good sense prevailed in the sugar workers’ struggle for better wages” which appeared in the February 13, Guyana Chronicle.

Contrary to Mr Lewis’ postulations, we are not discomfited by Mr Jagdeo’s advocacy on behalf of the sugar workers. We believe that the Leader of the Opposition has indeed recognized the plight of the workers and has spoken out, on several occasions, in their defence. While Lincoln may believe that Mr Jagdeo could have done more, that is his opinion, and one which he is entitled to, but one we cannot see eyeto-eye with him at the same time.

Mr Lewis says that Mr Jagdeo did not, in his view, address the industry’s longterm sustainability. Again we must differ with Lincoln. We have pointed out before to the many tangible expressions of initiatives to engender the industry’s well-being.

While indeed some did not turn out as expected, we cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater and argue that nothing was done.

Lincoln speaks again about the EU monies for sugar. Previously, we had shared with him how those monies were utilized, and it

appears he has ignored what was said. We don’t believe we need to repeat this again.

Reference is also made to the closure of an estate during the tenure of President Jagdeo. We surmise Lincoln may be speaking about Diamond, though again we demonstrated that this estate was closed long before Mr Jagdeo ascended to the Presidency.

Both bleating repetitions have been answered and clarified before, yet they appear over and over, unmeritorious in our view.

We find it disturbing that Lincoln would see to invoke that our responses to his missives are somehow politically motivated. One could argue that his missives are similarly inclined, though we do not believe this is the case. While we may not agree on issues, we want to advise Lincoln that we have no political motivations, and rather, all we seek to do is offer clarity and put matters in perspective. He, of course, is free to disagree, as he is now.

While, of course, we have the right to consider or not consider what the World Bank said regarding Skeldon, at the same time, should we have ignored the promising potential as was demonstrated by the empirical evidence? Regarding the bond, isn’t wages one of the issues which comprise the day-today operations of the indus-

try?

While we are not saying that wages should be exclusively met from bond proceeds, at the same time, the bond is intended for investment, isn’t investment in the workers also worthwhile?

But putting aside day-today operations for the time being, Lincoln, quoting ostensibly the Trust Deed, says that the proceeds are intended to finance ”…the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s longterm project and capital expenditure to acquire two cogeneration plants to upgrade existing factories to produce plantation white sugar, to build storage and packing facilities…”.

Well, we are approaching the halfway point of the bond, and not one of the projects referred to has broken ground, but interest and principal costs are accruing while the bond proceeds lie idle somewhere. The point is, even the investment contemplated, which expectedly will bring about betterment for the industry and the workers, appears nowhere on the horizon. Should the workers continue to languish?

We also wish to inform Lincoln that he was misinformed. Our Union and the GuySuCo have not reached an agreement regarding pay rises. What has happened is almost on the eve of General (Continued on page 26)

THOSE SPOILT VOTES DEAR EDITOR, The letter by Robin Singh entitled “Open letter to all Guyanese and foreign observers” which was featured in the February 11, 2020 edition of another newspaper is appropriate, timely and revealing. There are other aspects to draw to the attention of the electorate, the public generally, and the observer missions.

At the vote count at the close of the poll, opposition scrutineers must be fully aware of ballots that are deemed spoilt.

At the national and regional elections in 2011 at a polling Division in West Bank Demerara, the Returning Officer deemed a vote spoilt, whereby the voter’s X protruded marginally outside the box, although it was undoubtedly indicated that it cast for the party next to the box. The vote is therefore valid, yet the Returning Officer deemed it spoilt, despite the convincing representation by the scrutineer.At last, the young brave female scrutineer requested a recount of the votes. The exercise was done

about two days later at the Central Office of Gecom at Vreed-en-hoop, West Bank Demerara.As the Presiding Officer went through each ballot, the young lady identified the vote which the Presiding Officer instantly declared valid. Opposition political parties must therefore be watchful and vigilant.

Certainly, there will be a large number of spoilt votes in the elections, and through this way rigging would be addressed.

Yours faithfully, Liebert Alleyne

SALE OF FIRST OIL DEAR EDITOR, Guyana gets oil from Liza 1. See the Oil tanker. See the Oil tanker collecting one million barrels of oil.

Look at the oil flow. Look at the Oil tanker go. Go Oil tanker, go!

This is the Department of Energy (DoE)’s information for Guyanese in a nutshell; delivered in ‘Dick and Jane’ style; fit for consumption of toddlers only. Guyanese expected information in keeping with minimum standards of accountability and transparency.

The Government of Guyana refuses to be shamed, cajoled or otherwise forced into revealing the Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited contract or its important terms.

ExxonMobil has received Brent Light Sweet plus a USD 6 Premium from the first lift.

The first few lifts from a well are known to

contain higher levels of salinity, sediments and other impurities. Guyanese should have been informed of the quality of every lift by the DoE. Guyanese should be informed of the price assessed and attained for each lift, we would have been able to see the improvement in quality and price and have a basis for expectation of revenue inflow to the Natural Resource Fund.

Based on information available, one would expect to see a deposit of USD 66-67 Million (depending on the Brent Crude daily price).

The actual first lift and sale of ‘profit-oil’ will happen on the 18th February. The Department of Energy cannot continue to play the Guyanese public for fools. A day of reckoning beckons.

Respectfully Robin Singh

Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

Medical Council apologises five years later for grandpa’s death

By Leonard Gildarie The Medical Council of Guyana has broken its fiveyear silence on the death of a 74-year-old Edward Subryan.

The grandfather died on February 1, 2014 at the Woodlands Hospital with the family filing a complaint with Council shortly after about the quality of service offered by the doctors and the hospital.The then Chair of the Council, Dr. Vivienne Mitchell, in a scathing report blasted the hospital and two

doctors, Dr. Surendra Persaud and Dr. Kumar, and ordered they settle out-of-court with the family.The Council recommended that the two doctors also face appropriate disciplinary action and said that they did not even meet the standards of being doctors.

Yesterday, after weeks of reports in the media, the Council formally offered condolences to the family.

It said that a court case had set aside decisions and opinions of the Council in

2015 and that a new hearing is now underway.The disclosures by the Council would raise questions about the operations of the Council as it has regulatory powers to sanction doctors.

Family members said that they have been going back and forth to the Council without any definitive word on the matter.

They were constantly being told over the five years that the matter is being handled by the Council.

According to the Council,

Dead: Edward Subryan which is chaired by Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, the Medical Council of Guyana (the Council) is “obliged to make the following statement in respect of the complaint lodged by the personal representatives of the late Mr. Edward Subryan against doctors who managed Mr. Subryan prior to his passing on February 1, 2014.”

The Council said it is taking the opportunity to convey formally its condolences at the loss of Subryan and the grief that his family has endured.

“In light of the complaint lodged, Mr. Subryan’s case was first considered by the Disciplinary Committee of the Council (the Disciplinary Committee) where a decision was arrived at on June 1, 2015 based on its findings.”

However, the Council said, the decision was challenged in the High Court and quashed under review by then Chief Justice (ag.) Ian Chang, SC, CCH on June 17, 2015.

The Council did not explain the grounds of the challenge and why it never formally engaged the family of Subryan.

It had this to say, “The effect of the High Court’s

Chairman of the Medical Council of Guyana, Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran

ruling is that the decision on June 1, 2015 has been nullified as well as all prior opinions related to and/or which informed that decision. As a consequence, Mr. Subryan’s case has been remitted to the Disciplinary Committee for hearing de novo (a new hearing).”

The Council said that the re-hearing of Subryan’s case commenced on December 11, 2019, just over two months ago.

The Council said it will not be speaking on the matter.

“In order to facilitate this process and to enable fairness with acute transparency by the Disciplinary Committee in its deliberations, the Council is precluded and refrains itself from proffering definitive statements since the case is under active consideration.”

According to the initial report of Dr. Mitchell, after perusing available records, in January 2014, Subryan, from Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, was rushed to the private hospital after feeling unwell. There was no internal bleeding and nothing serious.

Doctors ordered a colonoscopy. During the examination, which involved sending a camera via the rectum, the man’s colon was

perforated.

The investigation by Dr. Mitchell blazed the doctors for not providing proper postcolonoscopy care. The repair of Subryan’s colon appeared not to have been done properly and he developed sepsis.

The family claimed they asked questions and were given different answers at different times.

He died subsequently.

According to the post mortem report, Subryan’s chest cavity was filled with pus, a clear sign of sepsis.

Dr. Mitchell determined that the two doctors did not do proper post-colonoscopy checks and there were other records that should have been checked in keeping with proper medical procedures.

Several families are now coming forward, claiming malpractice at a number of private hospitals.

Not only are patients allegedly being sent for tests they may not require, but there are claims of unnecessary operations.

There are even accusations that two private hospitals are forcing mothers to undergo caesarian operations (csections) in a money-making racket. One c-section can cost $300,000 on average.

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

NYU law students adopt campaign to drop Exxon Law.comA protest on Tuesday was the third in a month by students at top law schools against Paul Weiss in a bid to pressure the firm to end its representation of ExxonMobil.

This time a group of New York University law students protested during a recruiting reception hosted by Paul Weiss. Thirty students from NYU school of Law disrupted a Paul Weiss recruiting event Tuesday evening—marking the third time in a month that aspiring lawyers from an elite law campus have targeted the firm over its representation of ExxonMobil in climate change litigation.

It’s the latest sign that the law student-initiated #DropExxon campaign against Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is spreading. Harvard law students held the first protest Jan. 15, followed by Yale students Feb. 6.

Protest organizers are already circulating a national pledge in which signers vow not to interview with the firm for summer associate positions or work there until the firm drops Exxon as a client.

And they say they hope to see more direct confrontations with the firm in the runup to the summer’s on-campus interview season and are in talks with students at other law schools.

“We’re showing that these protests against Exxon and the company’s advocates aren’t just one-off events,” said Anne Tewksbury, a firstyear law student at NYU and an organizer of the Tuesday protest at the tony Manhattan restaurant Del Posto.

“Top law students across the country are serious about holding firms that profit from

A group of New York University law students protested during a recruiting reception hosted

by Paul Weiss. (Courtesy photo) Law.com climate destruction accountable for who they represent.

We’re sending a clear message to Paul Weiss about our values as a generation.”

On Wednesday, Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp reiterated an earlier statement defending its Exxon work.

“We are proud of the outstanding work we do for a wide range of commercial and pro bono clients in their most

challenging and high-profile matters, including our recent defense of ExxonMobil in a securities fraud case in which the court found, after trial, that plaintiff’s claims were entirely without merit,” Karp said. “Paul Weiss is committed to free speech and debate, just as we are committed to the principle that we represent our clients and safeguard the rule of law zeal-

ously and to the best of our abilities.”

Many major law firms hold recruiting receptions for firstyear law students at top schools, giving partners and associates the chance to have informal conversations with prospective summer associates and encourage them to interview with the firm. NYU is fertile recruiting ground for

Paul Weiss—it hired more new associates from the Manhattan school than any other law campus in the country in 2019. Harvard was third, with Columbia providing the second-most new associates to the firm last year. About a third of the NYU students in attendance of Tuesday’s reception participated in the protest.

“I don’t think any of us believe that, because of three protests, they’re going to drop Exxon as a client,” said NYU law student Emily Stewart in an interview Wednesday. “They just won a $1.6 billion case, but I do think having Harvard, Yale and now us behind it—we’re a major part of their recruiting pool—will have an impact.

We’re having consistent actions and letting Paul Weiss know, ‘We’re going to hold you accountable.’ You can’t tell us that you’re this progressive firm to recruit people, but then claim to be neutral when you’re representing Exxon and treat it like it’s just another client.”

Paul Weiss is representing Exxon in multiple cases related to climate change. In December, a New York judge dismissed the state attorney general’s $1.6 billion securities fraud case against Exxon, which alleged that the oil company misled investors over climate-change related disclosures. A similar case is pending in Massachusetts. file:///C:/Users/ m.rodrigues/Desktop/ 20200212%20Law.com%20%20Paul%20Wei ss%20Targeted,%20This%20Time % 2 0 b y % 2 0 N Y U%20Law%20Students.pdf

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

No human can be so sick to vote for such Guyanese politicians Sigmund Freud explained that in the functionalism of humans, action and motive are intricately connected.

You can judge if a human has lost his or her mind when action becomes divorced from motive. Perhaps an example from the supermarket should clarify how the interconnection works and how it breaks down.

You go up to the cashier and offer her a sum of money.

That action has to be backed by a motive. The reason for the action is you are buying food to eat. You go up to the cashier, offer money, but you don’t know why you did that.

You have no purchase in your hand, thus there is no motive for your action.

When you vote for a politician or a party, the action in the ballot station has to fit into a motive. Let’s look at

some of the rationalities behind people’s choices. Boris Johnson was chosen over Jeremy Corbyn in the UK, because people knew where Johnson stood on the UK’s exit from the EU. They didn’t know where Corbyn stood.

Johnson won a landslide, because voters had a motive.

Trump won because his supporters were motivated by his appeal to chase the Washington DC clique that ruled the US for centuries, out of office. A man who doesn’t like non-white people knows what motivates him when he is giving his ballot to a white supremacist candidate.

A far-right neo-Nazi knows why he is voting for a fascist, because the fascist promises to chase immigrants out of his country and he wants that. Israel keeps on holding indecisive national

elections, because the voters have their own parties which they will not switch from, because they know what their parties stand for, and that is their motive to vote.

Guyana is in the midst of a general election in which logic and rationality are missing. There aren’t relevant words to describe what is actually happening. Terms like bizarre and macabre, do not convey accurately what is taking place. It is an election in which a large number of voters will make Freud turn in his grave. It is an election in which people will go into a ballot station, and action and motive will be neatly separated. Perhaps evil is the correct description for this potpourri of miasmic politics that underscores what a dystopian society modern Guyana has become.

Let us describe the actual separation of action and motive in a vast amount of Guyanese.Exactly five years ago today, the PNC and the AFC signed a pre-election covenant named the Cummingsburg Accord. It was unveiled in front of supporters and the media at the Georgetown Club, in which copies were shared out.

In December last year, the same actors met at State House (it should not have been held at a governmental place) and renewed the document with substantial changes.Joe Harmon told the Stabroek News that not all the details in the new accord would be made public. Then Khemraj Ramjattan told the media two days ago that the reworked covenant is a secret document. Resorting to what can easily be termed asinine reasoning, he asked the reporters if they would like their business to be made public.

The analogy was not only asinine, but depraved.

A secret document between lovers, between two businessmen, between employer and employee, cannot be likened to a secret document by two political parties that are asking the nation to entrust them with the power to administer the totality of the country’s public affairs for five years.

If politicians have an agreement among themselves, the contents of which they cannot explain to the people they are asking to vote for them, then how can a country’s population put these people into power when they will make secret agreements with foreign actors on behalf of the nation?

I am not inclined to use the word “jackass” in my commentaries, but there are times when the word becomes compellingly urgent. One has to be a jackass to vote for two parties that signed a coalition arrangement and refuse to tell their supporters and wouldbe voters what they have

Frederick Kissoon agreed on.

Do PNC members know if in the renewed document, the elected head of PNC if he wins, will step down after two years to let an APNU person rule? Do AFC members know that in the agreement that should APNU+AFC win in March, the AFC will then merge into APNU and there will no longer be the AFC? How do they know that is not what is agreed on? You have to be a jackass to vote for such a party. Maybe a jackass is more rational.

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

Dem boys seh...

Soulja Bai encouraging secrecy It is better to hurt somebody by telling dem de truth than to mek dem happy by lying to dem. But de people in dis country rather people lie to dem. Dat is wha happen when Exxon start to tell people how much money dem gon get because dem find oil.

And to dis day de whole country woulda walk around smiling and partying. Nuff people woulda start spending before dem even get a cent.Is only when Soulja Bai release de oil contract, people understand de truth. De odda day de government release a Cabinet document on de oil situation. Yesterday Jagdeo announce dat Exxon draft de agreement and give de government to sign.

He seh dat dat alone is criminal. Dem boys want to know since when he realize dat dem have criminality in de oil sector.

When people talk to him about revisiting de oil contract, he use more words than in de Bible to seh he wouldn’t revisit de contract.

People seh de contract is criminal in de first place but Jagdeo refuse to even consider dat

situation.Soulja Bai got to understand, though, dat these days people in de thick of things because they know what is good fuh dem. Dem tekking Burnham advice about controlling dem own destiny. Dem need to know what is going on.Dat is why dem see red when dem see certain confidentiality clause in de Local Content Policy document. De paper talk bout keeping certain aspects secret. Dem boys want to know why in dis day and age people hiding wha dem doing.

Of course things like certain aspects of de plans by de oil company must remain company business, but dem have to tell de Minister who agree to keep he mouth shut. Dem boys don’t like dis confidentiality thing. It is encouraging secrecy.Soulja Bai know dat since he mek de oil contract public, people help open he eyes to wha happening. He is de one who talk bout transparency. Dem boys don’t want he to encourage secrecy right now.Talk half and tell Soulja Bai not to encourage secrecy.

Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

Trotman should have heeded Expert’s advice on ExxonMobil deal - Chatham House Associate Fellow

By Kiana Wilburg The controversial Global Witness Report titled “Signed Away” makes several disturbing pronouncements on the negotiations that obtained for the Stabroek Block deal between Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and ExxonMobil.

One of the most damning of the conclusions is that Minister Trotman presented Exxon with feeble negotiation terms and ignored expert advice that more financial information was needed before he signed the licence.

During an exclusive interview on Kaieteur Radio’s show, Guyana’s Oil and You, Associate Fellow of Chatham House, Dr. Valerie Marcel, said

Associate Fellow of Chatham House, Dr. Valerie Marcel

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman

that the Trotman should have heeded the foregoing advice that was provided to him by

experts.

Dr. Marcel said, “I think it would have been better for

him and for Guyana to heed that advice because it was good advice. I don’t know why he didn’t but that is something the government set in motion last summer, an investigation into all the handling of that process and that just came out a week and a half ago. I would be keen to read and better understand what happened.”

The report Dr. Marcel was referring to was done by an international law firm called Clyde and Co. It was commissioned by Cabinet last year.

Kaieteur News reported recently that the report unambiguously states that the negotiation of improved terms for Guyana in the 2016 agreement with Exxon was not a

priority for the Government of Guyana.

Apart from stating her position on the Trotman conclusion, the Chatham House Associate was keen to note that the Global Witness report was valuable in pointing out that Exxon used aggressive tactics during negotiations with a government that was new to the sector.

The foregoing aside, Dr. Marcel said that there were a number of other issues in the report which she simply could not agree with.

The respected expert in the petroleum industry said she took issue with the fact that Global Witness seemed to have rushed the production and publication of

ernance, then it could be really effective to publish after elections the industry expert said. Dr. Marcel believes that this would have been a more constructive approach since the incoming government would be in a better place to layout all the weaknesses of the previous administration and say “We have got to do better. This has to be improved...”

Further to this, Dr. Marcel said she disagrees with the conclusion by Global Witness that Guyana should not drill anymore wells considering the handling of the awards of licences by past and present governments.

In response, Dr. Marcel said, “As long as countries

“Signed Away,” since many of its points on issues of possible corruption, conflict of interest and the abuse of power, were not conclusive.

In relation to Global Witness’ point that on the side of Exxon, aggressive tactics were used, Dr. Marcel said that the non-governmental organisation should have expounded on the strategy that was employed.

“So I would have recommended waiting until they compiled more, until they have a solid case to present,” Dr. Marcel said.

The Chatham House Associate Fellow, who advises governments in sub-Saharan Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, was also critical of the time in which Global Witness released its report. If the intention is to have a positive impact on natural resource gov-

like the United Kingdom, the U.S.A and Trinidad are all squeezing every little litre of oil out of its resources, it is just not fair to say that Guyana should stop.”

As for the Global Witness recommendation that the US State Department and the US Embassy in Georgetown should be mediators and bring Exxon to the table while supporting Guyana’s interest in renegotiations, Dr. Marcel said that this is not pragmatic.

The Chatham Associate Fellow said that the mandate of the US State Department and the US Embassy in Guyana are to protect US commercial interests as well as US strategic interests. “They would not be looking out for the interest of Guyana and so I thought that was a bit of a dangerous recommendation,” the industry expert concluded.

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

PI into murder of money changer and daughter...

Detective, police sergeants testify T

he five accused in the mur ders of Better Hope money changer, Aaron Latchman and his 18-year-old daughter Arianna Latchman, yesterday made another court appearance in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts.

They appeared before Magistrate Alicia George for the continuation of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the matters.

Charged are Mark Rufino, called ‘Mark’, 25, a labourer of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo; Paul Chan, called ‘Long Hair’ or ‘Anthony’, 37, a conductor of 10 Dennis Street Sophia, East Coast Demerara; Troy Abrams, called ‘Troy ‘ or ‘Rasta Man’, 44, a vendor of 34 Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Lloyd Sadloo, 37, self employed of 220 Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara; and Sean Thomas, called ‘Yankee’, 41 yrs, an electrician of 59 William Street, Kitty.

The indictable charge alleges that on July 4, 2019 at Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, they murdered Aaron Latchman and

Lloyd Sadloo

Arianna Latchman, during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

When the matter was called, the police prosecutor informed the court that she will be calling two witnesses to testify as it relates to Troy Abrams called ‘Troy ‘ or ‘Rasta Man’, 44, a vendor of 34 Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

The testimonies were based on the interview with Abrams on July 19, 2019, at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters. That interview led to the arrest of the other four defendants.

First to testify was Detective Police Sergeant Krishna Seetaram, who told the court that he is stationed at Sparendaam Police Station.

After Sergeant Seetaram’s testimony, under cross-examination, the Detective was asked a series of questions.

The prosecutor then called on Detective Police Sergeant Krishandat Singh, who told the court that he is stationed at East La Penitence Police Station and attached to the Criminal Investigation Depart-

Dead: Aaron Latchman

Dead: Arianna Latchman

ment at that station. He was also cross-examined.

While some of the defendants have since secured representation from the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, the others are still unrepresented.

Magistrate George noted that she

wishes to complete the matter by the end of March.

As such, she informed the prosecutor and one of the attorneys that were present that she will continue with the matter on March 4, 5, and 6.

The attorney then asked for March

10, and his request was granted by the Magistrate.

On those dates, the prosecutor is expected to call the other witnesses to testify into the murders.

According to reports, Aaron Latchman arrived home around 15:15hrs on the day in question and was attempting to park his car in his yard when two gunmen struck.

One of the gunmen reportedly entered the house and shot Latchman’s daughter.

The other, meanwhile, then attacked Latchman, and the two men got into a scuffle, which resulted in a bag ending up in a neighbour’s yard.

The gunman who had shot Latchman’s daughter then exited the house and came to his accomplice’s aid, shooting Latchman as well. After Latchman fell to the ground, the attackers snatched up a bag of cash and fled.

The killers escaped in a car. The money changer and his daughter were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were both pronounced dead on arrival.

Troy Abrams

Sean Thomas

Mark Rufino

Paul Chan

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

PPP Govt. would renegotiate deals for Kaieteur, Canje and other blocks -Jagdeo

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) intends to renegotiate, with the exception of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), all oil contracts.

The party’s general secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, said this during a press conference yesterday at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, in response to a question posed to him by Kaieteur News.

ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator of the Stabroek Block, with a 45 percent working interest, while Hess and CNOOC hold 30 percent and 25 percent stakes, respectively.

But ExxonMobil also has interests in two other blocks, Kaieteur and Canje.

EEPGL is the operator of those Blocks, with a 35 percent stake in each.

Jagdeo was asked, after Kaieteur News pointed this

Map of Canje and Kaieteur Blocks, next to Exxon’s crown jewel, the Stabroek Block

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo out, whether those blocks would also be exempted from renegotiation. He said that they wouldn’t, and that it is necessary that they come into conformity with the planned,

new standard PSA template.

The former President had previously said that the party would look to draft a new, improved PSA template if it wins next month’s general election.

The new PSA template would reportedly have modernised terms, as the old template had not been rehashed for decades. As such, it also does not consider that, boasting 19

discoveries offshore in five years, Guyana is one of the

hottest destinations in the world for oil exploration.

All of the current agreements, as a result, have been criticised as outdated.

They share weak provisions, including a meager one percent royalty, that the oil companies are essentially exempted from paying, as it is recoverable.

Jagdeo’s decision to make the Stabroek PSA an exception, by his own admission, is that ExxonMobil should be awarded for its “pioneering investment” in the Block. It

had made the first discovery back in 2015. It now boasts 16 high quality finds, and is producing oil in the Liza field.

Yet, the Stabroek PSA has faced most of the fire over the past few years, and is currently at the centre of worldwide public discourse on its lopsided provisions, and the unfair share it gives Guyana.

Kaieteur News has taken a principled stance on that contract, and has demanded that it be renegotiated to give Guyana a fair royalty of 10 percent.

Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Friday February 14, 2020

Cardiovascular professional warns against “waiting symptoms out” W

hile utilising the services of Google to gain an understanding of some medical conditions, it is not the recommended path if manifested symptoms are to be properly diagnosed.

This is according to C a r d i o v a s c u l a r Professional, Ms. Ramona Chanderballi, who revealed that far too many persons seek medical attention when the symptoms of their condition had considerably advanced.

A c c o r d i n g t o Chanderballi, it is especially troubling that oftentimes persons choose to “wait out their symptoms” in hopes that “it will eventually pass”.

As such, she has warned that even if persons are manifesting symptoms of a common cold, they should seek medical attention before a conclusive

Cardiac Sonographer, Ramon Chanderballi diagnosis can be made.

“You should still go and see your doctor, don't wait for symptoms to get worse,” said Chanderballi as she drew attention to many patients being belatedly diagnosed after suffering for extended periods with symptoms of cardiovascular diseases.

This leads to a state of affairs whereby conditions that could have been readily treated result in fatal outcomes.

Some patients who avail themselves for treatment

present with a lot of symptoms at this point and these could include, “they can't sleep properly; they are unable to eat; they can't move about and that is usually when everything goes downhill.”

Symptoms, Chanderballi disclosed, can include shortness of breath and this, she noted, should never be taken for granted.

“Shortness of breath is not normal, especially if you are trying to climb a flight of stairs...we usually ask patients, do you get shortness of breath when you are sitting or when you are walking and that is when we know that they have something going on,” said Chanderballi, a Cardiac Sonographer at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC].

“Aside from shortness of breath, swelling of ankles is one of the big ones [symptoms]. If it is not your heart, it could be your kidneys and in which case those are two organs that you do not want to not be working,” said Chanderballi.

Seeking to sensitise patients about symptoms that may suggest the development of

cardiovascular diseases during Kaieteur Radio's Monday Edition of Your Health Matters, Chanderballi revealed, “If you need more than two pillows to lie in bed at nights to sleep, if you are getting severe chest pains and you are getting pains running up and down your left arm or pains at the back of your left shoulder, generally those are emergencies.”

Added to this, she disclosed, “For a stroke, if one side of your face is drooping and you can't control it and you are having problems walking, seeing, all at the same time, please

head to the emergency room right away.”

As she stressed the need to guard against cardiovascular diseases, Chanderballi said that, “In general, even if it is not heart related, it could be lung related and if it is lung related, it also puts pressure on the heart. So if you are getting shortness of breath and if you can't lie flat, go see your doctor.”

Emphasising the need for persons to utilise their neighbourhood health centres, Chanderballi made it clear that “you can go to your local health centre [first] if it is too much of a

hassle to come into the city or to come to the hospital [GPHC] and the waiting time at the health centre is a lot less.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Chanderballi, once the health workers at a health centre find something significant that requires further attention, “they will refer you to the hospital.”

To h e l p s l o w t h e degeneration of their health, Chanderballi advises that persons embrace healthy lifestyle changes such as reducing their tobacco and alcohol consumption even as they choose to eat a balance diet and exercise regularly.

Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Unidentified woman killed in Linden Highway accident

P

olice are pleading with the public to help them identify a woman who was struck and killed in the vicinity of the Moblissa Bridge on the Linden Highway at around 23:40 hrs on Wednesday.

The woman, of mixed ancestry and appears to be in her late twenties. She was reportedly clad only in a pair of black short pants with white stripes at the time of her demise.

Police have detained an A m e l i a ' s Wa r d , L i n d e n resident, who was driving a hire car ((licence number HD1190)

when the woman was struck.

The vehicle has been impounded at the Mackenzie Police Station. Police said the driver told police that he was heading to Georgetown when the woman crossed in his path.

He attempted to avoid a collision but was unable to avoid hitting the woman. The driver then called an ambulance service, which transported to victim to the Linden Hospital Complex. She was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is at the Wismar Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.

Friday February 14, 2020

Two held trying to break into tomb of woman slain on Xmas Day - claim they were 'sent' to retrieve photo placed in coffin

The nabbed tomb raiders

W

hile others slept in the wee hours yesterday, two tomb raiders were trying to break into the coffin of 29-year-old Latoya Haywood who was stabbed to death on Christmas Day. But they were nabbed by police ranks who rushed to the Le Repentir Cemetery.

The culprits are 40-yearold woman from Long Creek, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, and an 18-year-old boy from Sophia. The duo gave officers a bizarre story that has left the police wondering what the true motive was.

At around 1:30 hrs, police received a 911 call, that individuals were attempting to break into a tomb in Le Repentir Cemetery.

On arriving, police saw four individuals near Latoya Haywood's tomb.

Two of the individuals fled, but police managed to nab the other two. The culprits had already damaged part of the structure.

According to sources, the suspects said that they were 'sent' to remove a photograph that had been placed in the dead woman's coffin. “They did not say who sent them,� a source said.

A relative of Haywood's confirmed to police that the tomb was hers. Haywood, of 57 Leopold and Cross Streets, Georgetown, was stabbed to the region of her heart on Christmas Day during an altercation with another woman at a party.

The mother of two succumbed on January 23.

She was buried on February 9. Sheleza Ellis, 23, was arrested and subsequently charged for the murder.

Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Friday February 14, 2020

Victims fail to ID brothers held for Giftland Mall robbery - but cops say IT expertise may help them close case

I

n what may be a first here, police may have to use their information technology skills to try to link two brothers to last Monday night's robbery at the GTT booth located inside the Giftland Mall.

That's because the investigation suffered a slight setback on Wednesday when two of the victims failed to identify the two siblings, aged 21 and 18, as the individuals who had committed the robbery.

But investigators say they have CCTV footage of the incident, as well as footage of suspects prior to the crime.

“We know where they went. We know that they live in a certain area and committed a crime and returned to the area,” a source said. “We tracked the vehicle used; we know where it left from.”

Both youths reside in the D'Urban Street, Wortmanville area. One was arrested on Tuesday while

the other was detained the following day.

Police had also arrested their mother, but released her y e s t e r d a y. R a n k s h a d reportedly found two .22 rounds in the family's house.

They are still to locate a third man who fled the scene on Tuesday following a shootout with police.

He is said to be a suspect in a grenade-throwing incident at a city establishment. An official said that police CCTV security cameras enabled

CCTV footage of the suspects

investigators to track the suspects to D'Urban and Haley Streets, after they fled the scene of the robbery on a motorcycle.

When the ranks arrived on Tuesday at that location, the 21-year-old brother and another man were standing together. On seeing them, the alleged accomplice, who had a firearm, fled the scene.

Then chaos erupted when the team of police gave chase, unleashing a hail of gunfire behind the fleeing man. He managed to escape.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage of the robbery had shown two men calmly walking into the Mall with their faces visible.

Seconds later, persons went scattering as one of the two suspects pulled out a gun and demanded that the cashier hand over the day's sales. Within seconds, the men grabbed the cash and ran out of the mall.

No security personnel

were around at the time.

In a statement, owner of the Giftland Mall, Roy Beepat alleged that the constant denial of his applications for gun licences played a big part in the security officers at the Mall not intervening to apprehend the suspects.

Beepat stated that this was the first robbery of this type since the Mall was opened four years ago.

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ntertainment E HOTTT POLICE

this weekend!!!

Escape the after YORUBA SINGERS work traffic today BAND PRESENTS AFTER at Palm Court WORK LIME TONIGHT As the Great Caribbean Singer, Father Fox says, “Who does go to work on a Thursday or even a Friday?” Well, unfortunately, most of us do! But that shouldn’t stop you from “ducking” every once in a while when the pressure seems too much and you desire to have a little fun.

Every Friday, one of Guyana’s number one entertainment spots, Palm Court will be offering a light celebration called “Escape the after work traffic. The event gets started from 4:00pm to 7:00pm so see you there.

THE

WHATZ

Friday February 14, 2020

E P

JoJo Rabbit, Dolittle (2020) and much more make the Enetworks weekend movie guide this week

One of Guyana’s culturally iconic bands, the Yoruba Singers will be hosting this and every Friday, a grand after work lime at the Carifesta Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue.

Show time starts at 6pm and ends until midnight. For further details, patrons can make contact with band members on telephone numbers: 2257714, 6610902 or 6823878

Aura Bar and Lounge at Pegasus Hotel present club night Saturdays Every Saturday, the Management at Aura will be providing an ambiance filled with quality service, delicious food and great music. Every Saturday should be a party to remember and the Aura is determined to

give you that experience.

The Lounge will be open from 8pm. Music will be provided by Guyana's most popular DJs. For reservations, you can make contact with management on: 225-2853 or 600-6912.

Wine of the

Week

T

The Carlo Rossi Rose

he Carlo Rossi Rose which is distributed by Ansa McAL and readily available at most supermarkets for under $2500, is a refreshing wine with flavours of fresh strawberries and sweet cherries. It can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, ranging from meat and fish dishes and fruit desserts.

The wine has a pleasant mild flavour

and exquisite colour. Carlo Rossi Red and White wines are made from the most delicious grapes from the Central Valley of California. The characteristics of those grapes evolve from year to year but Carlo Rossi wine has always been served in a sturdy glass jug.

With Carlo Rossi wines, one can always count on quality and value.

T

he Home Entertainment Guide by Enetworks this weekend is a definite must see this as the movies range from comedy to drama fantasy.

See below for the full list.

Be sure to stock up on your favourite movie snacks and drinks and brace yourselves for movies that are rich with laughter, history and fantasy. Enjoy!

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made Saturday, February 15 @ 1:00 PM (Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is a 2020 American comedy-drama fantasy film based on the book series of the same name by Stephan Pastis that debuted on Disney+) 2. Jojo Rabbit - Saturday, February 15 @ 10:00 PM (Jojo is a lonely German boy who

FINAL FOR CARIB SOCA MONARCH COMPETITION GOES DOWN TOMORROW

A

s Guyana celebrates its 50th Republic Anniversary in the year of 2020, the Department of

‘Berbice Delights’ reclaims coveted title as Chutney Dance Champs WINNERS - Berbice Delights

F

or the third consecutive year, Berbice Delights Dance Troupe has managed to deliver yet another spectacular performance, making them worthy of reclaiming their winning title at this year’s Chutney Dance Competition. The competition, which is just one of the 50 activities planned in celebration of Guyana’s 50thGolden Republic Jubilee, was hosted at the Rosignol Stelling Road in Berbice on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The competition featured about two dozen incredible performances from chutney-style dancers all across the country. The dancers competed in two categories – group and individual. The individual category, which saw 17 entries, was won by the talented Geetanjalie Ramkhellawan from Canal No. 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara. Along with bragging rights, Ms. Ramkhellawan is now holds $300,000 GYD. The winners of the group category also won $500,000 GYD. Also in the group category, Vanie Vanatya Dance Academy and Sankalp Dancers copped second and third places, respectively.

Securing second place in the individual category was Tiffany Amber, followed by AnisaNarine and VanitaHarrinauth, both of whom were tied for third place. In greeting the pumped crowd, the Director of Culture, Ms. Tamika Boatswain said that the activity is geared at further nurturing the ‘Chutney’ genre, which originated in the Indo-Caribbean communities of Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname, but derived from the Bhojpuri

discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend — Adolf Hitler — Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.)

3. Dolittle (2020) - Sunday, February 16 @ 1:00 PM (Dr. John Dolittle lives in solitude behind the high walls of his lush manor in 19thcentury England. His only companionship comes from an array of exotic animals that he speaks to on a daily basis. But when young Queen Victoria becomes gravely ill, the eccentric doctor and his furry friends embark on an epic adventure to a mythical island to find the cure.)

4. UEFA Champions League live on E2.

This is starting on Tuesday, February 18.

regions of India. In Guyana, for the third year, the Chutney Dance Competition is hosted as part of the wider Mashramani celebrations, which is a festival that commemorates Guyana’s Republic Anniversarythat is in its 50th year. The high-energy competition culminated with fireworks and an exhilarating performance from the reigning Chutney Monarch, Steven Ramphal.

(Released by the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport)

Culture has partnered with Hits and Jams Entertainment to execute numerous events.

With a number of events already accomplished, The Carib Soca Monarch Final Competition is slated for Saturday at the Durban Park. This occasion will see 15 local artiste competing for the winning position including 2020 Junior Soca Monarch Relon Sumner, Diana Chapman, Rudolph ‘Sweet Kendingo’ Kendal, DJ Avalanche, Kady Kish, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts, Osbert ‘Vintage’ Cain, Steven Ramphal, Lisa ‘Lisa Banton’ John, Joseph ‘Hot Rass’ Smith, Jonathan ‘Lil Red’ King, Adrian ‘Cardiac’ Lewis, Shaundell ‘JP’ Alleyne, Jumo Primo and reigning Soca Monarch Brandon Harding.

The 592 Soca Monarch will walk away with $1.5Million, while the runner up will win $750,000. The third and fourth place winners will receive $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.

There will also be a prize of $100,000 for the ‘Best Newcomer’. Trinidad SuperStar, Shall Marshall along with our very own Colwyn ‘ Lil Colwyn’ Blair will also be performing on Saturday.

Tickets for this event cost $1000 and can be purchased at White Castle Fish Shop, Exclusive Styles and That Look Boutique. This event is brought to you by 592 Beer, 50th Jubilee Committee and Hits and Jams Entertainment

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Friday February 14, 2020

The main problem for Guyana is our overly antagonistic governance culture FOR RENT Ransom (Concrete mixers), Scaffolding, Power washer, compactors, hire truck service etc, free delivery. Telephone: 610-5360.

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VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent condition, Low Mileage (50,000Km).$3.4M Neg.Call #649-0956.

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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Fully furnished, luxury 2 bedroom apartments. Long & Short term. Rentals #687-8818/ 666-7028 Lower unfurnished 3 bedroom home in Eccles. Spacious & Parking available $150,000/ USA $750. Contact Ajai #6297132/ USA# 281-739-6550 One bedroom apartment size 25ft x 22ft for working couple or single person $36,000 monthly, water included. Call: 638-8858 Two bedroom apartment, parking & overhead tank $45,000. #626-5846 Self contain rooms to rent in Prashad Nagar. Tel#227-2993 WANTED Car, Canter & Bus drivers. Call: 225-3234/225-9223 Two Certified cooks needed, speciality african and local dishes urgently. Grandma’s Kitchen. #233-0010/691-5777

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VACANCY

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DATING / PEN PAL

Receptionist, Deskstaff, 25-50 years, three shift system. Tel# 225-0198

Afro Guyanese interested in single female, 45-50 yrs for business and adventure travels, text or call # 672-8844

Diesel mechanic/welder to work on TM trucks. Contact #223-5273/223-5274

WANTED Puri cooks, kitchen assistant, Apply @ Shanta’s- 225 Camp St One general domestic to work in interior, to cook, clean.

Accomdation & meals provided. #680-2702 Labourers for wood concession $5,000 per day.

Call: 630-1831 Maid. Requirements: person must be living on the East Bank. Contact# 600-6887

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Email application to: techserigy@yahoo.com Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132 1 Accountant, must be qualified higher than CXC and basic accounting. Please call: 225-8645/223-7165 Looking for a job & educational services?

Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call: 600-8457

DEAR EDITOR, It would appear that the hysteria surrounding the grossly speculative and accusatory Global Witness report which claimed that negotiators for the APNU+AFC government succeeded in depriving the country, and profiting ExxonMobil, of US$55 billion has subsided for a few days, at least.

At the same time, evidence continues to emerge about the coalition government’s studied and determined approach, led by the Department of Energy and its indefatigable and very competent Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, in successfully engaging international expertise and support in crafting sound policies and developing national capabilities to manage the fast-expanding petroleum sector.

Earlier this week it was announced, by Dr. Bynoe, that Guyana’s Local Content Policy and Guidelines for a Depletion Policy have been completed, disproving the argument that Guyanese will have little say, or stake, in the development of our oil resources. The former ensures that local goods and services are given first preference, and that Guyanese are trained and recruited for jobs in the petroleum sector.

He also announced the engagement of consultants, local and international, to conduct a revision of the Pe-

troleum (Exploration and Production) Act under the World Bank-funded Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project, intended to improve and develop the legal and institutional infrastructure and institutional capacity to manage the sector.

I judge these developments, and the many other achievements of the Department of Energy, to signify ongoing successful management of the national treasure on behalf of all Guyanese, who cannot be disparaged by the incessant criticism and predictions of looming economic disaster.

The detractors and electoral competitors of APNU+AFC have worked very hard to create a vision of tremendous national loss and inevitable poverty under the coalition’s stewardship of our natural resources and our relationship with ExxonMobil, and ignored these positive developments and the upliftment, already, of a million barrels of oil.

The criticisms of the Government of Guyana/Exxon relationship seem to be based on willful ignorance of the multi-dimensional role of foreign investment in developing countries and its determination of international assistance and support, including diplomatic, security, development and financial assistance,

both at the bilateral and multilateral levels. The insistence on a uni-dimensional view of the relationship is clearly simplistic, opportunistic and blatant political posturing.

I am convinced that the 2016 revised Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon does not spell economic disaster for Guyana, and believe that what threatens our well-being as a nation is the inability, or unwillingness, of some of our political leaders to put national interests above selfish ones.

Criticism and disagreement are, undoubtedly, fundamental aspects of democratic culture, as is working together in the national interest. I do not believe that our development is assured, or enhanced, when local forces studiously conspire to undermine the state and inhibit the functioning of the National Assembly for over a year.

It is also problematic when our political leaders seem unable to, for example, appoint a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission without outside interference or to appoint a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary or Chief Justice. The main problem for Guyana, I submit, is our overly antagonistic governance culture, which we must all strive to improve following these elections.

Sincerely Oscar Dolphin

LACK OF URGENCY DEAR EDITOR, Recently published by National Geographic on February 11th 2020, scientists utilizing the European Space Agency to monitor the changes in Antarctica have mentioned that we are at an increased risk of the sea level rising 4 feet in the future, due to current substantial melting that will lead to the release of a significant amount of water from the Pine Island Glacier.

Temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula have also been recorded at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. With this and the recent coastal flooding in mind, I reviewed the published manifesto material available from the various Parties, and am surprised that they haven’t addressed with some urgency, the exposure to flooding of our coastline.

The opportunity to develop the Essequibo-Potaro VACANCY Office Assistant- Maths & English, Excel & Quickbooks.

Apply to Mima Decor, 8 Sheriff St, G/town. Email: mimadecor12@gmail.com.

Tel# 227-0186/227-0176

area, where a study (per Mr. Vieira’s letter on December 2nd 2019) for relocation/development of the Capital has already been completed, should be addressed. This information should be reconfirmed and updated as soon as possible, with the intent to act upon it in the near future.

T he current initiatives to provide housing support to squatters and the suggested land voucher program can also be incorporated into the future long term actions associated with the areas’ development.

The current level of urgency around this issue will only continue to increase as

sea levels rise and the depletion of our resources progresses. We must all make the most of each dollar being spent.

The associated cost of the dual development of Georgetown and EssequiboPotaro needs to be determined before many of the projects proposed in the various manifestos can be properly prioritized. Many farmers and homeowners are already losing on their investments due to the flooding on the coast.

Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

GAWU does not share ...

From page 6 and Regional Elections, the Corporation has made a proposal regarding pay rise which our Union and the workers are examining.

We endorse Lincoln sentiments when he says ”…persistency and proof that nothing is given to workers, they have to struggle to achieve better conditions of work…” Indeed this is a case in point, as it is the workers’ struggles that have borne fruit.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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Friday February 14, 2020

Two more High-end hotels coming to Guyana - NICIL

G

overnment yester day afternoon turned the sod for the construction of a US$75M, 150-room Marriottbranded hotel with officials announcing that world-renowned Hilton is coming too.In fact, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London, another groundbreaking event is scheduled next week right in the Ogle, East Coast Demerara area.

He did not disclose much details.This week, NICIL surprised the nation with an announcement that it has signed an agreement with Trinidadian, John Aboud, for the construction of a 150room AC Marriot Hotel.

The construction is expected to last 30 months and would see in excess of 150 permanent employees when completed.

The announcement had raised questions with the Opposition pointing to the nearness of general elections, which is slated on March 2.

Yesterday, NICIL’s Business Development Officer, Racheal Henry, said that the land at Ogle was sold to the developer, Trinuyana Investments Inc., for more than $26M per acre.

The developer was reportedly sold around 2.6 acres. It is located about 300 yards in the cane fields from the turnoff that leads to the Ogle airport terminal, and in the direction of the old headquarters of the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

The land was once under sugar cultivation but was vested in NICIL back in 2017.

According to Henry, government officials evaluated the lands and what it was sold for was above market price.Heath-London said that it is the plan by the developer to eventually place shares in the open market so that Guyanese can buy.

Currently, John Aboud, whose partners managed

Sod-turning for the AC Marriott Hotel, Ogle: From l-r- NICIL’s CEO, Colvin Heath-London; Minister Haimraj Rajkumar; developer John Aboud and GMSA’s president, Clinton Williams. over two million square feet of real estate in Trinidad and elsewhere, is building an AC Marriott hotel there.

AC Marriott is said to be a subsidiary brand of Marriot International. Guyana has a Marriott-branded hotel at Kingston.According to the CEO of NICIL, in 2017, advertisements went out for developers of lands on the East Coast and one of them was from Aboud, who is a wellknown businessman in Trinidad.

A formal agreement has been signed. According to Henry, NICIL is confident that it has done its due diligence and confident that a Marriotbranded hotel is coming.NICIL did not deal directly with Marriott International officials on the project but with the developer.

The hotel would benefit from a highway that would link the East Bank Demerara from Ogle.Aboud, said to be a Syrian, who made Trinidad his home. There are applications in for the normal duty

John Aboud (c) with two colleagues from Trinidad at the sod-turning yesterday.

free concessions on equipment and building materials and on income tax…These are normal across the region, he stressed. The businessman is not worried about the coming elections.

“I have no interest in politics. Did I do something wrong? I hope after elections, Guyana would be here. I have absolutely no interest in politics…that is not my business.”

Asked how advanced his relationship was with getting permission from Marriott, Aboud said that he has a Letter of Intent signed with the details of payments and other fees being worked out at the moment.

He has also submitted applications to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Currently, Trinuyana is awaiting the geo-technical tests to determine what structure will have to be built.

Aboud said he has been around five years, doing other business, including security, in Guyana.

He said that he leads a group of investors, which manages investments from Florida, Trinidad and now in Guyana. It involves two millions square feet of real estate.

“Our expertise ranges from office buildings to retail

shopping malls, industrial parks, special purpose buildings and more recently a Marriot-hotel in Trinidad.

Also he said they run a world class amusement and water park in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago slated to be opened in the middle of the month.”

He said it was not difficult to identify Guyana as a country that has possibilities not only because of oil and gas, but the recent development in natural resources in mining, agricultural and tourism.He said that Trinuyana would be the vehicle for further investments with the possibilities of even selling shares to Guyanese. “…for which we’re proud of and it is our intention as the projects evolve to invite Guyanese nationals to participate in these projects.”

Aboud said that his group recently floated an IPO (Initial public offering) in Trinidad, a clear demonstration.

The AC Marriott at Ogle will see, in addition to 150 rooms, 20,000 square feet of office and retail space.

He is promising about 150-plus persons during the construction phase and more than 140 permanent workers.

It is the intention to trans-

fer skills and technology and for Guyanese to do the construction.

Eventually, there will be no more than five expatriates working on the hotel…the rest will be locals.

During his presentation, Heath-London told invitees, which included the private sector and Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, that NICIL’s role has been evolving.

“NICIL is the vanguard of luring investors into Guyana and next week, there will be a similar ceremony held for another state-of-the-art hotel to be built in Guyana. Some 300 temporary and 175 permanent jobs will be created when that other project is launched next week at this very Ogle area.”

Also lauding the AC Marriot project was President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Clinton Williams, and Minister Rajkumar who both noted the positive future impact on the number of hotel rooms.

Currently, Marriott in Kingston is filled to capacity mainly because of the oil and gas.Other hotels have been reporting brisk business with ExxonMobil currently building a headquarters right in Ogle, not far from the site of the AC Marriot is located.

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New Berbice passport office commissioned The new passport office in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, yesterday reaffirmed Government’s commitment to decentralising and improving access to Government services for every Guyanese.

DG Harmon was at the time officially declaring open the Department of Citizenship’s $57.5M Immigration office in Canje, New Amsterdam, East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six).

At the simple ceremony, Harmon said Government has a responsibility to ensure that State services are available to all citizens, regardless of geographic location, political affiliation or any other factor.

He noted that this was the first vision outlined by President David Granger when he assumed office in May 2015.

“When we first came into office, the President met with Minister Winston Felix and myself and gave us some clear directions on what he sees to be the services that should be available to the Guyanese public, especially

with regard to passports and birth certificates. Since then, the Minister has gone on a crusade to ensure that the vision of the President is actually put into practice. He has restructured and reorganised not only the Central Passport Office but the way also in which we deal with birth certificates. No longer can you just walk into somewhere and print a birth certificate and turn up somewhere with it. All of our systems started to receive reviewing and revamping and I want to commend the Department of Citizenship for the job they have done,” he said.The Director General noted that it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that these basic services are provided to the citizenry and it is a responsibility this administration takes seriously.

“What is happening in immigration is symptomatic of what is happening in the entire country. When we came into office, we took this position that the suffering, which we saw that people had to go through to get Government services, we had to put that to an end. The President spoke about decentralising power, governance and services. We have created capital towns to ensure that the Government services are decentralised and you have better access to these services. What is happening here today is what is happening in other parts of the country. This is all part of a process-taking place. Very quietly the Department of Citizenship is moving and getting to the places where people require services,” he said.

Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix, in providing a background to the

completion of the office, said that when the administration assumed office in 2015, the Police was tasked with receiving applications for passports in the East BerbiceCorentyne region. He noted that this process was extremely slow and therefore, many persons left as far as the Corentyne and journeyed to Georgetown from as early as 02:00 hrs to line up at the Camp Road, Eve Leary office.

“A visit was paid to the crowded Central Immigration and Passport Office during an afternoon period and interviews were done following which it was discovered that the majority of persons awaiting service were from Regions Five and Six. This triggered the thought of decentralising the Passport Office to areas outside of Georgetown. The President was of the view that these services should be available in capital towns and so Corriverton was visited. However, neither land nor building was accessible or useable.

This location entered consideration and the contract was signed. On July 15, 2019, the building was put into operation to test the equipment and the efficiency of the staff.

They have responded admirably to the task,” he said.

From July 2019 to date, the New Amsterdam office has accepted and processed 6,122 applications for passports, which are handled within seven working days.

Minister Felix noted that in addition to the cost of the building, the office has been outfitted with equipment to the tune of US$3, 512,760.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer of the East Berbice- Corentyne region, Mrs. Kim Williams-Stephens in brief remarks, praised the development which she noted will be of significant benefit to residents.

“Having such a service has been impactful not only to the residents of this region but also our neighbouring region. Apart from the obvious benefits such as saving money, time is also saved. Citizens no longer have to travel to Georgetown to receive this essential service. This is part of the Government’s vision of building empowered, sustainable, strong communities, towns and regions. It has also provided employment opportunities to persons within this region,” she noted.

The Immigration office is currently managed by nine staff members and will be outfitted in coming weeks with solar panels for energy generation.Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma and Foreign Secretary, Mr. Carl Greenidge were also in attendance.

(MoTP)

Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

PAGE 31

FIRE movement launched to push financial independence “Retirement is not an age; it’s a financial independence number.”

At least this is the definition being promoted by Mrs. Athalyah Yisrael, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Outliers Zone.

Outliers Zone is a financial independence training institute which recently launched its country-wide Financial Independence Retire Early (F.I.R.E) movement to help 8,400 households understand the modern retirement concept.

According to Yisrael, Outliers Zone embraces the belief that any Guyanese child, youth, adult and even elders can begin pursuing this goal in 2020.

The movement was officially launched Wednesday at the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service with 60 of its cadets ages 16 – 21. The cadets were trained in practical Financial Independence skills which, once implemented at their age, can achieve early retirement.

The goal of the FIRE movement Yisrael said, “is to learn how to live on less than you earn, aggressively begin saving and investing now so you can build assets that work without you, and give you the freedom to do what you love in your 30s or 40s or at least 10 years from starting this journey.”

Essentially, the movement is an international campaign aimed at spreading the wisdom of financial independence which can be available to “anyone who resonates with the idea of creating a life on their terms, free from debt and living only to pay bills,” Yisrael added.

According to her too, “This movement means that you build enough wealth so that you no longer have to work for money but you have assets that work for you.”

Those who join this movement, she asserted, can become financially independent

when their assets produce enough income to cover their expenses.

An example Yisrael shared is, “if you build assets such as rental properties that generate $60 million dollars in annual income and your expenses for the year are $2.4 million (4% of your total assets value) then congratulations! You are now financially independent. Your assets are producing more income than you spend in a year. The idea is to find your number and start taking aggressive actions to get there.”

This Outliers Zone’s mandate, which was kicked into motion in 2019 and continues this year, is to help 11,000 households get money smart.

This national campaign has started to garner noticeable momentum, said Yisrael. She disclosed that for last year, 1,000 primary and secondary students were taught the Money Smart Principles of Saving, Spending, Donating, Investing and Tithing. Additionally, 1,631 employees were taught the strategies to break free from the pay cheque-to-pay cheque lifestyle and start building a sound financial base.

This year, Outliers Zone expects the FIRE movement will help the 8,400 households pursue Financial Independence. This movement, Yisrael said, “Sets out to adequately prepare Guyana’s children, teens and adults for an oil producing economy and learn how to grow assets that will work for them and thereby reduce the level of poverty and other social ills affecting national development.”

Determining if you qualify for the movement is as simple as taking a few factors into consideration. These include: if you have no emergency savings (at least 6 months to a year expenses saved); you currently work hard for money but you have no assets working for you; your

Cadets of the Bertam Collins School and facilitators of the FIRE movement knowledge on saving and investing your income is very low and you have no comprehensive plan for retirement.

“If any of these four scenarios fits you, then the FIRE Movement is a great strategy to kick start your family’s Financial Independence journey in 2020,” said Yisrael.

The first step to joining this Financial Independence movement is registering for its inaugural upcoming online FIRE Movement Master class on February 20 at 7pm.This will allow Guyanese from all 10 regions to sign on and begin learning about Financial Independence. This online class sets out to help 100 households understand the movement, set a clear financial target for 2020, learn strategies to increase their monthly income and start their Family’s Financial Independence journey.

Yisrael, is encouraging men, women and entrepreneurs who are tired of living from pay cheque-to-pay cheque, making a lot of money but not having anything to show for it and desperately seeking a Financial Breakthrough in 2020 to join this movement. Interested persons can contact Outliers Zone at 617-0173 or via their Facebook page.

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

ERC implements rapid response unit to tackle elections complaints - as parties sign code of conduct The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has implemented a rapid response unit as part of efforts to fast track its response to any complaint of threats, harassment, racial and violent incitement during the elections period.

Chairman of the ERC, Rev. John Smith, spoke of the efforts to monitor the elections during a signing of the code of conduct for political parties yesterday.

While the ERC Chairman is heartened at the responses from the parties involved in the signing, Smith noted that internal reports compiled from monitoring public meetings and the traditional and nontraditional media, including Facebook, are major cause for concern.

Smith said that already the Commission has had cause to issue warnings to the two main political parties – APNU+AFC and PPP/C for racially charged rhetoric used during their campaigns. He said that the body is also monitoring the conduct of party agents and supporters on social media.

“With behaviour and utterances not helpful to the efforts of promoting harmony, we urge all to work towards eliminating such public displays through a more responsible approach, in an effort to ensure that the remaining period of the campaign is free of ethnic division, discrimination, hate speech, incitement and provocation.

“This must be extended throughout Election Day and beyond,” Smith urged.

He said in the meantime, the ERC has added to its ef-

forts a rapid response unit to regarding any complaints of bad behaviour on the elections campaign trail.

“We hope that the rapid response unit will be able to get to the source of the matter very quickly.”

“We will keep warning and do what we are allowed to do within our mandate. We have about 18 days left to either expose them or get them before the Court,” Smith told media operatives In view of the reports mentioned, he said he written to the leadership of the parties pointing out what is deemed to be unhelpful to the process of fostering harmony. He had also written recommendations for mitigation.

In that context, the ERC Chairman urged that the efforts invested by all, more especially the political parties through their willingness to participate in this process, be reflected in adherence to the spirit and intent of the Code of Conduct.

Smith reiterated that the promotion of harmony takes a collective effort, including all those who hold and those who aspire to hold public office. He encouraged fairness in reportage and related access across the media. These are the basic of tenets of democracy which if subverted, impact directly and negatively on the promotion of harmony.

Representative of eleven political parties contesting in the Regional and General Elections signed the documents. In doing so, they would have pledged to avoid the use of any display, which will incite public disorder.

Representatives and supporters of Political Parties that signed the ERC code of conduct yesterday.

This includes removing, defacing, besmirching, damaging, altering or destroying party paraphernalia.

According to the code of conduct, failure to adhere to the code will render parties liable for breach of the agreement. Sanctions may be implemented against the parties by the ERC. The signing took place at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street in the presence of the media, representatives of the public and private sector, members of the diplomatic corps and the international observer missions.

The code was signed by Presidential Candidate of the People’s Republic Party (PRP) Phyllis Jordan, Presidential Candidate of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Ralph Ramkarran, APNU’s Joseph Harmon and AFC Chairman Raphael Trotman, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) executive Zulfikar Mustapha and Vickram

Bharrat, Prime Ministerial Candidate of Change Guyana Mishka Puran, and representatives of the Liberty and Justice Party, the People’s Republican Party (PRP), Organisation for Victory of the People Party , the United Republic Party (URP) and the Citizenship Initiative (TCI), the New Movement (TNM), and the Federal United (FedUP) Party.

Representative of each party was invited to give remarks. While each party rep spoke of their intention to strive for unity, PRP‘s leader Phyllis Jordan used the opportunity to officially register her concerns over what she said appears to be a ploy to stifle the efforts of smaller parties in getting their messages to the public.

Jordan said that while the bigger parties have mass media at their disposal, the smaller groups have had to turn to social media and other media to reach the people.

She claimed however that even the efforts on social media have been met with resistance. “We have had our social media page taken down and we will like for the ERC to address this type of discrimination or else the signing of the code will be seen as nothing but a farce.”

However, Jordan‘s claim was countered by APNU’s Joseph Harmon, who said the code will auger in a new period for political understanding.He was followed by Mustapha of the PPP/C who lauded the initiative, a first by the ERC since its formation.

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Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

Wilder v Fury II: Briton says he needs to knock...

From page 33 F u r y, w h o h a s b e e n training in Las Vegas for the past eight weeks, believes he is in better condition than he was for their first meeting and says the public have already seen the best of his American opponent.

“I learned in that first fight that he can be hit and hurt,” added the Briton who - like Wilder - has won every professional fight bar that one draw in 2018.

“He’s got a big right hand and that’s it. He’s a onedimensional fighter.

“He had me down twice and had two minutes in each of those rounds to finish me.

Like in Mortal Kombat when they say, ‘Finish him’... but he couldn’t finish.

He landed two of the best punches any heavyweight in the world could land, but the ‘Gypsy King’ rose like a phoenix from the ashes.

“The biggest mistake I made was not making him pay when he was hurt. However, I didn’t know what was left in my tank because I hadn’t been 12 rounds for a long time. This time I’ll throw everything bar the kitchen sink. He won’t know what hit him.”

‘Pound-for-pound is like fantasy baseball, isn’t it?

If Fury does dethrone

Wilder to become the WBC champion, then he will have won every major heavyweight title during a career that began in 2008. The Manchester-born boxer reiterated that he was not interested in leaving a legacy and was also unmoved by the possibility of being regarded the best current pound-forpound fighter with victory over his opponent.

“I’m not sure how pound-for-pound works, it’s like fantasy baseball isn’t it? Everybody has an opinion on what’s the best or whatever,” he said.

“I’ve never been able to follow pound-for-pound.

Friday February 14, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Someone close to you could develop some strange symptoms that cause this person to panic. It never hurts to consult a doctor.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Group activities might prove a little unsettling for you today. Animated discussions could turn into angry quarrels and this could offend your desire for harmony.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A member of your household is likely to be in a very strange mood today. This person has heard some news that is confusing and probably untrue and therefore is wondering what effect this would have on their situation.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Attempts to contact others in different states or foreign countries today could go awry, as technology that we tend to take for granted, such as telephones and the Internet, could malfunction, perhaps due to solar flares.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Machines involved in financial transactions, such as ATMs, phone systems, or banking websites could malfunction today, Leo, so you might have to resort to dealing with money in the old fashioned way: by going into the bank or writing checks.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This might be a good day to take some time for yourself, Virgo. Contact with others, no matter how much you love them, isn't likely to go well, as most people are probably restless and in uncertain moods.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) oday you might be trying to learn about a new form of modern technology, perhaps computer related, and you could find it too confusing for words. Your brain could be going into overload, so it's probably best to take it one step at a time!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Weirdness is the keyword for today, Scorpio. You could be flooded with information from newspapers or the Internet that seems very strange to you. There's a reason for this. It's very likely to be misinformation!

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Rumors may be circulating today, which could cause a certain panic. Some of your friends and colleagues could be calling you at home to discuss the matter.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Bizarre news that comes to you from far away, possibly via email or the Internet, could be spreading like wildfire among the people you know and causing a lot of excitement, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Some rather disturbing news about trends in the world economy could have you and everyone around you worrying about your financial future. Have faith.

What you're hearing may be total misinformation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Get-togethers with friends today could prove a bit unsettling, as someone who attends them could throw out an opinion or possibility that seems rather shocking.

It’s like if an eagle had feet, it would be able to run faster than an ostrich. Or if a cow could fly then could it fly faster than an aeroplane? It’s people’s opinion, randomly making up stuff.

“What I do I know is when I beat Deontay Wi l d e r I ’ l l b e t h e b e s t heavyweight of my era standing alone.”

Hodge fifty props up...

From page 38 vital 46 with Cottoy whose innings has so far included seven fours and lasted 64 balls, as the hosts rallied.

Scores: VOLCANOES 210 for six (Keron Cottoy 37 not out, Devon Smith 35, Bhaskar Yadram 30, Kavem Hodge 29, Andre Fletcher 27; Veerasammy Permaul 2-39, Devendra Bishoo 2-43) vs JAGUARS.

Ramnarine, Khan spur...

From page 37 steady the innings, after Maria’s Pleasure lost some early wickets.

Kennard Lewis was eventually caught off Ramnarine for 31 which included one four and four sixes; no other batsman managed double figures. Imran Khan supported Ramnarine with 2-23.

Good Success lost opener Mahase Ramnarine (05), caught off Bernard Lewis early in the chase before Tulsieram Ramadeen and Wazir Khan took the score to 28.

However, Good Success suffered a scare when Ramadeen (11) was caught off Kennard Lewis and Khan (14) was bowled by Samuel Narine, after he added 21 with Imran Khan, leaving the score at 49-3.

But Imran Khan and Ramnarine stabilised the chase nicely as they put on 51 for the fourth wicket. Imran Khan played aggressively,

slamming five fours and three sixes before he was caught off Narine for a top score of 53.

Good Success then lost Charles Benjamin (00) and Nazeer Mohamed (09), before Ramnarine (09*) and David Chalitar (01*) saw them home in 17.1 overs, ending on 114-6. Narine claimed 4-18. Noitgedacht SC batted first and made 119-8.

B. Browne made 38 with six fours while Matthew Cheong scored 26, including three sixes and Neil Ramalho 15. Kamal Khan claimed 321 while Jaggernauth Manbodh had 2-9 and Devon Rambaran 2-16. Sans Souci responded with 120-7 in 15.4 overs.

Opener Manbodh stroked six fours and one six in a top score of 37 while fellow opener Heera Sukram made 24 with one four and two sixes and Cleon Venture 16. Cheong had 2-22 and Ramalho 2-35.

Friday February 14, 2020

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Kaieteur News

UEFA teams up with Disney in a bid to boost girls participation Manchester, England (Reuters) - UEFA has teamed up with Disney to launch a pan-European project aimed at increasing the number of girls playing football.

The biggest-ever attempt to boost girls’ involvement in the game will start this spring in seven European countries before being introduced across the continent, European soccer’s governing body said yesterday.

The new ‘Playmakers’ project is aimed at girls aged five to eight years old, who are not currently playing football, and is focused around play and games involving popular Disney characters and storylines.

The first stage of the project will be based around the Incredibles 2 film and characters. UEFA had already committed to an ambitious target of doubling the number of women and girls playing the sport by 2024 and the youngest age group is seen as key to that change.

Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s Head of Women’s Football, told Reuters that the aim of the programme was to “create an environment for all girls to flourish and develop, whether

that be fundamental movement skills, football basics or life skills and values.

“We truly believe that this unique programme can be the spark for a more active generation of football-loving girls.” While more teenage girls and women are playing football, girls tend to start later than boys, choosing other sports or activities.

UEFA examined research which showed that globally 84% of girls under the age of 17 are not meeting the World Health Organization minimum activity guidelines. When girls reach the age of 15-24, they are half as likely to participate in sport as boys the same age, according to studies by the European Commission for Education, Sport, Youth and Culture.

Kessler says that sessions at Playmakers events will be very different from traditional training sessions.

“There will still be football cones and a ball but these sessions will allow girls to play out scenes of their favorite Disney movies, they will be empowered to take on the character and roles of their favorite Disney heroes.

UEFA teams up with Disney in a bid to boost girls participation “It is broken down into 10 sessions and the girls will learn basic football skills by completing different tasks,” she added. The Playmakers project will launch in Scotland, Norway, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Romania, and Serbia this spring, before a full pan-European roll-out.

Disney is not one of

UEFA’s commercial partners and has joined up with the organisation specifically for the Playmakers project.

“It is a completely new agreement we have signed and a very important one,” said Kessler.

“If you decided to create a programme based on playbased learning then you want

Stoute resists but Muhammad, Hinds limit Pride Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – A Kevin Stoute halfcentury underpinned critical rearguard action from Barbados Pride and denied Trinidad and Tobago Red Force total domination of the opening day of their fifth round match here yesterday.

Opting to bowl first, Red Force snatched the early advantage as seamers Uthman Muhammad (3-47) and Terrance Hinds (3-51) sliced through the Pride top order to reduce the innings to 47 for six after lunch, before the hosts recovered to reach 209 all out at Kensington Oval.

Stoute, in his third match of the season, top-scored with 52 batting at number seven while Ashley Nurse slammed a better than run-aball 48 and Test seamer Kemar Roach, an important 38.

In reply, Red Force lost Joshua DaSilva for 13 as they reached 52 for one at the close, with left-hander Jeremy Solozano ending unbeaten on 35.

Needing precious points from the encounter after enduring the frustration of a rain-ravaged drawn fourth round game against Windward Islands Volcanoes last week, Red Force enjoyed a dream start.

Left-handed opener Shayne Moseley struck four fours in his 23 before Hinds

Left-arm seamer Daniel St Clair. found his edge in the morning’s ninth over for DaSilva to take a smart catch at second slip.

Seven runs later with 30 on the board, Muhammad removed in-form Test batsman Shamarh Brooks for four to a catch low down at gully by Kjorn Ottley, the right-hander driving loosely outside off-stump.

And with no runs added in the same over, Justin Greaves lost his middle stump to a full length delivery, leaving Red Force in control

of the first hour. Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who has struggled this season averaging 21 from eight innings, continued his miserable run – shouldering arms to one from left-armer Daniel St Clair (2-39) in the last over before lunch and falling lbw for four.

Brathwaite took 20 balls to get off the mark and lasted 55 balls in an hour-and-a-half at the crease. Tottering on 33 for four at the interval, Pride found little reprieve after the resumption as Hinds bowled

Kyle Mayers in the second over, spectacularly removing the left-hander’s off-stump for 10.

And in the next over, St Clair shattered Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich’s stumps for three, after breaching the righthander’s defence. Stoute started the revival when he put on an invaluable 87 for the seventh wicket with Roach before adding a further 26 for the eighth wicket with Nurse.

The 34-year-old Stoute played an attractive innings, counting nine fours off 85 balls in just over two hours at the crease.

Roach crunched a couple of fours and three sixes off 72 balls before edging a slash at a wide ball from Muhammad and going caught at the wicket at 134 for seven.

Red Force then got the prized wicket of Stoute just before tea, caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin sweeping at left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (2-49) but Nurse, who punched seven fours in a 47ball cameo, rallied the innings.

Scores: PRIDE 209 (Kevin Stoute 52, Ashley Nurse 48, Kemar Roach 38, Shayne Moseley 23; Uthman Muhammad 3-47, Terrance Hinds 3-51). RED FORCE 52 for one (Jeremy Solozano 35 not out).

to have the best characters and stories in the world and I think Disney has inspired

generations and we are really happy to be able to use some of this magic.”

Wilder v Fury II: Briton says he needs to knock out American to guarantee victory

Fury is set to take on Deontay Wilder (left) on February 22 in a high-profile rematch.(Getty Images) BBCsport - Tyson Fury says he will have to knock out Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas to avoid a repeat of the judging controversy of their first fight. The British heavyweight, despite hitting the canvas twice, believed he had won their enthralling December 2018 WBC contest, declared a draw.

“I believe I out-boxed him,” said Fury, who fights Wilder again on 22 February.

To guarantee a win, I need a knockout. I don’t want another controversial decision - I want a defining win.”

Fury, nicknamed the

Gypsy King, was knocked down in the ninth and 12th rounds but nevertheless impressed as he went the distance in what was his first world title fight since returning to boxing the previous June, after a threeyear absence.

The spectacle in Los Angeles was scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113.

The 31-year-old, speaking during a conference call, added: “I’m not a judge and these guys see what they see, but my own destiny lies with my own two fists.”

(Continued on page 32)

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Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Nets snap Raptors’ win 15-game streak Field Level Media - Caris LeVert scored 20 points Wednesday night in New York as the Brooklyn Nets recorded a 101-91 victory over the Toronto Raptors, who saw their team-record, 15game winning streak come to an end.

The Nets won their fifth straight home game and headed into the All-Star break with seven wins in their last 10 games. Brooklyn also picked up a rare win over Toronto, beating the Raptors for only the second time in the past 20 meetings since Jan. 6, 2016.

Joe Harris added 19 points for the Nets, who led for the final 43:50. Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds for Brooklyn. Jarrett Allen collected 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Serge Ibaka scored 28 points to lead the Raptors, whose last loss was by one point on their home court to the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 12.

Los Angeles Lakers 120 - Denver Nuggets 116 (OT) LeBron James had 32 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds, Anthony Davis finished with 33 points and 10 rebounds, and Los Angeles won at

Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (22) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) pursue a loose ball during the first half at Barclays Center. Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports.

Denver for the second time this season.

It was the 12th tripledouble of the season for James, tying him with the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic for the NBA lead.

Dwight Howard had 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Alex Caruso and Avery Bradley scored 10 points each for the

IOC: Tokyo 2020 won’t be canceled over coronavirus crisis Field Level Media- The games will go on. That’s the message from the International Olympic Committee at the start of a two-day meeting with organisers of the 2020 games in Tokyo.

“I would like to make it clear again that we are not considering a cancellation or postponement of the games.

Let me make that clear,” organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori told top IOC officials in Tokyo yesterday.

The declaration comes after Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo Olympics committee, commented that

he was “seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum toward the Games.” Muto changed his tune the next day.

Japan has at least 250 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The summer Olympics are scheduled to begin in five months.

Multiple sporting events have been canceled in China, including the indoor track and field championships, Formula One Chinese Grand Prix and the Blue Bay LPGA tournament. Chinese athletes are being prohibited from traveling.

Lakers, who are 5-1 in their last six games overall.

Jamal Murray had 32 points and 10 assists, Nikola Jokic scored 22 and added 11 rebounds, and Jerami Grant had 15 points for Denver. Gary Harris and Monte Morris added 13 and 12 points respectively. The Nuggets had their four-game win streak snapped.

Indiana Pacers 118 Milwaukee Bucks 111 - T.J. Warren scored 35 points as Indiana snapped a seasonhigh, six-game losing streak by defeating Central Division rival Milwaukee in Indianapolis.

Warren shot 16 of 19 from the field for the Pacers, who

exploited the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and shot a sizzling 61.9 percent from the floor (26 of 42) in the first half. Former Buck Malcolm Brogdon collected 17 points and 13 assists.

Donte DiVincenzo scored a team-high 19 points and Khris Middleton added 17 for the Bucks, who sustained their first loss in six games without Antetokounmpo in the lineup.

The reigning NBA MVP sat out his second consecutive contest following the birth of his first child, Liam Charles.

Orlando Magic 116 Detroit Pistons 112 (OT) Aaron Gordon had 25 points,

nine rebounds and nine assists, and Nikola Vucevic hit the go-ahead shot in overtime as host Orlando held off Detroit.

Markelle Fultz supplied 22 points and 10 assists, while Vucevic contributed 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Evan Fournier added 19 points for the Magic. Christian Wood led the Pistons with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Thon Maker had 18 points, Markieff Morris scored 14, Reggie Jackson added 12 and Langston Galloway chipped in 11 for the Pistons, who have lost four straight.

Dallas Mavericks 130 Sacramento Kings 111 - Luka Doncic recorded 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in his return from an ankle injury to lead Dallas to a victory over visiting Sacramento.

Doncic missed seven games with the injury, and the Mavericks went 3-4 without the All-Star point guard. On Wednesday, Doncic shot 10 of 18 — including 3 of 7 from 3-point range — and 10 of 12 from the free-throw line in 31 minutes before exiting with 6:26 remaining.

Kristaps Porzingis had 27 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots for Dallas. Buddy Hield posted 22 points and nine assists for the Kings, who have dropped back-to-back games after winning six of their previous eight contests.

Memphis Grizzlies 111 Portland Trail Blazers 104 Brandon Clarke scored 27 points and Ja Morant added 20 with nine assists as host

Memphis’ rookies led the charge past Portland in the last game for each team before the All-Star break.

Jonas Valanciunas and De’Anthony Melton each scored 12 points, while Valanciunas added 18 rebounds, as the Grizzlies won for the fourth time in their past five games and the eighth time in their past 10 contests.

Damian Lillard scored 20 points for the Blazers, but he left for good with 3:22 remaining with what was later reported as a right groin strain. CJ McCollum scored 23 points and Anfernee Simons added 22 off the bench for Portland.

Utah Jazz 116 - Miami Heat 101 - Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 26 points, and Bojan Bogdanovic added 22 points, leading Utah to a win over Miami in Salt Lake City.

Jordan Clarkson had 21 points off the bench for the Jazz, who have won four consecutive games. Rudy Gobert added 16 points, two blocks and a game-high 20 rebounds. Gobert and Mitchell, both first-time AllStars this year, were honored before the game by the Jazz.

The Heat, who finished a 1-4 road trip, were led by Jimmy Butler’s 25 points.

In other results: Washington Wizards 114 New York Knicks 96; Phoenix Suns 112 - Golden State Warriors 106; Cleveland Cavaliers 127 - Atlanta Hawks 105; Charlotte Hornets 115 - Minnesota Timberwolves 108.

Warde fifty frustrates Scorpions Florence Hall, Jamaica, CMC – Terrance Warde struck an important unbeaten halfcentury to prop up Leeward Islands Hurricanes and frustrate Jamaica Scorpions on the opening day of their fifth round clash here yesterday.

With his side tottering on 146 for seven, Warde carved out 53 to follow up opener Montcin Hodge’s 52, as the visitors closed on 215 for nine at the Trelawny MultiPurpose Stadium.

Crucially, number seven Warde put on 28 for the eighth wicket with Jamaican Damion Jacobs (10) and a further 28 for the ninth wicket with Nino Henry (15), to ensure Hurricanes fought back in the final session.

All told, the right-hander struck six fours in an attritional 137-ball knock in 2¾ hours at the crease. No such rearguard effort

appeared necessary with Hurricanes well placed on 92 for two after lunch, with Hodge and left-hander Amir Jangoo (35) involved in a key 39-run, third wicket stand.

Seamer Derval Green had earlier hit left-hander opener Kieran Powell in front for nine while fast bowler Nicholson Gordon had also gained an lbw verdict against Devon Thomas (16) after he put on 38 for the second wicket with Hodge.

In need of a stand, Hodge and Jangoo saw Hurricanes to lunch on 70 for two and flourished afterwards before off-spinner Pete Salmon broke the stand, g e t t i n g H o d g e t o p lay down the wrong line to a straight ball and trapping him lbw.

The right-handed Hodge faced 119 deliveries and counted seven fours in 143 minutes. Jangoo, who counted four fours off 85 balls

Montcin Hodge in nearly two hours, added 25 with captain Jahmar Hamilton (7) before left-arm spinner Patrick Harty sliced through the innings with four for 41, to put Scorpions

in command.

Scores: HURRICANES 215 for nine (Terrance Warde 53 not out, Montcin Hodge 52, Amir Jangoo 35; Patrick Harty 4-41) vs SCORPIONS.

Friday February 14, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Golden Republic T20 Bash

RFA Champions League

Guyana Rush Saints commence title Hetmyer Hurricanes and Rutherford Hetmyer Hurricanes and Renegades Renegades to clash for 1M Rutherford’s defense on a high; Ann Captain’s teams, in exception to those The Guyana Government Manager at NCN. who are on West Indies in partnership with the The event, used to duties. The stakes are much hat-trick seals Gladiators win Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sensitize the public of this higher in this segment of the have combined to organize what promises to be a pulsating day of T20 cricket matches on February 21 called the Golden Republic T20 Bash at Providence. This forms part of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary year celebrations.

The activities will comprise two matches, the first game seeing top local T20 players competing before the main event which commences at 18:00hrs featuring Regional and West Indian players.

Admission to the venue will be a standard price of $2000 across all stands with the possibility of tickets being available at the Guyana Cricket Board office from Monday February 17.

Present at yesterday’s press launch held at NCN, Homestretch Avenue were GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie, GCB Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart along with Dellon Murray Marketing & Sales

activity’s scope within the Calendar of Events for Guyana’s Republic Golden Jubilee was broadcast live.

“Cricket, a sport known to unify the masses, has been included in the celebratory programme of events. The game carries the innate characteristic to build both tension and excitement which makes it quite fitting” said Stuart.

Sanasie provided viewers with insight into the day’s line-up of activities, noting a softball match beginning at 14:00hrs between Guyana’ top team, Regal Super Stars and Ariel’s Speed Boat will get things going as the teams battle for a cash prize.

The T20 match will see players being attired in the special attire: “To exemplify the level of inclusion which the teams will compromise, local T20 players such as Steven Jacobs along with national players and regional players will complement the

day’s activities as the teams compete for a grand prize of one million Guyana dollars and individual performance incentives” informed Sanasie.

This event will be populated by other special appearances and attractions, geared to take the action well to mid-night.

Murray spoke of the pivotal role NCN will play in delivering a live broadcast of this event to the Guyanese population. Highlighting the reach of the National Broadcasting Network in delivering the action which will occur on 21st February, he drew attention to the radio stations available, being the Voice of Guyana and its latest radio station, Radio Essequibo, among others.

For viewership, the game will be delivered through their network and available even to those with a cable network and a live stream across their social media pages. (Sean Devers)

Guyanese Alpha Harrison wins NYRR Fastest Kid in the World Boys 55m Dash - 113th NYRR Millrose Games Eight year-old Guyanese sprinter Alpha Harrison has continued where he left off last year in terms of dominating his peers on the track in the USA. Hailing from Mocha, East Bank Demerara and a former student of St. Agnes Primary School before he migrated to the USA, Harrison on Saturday last sprinted to victory in the Fastest Kid in the World Boys 55m Dash at the Armory Track and Field Center, New York 200m Banked Track.

He clocked 8.18 winning the 8 and Under event comfortably ahead of Elijah Lewis of the US Virgin Islands who was timed at 8.51 and Jadon Ashmeade of Jamaica, 8.53.

Full results: PL Name 1.

Alpha Harrison 2. Elijah Lewis 3. Jadon Ashmeade 4. Jaxon Saultar 5. Brandon Harris-Brown 6. Dexter Durrant Jr. 7. Bashir Fidai 8. Glen Carty 9. Jevary Smith 10. Oscar Kench

Team Guyana Virgin Islands Jamaica USA Jamaica St. Vincent Jamaica Ireland USA France

Time 8.18 8.51 8.53 8.62 8.66 8.66 8.67 8.72 8.89 9.95

Meeting the Tabatinga FC Female Team.

The 2020 season of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) kicked off in style on Sunday evening last at the Culvertcity Sports Ground with two matches following the official opening, which was attended by GFF President Mr. Wayne Forde, Mayor of Lethem His Worship John Macedo along with association President Mr. Ryan Farias and executive.

The feature match of the night saw defending male champions, Guyana Rush Saints defeating Tabatinga 31 while the opening encounter, a female affair, ended in pulsating style with Gladiators edging Tabagtinga, 3-2.

It was not easy going for the defending champs; Guyana Rush Saints as Tabatinga were able to keep them at bay up until the 35th minute when the deadlock was broken.

Brandon Parks it was who was able to hand the defending champs the lead.

However, on the stroke of

GAPLF Novices/Juniors Championship 2020 set for Sunday at Saints This Sunday, the Saints Stanislaus College Auditorium will play host once again to the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation Novices and Junior Championships which is expected to lift off at 09:00hrs with thirty (30) athletes set to compete in

three flights.

According to the Federation, weigh in for athletes in Flight A will commence at 07:00hrs and end half hour before the start of competition.

Following are the athletes set to compete: Flight A - Amanda Gunraj,

Kean Andrews, Linda Barker, Kemo Greaves, Ghamsham Goberdan, Shazeena Rahim, Xusha Boyce, Lateshia Davanand, Mohammed Khan, Jada Toney, Akram Gaffor.

Flight B - Rav i n Mahabal, Aquib Mohamed, R a n d y H a l l e y, D a r i o u s

Ramsammy, Keran Persaud, Q u a i n P r o c t o r, Wa z e e r Hussein, Kumarnaut Gumani, Imran Mohamad, Shoib Kayume.

Flight C - Deodat Ramprasad, Komalshankar Arjune, Gavinash Jaigobin, Lorence Semple, Erwyn Smith, Fizul Ally, Nasrudeen Ally, Puneshwar Ramjit, Alex Parmanand.

halftime, Tabatinga was able to level the score when Wayne Da Silva found the back of the nets much to the delight of his teammates and supporters.

As it turned out, it was the only goal that Tabatinga was going to score on the night.

Guyana Rush Saints tucked in two more goals to walk away with full points and commence their championship defence on a high.

Quason Gilette sent them ahead again with his goal in the 65th minute with the sealer fired in off the boot of Franklin Parks in the 69th minute.

The female clash was an exciting shindig between Gladiators and Tabatinga, the former holding their nerves to win 3-2.

Ann Captain it was who carried Gladiators offensive pursuits as she netted all three goals.

A nippy player, Captain scored in the 5th and 21st minute to also record the first

goals of the 2020 season. But one minute after her second goal, Tabatinga responded in like manner when Loma Lia de Souza Barreto narrowed the deficit in the 22nd minute.

When the half time whistle was sounded, Gladiators held a slight one-goal advantage and the fans, including GFF President Wayne Forde and Lethem Mayor, His Worship John Macedo, were bracing for an equally exciting second half.

And so it turned out as both teams continued to take the fight to each other. The spoils were shared equally with a goal at each end; however, Gladiators one goal cushion from the opening 45 minutes helped them take full points.

Captain tucked in her third of the match in the 52nd minute while Gabriela Almeida scored the second for Tabatinga but it was not enough to deny the winners.

Matches will continue this weekend.

Botofago trounce Silver Shattas; Winners Connection...

From page 39 end of the first half through goals from Kwesi Tofania and Andre Major in the 4th and 36th minute.

The second half however saw resurgence from Coomacka which responded in like manner, Marmalaque Davidson blasting both goals in the 74th and 85th minute to ensure the match ended 2-2.

Topp XX and Netrockers also had to settle for a point

each in their encounter which ended 1-1. Jamal Bentick handed Topp XX the lead in the 40th minute and when it seemed like that was enough, Deshawn Joseph found the equaliser for Netrockers in the 90th minute.

Over 1.5Million in cash and other prizes are up for grabs as follows, 1st place $600,000; 2nd place $300,000; 3rd place $200,000; 4th place $100,000.

PAGE 38

BCB/Friends of New Amsterdam Cricket Tourney

YWCC ‘A’ advance to final, the ‘B’ team and Flying Star to clash in other semi-final Young Warriors Cricket Club ‘A’ team defeated Guymine by nine wickets to advance to the finals of the Berbice Cricket Board/ Friends of New Amsterdam 100 Ball tournament and will await the result of their ‘B’ team clash against Flying Star CC of East Bank Berbice to determine who they will face.

Guymine batting first was bowled out for 65 off their allotted 100 balls. C. Grimmond top scored with 32, no other batter reached double figures. Bowling for Young Warriors ‘A’, J. Henry took 4 for 8 from 3.4 overs, Ricardo Ramdehol 2 for 19 (3

Friday February 14, 2020

Kaieteur News

overs) while Sudesh Dhanai, Kassim Khan and Amir Khan took a wicket each.

The home team in reply, raced to 66 for 1 off only 7.2 overs. Former national U-19 player Alex Algoo was unbeaten on 34. Mortimer Fraser was the only batsmen to be dismissed for 05 by C. Hope while national youth player Ricardo Ramdehol was 17 not out when victory was achieved. Hope ended with 1 for 18 from 2 overs.

The tournament is sponsored by a group of cricket lovers based in New York, USA for teams in the New Amsterdam/Canje area.

Trophy Stall on board Republic Cup T20 The annual Republic Cup which is first major tournament on the T20 calendar of events for the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. is set for this Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) with four top Masters’ teams battling for supremacy.

New comers, East Coast Demerara Masters will have their work cut out as they look

to get their hands on the Trophy Stall sponsored first prize ahead of seasoned contenders Mike’s Wellman Masters, Fishermen Masters and defending champions, Regal Masters.

Starting time is 10:00hrs on the small outfield with semifinal action followed by the final at 14:00hrs.

Defending champions Regal Masters will be hard pressed

to retain the title since their recent dip in form have seen Wellman’s Masters rising to the top in domestic competitions while Fishermen Masters will look to create another upset in a major tournament.

In addition to the championship trophy there are also trophies for the runner-up, Player of the Match in the final, Best Batsman of

the tournament and Best Bowler, all compliments of Trophy Stall.

There will be live entertainment from the Caribbean Hot Shots Band and live commentary by Inderjeet Persaud and John Ramsingh. The organisers said teams taking part in the upcoming Orlando Cup will be using the Republic Cup as preparation.

Concacaf U-20 Men’s Qualifiers

Guyana squad reduced to 15 players after being denied entry into Nicaragua Five of the twenty players selected by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the Concacaf U20 Men’s Qualifiers were denied entry into Nicaragua by the immigration authorities. Upon arrival, the immigration authorities informed the Staff that a quarantine period of 10-days was required for the Yellow fever vaccine.

The players in question did not satisfy that condition.

Strangely however, 10 players with the exact vaccination date were permitted entry into the country.

Under 20 Team Manager, Daniel Thomas also complained about the hostile reception the team received from the Nicaraguan immigration authorities, who subjected the players and staff to several layers of security checks that lasted for hours.

This development has resulted in the reduction of the team to 15 players, one Goalkeeper, two Midfielders and two Defenders being refused entry into the country and thus exiting the tournament.

The GFF will be making a formal complaint to Concacaf once all the details are presented by the Management Team.

The GFF has since informed the parents/ caregivers of the players in question about the situation and has been in contact with the players throughout the ordeal in order to ensure their safe return to Guyana.

The Concacaf U20 Men’s Qualifiers will be held in Nicaragua from tomorrow to February 23. Guyana will open its quest for glory against Montserrat from 17:30hrs.

On Monday, the young Golden Jaguars will oppose St. Vincent & the Grenadines while on Friday, the Guyanese play United States Virgin Islands.

Their final match would be on Sunday February 23rd against host nation, Nicaragua.

Defending Champions Regal Masters

Our aim is to make Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge the Caribbean’s Premier competition - Jamie Mc Donald

By Zaheer Mohamed The Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge has been on the rise since the inaugural competition was held six years ago. This year’s competition which was held on Sunday last at the National Park has shown a significant increase in prize monies and the attendance.

For the fifth consecutive year, Guyanese Dillon Mahadeo has won the male open title while fellow Guyanese Delice Adonis won her second in the female title.

Shane-Hamel Smith of We Heart Cross Fit of Trinidad and Tobago and Kim Pinas of Rock Cross Fit of Suriname won the male and female categories respectively in the Over-30 segment.

Following the contest, Jamie Mc Donald of Guyana Fitness Games, the organisers of the event, told the media that their main aim is to make Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge the Caribbean’s Premier crossfit competition.

“We are looking to do bigger things in the future; we have had a significant increase in prize money this year.

Last year was $250,000 for the first place winner, this year was $500,000, so we are looking to put that to $750,000 next year while the second, third and fourth place

Jamie Mc Donald (center) giving the athletes some instructions prior to one of the events. finishers will also have similar increases. The following year we are hoping to get that to $1,000,000, then after that we are hoping to grow it where it becomes the premier cross fit competition in the Caribbean.”

Mc Donald the CEO of

Fitness Express was pleased with the competitive atmosphere of the event.

“This year the competition was keenly contested. The last four years, the national champion Dillon Mahadeo was winning easily, but this year’s contest was

very competitive.

He got a very close run in a few of the workouts from his rivals especially, Omisi Williams who has shown lots of promise,” he added.

Mc Donald said he was happy with the turn out. “This year was the best in terms of the turn out and the judging as well. So I am happy with that.”

In terms of building Guyanese talent to compete overseas, Mc Donald stated that there were a lot of technical skills shown by local athletes.

“There were a lot of skills base movements, especially in the final event where the athletes had to perform at high intensity while their heart rate was up, and the local guys did well.

I am really happy with how that last event came out, ending with the hand stand walk, it really showed the level of skills of our athletes have been able to develop over the last six years.”

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

Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

PAGE 39

DCB’s U-17 Inter-Association 50-over cricket

East Bank and Georgetown in winners’ row in 2nd round

By Sean Devers Georgetown maintained their unbeaten record with a five-wicket victory over East Coast at Lusignan while East Bank notched up their f i r s t w i n y e s t e r d a y, trouncing West Demerara by nine wickets at Everest in the second of the Demerara Cricket Board’s U-17 InterAssociation 50-over tournament. East Bank were beaten by Georgetown on Wednesday.

West Demerara made 93 in 29 overs, opener Sachin Balgobin who was last out for 40 from 82 balls with four fours and Nitayanand Mataura who hit three fours in his 25, reached double figures as the pair added 70 runs for the third wicket.

Off-spinner Krsna Singh followed up his 3-8 on Wednesday with 4-12 while pacer Thaddeus Lovell, bowling with less than a clean action captured 4-22.

East Bank in reply, lost Deonarine Dindyal who was stumped off leg-spinner Jeremiah Singh for at 15-1; Mavindra Dindyal led with an accomplished unbeaten

Krsna Singh had 4-12 East Bank 45 (2x4 1x6) from 49 balls and skipper Zachary Jodah made 38 not out from 47 balls with a single boundary.

The second wicket pair added 79 in an unfinished stand to see their team 94-1 from 18.5 overs. In scorching heat on another spin friendly track, West Demerara elected to bat and Avesh Persaud was run out for one at 2-1 before Vishaul Persaud had his stumps knocked out by Lovell before he had scored at 2-2.

Balgobin, who looked very sound and Matura, who played the role off the aggressor batted solidly to see the 50 posted in the 14th over before Matura was removed by Singh to trigger a colossal collapse.

West Demerara opener Sachin Balogbin was last out for a well constructed 40.

Lovell, who was on a hat-trick, struck some telling blows while Singh was also in fine form as the last eight wickets tumbled for 21 runs.

East Bank in rely reached their target comfortably as Dindyal who got going with a six off Jerimiah Singh played with ease. Dindayal’s batting was filled with elegant stroke play while Jodah, the son of former National U-19 left-hander Richard Jodah, played the

supporting role.

At Lusignan, East Coast made 146-6 in 50 overs before Georgetown, spearheaded by an unbeaten 61 from Shamar Yearwood, replied with 148-5 in 42 overs to win by five wickets.

Today in the final round, East Bank plays East Coast at Lusignan while Georgetown oppose West Demerara at Bourda with both matches starting at 09:00hrs.

Ramnarine, Khan spur GSSC into final; Sans Souci overcome NSC Off-spinner Vickram Ramnarine grabbed five wickets while Imran Khan struck a fine half century to hand Good Success Sports Club (GSSC) a four-wicket v i c t o r y o v e r M a r i a ’s Pleasure, while Sans Souci defeated Noitgedacht Sports Club (NSC) by three wickets when the semi finals of the Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee/Bel Air Rubis/Trophy Stall T20 competition were contested on Sunday last at the Wakenaam Community

Vickram Ramnarine

Jaggernauth Manbodh Centre ground.

Ramnarine bagged five wickets for 30 runs from

Imran Khan four overs, his second consecutive five-wicket haul, as Maria’s Pleasure

were bowled out for 113 in 17 overs, batting first.

Opener Bernard Lewis struck five fours and three sixes in a top score of 46 and added 81 for the fifth-wicket with Kennard Lewis to (Continued on page 34)

Taddeus Lovell had 4-22 and was on a hat-trick yesterday at Everest. (Sean Devers photo)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament

T

he 2020 Bounty F a r m L t d Handicap Squash To u r n a m e n t b e g a n o n Wednesday evening at the usual venue, Georgetown Club with thirteen matches in the A and Open Categories.

It was a night full of upsets in Category A as both of the top seeded players were beaten.

Beau Fernandes (right) beat Nandishraj Singh.

Friday February 14, 2020

upsets on opening night Shiloh Asregado (-5) lost in straight games to Kassie Walcott (13) 15-8, 15-9 while Joshua Verwey (-5) was beaten by Grant Fernandes (10) 15-1, 15-4.

In two other matches match which went all the way down to the wire, Tiana Gomes (13) beat Rylee Rodrigues (9) 15-8, 11-15, 15-14 and Lajuan Munroe (2) defeated Brenno DaSilva (10) 11-15,

15-12, 15-14.

In the Open category, there were comfortable wins for Abosaide Cadogan (0) who beat Tian Edwards (12) 15-12, 15-14, Louis Da Silva (10) who cruised past Ian Mekdeci (-2) 15-2, 15-10 and Zachary Persaud (10) who proved too good for Lydia Fraser (7) winning 152, 15-9.

Results of all the matches played were as follows:

Category A Kassie Walcott (13) beat Shiloh Asregado (-5) 15-8, 15–9 Grant Fernandes (10) defeated Joshua Verwey (-5) 15-1, 15–4 Tiana Gomes (13) beat Rylee Rodrigues (9) 15-8, 11-15, 15–14 Lajuan Munroe (2) beat Brenno DaSilva (10) 11-15, 15-12, 15–14 Rayad Boyce (5) beat

Demetri Lowe (9) 15-14, 15–7 Beau Fernandes (7) beat Nandishraj Singh (13) 15-7, 15–11 Dhiren Persaud (3) defeated Lucas Persaud (7) 15-12, 15–12 Open Category Abosaide Cadogan (0) beat Tian Edwards (12) 1512, 15–14 Louis Da Silva (10) beat Ian Mekdeci (-2) 15-2,

15–10 Zachary Persaud (10) beat Lydia Fraser (7) 15-2, 15–9 Mohryan Baksh (0) beat Dane Pereira (9) 15-12, 15–11 Steven Persaud (9) beat Reagan Rodrigues (8) 14-15, 15-5, 15-10 Matches continued last night and will motor on tonight with the finals slated for Sunday from 11:00hrs.

Hodge fifty props up Volcanoes but Bishoo strikes late St George’s, Grenada, CMC – Discarded Test legspinner Devendra Bishoo struck a key blow late in the day when he removed halfcentury maker Kavem Hodge, to give Guyana Jaguars the edge on the rainhit opening day of their fifth round match against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Sent in, Volcanoes were heading towards the close on 200 for five when Bishoo prised out Hodge for 53 as the visitors closed on 212 for six at the National Stadium here yesterday.

Keron Cottoy, batting at number seven, finished the day on 37 not out while veteran Devon Smith, opening partner Roland Cato and Andre Fletcher all chipped in with 27.

Bishoo claimed two for 43 while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (239) also picked up two wickets. Volcanoes were given a decent start when Smith put on 38 for the first wicket with Cato and a further 29 for the second wicket with Hodge.

Enterprising seamer Nial Smith got the breakthrough

when he removed Cato to a catch at the wicket after the right-hander had struck four fours in a 57-ball innings.

Smith added 29 for the second wicket with Hodge before he too perished after facing 66 balls in nearly two hours at the crease and striking two fours.

Hodge then took responsibility for the innings in a knock lasting 164 balls in a shade over 3-½ hours, while hitting six boundaries.

Crucially, he put on 44 for the third wicket with Fletcher and a further 31 for the fourth wicket with

Kavem Hodge Guyanese Bhaskar Yadram who made 16.

When Yadram and 20year-old wicketkeeper batsman Emmanuel Stewart perished 14 runs and 29 balls apart, Volcanoes were stumbling on 156 for five.

However, Hodge added a (Continued on page 34)

Kaieteur News

Friday February 14, 2020

PAGE 41

Jermaine & Family Mash Cup 2020 – Linden

Botofago trounce Silver Shattas; Winners Connection blank Hi Stars Matches in the inaugural Jermaine and Family Mash Cup will continue today at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground with a double header from 19:00hrs when Topp XX takes on Aroaima followed by the main attraction between Coomacka and Hi Stars, two hours later.

In latest play, Botofago Football Club (BFC) led by a hat-trick off the boot of Jamal Haynes came from a goal down to trounce Silver Shattas 6-1 while Winners Connection blanked Hi Stars 2-0.

In other matches contested, Capital Football Club and Coomacka FC battled to a 2-2 stalemate while there was also a draw in the match between Topp XX and Netrockers, 1-1.

Silver Shattas started in the brightest possible fashion against Botofago when Damian Williams sent them ahead in the 5th minute and while it took Botofago some time to get settled, when they finally did, Shattas were shattered.

Tevin Thompson drew Botofago level in the 27th minute and from that juncture there was no looking back for the winners; Silver Shattas was able to keep the score tied 1-1 up to the half time whistle.

However, from the 55th minute Jamal Haynes took matters into his own hands as he fired in three goals in the 55th, 65th and 66th minute to effectively put the game beyond the reach of their opponents. Jamal’s brother, Shane then sealed the deal when he tucked in his sides sixth goal in the 78th minute.

But before that, Antwaine Gill scored the fifth goal in the 72nd minute.

Winners Connection did not have nothing else but wining on their minds when they engaged Hi Stars and they won, 2-0 on account of goals from Jaffon Figueira in the 5th minute and Akeem Caesar in the 71st minute.

Coomacka, riding on their fine showing in the UDFA year-end tournament,

Marmalaque Davidson - Coomacka FC

erased a two goal deficit against Capitol FC to earn an equal share of the spoils in this round-robin stage of the competition.

Capitol took a comfortable 2-0 lead by the (Continued on page 37)

Akeem Caesar (right) and Jaffon Figueria – Winners Connection FC

Botofago Football Club goal scorers

Golden Hetmyer Hurricanes and Republic t r o Sp T20 Bash Rutherford Renegades

to clash for 1M

Guyanese Alpha Harrison wins NYRR Fastest Kid in the World Boys 55m Dash - 113th NYRR Millrose Games

NCN’s Dellon Murray (left), GCB’s Anand Sanasie and Colin Stuart address the Nation live on NCN TV yesterday.

RFA Champions League

Guyana Rush Saints FC.

Alpha Harrison with his dad, Linden.

Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament

Upsets on opening night Lajuan Munroe defeated Brenno DaSilva at the GT Club on Wednesday night (Sean Devers photo)

Hodge fifty props up Volcanoes but Bishoo strikes late

Guyana Rush Saints commence title defense on a high; Ann Captain’s hat-trick seals Gladiators win

Gladiators Football Club Female Team.

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