PAGE 02
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Media freedom: it must be defended (Republished from The Guardian – International Edition)
T
he arrest in the Philippines of the courageous journalist Maria Ressa, founder and head of the news organisation Rappler, is a disgrace. It is also one she foresaw. Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters have shown little tolerance for anyone attempting to hold him to account, as Rappler has done, in particular over the “war on drugs” which has killed thousands. Ressa is accused of cyber-libel under a law introduced months after the alleged offence. She previously had to post bail over tax fraud charges which she said were trumped up to harass and intimidate Rappler. Its licence has been revoked and its political correspondent barred from presidential palace briefings. Ressa has called the campaign against Rappler a kind of back-handed compliment: it shows that the president sees it as a threat. Powerful interests at all levels, and those who bolster them, have reason to bully critics into silence. The Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi was one of 80 journalists killed last year, while hundreds more were locked up. A Ghanaian journalist who exposed football corruption was shot dead in January. Two Afghan journalists were murdered in their radio station last week. Many more are silenced by violence, threats, harassment or jail. In Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo have lost their appeal against seven-year sentences for reporting on a military-led massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. This week, a BBC cameraman was violently shoved and abused at a Donald Trump rally. While a White House statement subsequently condemned violence, the US president recently praised Congressman Greg Gianforte for his assault on a Guardian reporter. His attacks on “fake news” are echoed by authoritarians including Mr Duterte. As the executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists has warned, Mr Trump’s hostility to and undermining of journalists has global as well as domestic repercussions, normalising press freedom abuses. The Czech president, Miloš Zeman, said last year that: “It hasn’t yet been possible to wipe out Czech journalists.” The Council of Europe called 2018 the worst year for press freedom since the end of the cold war. The work of reputable journalists is all the more vital in an age when lies can spread so rapidly across social media, and when powerful players weaponise such platforms to attack critics, as Ressa has noted. The increasing pressure on journalists, and the need for accurate sources of news, has spurred a Foreign Office campaign in support of media freedom this year – launched, notably, by the British ambassador to the Philippines. The government will host an international conference on protecting journalists in July and has pledged to “increase the costs” of impinging on media freedoms. The campaign and promise are very welcome: rhetoric matters. But so does consistency. It is admirable that the UK foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, raised Khashoggi’s death while in Riyadh last year; less so that, as he did so, lower-level British officials continued to talk trade. Receiving another award last year, Ressa said of Rappler’s fortitude: “You don’t really know who you are until you’re forced to fight to defend it … We will hold the line.” Those who profess to care about media freedom must do likewise.
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.
Money transfer services are fleecing poor Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, Western Union and MoneyGram [WU & MG] are the two main entities sending and receiving cash money around the world. “The MoneyGram fee is $4.50 to transfer up to $50 and $9.50 to send up to $900. We s t e r n U n i o n , i n comparison, charges $5 for a money transfer of up to $50, but a transfer of $900 could only cost US $76, but there are a number of price points in between, dependent on the amount of money to transfer” i.e. for US$300 they would charge you a US$27 fee. If that was the end of the story then one would very easily see that it makes no sense sending money through Western Union, if MoneyGram was available; but it is not so easy. I sent US$300 to myself by Western Union and the amount received here was $60,651. I sent the same US$300 to myself with MoneyGram and amount received was $60,601, the transfer charge at Western Union to send US$300 from NY to Guyana was US$27, whilst at MoneyGram the charges are supposed to be US$4.50. So how can the two end payments be nearly the same? Well it turns out that Western union exchanges
US dollars for Guyana dollars at the rate of G$202.1675 to 1 US dollar, and since the receipt here in Guyana from MoneyGram and Western Union is nearly the same for US$300 ($60,051 MG and $60,651 WU) it means that the advertising by MoneyGram to have a lower fee to make transfers is tosh, because they will convert at a lower rate and pay less than Western Union in actuality. The last time I exchanged money at my Bank [Demerara Bank] the exchange rate they gave me was $210 to 1 US$. It may not sound like much but if you are sending $1000 US to a family in Guyana and they changed it at my Bank, you would get G$210,000. But if someone sent you US$1000 by Western Union you would get $202,167.50 or $7,832.50 less than if you took the time to change it at my Bank, or I daresay any other commercial Bank or Cambio in Guyana. Needless to say, I am not going to use Western Union again especially since if you take out US$500 in one week, and need an additional US$300, the entity is reluctant to effect the exchange since you are probably a money launderer or drug dealer!! This morning I went to
my insurance company to renew the insurance on my car for G$6000 and I had to waste several minutes filling out a form to show where I got the G$6000 to pay for the insurance premium. The young lady was most apologetic and told me that this was for the Central Bank and not the insurance company. Now I am the first to agree that we must curb drug and other forms of trafficking and the accompanying laundering which goes with it, but which drug lord can get by laundering US$700 a week? When controls begin to hamper business and interfere with the legitimate transactions of ordinary citizens, it is time to ask what the hell is going on. Because I am making something for my house here, I took US$300 on Wednesday and US$200 on Thursday but needed a further US$300 on Friday to pay the workmen and it was declined? When I made the order on Friday they told me that it is going to be reviewed and that I would hear from them in 2 hours. Editor this is my own money which I earned in the US and which I am sending to myself to repair something here in Guyana; two hours turned into 24 hours and it
was then Saturday, my workmen are not speaking to me, and my options are now very limited because the Bank is closed. So in desperation I called WU and they put me through a long overseas call which lasted over an hour, and ended up with me speaking to their investigator who sounds like some Pilipino man whose English I barely understood, and he wants to go through all my transactions for 2018. Well editor you know what my answer to that was. Western Union and Money Gram are charging fees to do these transactions as they are entitled to do. Let them raise their fees if necessary, having regard to the competition between them to give the best deal, but are they entitled to offer a lesser exchange rate than that authorized by our Cambio system and Commercial Banks? Don’t we [BOG] regulate them at all? I believe that we established some time ago that as much as US$300 million is being sent to Guyanese from the US, Canada and the UK annually to relatives here, in which case if the exchange rate of G$210 is used that amounts to $63 billion. (Continued on page 6)
GOVERNMENT LEADERS IGNORE COURT ORDERS DEAR EDITOR, It is very unfortunate that heads of government ignore Court Orders which set the tone for a breakdown of law and order. David Granger as head of state and government by ignoring the no confidence motion and the Order by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George giving validity to the December 21, 2018 parliamentary 33-32 motion, is blatant. His excuse that the decision is being appealed is unacceptable since he was advised that an appeal does not act as a stay. More so in this case the Chief Justice denied a request made by the Attorney General for a stay. The Bar Council of the Bar Association has issued a statement stating that the clock is ticking and that the country is entering into a constitutional crisis. It is clear to my mind that the government wants to stall
the election as long as possible because it is likely that appeals from the Guyana Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will not be concluded before the March 21 deadline. House to house registration to ensure that there is a clean list is merely an excuse since only a few months ago there were local government elections. Disrespectful of Court Orders is not new in Guyana. In December 1997 the late Janet Jagan tossed away an Order of Nisi made by the then Chief Justice Desiree Bernard prohibiting the then Chancellor Cecil Kennard from swearing her (Jagan) as President on the ground that she had already been sworn in privately. Mrs. Jagan’s action was severely criticized at the time since legal experts say that Justice Bernard’s ruling was still binding even it was made after the fact.
In September 2013 I interviewed the former Chancellor as she was about to demit office as a judge of the CCJ. I asked her about the “tossing of the Court Order” incident which was considered as contemptuous and disrespectful and injured the image and authority of the judiciary. However the former Chancellor who is highly respected in the Caribbean, having held many firsts, said she held the view that Mrs. Jagan was not disrespectful to her or the Court for that “unfortunate action” and that they had a good relationship until her demise. Maybe I should turn to another aspect of the judiciary when under the Burnham regime, the PNC flag was flown at the Court of Appeal which at the time was the highest court in the country since appeals to the Privy Council were abolished and the CCJ was
not yet inaugurated. Guyana at that time was under a socialist regime and the government was considered an arm of the PNC party. However two decades later a former Chancellor (ag) Carl Singh, told a University of Guyanasponsored lecture that Guyana with the passage of time, the Judiciary has reasserted its independence and its neutrality and that the rule of law is maintained. Singh retired as acting Chancellor and could not be confirmed because the then leader of the Opposition did not agree as required under the amended Constitution which now calls for “agreement” rather than “consultation”. In fact, since Bernard demitted office as Chancellor in April 2005 to join the CCJ there was no “confirmed” Chancellor. A very unfortunate situation. Oscar Ramjeet
The presidential candidate is the worst possible individual DEAR EDITOR, I just found out that the PPP has identified its presidential candidate. The worse possible individual carries that mantle now. How crass, vulgar and disgusting coming from the leadership of a party that has now lost its way. Despite all that we recently learnt about the candidate and the incontrovertible evidence that came to light showing his fakery and debauchery, we are asked to support a flawed character encased in a cocoon of quackery. The mind is boggled by this demented decision. I believe that this fiasco has its roots in two distinct possibilities: powerful forces that have tried to destroy the party from its inception have at this moment their well-entrenched Trojan horse at the helm of the leadership. Alternatively, the candidate’s principal benefactor‘s scheming and intransigence in ensuring his way to being the de facto President. Here they are, two peas in a pod: one with his academic embellishment the other revelling in his ‘doctorate’. Pray, tell us Doc: what was the subject of your doctoral dissertation? Must all be sacrificed to satisfy the ambitions of this puppet master and his nefarious puppet(candidate)? Who are the people behind them in the leadership of this pusillanimous, pathetic party? The sickos that supported this calumny with their odious rottenness have now sacrificed their people to advance the ignoble calling of
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
avarice, thievery and cowardice. The closest analogy I can think of in this ‘selection’ goes back to Caligula making his favourite horse a Consul of Rome. In this Guyanese farce, we can supplant the horse for another beast of burden. The case of this puppet and puppeteer is no laughing matter as both are wealthy beyond understanding. Both are smallminded, humourless buffoons, drunk with their self-importance, legends in their own minds. They always insinuate that the considerable progress made under the PPP from 1992 is somehow attributed to the senior aforementioned‘legend’; not the people of Guyana, not the PPP or the collective leadership of the party and certainly not the famous dentist. This de facto president –in-waiting flushed with his ill- begotten wealth and with his principal residence seen as a monument to opulence, tried to insinuate that the MAN from Port Mourant ,lived splendidly like him. Furthermore, the father of the independence movement is always dismissed by this charlatan! Hence, principled men like Ramotar and Anthony are anathema to him. The sorry lot of corrupt money obsessed sycophants, weaklings and spineless men of straw that saunter the halls of Freedom House can never match Ramotar for his decency and honesty and class. Not now, not ever, not in a thousand years.
Go figure Mr. President– in-waiting, how many house lots you hustled to ordinary poor people, usually supporters of the PPP? How many people have you robbed or taken advantage of as a little Caesar in your post of housing czar? How was your family connected to the illegal money transfers to you? Now that the stakes are bigger, when you can have the whole country for sale, you must be salivating at the possibilities. What do you have to offer but a smorgasbord of chicanery, lies and betrayal? Do not fool yourself. Your ascension was brokered in a tawdry backroom with promises to addled nincompoops who sold themselves in the vilest form of prostitution. I have no intention of supporting this party any longer. If a party has made such a monumental error of judgment, how can it be expected to handle the affairs of state? I feel that there is still time to stop this cabal that has hijacked the party. It is time for honest men and women to take a stand or be swept away by this flood of sewage gushing from Freedom (or Fiefdom) House. I will not be a party to this nonsense. I will not vote! On Election Day I will reflect on the lives of young Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Parmanand who were murdered by the GDF in 1973. I salute the 11 (perhaps the real team) who did not sanction this. Regards, Gerald Singh
An open letter to Mr. Jagdeo, There’s a lot you should remember DEAR EDITIOR We the people of this country Guyana are totally fed-up with you and your nonsense. We have understudied you and your behaviour. Just to let you know what you yourself already know. Now that this country has oil you would like to be the boss to continue from where you left off; to share to your friends and family. We have even seen ourselves being sent to the interior locations to live to allow you and your Cabal to open Pradoville Three in Georgetown. Jagdeo you lied when you put that man to be your Presi-
dential Candidate. That is a bluff. The whole world knew at that time that it will be your third term. He was handpicked. The world know what is behind that. We don’t want to see or even hear from you. Just sit in your mansion and enjoy the pension that we were robbed of even after working hard all our lives and can’t own a fraction of yours. You are now trying to destabilize the people of our country. We are now living in a democratic age and not under your dictatorship. Do you remember how many people’s blood run in the streets? Do you remem-
ber when Mr. Sash Sawh was murdered? Do you remember when Ronald Waddell was murdered? Do you remember all the killing on the East Coast Demerara and Bartica? Do you remember when Pradoville was lotted out, people like us could not get a lot? Could you remember when our country used to be the main transshipment point for drugs? Could you remember when Janet threw the writ behind her back? Could you remember as president of this country you use to fly in and out like a bird leaving Sam Hinds like a fool behind? Concerned Citizens
THIS MAN IS UNFIT FOR THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE DEAR EDITOR, I served in the Guyana Police Force from 1969 to 1976 when I left to take up residence in Canada. I am aware of Guyana current affairs by reading your daily papers. In your edition of February 8 there was chaos at the University of Guyana. I noticed in a picture of several police ranks including one in khaki whom I think was an officer carried in the newspapers. Due to the then current situation, he was not active at all. He was leaning by his right side against a police vehicle
with his head bent downwards like a drunk person. Mr. Editor, at my age I still play softball cricket with a team in the summer to stay active and I do other things in the winter. I can safely say that this rank is way out of shape because of his size. I am sure that I am around twenty years older than him.I being a former member of the Guyana Police Force was embarrassed when I saw that picture and I can imagine what the Police Force
has become. I never saw any of my senior officers present themselves in such disrespectful manner during my time of service. I wonder what Guyanese worldwide who saw this picture are saying about our Police Force. I guess they were laughing. The authorities need to review the performance and fitness of its members. Regards Kenneth Singh Toronto.
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
It cannot be business as usual DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me a bit of your valuable media space in an effort to highlight another example of why better must come to Guyana. Guyana cannot continue to conduct business as usual as we begin the transition to an oil producing country. The time is now ripe to begin addressing the appalling levels of pervasive mediocrity that characterises and permeates every sphere of life in Guyana. Most recently, Guyana’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) saw the resignation of Ms Sherronie James, its leading investigator and star witness in a number of high profile corruption and financial crimes cases currently before the courts. Ms James’s departure from SOCU followed a very much unnecessary and avoidable impasse with the Ministry of Public Security where Ms James quite understandably refused to breach (disclose the details) legally binding Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) she signed years before her attachment to SOCU began and consequently, to end the unnecessary impasse, she volunteered her resignation which was immediately accepted by the Ministry of Public Security. Mr Editor, Confidentiality Agreements/ Non Disclosure Agreements are legally binding, enforceable on signatories and persons/ organizations. People must treat them with the seriousness they demand. Disclosure of the detail around these agreements is strictly prohibited and breaches almost always attract substantial penalties. With the advent of the internet, the world
has become a global village and Guyanese policy makers need to realise that Guyana does not exist in a vacuum. Our policy makers need to realise that given the recent oil discoveries in Guyana, interest in Guyana is at its highest and the pervasive levels of mediocrity that dominate the public service in Guyana has to stop. Now, after spending many millions of taxpayers’ dollars on forensic audits and painstaking investigations, are we so mediocre and naive to believe suggestions emanating from the highest levels of government that there will be success in the courts on the numerous matters Ms James was involved with? As a practising legal practitioner I can categorically predict without fear of contradiction that these cases will now fail. This is elementary! It clearly questions our leaders’ commitment to addressing scourge of fraud and corruption plaguing our beloved nation. As a country, when our decision makers suggest that the departure of the key witness is inconsequential to the outcome of ongoing matters engaging the courts; it is indicative of a mindset geared to failure and an indication of the mediocre state of mind of our decision makers.It simply highlights the depths of mediocrity now common place at the highest levels. Guyana has lost all hope. Our government needs to start demonstrating that it is a listening government. Better must come. Sincerely, Tim Grant (Solicitor) United Kingdom
Money transfer services are fleecing... From page 4 But WU is paying $202.1675 to 1 US$, which means that they are fleecing the poor Guyanese people who are being supported by their relatives abroad to the tune of $2.35 billion. Furthermore, the exchange rates of WU and MG are as follows; if you are in Guyana and are sending money to the US the exchange rates are WU $201.89 inbound
and $214.21 outbound, and MG $202 inbound and $213 outbound, a spread of almost $12 and $11 respectively. My Bank’s spread is $6. i.e. G$ 210 buying and G$216 selling. At this time, also, I discovered there seems to be a very big shortage of US dollars in Guyana. What exactly is our Bank of Guyana doing about this? These operations WU and MG have
to be licensed to operate here, so they have to account to our government and our people at some point.Who exactly at the Bank of Guyana is paying attention to this usury? Or are they also asleep at the wheel? WU and MG should be allowed their service fees since they are entitled to it, but they should not be allowed to manipulate the exchange rate in this manner, when such massive amounts are being taken from our poor citizens. And someone must regulate them on behalf of the poor people in this country. Yours Faithfully Tony Vieira.
Friday February 15, 2019
Guyana Cannot Move Forward Without New Political Leaders DEAR EDITOR, One thing the coalition administration knows to dish out well is starvation. The Democratic National Congress observed they were hosting a meeting at which they were asking for another chance to do the right thing, even after their earlier lies. In a recent advertisement they listed some of their accomplishments, apparently omitting the following, which we would like to share with the electorate. 1. The coalition administration destroyed the lives of Stabroek Market vendors. 2. They ran a racket paying G$12.5 million/mth for about 2 years on a bond they could have bought for G$25 million. 3. They implemented a
host of new taxes which sucked money out of our pockets while giving themselves a 50% increase in salaries. 4. They agreed to all the foolishness in the earlier EXXON contract, collecting a measly US$18 million for us under the table like silly dishonest little boys. 5. They lied to us in their last campaign, going back on their promise to create jobs. Many supporters feel they’ve been taken for a ride as they watch the coalition ministers enjoy their salary increases. 6. Starved the children and families of sugar workers like if they were mad men. 7. They neglected their support base, parading themselves on public television while many Guyanese chil-
dren did not have enough to eat. 8. They succeeded in having all the cases against PPP ministers and officials involving tens of billions of stolen or misappropriated taxes thrown out. All. That’s eight of eight, or thereabouts. 9. They made back-room deals with union leaders, burying workers’ hopes of getting long overdue adjustments to their pathetic salaries. 10. They’re asking for another chance to finish off what they started. We maintain that Guyana cannot move forward without new political leaders. I cannot do it alone. Best Regards, Craig Sylvester, Presidential Candidate, DNC.
Incompetence, Inefficiency or Partisan Political Collusion at GECOM? DEAR EDITOR, It is GECOM Secretariat’s statutory duty and responsibility to keep a current list of voters to be in readiness to conduct national and regional elections within the constitutional requirement of 90 days or as such extended time as may be allowed by two-thirds majority vote of the Members of the National Assembly consequent upon the passage of a no-confidence motion. What is so difficult with a database of all persons over 14 years of age to be updated daily with the inclusion of all persons attaining 18 years of age, and the deletion of all dead persons reported by the Registrars of deaths? The list of dead persons
should be requested /required from the Registrars on a weekly basis. This is a simple common sense approach given our electoral experience of controversies. There is widespread national concern and anxiety over the obvious delaying tactics empl o y e d b y t h e Chief Elections Officer and the staff under his management and administrative control. One puerile excuse of the CEO is that he is awaiting instructions from GECOM which cannot agree to move forward since the Commission is equally divided in deadlock on the next required statutory move. That places the Chairman of GECOM, although unilaterally appointed by the President, to exercise his Constitution duty and promote a mutually acceptable agreement through mediation in the national community interest.
As a retired judge with strong religious beliefs in righteousness, God’s justice and accountability to God, the nation expect s him and the Commission’s staff to act justly and fairly within the time frame work as outlined in our Constitution. Is the Chairman of GECOM bowing to political pressures and collusion to delay, as long as possible the legally required elections? There can be no excuse for the GECOM’s CEO and staff of GECOM Secretariat not to be ready to conduct elections in this context, having just conducted successfully, local Government elections on 12 November 2018 with the validity of the voters’ list until 30 April, 2019. Are we seeing gross incompetence, inefficiency, and negligence at GECOM Secretariat in political collusion? With thanks Joshua Singh
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
Energy Dept. acting contrary to its policies - Jagdeo
T
he Department of Energy is failing terribly. This is the firm belief of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. He thinks that the department is even failing at the simple task of acting in harmony with its policies. The politician said this at a press conference he hosted yesterday. Jagdeo acknowledged a briefing held earlier this week by the Department of Energy—it’s first for the year. During the referenced presser, Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe spoke about the department’s many plans. Yesterday, Jagdeo said that he noted “the Energy Department is suddenly talking about competitive bidding (for oil blocks); saying
they wouldn’t sign off on excessive development cost (to be claimed by oil companies as cost oil); that the template for best practice PSA (Production Sharing Agreement) is completed and the Local Content policy will be finalized soon.” Jagdeo questioned, “Is this just gaff? Shouldn’t the President or Minister say something about this?” According to Jagdeo, the government h a s n o t been successful in making clear the authority of the Energy Department w h i c h was set up in the last half of last year. The former President said that he is not sure if the positions stated by Dr. Bynoe are those of the executive or just the technical view of the department. Jagdeo told the media,
“We will have to clarify from them if these are government positions or Department of Energy. I saw the letter that the president wrote to all the organizations saying he should approve these things. (President Granger said) all matters relating to oil and gas should come to him and he, as the subject minister, will give approval. I would like to see the President say this openly.” Speaking about the department not acting in harmony with its policies, Jagdeo pointed out that the Energy Department is saying it “would not sign off on development cost and then being so inept with looking at the development cost. (They are) not giving
Guyanese workforce to shadow hired experts –Energy Dept. Head
T
he Energy Depart ment is in the pro cess of strengthening its person-power, through the continued recruitment of a number of experts in the petroleum sector. This was revealed recently by Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. Speaking at a press conference held earlier this week, Dr. Bynoe said that by the end of the first quarter, he wants to hire Development Advisors, Crude Marketing Advisors, Gas Advisors, Commercial Advisors, and legal Advisors. Dr. Bynoe said that efforts will be made to
ensure Guyanese are part of the recruitment mix. But even when this is done, Guyanese would be shadowing any international experts who would be hired. Specifically, Dr. Bynoe said that his technical staff will shadow hired experts, economists, econometrician, local content staff and procurement staff. Asked if the Department would be hiring negotiators, Dr. Bynoe said that that skill set is already incorporated in the experience of the experts he is seeking to recruit. He said that the Department will not be hiring special negotia-
tors. Dr. Bynoe told Kaieteur News during a follow-up interview that he has hired 11 persons for the Department. He said that he has Petroleum Engineers, Geological Engineers, a Commercial Advisor/ Negotiator, and two legal persons. He said, “One overseas consultant is with us so far and that is Matthew (Wilks), Petroleum Advisor to the Government).” Of the 10 Guyanese on staff at the Department, Dr. Bynoe said that six of them have experience in the oil and gas industry. (Kiana Wilburg)
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo effect to any of these things, but I do not want to get more into their incompetence in the oil sector now, that is a topic for another day.” Jagdeo then used the opportunity to
Head of the Energy Dept., Dr. Mark Bynoe
note, “I saw the so called caucus that is meeting. I want to say once again to the public servants, if you get direction from this caucus ignore it totally.” Jagdeo said that the there
is no law guiding the operation of a caucus but for a Cabinet “and the Chief Justice ruled that there is no Cabinet.” (Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell)
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Guyanese mother, children detained for murder in French Guiana Police in French Guiana have arrested a Guyanese woman and her fifteen-year-old daughter, while her 10-year-old son is in the justice detention system. The three reportedly stabbed 34-year-old Orlando Josiah to death on Monday during a domestic row in a squatting area located next to a school in their area. News out of the country suggests that the man was at the time abusing the woman when her children rushed to her aid and attempted to defend her. They reportedly inflicted stab wounds on the suspect who had shared a common law relationship with the woman for some time. The children also reportedly confessed to carrying out the act, as they say Josiah would usually abuse their mother. The fight between the two reportedly started after accusations about infidelity were leveled against the woman by the man, and the woman denied same.Relatives said that the woman stabbed the man to his neck while the children stabbed him in other parts of the body. Both of the adults are said to be from Guyana with the woman hailing from Timehri
Friday February 15, 2019
Children’s Dance and Masquerade finals start with a bang
Dead: Orlando Josiah and the man somewhere in Georgetown. The investigations into that matter over in French Guiana are ongoing.
A scene during the finals of the Children’s Dance and Masquerade competition The finals of the Children’s Dance and Masquerade competition brought out the best of the best, as competitors from each region showed the judges why they were chosen for this final round. Director of National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), Jennifer Cumberbatch, cheered the students on and commended them for their performances, in her feature address, yesterday at the National Culture Centre. “The regional competition commenced on January 25 and from the onset, the level
of competition has been nothing but spectacular; the performance whether it is from the nursery babies or secondary children was spellbinding and impressive,” she said. Cumberbatch thanked the students for participating in this event, noting that the variety and level of performances displayed since the launch of the regional competition show their dedication and hard work. Head of Ansa McAl’s Non-Alcoholic Division, Errol Nelson said the company is proud to sponsor the event since this speaks to the corporation’s social respon-
sibility and its mission to help in the development of young people. “Our company recognises that youths are our future leaders and we are always able, willing and ready to support any initiatives toward their rounded development,” Nelson said. The National Children’s Mashramani Competition continues today, at the National Cultural Centre and will be followed by a magnificent explosion of colours as the Children’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade takes centre stage tomorrow at the National Park.
Govt. operating as if it has already won ‘No Confidence’ court case – Jagdeo The government of Guyana is carrying on with business as usual, operating as though it has already won the court case challenging the validity of the No Confidence Motion, according to Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. He said that Chief Justice Roxane George has already ruled, and that means the government should operate in accordance with her ruling. She had ruled that a majority of those members is 33, and that the no-confidence motion passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, is valid. Jagdeo opined that the government is reluctant to dissolve the government and cooperate with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to effect preparation mode for elections, because it is operating under the premise that it must wait until the final court rules on the motion. The government had indicated that it will go as far as
the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) if it doesn’t succeed in challenging the validity of the motion at lower courts. Since the Chief Justice ruled that the motion was passed, the government has moved to the Court of Appeal. The Leader of the Opposition used the analogy that, if someone is convicted on a charge of murder, they may appeal the ruling at a higher court. However, they must still remain in prison while such litigation is ongoing. In the same regard, Jagdeo argued that the government must abide the ruling by the Chief Justice, by dissolving the government and providing whatever assistance is necessary to GECOM. “You are in jail now. Until you get released, you have to comply.” He said that the government’s logic, that it shouldn’t do anything until the final court rules, is “pure nonsense”. Though the government
requested a stay on the motion, the Chief Justice had denied that request as well. “The Chief Justice ruled that the timeline didn’t stop. You have to observe the NoConfidence Motion, as it was validly passed.” Jagdeo has accused multiple government officials of intentionally frustrating the March 19 election deadline, set by the Constitution. He said that the crowded landscape of views about whether the motion was passed and about the consequences of the motion, have not succeeded in complicating the issue because the matter has already received a ruling. The Opposition Leader noted that, if the PPP wins the next General and Regional Election, it will have independent investigations executed to find whatever A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government officials are seeking to hide, by frustrating the election deadline.
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
A disappointing Valentine’s Day
L
ast Friday, an old, grey-haired man walked into one of Georgetown’s finest jewellery stores with a beautiful young lady at his side. He told the jeweller he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend for Valentine. The jeweller looked through his stock and brought out a $500,000 ring. The old man said, “No, I’d like to see something more special.” At that statement, the jeweller went to his special stock and brought another ring over. “Here’s a stunning ring at only $1,400,000,” the jeweller said. The young lady’s eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man, seeing this, said, “We’ll take it.” The jeweller asked how payment would be made and the old man stated, “By
cheque. I know you need to make sure my cheque is good, so I’ll write it now, and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds, and I’ll pick the ring up Wednesday afternoon in time for Valentine, on Thursday. Monday morning, the jeweller phoned the old man. “There’s no money in your account.” “I know,” said the old man, “But let me tell you about my weekend!” Yesterday was not your usual Valentine Day. There was gloominess about the entire day. It was not filled with the usual excitement. There was a listlessness about the day which was a sign that many people recognized that this was not going to be a Valentine to remember. Many lovers were resigned to accepting that they would have to spend the
entire day alone and without any gifts from their partners. A lot of women did not even have a date yesterday. There were hundreds of them who waited in vain for the roses and the chocolates. Some girls wore red and sat all day at their workstations waiting on the delivery man. They are still waiting. Others contented themselves with the cheap, artificial roses which were being peddled on the pavement for $100 and a $1500 teddy bear. It was better than what so many others got - nothing. Some guys could not afford to take their girl out to lunch. That was how humiliating it was yesterday. They simply could not afford the cost of a simple lunch for two. You knew from the day before that this year’s Valentine would be one with
Three held for handyman’s murder in Samatta Point
P
olice have detained three suspects in connection with the murder of Rohan Persaud, whose body was found on a track at Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday. A senior police official said that two of the suspects were held on Wednesday night, but gave no motive for the killing. They have been detained at the Grove Police Station. A Guyanese who had recently returned from Venezuela was said to be among the suspects, who were last seen in the victim’s company. Police believe that 53year-old Persaud also known as ‘Ravi’ and ‘Kanhai,’ of Samatta Point, was slain between 01:00hrs and 06:30hrs on Wednesday at Back Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara. The body bore a wound to the lower abdomen. Neighbours of Back Street, Grove Housing Scheme said that Persaud was seen around 18.00 hrs on Tuesday drinking with two men at a nearby culvert. One of the men, known as
Murdered: Rohan ‘Ravi’ Persaud “Pampy”, had returned from Venezuela several months ago. He lived with his family at Third Street. Persaud lived at the Samatta Point home of his sister who resides overseas. A woman close to the family said that she received a call from someone that ‘Ravi’ was found in the grassy area of the track which links the housing scheme to Samatta Point.
From indications, the man was lying there for hours before being discovered. There was a huge wound on his abdomen, with his intestines protruding. Neighbours said that police wanted to talk to ‘Pampy’ who was living with Persaud, but he had disappeared. Persaud was described as a willing person who had a drinking problem.
a difference. The stores are usually crowded the day before Valentine’s Day. There were a lot of shoppers in the streets, but not many buyers. The money simply was not there to fritter away on gifts. The economy has gotten worse. Money is not circulating as it used to. Only the select few could afford the $7,500 to $20,000 per couple range which some of the restaurants were demanding for dinner. A great many young men were disappointed last night. They had nothing to look forward to, because they, in turn, could not provide the
things which their loved ones were anticipating. One desperate man invited his girl to go to the movies. She was expecting to be taken to the Marriott for a five-course dinner. She was so outraged at the invitation to the cinema that she told him off. One guy told his girl that while he could not afford to give her a present that would blow her mind, he could shower her with love and affection. She looked at him and walked away, telling him that the supermarkets don’t accept love and affection. There was a lot of
disappointment and humiliation yesterday. Valentine Day was not special for the majority of couples. It was a day which showed how times are becoming tougher and how traditional expectations are not being met. Perhaps next year will be better!
PAGE 10
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Lenox Shuman, the President, UG and leadership failure
I
met with Lenox Shuman, at his re quest, last week. A modest man, with a modest office and an equally modest campaign director who has the largest sense of humour I have seen in a politician, Shuman was impressive. There is no question in my mind with the lack of productivity in Granger’s leadership as manifested in his failure to move UG into the modern age, I believe the time has come for there to be power-sharing in some form or the other, and leaders like Shuman should be part of the arrangement. I remind readers of my column of Sunday, January 13, 2019, captioned, “My vote for Granger depends on his action on UG.” I penned that headline because I was impressed with Granger’s reaction to the no-confidence imbroglio after his meeting with the Opposition Leader. Unlike the semantic vulgarities spewing from the mouths of his colleagues in the PNC and the AFC, Granger evaded such grammatical ugliness and advised that the leaders from the PPP and APNU meet GECOM to decide on the state of election readi-
ness. From that meeting, Granger showed the quality of nationalist concern for his country. He could have repeated the morbid vocabulary of his Cabinet colleagues, but he did not. I thought such a man deserves my vote, even though I am inclined to allow my vote to generate a configuration of power that would end the winner-take-all mentality of the PPP and PNC. Put another way, voting for one of the three new parties – Federal United, ANUG and Lenox Shuman’s Liberal and Justice Party. After seeing and reading about the continued failure of UG under Granger’s presidency, and his government’s refusal to order a forensic audit of UG - of the new regime at Turkeyen with so many high-powered administrators, I have decided that Granger is not the man to lead this country into the future. I have always spoken what is on and inside my mind freely and fearlessly. I am doing so now by asserting my belief that David Granger is not the right politician to help shape a future for Guyana. He doesn’t possess lead-
ership qualities. Obviously given the empty barrel in the PNC, Granger remains the PNC’s best choice. He is not Guyana’s best choice. I will reproduce a section from an email from one of the persons that fought the PPP’s extremist control of UG and who was one of the figures that birthed the protest movement at UG after my contract termination. I will not identify the composer for obvious reasons. I reproduce part of this email because it is an indictment of Granger’s leadership. These things break my heart when I see them from persons who deserve to be involved in shaping their country’s physiology for a bigger, brighter and better future. Here is the email, “So UG has introduced austerity measures from Feb 1, 2019. Seriously, is anyone surprised that the institution is broke? After all the wastage of monies on: a. intimate dinner parties, talks and lectures at high priced hotels, gilded invitations sent to the privileged elites to attend said events and numerous promotional banners to inform the rest a we bout the events,
b. ‘renaissance’ activities in metropolitan cities where large teams are dispatched to do what only God knows (and maybe not even God knows). c. first class flights to far flung locations and what seems like weekly flights back ‘home with daily per diems increased to that granted to the nation’s president and his ministers. d. hiring of friends and colleagues without going through established application and hiring procedures from overseas to head newly created institutes and centres and schools e. bloating the administration with high priced mid level officers - all without
TORs and job descriptions presented to the relevant bodies f. paying senior administration whose earnings are quoted in US dollars and whose salaries were determined by Council and should only be revised by Council - the same salary increases given to staff on starvation wages g. I could go on and on and on but I’m sure you’ve gotten the message.” When I read these things, and when I think of Granger’s leadership failure and after meeting Lenox Shuman, my mind is made up. We have to have an arrangement that will save this country from oneparty control over policy-
Frederick Kissoon making. I am saying with inflexibility, I am voting for one of the three parties listed above. I liked what I heard from Shuman. He has no baggage, so I could harbour no suspicion. I left Shuman giving him a blank cheque to use my name in his election campaign.
DEM BOYS SEH
People run and lef motorbikes
De seawall is still de best place fuh relaxation. People does lef wheh dem live and go out there to enjoy de breeze. But one thing does bring anodda. Suddenly some rough people start fuh go pun de seawall. Some of dem is young criminals who always looking fuh people to hustle. Dem boys remember when dem was young dem use to go pun de same seawall fuh parade in front of dem gyal, hoping to ketch somebody. Dem boys had bicycle back then. Today, dem odda boys parading wid motorbike. Well was madness last weekend. De police mek a road pun de same seawall.
Some of dem boys who been out deh wid motorcycle run and lef dem bikes. Dem was de bikes that dem thief. Some had bikes that come cross de border suh dem didn’t have papers. But dem boys seh that was only part of de action. Dem never see so much gun in one place. People pull out guns and throw dem over de seawall. People throw way knives too but de police didn’t even suspect something like that was happening. All dem concentrate on was de motorbikes. Dem boys seh when a bike or a car go in de police station compound de police does open a spare parts outlet. Everything good from dem vehicles does get tek off. De
thing does happen suh fast that people claim how dem never know de police had so many mechanics. By de time de police exercise done, 59 motorbikes been in custody. Of that set 15 come wid owners but by de time de police close in dem same motorbikes was lef like orphans. By Monday morning anybody who was looking at de seawall woulda believe dem had a cleanup campaign. If you see people who been over de seawall looking fuh wha dem throw way. Some of de people seh before none any, suh dem tek wha dem find. Talk half and listen out fuh who gun bribe de police.
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
No Confidence motion and related issues...
PPP wants Carter Center to highlight blatant disregard for rule of law in Guyana By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
T
he People’s Pro gressive Party is looking to the Carter Center to spread “facts” on the international stage about the state of affairs in Guyana. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo said this yesterday at his weekly presser. He said that the Carter Center recently met with his party. “I told them things similar to what I said at the press confer e n c e s . We s p o k e about the consequences of a March 19 deadline being passed; about the government, same old government group that President Carter met when he came to Guyana in the pre-1992 era. They just dusted off themselves a bit and put on modern clothes,” said Jagdeo. The politician indicated that he told the Carter Center that government players continue to show no respect for the law and constitution, “es-
pecially when it comes to hanging on to office or perks. They are revealing themselves to all Guyanese, including APNU supporters, who are just tired of the charade… We told the Carter Center about everything, how tired the people are in this country”. Jagdeo said that the Carter Center officials told the PPP that they are in Guyana on a “fact finding mission and we served them up with some facts. I hope they will disseminate it widely so that the world will see the true nature of the beast that we have called the government; this geriatric cabal.” Jagdeo said that he had no qualms in telling the Carter Center about the “geriatric, useless cabal.” He said, “I made it clear what the circumstances are. I know they have met with the government…I do not know what they were told, but we expect that the fact that they would have gath-
ered here will show a clear pattern of the behaviour of APNU. The violation o f t h e Constitution and an unwillingness to respect the laws of Guyana, and that will make its way to, not just the Carter Center, but to other international organizations that they have a reach with.” Also, Jagdeo said that the PPP hopes that the United States Government will be given a copy of the Carter Center report. “We have been speaking to the US government directly through its reps here, as well as the other like Canada, UK, the European Union and other diplomats present,” said Jagdeo. Jagdeo said that the PPP has noted the strong positions taken by the international community on other unconstitutional governments around the world, and is hoping for a similar position to be taken against Guyana.
Friday February 15, 2019
Youth for High Court trial after stabbing bus driver in row over $100 Nineteen-year-old Erwin Smith, who is accused of attempting to kill a bus driver during an argument over $100, was yesterday committed to stand trial at the High Court in Georgetown. On his initial arraignment, Smith was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on July 30, 2018, at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, he caused grievous bodily harm to James Abrams. At the conclusion of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) which was conducted by Senior
Magistrate Leron Daly, the Magistrate ruled that sufficient evidence was presented against Smith by Police Prosecutor Richard Harris. Smith will face a judge and jury at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes. The Magistrate, however, granted him $200,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of the trial. As a condition of bail, he was instructed to report every Monday to the Brickdam Police Station. It was reported that on
the day in question, Smith had no money and requested for the bus driver to take him home for free. However, when the man refused, Smith begged him for $100 to pay the fare, but the bus driver refused to give him the money. An argument later ensued between the two, during which Smith pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed Abrams to the neck. Abrams, who fell to the ground, was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was treated.
City bandits captured at police roadblocks after hammering, robbing Chinese
S
wift action by B’ Di vision cops on the upper Corentyne has led to the arrest of two suspects who had pounced on a Chinese businessman in Skeldon with the intention to rob him yesterday afternoon.Police sources disclosed that the men are from Georgetown and were in a white Toyota Premio bearing license plate number PSS 8991. The car was reportedly parked in the vicinity of the businessman’s window factory for a while, until they
decided when “the right time” to pounce was. Reports are that the men, one armed with a hammer, entered the business place of the Chinese national who was subsequently dealt a lash to his head and about his body while they demanded cash. Eyewitnesses quickly made contact with the police who acted expeditiously. Roadblocks were set up along the Corentyne in an effort to capture the suspects, and that proved successful, since one of the men was identified in a car at
Number 51 Police Station roadblock heading back to Georgetown, while the other was found in the vicinity of the car they used. They were immediately apprehended and taken into custody, while the car was lodged at the Springlands Police Station. Bloodstains were reportedly found on the shoes of the man that was arrested at the roadblock. Kaieteur News was told that one of the suspects stated that he borrowed the car from his employer in Georgetown. Investigations are in progress.
PM terms LIAT court ruling ‘excessive’ Daily Observer - ‘Excessive’ was one of the words Prime Minister Gaston Browne used while lamenting the recent court ruling against LIAT in St. Croix. Speaking on Pointe FM radio station over the weekend, Browne expressed hope that the administrators at LIAT would appeal the decision which he pointed out could lead to further financial problems for the already struggling airline. “Clearly it’s excessive and I would imagine that LIAT would appeal it. In any event, whoever gave that judgement does not understand the financial health of LIAT, because if they did, [if] those judges understood the position with LIAT, they would not be making such an outlandish decision to award US $1.5 million. That’s just utter madness,” Browne said. A b o u t f o u r d a y s a g o , Wi l l i a m Cherubin was awarded US $1.55 million dollars in damages by a jury in St. Croix after he took the airline to court for firing him because of his age. In 2011, LIAT offered all employees over age 62 a retirement package in exchange for voluntary resignations, but Cherubin wanted to stay on and he turned down the offer. According to court documents, on June 4, 2015, LIAT fired Cherubin without notice, citing several incidents involving violations of company policy, including two alleged incidents that occurred in 2009 and 2012.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne Cherubin and his attorneys alleged that LIAT actually fired him because of his age and not because of poor performance, as the airline argued. Virgin Islands law prohibits the discrimination of employees because of age. Cherubin was 71 when he was fired by LIAT in 2015. He had worked with the airline for 47 years. Court documents show he began as a ticket agent in St. Croix in 1968, and was promoted to ground operations manager in 1973.
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
Donor activity for oil sector being coordinated to prevent duplication - Dr. Bynoe The Energy Department is continuing its efforts to coordinate all petroleum sector donor activity from the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico. Head of the Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe explained earlier this week that this is being done to ensure focused, cost effective and efficient support without duplication. Dr. Bynoe noted that support for both the Department of Energy and sister institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Audit Office of Guyana, the Civil Defence Commission and the Ministry of Social Protection is ongoing. Further to this, Dr. Bynoe said that through the Finance Ministry, significant loans have been agreed and/or being finalized with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank for institutional strengthening and governance for the Oil and Gas sector. He said that these loans are to address much needed support for the sector and to allow for more effective management. WORLD BANK LOAN Last year June, the World
Bank approved a US$35 million Development Policy Credit to Guyana. This sum is expected to support Guyana’s efforts to strengthen financial sector development and fiscal management to better prepare the country to benefit from its newly discovered oil and gas reserves and transform its oil wealth into human capital. While currently nearly one in four people in Guyana live in poverty, experts estimate that GDP will surge when commercial production of newly-discovered oil and gas begins. In response, the government has embarked on a series of reforms to diversify the economy and turn oil windfalls into human development and sustainable growth in the long term. “Guyana is making important strides to promote financial resilience and improve fiscal management, and has embarked on a broad-based reform programme,” said Tahseen Sayed, World Bank’s Country Director for the Caribbean when the loan was signed. “These reforms will be key to building a strong economy that is underpinned by a strategic management of public resources for the ben-
efit of the Guyanese people.” The World Bank said that the money will go towards enabling sound financial development to promote macroeconomic stability and longterm growth. In particular, the money will support banking reforms and depositor protection, the establishment of a deposit insurance scheme, implementation of a new insurance law, and the country’s anti-money laundering efforts. “This Development Policy Credit, the first of a series of two programmatic financial and fiscal development policy credits, is financed from the International Development Association (IDA).” Minister of Finance Winston Jordan had said, “This financing provides critical support to our reform agenda and efforts to strengthen institutions and build a resilient economy that is capable of withstanding both external and domestic shocks. These reforms will be key to guide the management of oil revenues for the benefit of present and future generations.” IDB LOAN The Inter-American De-
Eccles execution-style murder…
Charge read to second accused Another man has been charged with the executionstyle killing of taxi driver Kelvin Walters, who was gunned down in front of his five-year-old daughter and wife on the East Bank Public Road at Eccles. Devon Allen, 31, of 148 Middle Road, La Penitence, is accused of murdering Walters on January 22 last. Allen was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that he, along with Roderick Thomas, on January 22 at Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, murdered Kelvin Walters. Allen was represented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, who told the court that his client suffered a broken left leg and head injuries which require daily care. During a brief court hearing, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers made a request for Allen to be brought to court today [February 15], when Thomas, who was also charged with the offence, is expected to make his second appearance. The Magistrate, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Allen to prison and instructed him to make his next appearance today. According to reports, investigators believe that both
Charged: Roderick Thomas
Charged: Devon Allen
men, who are nursing broken left legs, were injured when Walters rammed his car into their motorcycle just as they shot him. Walters was gunned down at around 19:30 hrs on the day in question, while driving south along the eastern carriageway of the East Bank Demerara Public Road. Police said that he was in the vicinity of Two Brothers Service Station when two men, on a motorcycle, turned in front of his vehicle. The pillion rider then whipped out a handgun and
shot Walters in his face. Although wounded, Walters struck down the suspects, who fled the scene on foot, leaving their motorcycle and a .9mm Taurus pistol, with 14 rounds, at the scene. Walters was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The injuries the men sustained were said to be consistent with that of a motor vehicle accident. CCTV footage reportedly showed an individual hopping north along the East Bank Public Road.
velopment Bank (IDB) is also taking a leading role in helping Guyana transform its governance approach when it comes to the energy sector. According to the IDB, Guyana has been approved for a loan of US$11.6M which will, among other things, pay for drafting a model contract for future Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). Under the 2016 agreement with ExxonMobil, the Coalition Government signed for a two percent royalty and ques-
tionable 50/50 share on every barrel of oil. However, Guyana’s share of the 50/50 is dependent on ExxonMobil recovering it expenses first. Commentators say that based on ExxonMobil’s track record, Guyana will be left with little. The Government of Guyana says that it will be strengthening its newly established Department of Energy to handle these and other issues. The IDB says that the loan will prepare Guyana for its transition towards becom-
ing a major oil and gas producing state. “Relying upon a $11.64M policy-based loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this project is designed to support the strengthening and the sustainability of the energy sector in Guyana by contributing to the institutional development of oil and gas governance and the development of cleaner energy sources for electricity generation,” IDB explained.
PAGE 14
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
MoneyGram, Western Union exchange rates not necessarily unfair - Central Bank There has been a growing debate and focused attention in recent years over the operations of banks and cambios with respect to the exchange rates for foreign currency. There is some attention now, too, on how two of the country’s biggest money transfer services are conducting their business. However, Central Bank says it may not necessarily be that Western Union and MoneyGram are exploiting the situation.
The two money transfers came under the spotlight this week after Tony Vieira, a commentator, raised questions about the rates. In a Letter to the Editor, Vieira said that he found out that Western Union exchanged US dollars for Guyana dollars at the rate of $202.1675 to 1 US dollar, but at a commercial bank he got $210. He questioned whether it was okay that Western Union (WU) and MoneyGram (MG) offer a lesser exchange rate than that “authorized by
our Cambio system and commercial banks? Don’t we [BOG- Bank of Guyana] regulate them at all? I believe that we established some time ago that as much as 300 million US dollars is being sent to Guyanese from the US, Canada and the UK annually to relatives here, in which case if the exchange rate of G$210 is used that amounts to 63 billion Guyana dollars, but WU is paying 202.1675 to 1 US$, which means that they are fleecing the poor Guyanese people
who are being supported by their relatives abroad to the tune of 2.35 billion dollars [63 billion- 60.65 billion]”. He also pointed to the huge spread between the exchange rate for other entities which is between $201 and $214. This contrasts with the spread at the banks which is $210 and $216. According to Vieira, it is a fact that both Western Union and MoneyGram have to be licensed to operate here, which makes them accountable. “WU and MG should be allowed their service fees since they are entitled to it, but they should not be allowed to manipulate the exchange rate in this manner…” Contacted yesterday, Governor of Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga, said that both entities had been called in sometime back, as part of the regulator ’s routine business. From what was found, it may not necessarily be that
BOG Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga the money transfer entities are involved in underhand business. Rather, it has been found that the rates are fixed by the head offices, that are not in Guyana. The agents here are paid a percentage. According to the Governor, in light of the
increase in monitoring as a result of tougher anti-money laundering regulations, there is increasing risks. There are more persons needed for monitoring and these come with costs. “So it may not necessarily mean that they are manipulating the rates.”
NY cops hunt killer of Guyanese teen in Bronx New York (nbcnewyork.com) - A teenager was stabbed to death near a Bronx bodega Wednesday evening and the killer is still on the run, police say. Pernell Pompey, 17, of the Bronx, was knifed multiple times at the corner of East 193rd Street and Decatur Avenue in Fordham Manor at around 7 p.m., according to the NYPD. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. It wasn’t far from Pompey’s home, where a neighbor tells News 4 he lived with his mother and brother. It’s not yet clear why the
boy was attacked, but cops claim there was some sort of dispute between the victim and the suspect. No one answered the door at Pompey’s home yesterday morning, but a neighbor said the boy had recently fallen into trouble. He stopped short of speculating whether or not Pompey was involved in gang activity, but said he did feel sorry for the boy’s mother. The neighbor also said Pompey was born in Guyana. Police have not yet released a description of the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
A dated Facebook photo of Pernell Pompey
The scene of the killing cordoned off by police.
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
UG’s top brass to meet with Unions to address concerns over spending The Executive of the University of Guyana (UG) is scheduled to meet with the Unions, as they seek to address issues raised over the financial management of the institution. This past week, the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) and University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) expressed concerns over UG‘s spending. In three days of picketing exercises, lecturers and employees demanded answers for the expenditure. The workers spoke of what they described as “top heavy spending” by UG’s administration. According to representatives of the Union, the expenditure is being questioned, largely because it benefits the top brass of the University, while the masses suffer. The Union called for an independent audit of the books. According to the staff, UG has need for more furniture and teaching materials. “Instead, we are seeing expenditure in areas that we don’t consider a priority. UG is spending monies which are not accounted for. The University is paying for accommodation, food and travel of experts, but fails to provide proof of how the monies are expended or whether these persons are actual experts. “ We b e l i e v e t h a t there is some level of misappropriation as it
afford it”. “The response came saying that they really don’t have any more money for 2018 [to pay] wages and salaries, but they would sit and negotiate the other things, i.e. the uniform allowances, etc.,” Thomas highlighted. “Why are we going to sit and discuss any-
Vice Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith relates to the finances and we want to see some scrutiny. Also of major concern to the Unions is the pay hike for staff. UG is wasting monies on lavish dinner parties, talks, lectures, first class flights, and high-priced hotels, we believe that the University could divert some of the funds to address the inhumane conditions, staff and students are subjected to work under,” a staffer attached to the University stated. Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Ivelaw Griffith has since rejected the accusations. He said that UG cannot afford to divulge funds to other areas at the moment. He said that the administration has nothing to hide and is willing to sit down with the Union to hash out the issues. Kaieteur News under-
President of UGSSA Dr Jewel Thomas stands that the office of the Vice Chancellor (VC) has since sent out a memorandum requesting a meeting with the executives of the Unions. President of the UGSSA, Dr Jewel Thomas told Kaieteur News that the meeting is scheduled for today. “As such, industrial action has been postponed for the day, since UG will be hosting its career day activity. We d o n o t w i s h t o disrupt that activity. But we are going to meet with the VC to see whether we can reach a suitable resolution.” Thomas had told members of the media that the call for this audit has stemmed from the inability of the University to provide an increase in teachers’ salaries beyond three and four per cent, because the University “cannot
UG’s union highlighted the need for repairs to the toilet area and other fixtures as they raised concerns over spending
thing with you if you say you have no money?” We need to have a look at what is going on with t h e u n i v e r s i t y ’s f i n a n c es . ” She noted the Chief L a b o u r O ff i c e r, w h o manages the Labour Department within the Ministry of Social Protection, convened conciliation proceedings
between the administration of the University of Guyana and repr e s e n t a t i ves of the University Unions. The Labour Department is hoping to address the impasse, which was recently developed with respect to the 2018 wages and salaries negotiations involving the parties.
PAGE 16
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
Guyana with high forest cover should get priority financing - appeal made to int’l community Minister of State Joseph Harmon yesterday issued a call to the international community for High Forest Cover, Low Deforestation (HFLD) countries to be recognised as a special, priority group for sustainable and predictable financial flows to facilitate the urgent undertaking of mitigation and adaptation efforts to climate change. Minister Harmon was at the time addressing the HFLD Climate Finance Mobilisation Conference in Paramaribo, which had in its attendance, President of Suriname, Desi Bouterse, representatives of the United Nations, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and climate funding agencies such as the Global Environment Fund (GEF). The Minister of State, who has oversight of the Department of Environment and the Office of Climate Change in Guyana, said that the nation considers itself fortunate to be numbered amongst the few countries in the world that are defined as HFLD countries, with over 87 per cent of forested lands at its disposal. “Guyana serendipitously stands within the Guiana Shield – one of the world’s last remaining spheres of virgin tropical rainforest. The Guiana Shield spans an area of 2.7 million km², and is shared by five other South American countries – Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Suriname and Venezuela.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon addresses the High Forest Low Deforestation Climate Finance Mobilization Conference as Surinamese President (second left), H.E. Desi Bouterse looks on. The Guiana Shield represents 18 per cent of the world’s tropical forest carbon and 20 per cent of the world’s fresh water which allows it to capture large quantities of carbon dioxide. It is one of the largest contiguous and relatively intact, forested eco-regions in the world and undoubtedly an area of both regional and global significance in the fight against climate change. As an HFLD country,
Guyana takes its responsibilities to ‘Mother Earth’ very seriously and is proud to stand as an exemplar and reliable global partner in tackling climate change,” he said. Minister Harmon noted that Guyana is committed to ensuring sustainability in the forestry sector and would welcome measures that would improve timber monitoring and maintaining a high level of timber legality; increase value-added activities
in the forestry sector, so as to augment carbon storage in long-use wood products; intensify the sustainable management of Indigenous communities which own 14 per cent of our national territory; add an additional two million hectares of land and waterways to the national protected areas system, bringing the total protected areas to approximately 20% and facilitate greater certification of forest products and increasing access to markets so that this commitment can be realised. However, the absence of adequate international finance, technology transfer and capacity building to enable HFLD countries to transition towards climate resilient and low emissions development is a bane and a blight on development efforts, he posited. “It retards us from meeting our long term national goals and from effectively re-
sponding to and meeting our international targets like the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Guyana is on an unequivocal path to becoming a ‘green’ state by the year 2040 through our Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040. We are eager to demonstrate that low-carbon, low-deforestation, climate-resilient development is possible for HFLD countries. “I therefore call on the international community to recognise HFLD countries as a special, priority group for sustainable and predictable financial flows to facilitate the urgent undertaking of mitigation and adaptation efforts to climate change,” he said. These sentiments were echoed by majority of the countries present, as they noted that while they are prepared to protect and conserve their forests, it is an effort that
must be supported in tangible ways. Meanwhile, President Bouterse, in his remarks, said it is imperative that financial mechanisms be put in place to ensure that countries which emit carbon dioxide in the atmosphere duly compensate countries which absorb the carbon through their forests. “We are aware that our forests provide significant benefits to the world by storing large amounts of carbon. Long before global warming and climate change were acknowledged, HFLD countries were preserving their eco systems. Unfortunately, contributions to especially HFLD countries to combat the climate change challenge, is not reflected in the available finance. Cooperation among countries is therefore imperative. When I see the world participation in this Conference, I am confident that we are on the right track,” he said. At the close of the session, the participating countries adopted the Krutu of Paramaribo Joint Declaration on HFLD Climate Finance Mobilisation. Points 12 and 13 of the Declaration state, “We noted that HFLD developing countries are receiving a considerably small portion of the benefits from international mechanisms on climate finance, despite our utmost efforts for centuries in protecting and conserving our forests by contributing consistently and significantly to storing carbon and mitigating the impacts of climate change at all levels for current and future generations. We underscore that many HFLD developing countries are in dire need of adequate international climate finance, technology, transfer and capacity building to support the transition towards climate resilient and low emissions development and to achieve the goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.”
New council wants revamp of City Hall’s PR, other departments The newly installed council of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) has expressed the need for revamping of a number of departments within City Hall. During a recent statutory meeting, members of the council, including Mayor Ubraj Narine, expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the Public Relations (PR) Department.
“It is currently a waste of money, because it is not functioning the way it is supposed to,” the Mayor said, pointing to instances where the Department dropped the ball and continues to do so. “I got a work to do at Council and I am doing my work fairly. I come here elected as the Mayor and I’m doing my job, but the administration doesn’t seem to want to work
along with me. The amount of calls I have to make to get the PR is a stress, is a tension…You have to go through about 20 people before you can reach the PR.” “I will not contact the PR Department, I will go out and do my work; that’s how I’m gonna get my PR done. So we are paying a department…a waste of time, wasting the (Continued on page
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 17
Kaieteur News
PAGE 18
Friday February 15, 2019
Demtoco rolls out new packaging as deadline looms
I
n another 10 days, new tobacco regulations mandating that cigarette packs display graphic health warnings will come into force. Already, the Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (Demtoco) and the British American Tobacco have complied ahead of the deadline. Demtoco's Managing D i r e c t o r, C h r i s t o p h e r Brown, disclosed that
because of new labeling and packaging regulations, the company has placed on the market cigarettes which packages have started to reflect the inclusion of graphic health warnings images on them. “This is as a result of the recently passed tobacco control regulations and it is the next phase in terms of us complying with what the regulations require.” According to Brown, it should not be lost that there
Demtoco's Managing Director, Christopher Brown
The graphic health warning that Demtoco has now placed on cigarette packages. is a deadline for the packages to reflect those warnings. “It is very important for me to say that regulations come into effect as it relates to the labeling and packaging on February 25th. However, the company took the decision to bring those products in prior to the effective date of implementation…” He stressed that between now and February 25th, it would be legal to purchase packs which have the old packaging. “The second point to make is that come February 25th, we have to move into the new packaging regime now which requires that all packaging must have the images that are prescribed by law, and we have started to roll those out, and those are the packaging that you will see after the February 25… and those who are selling, purchasing and consuming must only sell, purchase and consume those packages that have those brands.” Brown pointed out that new regulations will affect not only the products offered by Demtoco, but all others. Demtoco's top-selling cigarettes are the Pall Mall and Bristol line. However, the regulations will affect a whole host of cigarettes brands that are being smuggled and which authorities can now go after. “So whoever imports, sells or distribute cigarettes in Guyana have to ensure that their products after the 25th of February are in compliance with the law. And I know that the GRA…I know that the police are
being sensitized by the Ministry of Health to ensure that all such products that are non-compliant will not be allowed, and we as a company are preparing. We have to ensure that we are in full compliance.” The new regulations assented to by President David Granger in 2017, bans smoking in certain public places, indoors and outdoors, and explains how cigarettes are to be vended. The new laws also warned of penalties when it comes to cigarettes being sold to minors. Brown insisted that the quality of Demtoco's products have not c h a n g e d … r a t h e r, o n l y packaging has changed. The industry makes hundreds of millions annually. However, the exact figures are unknown, as a large part of the tobacco trade in Guyana is illicit. In fact, in neighbouring Suriname and a little further in Panama, it is estimated that seven out of every 10 cigarettes are smuggled. In addition to the tax losses, there are also issues of questions about the conditions under which these cigarettes were produced, Demtoco had warned. With the passage of the legislation, Guyana joins Jamaica, Trinidad and Suriname as the main English-speaking countries in the Caribbean, to have comprehensive tobacco laws. There are others, with not so comprehensive legislation.
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
Cyber attacker demanded pay ransom in bitcoins - GPL
Cyber attackers demanded payments in bitcoins to remove a malware from GPL systems, the company confirmed yesterday.
S
tate-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has confirmed that the perpetrators of a cyber attack earlier this month demand payment in bitcoins, a cryptocurrency that is a form of electronic cash. Hours after Kaieteur News broke yesterday with the story of the attack, the company in a statement disclosed that on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at approximately 04:21hrs, it experienced a cyber-attack on the company's computerized systems. “Upon identification of
this cyber-attack, GPL took immediate actions to isolate and prevent further spread of the malware. Permanent corrective measures were taken, which included but was not limited to initiating an information system quarantine.” GPL said that during the period while it has worked to restore normalcy, there were service interruptions for customers visiting the offices attempting to submit queries and new service applications. This was because the Customer Information System was taken offline. “ S e r v i c e w a s
incrementally restored at our Commercial Offices and Customer Call Centres between Friday, February 8, and Sunday, February 10.” GPL said that its prepaid customers were not affected. “Our prepaid customers were able to purchase tokens during this period as per norm and our electricity supply was not affected by this incident.” GPL revealed that the perpetrators of this act requested a ransom of bitcoins to remove all encryptions from within the network. “However, it should be noted that GPL Inc. has not heeded to and will not heed to any such ransom. GPL said it has commenced the process of strengthening its cyberattack mitigation measures and Disaster Recovery planning strategies in alignment with industry best practices. It is therefore fitting, that we advise and encourage local companies with computerised systems to review their existing cyber security systems and Disaster Recovery plans also. Sincerest appreciation is extended to public and private entities that offered support and assistance during this period of disruption.”
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 21
Liza Destiny FPSO to set sail for Guyana in several months
An artist's impression (picture below) and the work ongoing on the Liza Destiny, Singapore. (SBM Offshore photos)
Guyana has turned out to be a gift that keeps giving for ExxonMobil. Namely, the U.S. oil major has made twelve discoveries so far on the Stabroek block with the latest two, Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1, striking oil earlier this month. Exxon's undertakings in Guyana have also been good news for FPSO suppliers, as the oil major recently said the Stabroek Block might need as many as five FPSOs
S
i n g a p o r e (www.offshoreene rgytoday.com) Dutch FPSO giant SBM Offshore said in its 2018 full-year earnings report yesterday that the Liza Destiny FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel) construction was progressing well, with sailaway from Singapore expected in a few months. The company said that the FPSO project was going according to schedule and that the last modules had been lifted on board.
According to the FPSO supplier, commissioning activities are currently taking place. SBM also stated that the vessel, following the planned sail-away in the summer, would be installed offshore Guyana later in the year, in preparation for next year's production startup at ExxonMobil's Liza field. As for operations in Guyana, SBM said work was underway concerning operations readiness, setting up the shore base, and delivering on SBM's local content commitments.
ExxonMobil's Liza field, where the FPSO will be deployed, sits in the giant Stabroek Block, which covers almost 27,000 square kilometres, circa 200 kilometres offshore Guyana and where ExxonMobil has struck a dozen oil discoveries which are yet to be developed. ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 percent interest. H e s s G u y a n a Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest, and
CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds the remaining 25 percent interest. The FPSO, expected to have 120,000 barrels a day capacity, is part of the first phase of the field's development. A second FPSO with a capacity of 220,000 barrels per day is being planned as part of the Liza Phase 2 development,
and a third is under consideration for the Payara development. The second phase FPSO contract is expected to be awarded to SBM Offshore, subject to an FID. ExxonMobil has already applied for an environmental permit to develop the second phase of Liza with start-up expected by mid-2022. It is worth saying that
to develop the discovered oil. Worth reminding, SBM Offshore has also felt positive signals from the industry, saying yesterday it would order another FPSO hull on speculation. The company has already ordered two such units in the past two years, one of which is earmarked for Guyana.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 22
Friday February 15, 2019
Children's Costume and Float parade w o r r o m o t r o f t e s
T
he stage is now set for the nation's children to take to the traditional route on Saturday for the National Children's Mashramani Costume and Float Parade. Through a worthy effort between the Ministry of Education and Banks DIH earlier this week, the latter's Public Relations Manager Mr Troy Peters pledged sponsorship of the event to
the tune of $2.7M. As the main sponsor yet again, Banks DIH is ensuring that the participants remain hydrated with rainforest water and Malta in addition to snacks such as Triskit biscuits, cookies and Demico Ice-Cream. T o m o r r o w , approximately 2500 learners are scheduled to take to the streets in a kaleidoscopic costume showcase of fun
and frolic. Minister of Education, D r. N i c o l e t t e H e n r y, expressed gratitude to Banks DIH for its continued support of the Children's Road parade being a success. She said that Banks DIH has been a resolute partner in education and its continued contributions are valued where the ministry would have benefitted first-hand from the collaborations. Further, Minister Henry noted that “This is the time of year when we are celebrating after hard work and the children's Mashramani Costume and float parade is better off having benefited from the partnership, support and collaborations from all sponsors including Banks DIH which has been a stalwart. Be advised that every dollar spent in education is well spent, so your investment is in the right place and I look forward to continued, long lasting collaboration with Banks DIH in other areas beyond art.”
Ms Lorraine BarkerKing, Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts dubbed the costume and float parade one of the high points of the Children's Mashramani activities. As part of making the event a success, the Ministry through her unit always looks forward to sponsorship from corporate entities and to date Banks DIH has never failed to deliver. Ms Barker- King noted too that the Ministry of Education is an advocate for a balanced curriculum towards producing rounded individuals and as such, “the children's mash programme is an extension that promotes the expressive arts through a national event which provides an opportunity for the display of budding talents at the school level”. The event will be hosted under the National theme 'Celebrate 49 with victory in Mind- Rediscovering Eldorado. H o w e v e r, f o r t h e Children's road parade the theme is further subdivided into several categories.
At the Nursery level, the bands will celebrate Guyana's flora and Fauna, the primary bands will celebrate Guyana's folklore while the secondary bands will celebrate technologies and other children's organizations will celebrate Guyana's industries. For the regional presentations, the focus will be on the celebration of the many towns while the individuals are allowed to choose from any of the aforementioned subject areas. “We know that the sponsors stand to gain immensely from this activity through brand awareness and mileage," said Ms. Barker-King. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Ministry of Education has also afforded sponsorship for several schools to participate in the road parade and will also be providing accommodation and meals for students from regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 while meals will be provided for Regions 5, 6 and 10. Efforts have also been undertaken by the Ministry of Education towards the improvement of the quality of parade output to make same bigger and better. Further Ms Barker- King noted that the Children's Mashramani programme is aimed at promoting the expressive arts through a national event to encourage schools, educators, parents and the community at large to work together in a creative and artistic atmosphere, cohesively. The event also provides an opportunity for the display of talents by students and to foster a sense of pride in our national identity. (Modified reporting from DPI)
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
NINE
to compete in Banks Chutney Finals on Sunday
N
ine contestants in the Chutney Song competition are moving forward to the finals after they went head-tohead with at the Bath Settlement Centre Ground in Region 5, on Sunday last. Among the victorious, includes the lone female contender, Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” who emerged from an original group of 12. Convenor Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud said while the contestants “laid it bare” for this round, those going forward will be saving the best for the finals. She noted the creativity and initiative taken by the contestants in the use of props and back up dancers. She stressed that though three have been eliminated, it will be a difficult task for the judges since the contestants demonstrated great stage presence and received huge crowd participation. Boodhoo-Persaud also reminded persons to come out and support the Chutney finals and also participate in the Duck Curry competition. “It is not just about the chutney competition and entertainment, we want to involve the community as well and the implementation of this [duck curry] competition is a great one, and I am looking forward to seeing a large crowd, much larger than previous years,” she added. Those set to advance are Hamesh Rhyna called 'Entertainer V Star' with his song 'My dreams', Christopher Ramphal with his song 'Sundar Larki', Sasnaayan Hitnarayan, also called “Prince HTN” with his song 'Love and Unity', Arijit Singh with this 'Ring on the lukanee', Pooran Seeraj, a former Chutney Monarch with his song 'GT Ladki', Chandarpaul Nathoo with his 'Mash 49', Deonarine Balkissoon, also called “Nishal B” with his 'I Proud to be a Guyanese', Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” with her song “Dulaha Dulahin” and Steven Ramphal with his song 'Rang ke bare'. Finals for the Banks Chutney Monarch competition will be held on February 17 at the Anna Regina Community Centre.
PAGE 23
Mash Chutney Dance explodes with brilliance e - 'Kimberly', Berbice delights ignite stag
C
Reigning Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh The Chutney Monarch will take home $1M, while the runner-up will receive $600,000, those in third and fourth place will receive $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.
Hits and
Jams to host
olourful, captivating and spectacular were just some of the words used to describe this year's Mashramani Chutney Dance Competition. With 15 competitors, all bringing their 'A' games, the Leonora Track and Field Stadium was overwhelmed with brilliance. To usher in the night, the exciting sounds of Tassa drumming orbited the dark cloudy skies on Saturday, February 9 2019. As the drums dulled, the event's emcee, Ms. Surida Nagreadi emerged on stage to a cheering crowd. Her wit and ability to capture the audience's attention set the stage for a fabulous night. With breathtaking costumes and amazing choreographies, it was difficult for the audience to even attempt to guess who were going to cop the coveted titles of champions. It was an impressive show and the judges had the unenviable task of selecting the best among the performers. Luckily, they were guided by rules and guidelines that helped them to name Ms. Kimberly of the Kimberly and Shelita Dance Troupe as the winner of the 'Individual' category. Decked beautifully in Guyana's national colours, the young woman was able to perfectly execute a brilliant choreography. This earned her the prize money of $100,000 GYD. She was followed by two other amazing performances by Adrian Lochan and Razia Rafeek who secured second and third places respectively. In the 'Group' category, the competition's defending champions Berbice Delights
Winner of the Individual category of the Mashramani Chutney Dance Competition, Ms. Kimberly of the Kimberly and Shelita Dance Troupe. reclaimed their crown and took home the prize money of $300,000. Their performance was an excellent way to bring the curtain down on an exciting activity. (Rehana Ahamad)
GEMS Theatre Productions to host KFC Link Show next month
ise r n u S
h c n Bru
y t r Pa
February 23
H
its And Jams Entertainment presents an event like no other, the “Sunrise Brunch Party.” It is the ultimate crank up party for Mashramani 2019 which will be held on February 23 from 10am at the Everest Cricket Ground. Be sure to attend this one of a kind event where you will get to savour a variety of pastries, meat, pepper pot, salads, wraps, flavored ice teas, sangrias and mimosas complemented with the best lights, screens, tents, cabanas and sounds.
All inclusive brunch tickets cost $5000, while general tickets $2000 and are available at That Look Boutique. You can receive a free oriental stylish umbrella with every purchase of an all inclusive sunrise brunch ticket. This event is sponsored by Stag Beer, Eldorado Rum, Lipton Tea and Banks Beer. For more information contact 2270580/2270992 or email communicationsofficerhj@gmail.com
G
uyana's most popular annual satirical review, the KFC Link Show 34, which has been entertaining Guyanese audiences by the thousands for the past 33 years, will be opening at the National Cultural Centre
(NCC) from March 1 to 4. KFC Link Show 34 speaks to the current political and social situation along with political and topical personalities in a very funny and entertaining manner. Audiences (continued on page 25)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
14 A
Friday February 15, 2019
to challenge Brandon Harding for Carib Soca Monarch title tomorrow night
fter a most tumultuous musical battle in Linden last Saturday, only 14 performers were able to secure a spot in the Carib Soca Monarch Finals. The final leg of the competition takes place tomorrow night at the National Park. The 14 contenders are: 1) Shaina Muna (Sexy Berry) with “Na tired yet” 2) Jomo Primo (Rubber Waist) with “Tribute” 3) Sherwin Rose (Natural one) with “Cat & Dog” song; 4) Alisha Hamid (Sasha Melody) with “Jamming” 5) Osbert Cain (Vintage) with “Soca King” 6) Ernesta Nelson (Nesta) with “Beating palm” (on she bam bam) 7) Clifton Adolphus (Passion) with “Miss Jouvert” 8) Collis McDonald (Real Proof) with “Push back”
9) Roderick 'Static' Allicock with “All Out” 10) Lil Colwyn (Colwyn Abrams) with 'Full Access 11) Onassis Croker (Ryan T) “Wan feel de vibes” 12) Stephen Ramphal, with “Soca in me vein” 13) Melissa Roberts (Vanilla) with “One voice” 14) Quincy Boyce (True Song) with “Come to Badda Bumpa.” The aforementioned will be challenging Brandon Harding, the reigning monarch for his title. At the semi-final which was held at Linden/Georgetown Bus Park, Kaieteur News' free lance reporter, Enid Joaquin reported that the facility was transformed into a virtual party arena. She noted that the evening commenced with the beloved Kwasi Ace taking to the stage with his catchy number, “That Doh
Mek Sense.” After electrifying the crowd, Joaquin noted that two follow up female contenders failed to keep the energy's of the crowd going. The Lindener noted however that things quickly took a turn when Jomo Reigning Carib Soca “Rubber Waist” Primo took to the stage Monarch, Brandon Harding and reignited things with his energetic performance, thereby recapturing the who crowd's attention. also performed excellently. She noted that there were others who Furthermore, Joaquin said that there were performed creditably, but failed to move the other memorable performances by the other crowd. Another noteworthy performer for contenders including Melissa “Vanilla” Joaquin was Lindener Roderick “Static” Roberts, who never fails to deliver. Allicock. The youngest in the competition, Following these performances, she said Joaquin noted that this artiste certainly that 12 artistes were chosen to proceed to brought his 'A game,' in a magnificent, the Carib Soca Monarch Finals, to be held energy-dripping performance. She said that at the National Park tomorrow. the audience loved his energy and charisma, Among them are four Lindeners, who, as which belied his inexperience. was expected, did not fail to impress both The KN reporter noted that he was their home crowd and the judges on followed by Lil Colwyn (Colwin Abrams) Saturday last.
Alexandra Correia and Surinamese Vojiya Taylor for INSPIRE YOU Event
Vijoya Taylor
Two vibrant and talented young ladies have joined the lineup for the transformational INPIRE YOU event.The event is hosted be Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts in collaboration with Women Across Borders.
10 J
Alexandra Correia is a beautiful and very humble young lady who loves to help people. She is the Commercial Manger of Trans Guyana Airways and Evergreen Adventures, two companies under the Correia Group of Companies. Vijoya Taylor is full of life and passionate about the creative sector. She is the daughter Sean Taylor, the founder of the prestigious Alphamax Academy School. Mr Taylor hails from Guyana and his daughter very proud of her Guyanese roots. Her love for unique, eye-catching jewelry led her to start making her own creations. She lives and works as a teacher in Paramaribo, Suriname, and draws inspiration from the exquisiteness of nature and life in the tropics. They will be joining a lineup of powerful women such as Hilda Bournes (Mississippi) Christine Neblette (New York) Bethany Love (Arozona) Jacqui Phillips (New Jersey)Dr. Safeeya Mohamed (Trinidad) Cloyette Harris Stoute (New York )Ms. Claudette Rogers Director of Maritime, Thandi McAllister, MariskaFiedtkou Jordan and Ruqayyah Boyer are part of the local line up.
Alexandra Correia The INPIRE YOU event will motivate you to give the world the best version of you and is scheduled for March 3 at the Pegasus Hotel. Tickets are available at Pegasus and Oasis Café.
to challenge Onika Joseph for 2019 Banks Calypso Monarch title tonight
ust a few days ago, 10 calypsonians earned themselves a spot in the Banks Calypso Monarch Finals which takes place tonight at Thirst Park. They will be competing against reigning Monarch, Onika Joseph. But in just incase you were not at the semi-finals; allow us to fill you in on what took place. The semis took place before a lively crowd at the Number 53 Sports Complex in Union Village, East Berbice, Corentyne Saturday night. The contestants had the audience begging for more even after the curtains came down a little after 1 am. Being held for the first time in the East Berbice/Corentyne area, many fans braved the earlier intermittent showers and showed up with their entire families for a packed night of clean entertainment. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr.George Norton also graced the occasion and stayed through to the end as he was seen tapping his feet to the performances. In true calypso style, many were rolling with laughter, nodding their
Reigning Calypso Monarch, Onika Joseph heads in agreement on the social issues and showcasing their patriotic side all while rocking and dancing to the beat. In between performances, the MC, Malcolm Ferreira, kept up the tempo with his witty comments and audience interaction ensuring there was never a dull moment. Cromwell Mentis, The Mighty Voltage's'
piece titled "Mixturise the land”, was another of the crowd's favourite. His piece began with a brief skit that highlighted the ills and everyday situations some Guyanese encounter due to their ethnicity. Ingrid Harris, a school teacher from Region One, who goes by the name 'Lady Devotee' also used actors in her performance titled “Me Horrific Story” which dealt with domestic violence. Dawn “Lady D” Edwards with her piece titled “Ask them judges”; Samantha Grant with “Black Gold”; Abigail James “Copyright law”; and Diana Chapman "The Killing of another woman” were the other female contestants that will join Lady Devotee and the reigning Monarch, Onikha Joseph at the finals. Another veteran, Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds, who appeared as the ghost of past President Dr. Cheddi Jagan in his politically inspired piece “No Third Turn” had the entire ground on their feet singing to his chorus. Kenroy "The Mighty Believer” Fraser in his rendition “Guyana
must be a paradise” invoked the patriotic feeling as the audience waved the Golden Arrowhead throughout his performance. Among the high energy performers that did not get the judges' nod were Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson's "That don't mek sense" and Daria Thompson's “Unscrupulous Landlord”. Some of the patrons felt that Edmonson's performance and piece should have earned him a place among the finalists. The other person going through to the finals is the junior calypso Monarch, Jamal Stuart who contested in the senior category with a satirical piece called “Miss May old car engine''. Stuart's performance was without a doubt the crowd's favourite for the entire evening. Taking to the stage decked in a blue mechanic overall with a gas can in his hand, the young man got the crowd singing to his chorus. His performance was such that even after the results were announced patrons were calling for him to take to the stage to perform again. (Modified reporting of DPI)
Kaieteur News
HOTTT
this weekend!!! 704 Sports Bar presents It's Heineken Fridays Build Your Bucket every at 704 Sports Bar Wednesday and Friday If you are a die-hard fan of the Heineken At the 704 Sports Bar, there will always be an opportunity to evolve your choices. And every Wednesday and Friday, party-goers will get a chance to build their bucket. This interesting concept allows you to pick any combination of six beers to Build Your Bucket (BYB) and get it at a special price. This offer is available from 5pm to 7pm! See you there.
Aura Bar and Lounge at Pegasus Hotel pres. 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.
brand then 704 Sports Bar is where you need to be this and every Friday. According to management, fans can get six Heinekens for just $2800 between 7pm and 9pm. Be sure to take advantage of this offer guys!
Escape the after work traffic today at Palm Court
Wine of the
Week …
this unique establishment is inviting all ladies to head on over to the 704 bar to indulge in their simply tantalizing Destresser cocktail. The first 30 will get this signature cocktail for free. See you there!!!
The B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
anean where the sunny Mediterr fruity and h ric ces climate produ bernet Ca ve ser Re G B& wines, the it fru Sauvignon has ripe black erry) ckb bla t, aromas (blackcurran cy spi and sty toa with flattering notes when agitated. on the It also round and smooth s that nin palate with velvety tan nts of me mo u yo are sure to give ry eve th wi ion act isf ultimate sat ity fru g lon a n eve is ere sip. Th illa aftertaste with notes of van to. rd wa for k and licorice to loo th wi g rin pai for It is excellent hes, red meats, pasta, spicy dis and cheese. net The B&G Reserve Caber at nd fou be Sauvignon can at the Wine Vault located for tel Ho ott rri the Ma u $6800 VAT inclusive. Yo the at can also find it Hibiscus Restaurant, Nice Restaurant and Bar, Palm Court and other leading G IN IR PA D AN E TAST hotels and bars. oc region Sourced from the Langued
hen wine enthusiasts l Thomas Barton and Danie to Guestier joined forces they had a ir make the own creation, reputation the vision: firmly establish world. the d un of French wines aro with the sly les ort eff so And they did odied taste bold and gorgeously full-b net ber of the B&G Reserve Ca Sauvignon. t to offer In fact, the duo was the firs one der the great French wines un rit, spi g rin nee pio eir Th name. passion and , winemaking expertise produced. is t tha ttle bo remain in each G's Head Today, Laurent Prada, B& rk daily wo Winemaker, and his team 50 ost in partnership with alm oc, Gascony, winegrowers in Langued lowers a fol its er off to and Corsica ctive collection of highly distin nks to the tha modern varietal wines on ati ific vin use of innovative techniques.
W
Entertainment POLICE
E P Barbados' Sweet Soca Monarch Lil Rick to headline Stag Stage 7
- The Ultimate J'ouvert Experience
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.
704 Sports Bar to host the ultimate De-stresser weekend for the ladies The legendary Destiny's Child famously said, “Ladies it ain't easy being independent.” And at 704, the management and staff understand just how hard the ladies work to take care of themselves hence the reason
PAGE 25
THE
WHATZ
Friday February 15, 2019
S
tag Stage 7 is going to be nothing short of an extraordinary J'ouvert experience, as organizers of the event, Ansa McAL, have billed Barbados' Sweet Soca Monarch, Lil Rick. This exhilarating performer will be accompanied by some of our most talented local performers. They include: Brandon Harding, Kwasi Ace, and Big Red backed by the Heat Wave Band, among others. Last year, the experience was invigorating, electrifying, and simply amazing. This year, you can expect to be taken to new heights. The event is one
which promises to bring more water, more colourful powder, more paint, more smashing hits for the beloved waistline pelters and of course, and stag beer all night long come February 22. It is going to be a wicked, wet and wild link up at the National Park Tarmac, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. Tickets are only available through promotions at various bars and supermarkets around the country. Continue to check the Face book page: Stag beer Guyana for more details. You can also visit different bars around the city, drink a stag and if you're lucky, someone just might appear before you with a ticket to attend the event.
GEMS Theatre Productions to host KFC Link Show next month From page 23 can look forward to an evening of relaxation and lots of laughter. The production which premiered in November1981 has been thrilling audiences from Charity to Linden to Corriverton and New Amsterdam and between 1997-2001, in the USA and Canada over the years. The cast will comprise of both experienced actors and some promising newcomers. Link Show stalwarts like Sonia Yarde, Michael Ignatius, Mark Luke Edwards, Mark Kazim, Sean Thompson, Randy Critchlow, Simone Persaud, Simone Dowding, Rajan Tiwari,Nirmala Narine, Paul and Sean Budnah will be joined by other seasoned actors like Sheron Cadogan, NathayaWhaul, Melika Edmonds, Nelan Benjamin,Makini Thompson, Troy Parboo, Raymond Persaud and newcomers on the scene will be Zoya Moore, Tamepha Rodney, Rovindra Persaud, Lee Leung, Joshua Persaud, Yohance Koama and Nalini Narishwarie Patrons are advised to be there early as the show starts promptly at 20.00hours (8.00p.m.). Security will be provided for vehicles. Patrons are also being asked to adhere to the NCC dress code. The KFC Link Show 34 is produced by GEMS Theatre Productions and The Theatre Company, directed by Ron Robinson. Tickets are $2000, $1200 and $1000 and are now on sale at the National Cultural Centre, KFC Mandela Avenue and Regent and King streets outlet.
PAGE 26
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
Guyana celebrates 40 years in radio broadcasting - 6 regional radios in the Hinterland World Radio Day 2019 was observed on Wednesday, and Guyana not only marked the revival of radio as an instrument for dialogue, information sharing, tolerance and peace, but also celebrated a historic development. A year after the Coalition Government assumed office, six regional radios have been established in the hinterland region and a seventh is slated to be commissioned shortly in Essequibo. These community radio stations and others that will be added by Coalition Government in the coming months, have the potential to inform, engage, transform and unite communities in various parts of Guyana, for the development of their region and the country as a whole. “Our APNU+AFC Coalition Government wanted our hinterland regions to know what’s happening in Georgetown and on the rest of the coast. Our radio stations provide food for the minds, for the intellect of our hinterland residents. They nourish them with information, education and
entertainment, and feed their appetites for relaxation and leisure with diverse cultural programmes,” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said during a recent visit to Radio Aishalton. The gov e r n m e n t , a c cording to a release from its news agency, said it c o n s i d e r s connecting communities across Guyana as v i t a l t o i m proving people’s lives and creating more opportunities for them, and has already connected many communities in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9), through the establishment of Radio Lethem, in May 2016, and in Barima-Waini, (Region 1) with the setting up of Radio Maburama, in June 2016. The Office of the Prime Minister commissioned Radio Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8) on October 8, 2017, Radio Bartica in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7) on November 17, 2017, Radio Aishalton in Upper Ta k u t u - U p p e r Essequibo (Region 9) on February 17, 2018 and Radio Orealla, East BerbiceCorentyne District (Region 6) on March 25, 2018.
Radio Orealla, East Berbice is one the stations that was commissioned The Office of the Prime Minister also recently upgraded Radio Paiwomak. While the establishment of these radio s t a tions is key to ensuring that the hinterland communities are brought into
the mainstream through a c c e s s t o i n f ormation, they will also help to boost culture, sport and business. The established hinterland radio stations are all affiliates of the National Communications Network (NCN) and
broadcast on the national frequency. The Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was officially inaugurated on May 1, 1979, following the acquisition by the Guyana Government of the assets
of Radio Demerara. Subsequently, Channel One became Radio Roraima (RR) and Channel Two was renamed Voice of Guyana (VOG). The FM service 98.1 went on the air in October 1998.
NAREI helps Linden youths set up demonstration plots NAREI is helping a group of young people in Linden to set up a demonstration plot with the aim of promoting agriculture among youths. The Linden Quality Production Cooperative Society Limited (LQPCSL) was formed in September 2018. It has seven members, three of whom are females. The group is setting up a shade house which they intend to officially launch in less than two months. Once fully operationalized the members of the LQPCSL will provide training to young people in that community. NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oudho Homenauth donated a number of farming tools and seeds and promised to donate seedlings once their shade house is completed.
Dr. Homenauth receiving the certificate of appreciation from one of the group members. The CEO said “These are the kinds of initiatives
we are looking for among young people and we are happy to support you because you are teaching young people to be selfsufficient”. He encouraged the group to visit farms in other areas to get ideas that can be implemented on their farms. In thanking NAREI for its contributions, Stephen Francis, chairman of the LQPCSL presented a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Homenauth. Francis
The shade house that is currently being constructed by the group. said they would have approached several persons for contributions, but NAREI was the first to respond. According to Francis, training will be offered, however, one of the criteria to be part of the training is that you must have a piece of land and you must create two 10 feet beds. So what we would do is train you at our demonstration plot and then we would
give you planting materials to take to your farm. Francis further explained that the youths will have the opportunity to sell their crops to the LQPCSL. Members of the LQPCSL intend to establish the first fresh cut commercial industry enabling young farmers who would have received training to package and sell their crops to supermarkets and restaurants.
The group aims to offer training in agriculture to school students. All the group members are in fact students of McKenzie High School. Students now have the opportunity observe and be involved in actual farming for a longer period than perhaps the courses being offered in schools, where they are forced to remember everything in a day.
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Guyanese Security Expert presents books to the Police Force
Guyanese Security Expert Dr. Yeon Adams hands over the book collection to Commissioner of Police Leslie James in the presence of other senior ranks The Guyana Police Force yesterday received a special donation of prized books from an internationally renowned Guyanese Security Expert. Dr. Yeon Adams who served the Guyana Police
Force from 1986 to 1988 with Regulation Number 13619, migrated to the United States of America and served for 19 years as an International Civil Servant across five United Nations departments, in-
cluding the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) and Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). Commissioner Leslie James DSS, DSM expressed warm and welcom-
Guyana, New Zealand sign air services agreement
Minister Greenidge and High Commissioner Ojala shortly after signing the Air Services Agreement. Guyana has entered an air services agreement with New Zealand. The agreement, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which grants both states the right to conduct international air transport within a common framework, was signed by Vice President and Minis-
ter of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and newly accredited High Commissioner Designate of New Zealand to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Anton Ojala. The signing of the agreement stems from a joint desire to broaden international air transport
opportu n i t i e s a n d o u t lines the related parameters that will enhance competitive air transport services, trade and economic growth. Guyana and New Zealand established diplomatic relat i o n s o n September 1, 1974, and continue to enjoy strong relations.
ing words as he spoke of Dr. Adams whom he, as well as Deputy Commissioner M. Graham and Wo m a n S u p e r i n t e n d e n t A. Moore trained with. T h e To p C o p e x pressed appreciation to Mr. Adams for his donation. The books were taken f r o m M r. A d a m s ’ p e r s o n a l l i b r a r y a n d s pan several genres encompassing but not limited to Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Policing and Res e a r c h . M r. A d a m s e x -
pressed gratitude and appreciation to the Force which served as an initial training ground, propelling him to reach higher heights even as he departed. D r. A d a m s h o l d s a PhD in Public Safety Leadership, a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems among others; has written numerous research articles including his Dissertation: “ A Phenomeno-
logical Study of Caribbean Police Collaborative efforts”—Capella University, MN, USA and has made numerous presentations for institutions such as: the United Nations Enterprise Resource Programme (ERP) and the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin to name a few. The new books will be added to the Guyana Police Force’s library and will be available for use by members of the Force.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
Jagdeo can’t say where Passport-forging Cuban Irfaan Ali did first degree, couple jailed for 12 months but insists “he is qualified” Jailed: Juliette Sanchez
Jailed: Alexi Francisco Vasquez
PPP Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
Y
esterday, Opposi tion Leader Bharrat Jagdeo spoke about happenings at the Guyana Lands and Surveys; he spoke about fuel smuggling across Guyana and touched on other issues that had not yet been known to the public. Yet, the former President was unable to speak about matters affecting his own party. More than a month has elapsed since People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali has been accused of academic fraud. There were several media reports to the effect that Ali used a fraudulent document—a transcript—to pursue his Master’s degree at an Indian university. Further, Ali circulated a certificate of a Bachelor’s degree that he secured from the University of Sunderland. However, that first degree was secured three years after Ali got his Master’s degree. There have been suggestions and indications that the Sunderland certificate was not authentic. Ali never stated specifically the name of the institution at which he secured the first degree he used to enter the M a s t e r ’s programme. However, he made attempts to verify that the Sunderland certificate is authentic. But, Ali has not been able to effectively put the matter to rest. On the very day that he was elected PPP presidential candidate, Ali promised the media to provide transcripts from all the universities he attended. That was almost one month ago—January 19. To date, the transcripts
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo
have not been forthcoming. Further, Ali never hosted a press conference since he was chosen presidential candidate. At yesterday’s press conference, Jagdeo was asked if he was provided with the relevant transcripts. Jagdeo indicated he has not. He said, “I know he (Ali) has written to the agency, so I suspect as soon as he gets them he will make them available.” Asked which agency, Jagdeo responded, “I do not know.” But, he said, “I can verify that you have all the certificates that he has so far.” Kaieteur News pointed out that while indeed there are over six certificates from Ali in the public domain, the media is yet to see the certificate of the degree he used to en-
ter the Master’s programme. Jagdeo responded, “He is waiting on the transcript from the agency.” The Party leader said, “I have seen all sorts of the things. It is in the public domain and I can vouch for all of it, and the candidate has made it clear that he is getting the transcript for the other one, but he has a Master’s; he is doing the doctorate, he has a first degree and there is some issue about another first degree.” This newspaper questioned Jagdeo as to whether he was vouching that Ali had a first degree when he entered the Master’s programme. Jagdeo said, “The thing is what he said to me. I believe him. Yes, I am vouching for him because I believe him.”
Two Cubans who were able to get past immigration officials at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with forged passports were yesterday charged and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. The couple, Alexi Francisco Vasquez, 38, who claimed to be a doctor, and his wife Juliette Sanchez, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The charge against them stated that on February 13, 2019, at Moleson Creek, Berbice, with intent to defraud, they uttered to an immigration official, two forged Republic of Cuba passports, purporting to show that they were issued by the Immigration Authority. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that the couple came to Guyana on February 11, via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
He added that on February 13, while they were at Moleson Creek attempting to cross over to Suriname, they were asked by an immigration officer to present their passports for examination.The officer upon examining the passports observed that they were forged. The court heard that the Cubans were then arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where they told officers that they wanted to travel the world.They further disclosed that they paid a lawyer US$5,000 and he acquired the passports for them. The couple spoke through an interpreter and told the court that they came to Guyana to buy clothing for their children. The Magistrate after considering the couple’s early guilty plea and the fact that they did not waste the court’s time, sentenced them to 12 months imprisonment each.
PAGE 30
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
New council wants... FOR RENT
SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Prime Business Spot, opposite Gafoors in Parika. Contact# 650-0402/603-1402
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Pure German Shepherd pups, Riumzeight Gardens WCD. #269-0671/688-1656 1 Recliner $35,000 1 Queen Size Bed $30,000 Tel#233-2182 New Gauge 42'’ normal corrugated pre-painted red roofing sheets 3x15ft, 2x25ft, 3x12ft, 2x17ft, 1x22ft. Contact#225-4106/643-0333 One 3 ton GSS series box up canter truck without engine, transferable. Tel#669-2290
For doctoring erectile dysfunction problems. Asthma burns, hearing & hair loss. Call Bush doc. Tel 2319348 Gardening services: Landscaping, Pruning, Brush cutting, Garden maintenance & up keep #592-688-9596 Canter truck for hire, moving etc Tel#676-0455
EDUCATION Care for elderly/care for children First Aid and CPR programmes: 227-4881/2323878
HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Well secured two story bond, space located at Ketley St, Charlestown with light and water. Contact #664-0353 2 bedroom apt fully furnished in Providence & Diamond. Call: 672-1906, 682-6238/2162299 Two bedroom bottom flat in Festival City, Fully grilled, Car parking $80,000 Call: 616-7366 For short and long term rental. Breezy, private home. 3 Bedrooms, garage near supermarket & taxi. Newtown, Kitty. Call 226-7628, 682-4811
WANTED Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Wanted experience hire car drivers and dispatchers at Ramada Princess Hotel Tel: 616-5419, 265-7076 Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608 Wanted One (1) Mechanic to work in the interior. must have experience with Cummins engine. Tel#669-3162 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750
3 bedroom apartment. Parfaite Harmonie #665-8561, 644-0931
1 experienced cook to work in a creole retaurant. Tel# 6939999
1 bedroom apartment 288 Grove Samatta Point EBD. #665-8561/644-0931
Experienced workers for land dredge. #672-3359. Call 8:30am - 5:00pm
LAND FOR SALE
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Fabs Rental, Beterverwagting ECD Cars from $4000 #6040883
Lorry Driver, must have lorry licence, living between East Transported land 11.6 acres. Bank or West Coast #610Lot 15 public road. #2 Village 9624/233-5255 W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Wanted, one skilled gasoline mechanic. Contact# 629-1290, Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, 671-8122 Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686- One skilled Bobcat operator. Must have 5 years’ 9608 experience. Call 609-0766, 265House lot with foundation for 3024 sale at Red Doom Canal #1. PROPERTY FOR SALE Price $4.8M. Call 644-8396 Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road. Call: 261-2988/695-8215 5 acre to lease, Coconout & other fruit trees on Demerara river. Call: 261-2988/695-8215
Support worker/ caregiver programme train to work as inhome caregiver in Canada. #227-4881/232-3878 HEALTH
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Property for sale, 32 James St, Albouystown. #682-8236 6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amentities, private yard/ parking. Located in Georgetown. Call: 6603415,609-7766
LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way 1 Totota Rav 4 L VVTI engine, @ Cuffy Square. Affordable fully loaded, excellent package. Call: 644-5166/691condition, PSS series $2.5M. 2561 Call: 618-1395 PROPERTY FOR SALE One Toyota Tacoma 2010 Excellent Condition for sale House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 #673-0852 bedrooms, 3 toilets and enclosed. Nissan Laurel Executive bathrooms antique car, Nissan Pathfinder $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 4-door Jeep. Superb 001447587233657 condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#660-3415/609-7766 Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all 1 Toyota Tacoma 2007 Extra amenties, huge yard, security. Cab, Manual $4.5M Tel#673- Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 660-3415/609-7766 3988 VEHICLE FOR SALE
From page 16 money of the city residents,” the Mayor argued. The Mayor charged that Town Clerk (ag) Sharon Munroe must put her foot down as it relates to the management of the M&CC. He reiterated the need for a revamp of various departments, including the PR. During the meeting,
2 Storey Building @ Prime location in Georgetown. Ideal for business & residence. 89 Robb Street, Bourda. #44-208737-1598/ 225-8427/264-1130 VACANCY Receptionist 24-50 233 South Road, Lacytown #225-0198 Looking for someone suitable to manage a leading Auto Sale Tel#642-6859 Call Monday to Friday Between 8 am- 5 pm Male workers to work at Del Ice Company. Training provided. Call: 231-1408/6429191
VACANCY Scooter Driver (Business). Call: 223-5282/223-6006. Georgetown applicants preferred. Background checks will be completed. General Domestic, must know to cook & salesperson, Apply Keyfoood McDoom EBD General Domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358 Person to assemble bicycle. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda One waitress & cook needed. Apply in person at the coffee bean 133 Church Street #2232222 Cashiers, Porters, Cooks. Submit application to Survival supermarket, 16 Vlissengen Rd & Duncan St, Newtown Sales Person @ Ark Enterprise/ The Container House. Apply in Person @ 17 Lombard Street, Knowlege of tools vital. Professional hairdresser specialized in streaking, coloring, ombre, cutting, for further information contact# 652-5800 Professional makeup artist must specialize in manicure, pedicure, facials, nails, for further information contact# 652-5800 Bond Clerk needed. Must have Police Clearance. For more info. Call: 223-0090 Sales/Delivery Clerks. Submit application to Survival supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd & Duncan St Newtown Counter attendants, Please apply to Dian’s Deli Barr & Alexander St, Kitty Contact #225-3700 Office clerk senior/junior. CXC english/mathematics, computer knowledge. 2237500 Live in or out domestic worker. Call from Monday-Saturday between 8:15-4:15PM 2237500
Mayor Narine had also insisted in the interest of greater transparency and accountability, that all receipts issued by the M&CC’s Treasurer’s Department be affixed it’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Narine had demanded an answer from City Treasurer, John Douglas, as to why the current receipts are not carrying City Hall’s TIN. The Mayor pointed to the fact that the laws governing the municipality require for the TIN to be affixed to the receipts. The new Mayor urged that this practice be implemented, even for vendors who have to be issued receipts. He noted that the M&CC had previously taken a decision to have one general receipt issued to all those doing business with the municipality. In addition to building financial transparency and accountability, the Council also passed a motion to establish an audit committee. The motion was brought to the table at the statutory meeting. It was moved by Councillor Denroy Tudor and seconded by Councillor Eon Bollers, who cited the need for the committee. Tudor added that the motion for the establishment of the audit committee will see a revitalization of transparency within the municipality and the “re-cultivation of hope” in administrative work. He emphasized this is just a first step in the right direction to ensure that a new page is turned to implement best practices of accounting. “This committee, once established, will help to provide the necessary oversight that is needed at this point in time for council. This committee, as the name states, is focused on providing clarity to auditing practices and ensuring that the practices are utilised, not only at the level of council, but can be a template for other municipalities not only in Guyana, but certainly regionally. So, with that being said, I stand in support of the motion to be passed,” Tudor said. The matter is set to be further addressed at council’s next meeting.
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Solar panels stolen from newly installed wind measuring station at Onverwagt
The wind measuring gauge being installed at Onverwagt last month Less than a month after installing a new tower to test wind speed at Onverwagt, West Berbice, there is painful news that thieves have targeted it. According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, someone stole the solar panels that powered the gauges. “Less than 3 weeks ago,
we installed a wind measuring gauge. I was just informed that someone stole the solar panels and control panel.” According to the Minister, the project was one step forward for the country, but the theft two steps backwards. Last month, the ministry announced that the Hinter-
land Electrification Company Inc., under its purview, has successfully installed the first 60-meter Wind Resource Measuring Station at Onverwagt, Berbice. This project was a cooperative effort between the Government of Guyana, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Global En-
vironmental Facility (GEF). The key goal of the project is to promote renewable energy technologies through Guyana’s Sustainable Energy Program in urban and off-grid areas. It was disclosed that the importance of the wind tower is to yield quality wind data, which can be used by wind
project investors to develop wind farms in Guyana along its coast. The Ministry’s expectation is that within one to two years of high-quality data from tall met-masts (60-80 metres height), wind project developers can prepare a bankable feasibility report which can then lead to financ-
ing of wind farm projects. The tower consists of three wind speed sensors at 61m, 45m and 30m, wind direction sensors at 58m and 30.3m, temperature and relative humidity sensor at 20m, and air pressure sensor 3m. Over the next six months, it was the plan to install three more wind towers.
Guyanese community in Venezuela endorses Juan Guaido The Representatives of the Guyanese Community in Venezuela (RCGV), a foundation that represents 65,000 Guyanese living in the South American country, has publicly declared its support for the “Interim Presidency” of the Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Juan Guaido. The founder of RCGV, Antonio Hamraj, who is a second generation Guyanese, said that the endorsement of the Opposition Leader comes on the heels of urgency in the community for a change in the crisis that the country currently is facing. He said that the foundation has evaluated all the facts, concerning the state of the Bolivarian Democracy. Hamraj said that the
RCGV President, Antonio Hamraj representatives of the community believe it is time to organize and contribute to an evaluation of the cir-
cumstances which led to the political and economic instability in Venezuela, which cause Venezuelans as well as the Guyanese community to have to endure suffering, with the view of bringing about a turnaround. “The foundation that leads and protects countless Guyanese people throughout the country lends and supports the interim government [of Juan Guaido]”. He also pointed out that it was time to address the emergency priorities of Venezuelans, such as the need for healthcare, economic upliftment, food and documentation for foreigners who have not yet been served by the country’s
Miner, 19, stabbed to death in camp Alcohol and quick tempers have again proved to be a deadly mix. This time around, a 21-year-old miner is in custody for stabbing a 19-year-old associate to death in a camp at Frenchman, located a few miles from Mabura. The incident occurred at around 22.00 hrs on Wednesday. Police identified the victim as Alex Daniels, of Swan Village, located off the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. According to reports, Daniels, the suspect and a third man were drinking at French-
man Landing when an argument broke out between Daniels and the 21-year-old. Persons who were around intervened, but when the men returned to their camp, the argument escalated and the suspect took a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Daniels in the region of the heart. Police said that the suspect has confessed, and he is expected to be charged following a postmortem on the victim. Police have already recorded a number of similar disorderly murders for the year.
Administrative Service of Identification, Migration and Aliens (SAIME) Hamraj considered necessary humanitarian aid to attend children living in extreme poverty in neighbourhoods. “We can no leave adolescents aside. They are the future generation of relief of this country, blessed by God”. The RCGV founder also invites the “President” Juan Guaido to participate in the 15th anniversary ceremony of the RCGV to be held at the foundation’s
headquarters in San Felix, on March 4. Juan Guaido is a Venezuelan Politician who has been serving as the President of the National Assembly and who has partially been recognized as Interim President of Venezuela since January 2019. He had taken a public oath to serve as Interim President of Venezuela, contesting the leadership of Nicolas Maduro. He has received the support of the US government. RCGV Administrator Satish Ramkissoon told
Kaieteur News, last year, that the Guyanese diaspora have been living there since 1969, when they left Guyana, as they considered the presidency of the late Forbes Burnham to be a dictatorship. According to Ramkissoon, the exodus from Guyana was mainly due to the economic situation of the country, and they travelled so that they could earn to send support to their relatives living in Guyana. According to RCGV, they are predominantly concentrated in Bolivar State.
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
Halep sets up Doha semi-final Islamabad United come from showdown with Svitolina behind to win PSL opener
Reuters - Top seed Simona Halep battled past German Julia Goerges 7-6(1) 7-6(6) in the Qatar Open on Thursday to set up a semifinal clash against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina. Playing in her first tournament with new coach Thierry Van Cleemput, Halep raced to a 4-0 lead in the opening set before her ninthseeded opponent fought back to force a tiebreak. Goerges threatened with an early break in the second set but Halep’s relentless accuracy from the baseline proved the difference as the Romanian closed out the win in just over two hours. Fourth seed Svitolina swept aside Czech qualifier Karolina Muchova 6-4 6-2 to move into her first semi-final of the season. Svitolina broke her opponent twice in each set, winning 78 percent of points on her first serve in a commanding display. Muchova, who has enjoyed a breakthrough week to reach her first WTA quarter-final, was undone by her 25 unforced errors, allowing Svitolina to clinch an 82minute victory. “She’s (Muchova) not as a typical young player, because most of the
players now that are coming up, they are smashing the ball,” Svitolina said. “She has lots of variety in her game, and that’s, I think, very good for tennis.” Threetimes Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber rallied from a set down to overcome Czech Barbora Strycova 1-6 6-2 7-6(4), reaching her first semi-final since her Wimbledon triumph in July.Kerber’s Australian Open campaign in January ended in one of the worst defeats of her career when she won only two games against Danielle Collins, but she has put her disappointment behind her by stepping up her game in Doha this week. Both players converted five break points each in a riveting contest but it was Kerber who kept her composure in the decisive tiebreak to improve her head-to-head record to 8-1 against Strycova. “We played so many times against each other,” Kerber told reporters. “You never know what to expect, if she is playing serve and volley or just moving, playing fast. “It was a really close match, and I think just one, two points decide the match.”
Friday February 15, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A visitor may come over today, Aries, but you might wonder why this person bothered. He or she may seem distracted and more inclined to listen to what you say than offer any conversation. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A phone call may come from someone you know is prone to gossip, Taurus. This person may have a lot to say, but be sure you take it with a grain of salt, if not the whole shaker. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The desire to make a major purchase of some kind, perhaps a luxury item, might have you counting your pennies today, Gemini. CANCER(June21–July22) Worries about a household member could plague you today, Cancer. This person might have gone away without telling anyone, or seem upset.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Have you been given a task to do at work that hasn't been explained properly, Libra? If so, you may feel at a loss. What to do? It's best to go back to the person who assigned the work and ask for more details. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You're probably excited about a forthcoming journey, but you may be unclear about the arrangements. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A dream or insight might find you questioning one of your long-held goals, Sagittarius. Perhaps you've formulated another goal you like better. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Someone at work may be upset, Capricorn, and not inclined to communicate their feelings to anyone else. This might cast a pall over the atmosphere.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A sibling or neighbor may tell you one thing, Leo, while your intuition tells you the opposite. This isn't a vindictive deception.The person is probably trying to spare your feelings.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some unsettling news from far away could have you stressed out, Aquarius. This might affect your work if you aren't careful. Your mind may stray back and forth from work to the news and its implications.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A friend who's having money problems might dump all their woes on you today, Virgo. Your inclination isn't to be very sympathetic, but hold back that tendency. The situation is real, and your friend is very worried .
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're likely to be in a good space right now, Pisces. If you're single, you're in no hurry to change that. If you're involved, you and your partner should be getting along very well.
ESPNcricinfo - All the talk of an improved Lahore Qalandars may have something to it, but in the contest between the most prolific franchise and the least successful one, the status quo held firm. A glorious return to form from Fakhar Zaman got Lahore off to the perfect start, and for much of the innings looked destined to set a target around 200. But a middle-order collapse meant Mohammad Hafeez’s side slump from 129 for 1 to 171 for 8, adding just 40 runs in the final six overs. Even so, Rahat Ali looked to have put Lahore on course with three wickets in an over to rip out Islamabad’s top order, Luke Ronchi and all. But where Lahore’s middle order had fallen apart, Islamabad’s held firm. Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf and Asif Ali kept ahead of the run rate during the second half of the innings, and Asif made his move in the 18th over. With two sixes off the first two balls, the run rate had been brought down to six. From there on, the fivewicket win was an inevitability. In a streak that began in
Red hot Back Circle continue... From page 41 1 - Gaza Squad vs Mocha, Gaza won via walkover. Game 2 - Ol Skool Ballers2 vs Island All-Stars-2. Ol Skoll scorer Shalomo Hunte 6th and 8th. Island scorer Devin Hyman in the 5th and 14th. Game 3 - Broad Street-1 vs Showstoppers-1. Broad Street scorer, Joel McGarrell3rd. Showstoppers scorer, Amaniki Buntin-12th. Game 4 - Back Cirle-3 vs Good-Life-0. Dellon Kelly-3rd, Jermaine Beckles-5th, Stephon McLean-17th. Game 5 - Buxton Diamond-2 vs Hustlers-2. Hustlers scorer, Dennis Edwards8th and 9th. Buxton scorer, Stephon Dolphin-15th, Shemar Scott-16th. Game 6 - Gold is Money0 vs Capital Strikers-1. Tevin Crawford-17th. Game 7 - Future Stars-3 vs Alexander Village-1. Future scorers, Jamal Cozier-8th, Kevin Cummings-16th, Ryan Dowding-20th. Alexander Village scorer, Leon Yaw-13th. Game 8 - Tiger Bay-0 vs Sophia-0. Game 9 - Bent Street-2 vs Avocado Ballers-1. Bent Street scorer, Pernell Schultz4th and 19th. Avocado scorer, Dexter Marshall-9th. Game 10 - Albouystown0 vs Leopold Street-0.
Fakhar Zaman
the 13th over, Fakhar Zaman and AB de Villiers added 26 off 6 balls. An onslaught looked imminent, but in the remaining 41 balls, they would score just 44 and lose seven wickets. The late assault didn’t come, and the handful of security runs they needed at the end weren’t there. A 55-run partnership between Hussain Talat and Cameron Delport was followed by the swift removal of both batsmen, and Islamabad’s valiant efforts finally looked doomed.
However, just the second ball he faced, Faheem Ashraf carted Carlos Brathwaite over square leg for six. The run rate was back under ten, never to return to double figures again This is the first game of the tournament, and both teams move to positions they are familiar with. Islamabad go top, while Lahore prop up the table. Islamabad United 177 for 5 (Talat 37, Asif 36*, Rahat 4-29) beat Lahore Qalandars 171 for 8 (Zaman 65, Faheem 2-24) by five wickets.
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 35
Kaieteur News
The inspiration driving Australia’s young indigenous footballers In Australia’s dusty Northern Territory outback lies the small town of Borroloola. To say Borroloola is remote would be an understatement of immense proportions. To reach the nearest city, Darwin, involves a full day’s drive and then some. Reaching the nearest major supermarket involves a jaw-dropping 600-kilometre drive along a dusty dirt road, where a check for crocodiles before passing through any waterways is advisable. Yet football is thriving in Borroloola, despite Australian Rules football traditionally holding sway in Australia’s remote north. And it is all thanks to one man. Spreading the gospel of the world game in Borroloola and, indeed throughout all of Australia’s indigenous population, is John Moriarty. Energetic, articulate and with an understated but strongwilled determination to succeed, octogenarian Moriarty has a life-force that can match those half his age. Driven by wanting to see more Aboriginal Australians playing football, and the notion that active interest in
© Others
sport can change lives, the Borroloola-born Moriarty decided to take action. In 2012, the John Moriarty Foundation (JMF) was established with those twin ideals at its centrepiece. The results have been spectacular. Some 90 per cent of the town’s youth have participated in the program, with many discovering football for the first time.
Through the program’s scholarships, local children have the opportunity for a lifechanging opportunity to pursue education and football opportunities in Sydney. Former Australia captain Craig Foster and Socceroos great Tim Cahill have been among those to actively lend their support. More recently global
acknowledgement was forthcoming. The JMF was one of three nominees for the FIFA Diversity Award 2018 – the first Australian to receive such recognition. The establishment of the JMF broke new ground, but Moriarty has always been something of a pioneer. He is considered the first indigenous Australian to earn
national team selection, although the planned 1960 international tour was eventually abandoned. By the time Australia returned from a seven-year international hiatus, injury ensured Moriarty’s career came to a premature end. A dynamic, pocket-sized winger on the pitch, Moriarty took his artistic creativity offfield and was commissioned to design Aboriginal artwork for a couple of Qantas planes. Seven years ago Moriarty returned to his football roots. The JMF was set up designed to bring together 6 to 16-yearold children through football, promoting education, good health and wellbeing. With the program embedded locally, there is also a positive flowon effect to the young players’ families and the wider community. “An important part of our mission is allowing these children to become an individual with a clear vision and aspiration so they can see the future themselves.” Moriarty said. “The game did so much for me, and I hope football can bring a brighter future to the
young players our program works with.” Its success has been extraordinary. Thirty per cent of the younger participants have been selected for representative teams at some level, resulting in opportunities for travel and broadened horizons. That slow climb up the football pyramid reached a new level a few weeks ago with Shay Evans debuting for W-League heavyweights Sydney FC, becoming the first Borroloola local to play at national league level. The youngster also made an appearance for Australia’s national U-20 team last year. Success rate for Indigenous Australians has historically been mixed. Notably, Harry Williams appeared for Australia at the 1974 FIFA World Cup™, while more recently Kyah Simon and Lydia Williams have been key contributors at the past two FIFA Women’s World Cups™. Thanks to Moriarty’s passionate endeavour, Evans and some of her townsfolk could well add to that list in the future. (FIFA.com)
NBA roundup: Russell lifts Nets over Cavs in 3 OTs D’Angelo Russell took over in the third overtime, scoring 14 of his 36 points, and the short-handed Brooklyn Nets outlasted the host Cleveland Cavaliers for a wild 148139 victory on Wednesday. Russell began the game by missing 10 of his first 11 shots, but he was 6 of 6 in the third overtime and finished 13 of 30 from the floor. After the Nets forced a third overtime on a buzzer-beating 3pointer by DeMarre Carroll, Russell made a handful of plays to help the Nets snap a four-game road losing streak in their last game before the All-Star break. Cleveland’s Jordan Clarkson scored a game-high 42 points, hitting 7 of 17 3-point attempts. Bucks 106, Pacers 97 - Giannis Antetokounmpo produced 33 points, 19 rebounds and 11 assists for his fifth triple-double of the season as Milwaukee rallied for a victory over Indiana in Indianapolis. Malcolm Brogdon scored 17 points and Khris Middleton added 15 as Milwaukee won for the 14th time in its past 16 games. The Bucks (43-14) own the best record in the NBA heading into the All-Star break. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 20 points for the Pacers, who had a sixgame winning streak halted. Domantas Sabonis recorded 14 points and nine rebounds. Nuggets 120, Kings 118 - Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists, and he tipped in his own miss with 0.3 seconds left to
give host Denver a win over Sacramento. Paul Millsap finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, and Isaiah Thomas scored eight points in 13 minutes during his Denver debut. The Nuggets won despite coach Michael Malone and guard Malik Beasley being ejected. Beasley finished with 21 points before getting tossed. Buddy Hield had 25 points and Harrison Barnes finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings. Trail Blazers 129, Warriors 107 - Damian Lillard scored 29 points and Portland used a late 16-0 run to blow away visiting Golden State. Jake Layman added 17 points off the bench as eight players scored in double figures for the Trail Blazers, who snapped Golden State’s fivegame win streak. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry each scored 32 points for the Warriors, who had won 16 of their previous 17 contests. Golden State played without center DeMarcus Cousins and key reserves Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston to give them some rest. Celtics 118, Pistons 110 Jayson Tatum led six Boston players in double figures with 19 points as the home team ended Detroit’s fourgame winning streak. Gordon Hayward contributed 18 points and eight assists, while Al Horford supplied 17 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Jaylen Brown had 17 points and seven rebounds, Marcus Smart
Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell (1) celebrates with forward Joe Harris (12) and forward DeMarre Carroll (9) in the third overtime. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports. added 16 points and five assists, and Marcus Morris chipped in 11 points. Blake Griffin led Detroit with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Andre Drummond had 21 points, 17 rebounds and four steals for the Pistons. Timberwolves 121, Rockets 111 - Jeff Teague produced a doubledouble while Karl-Anthony Towns led a dominant performance in the paint by Minnesota, which used a balanced scoring attack to thwart
James Harden and Houston in Minneapolis. Rookie Josh Okogie provided a spark by scoring 16 points and playing energetic defense on Harden, who still extended his streak of 30-point games to 31 with 42 points, matching Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in NBA history. Harden has recorded 22 40-point games this season. Te a g u e paced seven Timberwolves in double figures
with 27 points and added a gamehigh 12 assists. Towns paired 25 points with a team-best nine rebounds. Chris Paul added 16 points and eight assists for Houston while Kenneth Faried chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Other results, Heat 112, Mavericks 101; 76ers 126, Knicks 111; Raptors 129, Wizards 120; Bulls 122, Grizzlies 110; Clippers 134, Suns 107.
PAGE 36
2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League in English on Yahoo Sports - Round of 16 first leg matches scheduled for February 19-21 Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) announced that the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League will stream live in English on the Yahoo Sports app on iOS and Google Play, as well as at YahooSports.com. In 2018, Concacaf and Verizon announced a groundbreaking multi-platform media rights deal to distribute Concacaf tournaments across Verizon’s digital media platforms, which include Yahoo Sports. The deal gave Verizon exclusive English language rights to distribute multiple Confederation tournaments in the United States, as well as rights to distribute on digital and mobile devices in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, including the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. First leg matches of the region’s premier club championship are scheduled to be played from Tuesday, February 19 through Thursday, February 21, 2019. The action begins Tuesday with three matches Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs Tigres UANL (MEX), CD Guastatoya (GUA) vs Houston Dynamo (USA) and Club Atletico Independiente (PAN) vs Toronto FC (CAN). Wednesday evening, CD
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
Marathon (HON) will face off against Santos Laguna (MEX), Club Atletico Pantoja (DOM) will welcome the New York Red Bulls (USA) in the Dominican Republic and Alianza FC (SLV) will host CF Monterrey (MEX) in San Salvador. First leg action will conclude on Thursday night, with Sporting Kansas City (USA) vs Toluca FC (MEX) and CS Herediano (CRC) vs Atlanta United (USA). Fans will be able to follow all the action through the Confederation’s partner networks, including Univision Deportes (United States), Yahoo Sports app on iOS or Google Play and YahooSports.com (United States), Fox Sports Latin America (Mexico & Central America), Flow Sports (Caribbean) and other local partners. 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Schedule *Eastern Time (Local Time) and home team listed first Tuesday, February 19, 2019 20:00 (19:00) Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs Tigres UANL (MEX) 20:00 (20:00) Club Atletico Independiente (PAN) vs Toronto FC (CAN) 22:00 (21:00) CD Guastatoya (GUA) vs Houston Dynamo (USA) Wednesday, February 20, 2019
20:00 (19:00) CD Marathon (HON) vs Santos Laguna (MEX) 20:00 (21:00) Club Atletico Pantoja (DOM) vs New York Red Bulls (USA) 22:00 (21:00) Alianza FC (SLV) vs CF Monterrey (MEX) Thursday, February 21, 2019 20:00 (19:00) Sporting Kansas City (USA) vs Toluca FC (MEX) 22:00 (21:00) CS Herediano (CRC) vs Atlanta United (USA) Tuesday, February 26, 2019 20:00 (19:00) Houston Dynamo (USA) vs CD Guastatoya (GUA) 20:00 (20:00) Toronto FC (CAN) vs Club Atletico Independiente (PAN) 22:00 (21:00) Tigres UANL (MEX) vs Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) Wednesday, February 27, 2019 20:00 (20:00) New York Red Bulls (USA) vs Club Atletico Pantoja (DOM) 20:00 (19:00) Santos Laguna (MEX) vs CD Marathon (HON) 22:00 (21:00) CF Monterrey (MEX) vs Alianza FC (SLV) Thursday, February 28, 2019 20:00 (20:00) Atlanta United (USA) vs CS Herediano (CRC) 22:00 (21:00) Toluca FC (MEX) vs Sporting Kansas City (USA)
Grave: CWI backs ICC policy, Gabriel will learn from incident Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave, says CWI is in firm agreement with the International Cricket Council’s get-tough policy on player abuse, in the wake of the severe punishment dished out to fast bowler Shannon Gabriel. And while conceding Gabriel’s four-match one-day ban was a huge blow for the Windies, Grave said he also expected the 30-year-old to learn from the incident. Gabriel was suspended for the first four One-Day Internationals against England st a r t ing next week, following a verbal exchange with England captain Joe Root o n t h e third day of the final Test on Tuesday which was deemed to be in breach of t h e I C C ’s c o d e o f conduct. “The ICC has put in place a zero tolerance on any abuse on the field by players and we
are fully supportive of that,” Grave told the Newsday publication here. He added: “I think in terms of the way the series has been played, it’s been played in great spirits by two teams that have gone hard at each other over three Tests. “It is disappointing we are talking about one isolated incident, which I hope does not tarnish what has otherwise been a fantastic series in terms of the quality of the cricket and also the manner and spirit in which both sides have played.” The matter came to the fore when stump microphones picked up Root telling Gabriel: “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.” And though Gabriel’s initial comments had not been detected, international media created a firestorm over the matter, alleging that Gabriel had made homophobic remarks. It was only on Thursday
that Gabriel, in a statement, revealed he had said to Root in the heat of the moment: “why are you smiling at me? Do you like boys?” Gabriel said he considered the comment nothing more than “inoffensive picong and sporting banter” but nonetheless, issued an apology to Root, the England team and his Windies teammates. “I am sure Shannon will learn from this, and it is disappointing he has to learn the hard way,” Grave noted. “But he has now accumulated too many demerit points and misses games, which is the ultimate action for any professional cricketer in international cricket. They want to be playing when they are fit…it is a massive loss to us and to him personally.” Gabriel was not named in the Windies squad for the first two one-dayers in Barbados but was expected to feature later in the fivematch series.
James Harden: Houston Rockets’ guard ties Wilt Chamberlain record
FIFA’s Big 5 Transfer Window Analysis: $642.8m January outlay on international transfers The winter 2019 edition of FIFA’s Big 5 Transfer Window Analysis is now available. The report is a summary of activity in the International Transfer Matching System (ITMS) by clubs from England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain (“the Big 5”) during this year’s January registration period. Key statistics on transfer activity from 1 January to 31 January 2019: · 162 of the 211 FIFA member associations had their registration period open at some point during the month of January · The Big 5 clubs accounted for 59.1% of the global spending
during this period, with a combined total of USD 642.8 million spent · Compared to January 2018, the volume of international transfers to the Big 5 increased by 6.4%, with 282 Big 5 clubs completing an average of 2.1 incoming international transfers per club · Once again, England was the world‘s biggest spender during the period with USD 178.2 million spent, despite a 65% decrease in spending compared to a record breaking registration period in January 2018 · Italy was the second-biggest spender (USD 144.6 million, +459%), followed by Germany (USD 112.5 million, +56.7%),
Spain (USD 112 million, 70.1%) and France (USD 95.4 million, +104.6%) The report also includes detailed information at association level including transfer types, origin and destination of transfers, nationality and age of the players involved, and historical comparisons with past registration periods. The data published in this report is extracted from the ITMS used by all 2 11 F I FA member associations and over 7,500 professional football clubs around the globe for the international transfer of professional football players. (FIFA.com)
James Harden needs to keep scoring at this rate for another 34 games to break Chamberlain’s 57-year record. BBCsport - Houston Rockets’ James Harden recorded his 31st consecutive 30-point game on Thursday, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in the NBA. Harden, 29, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, scored 42 points in a 121-111 defeat by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Chamberlain, who also holds the top position, scored at least 30 points in 65 consecutive games in 196162, his run of 31 started that same season.
Thursday night also marked Harden’s 22nd 40point game of the season. No other player in the NBA has more than seven 40-point games. The Rockets, who are currently fifth in the Western Conference, have won 16 of their games when Harden scores 40 points. His 30-point streak, which started on 13 December, looked in doubt after he finished the first quarter with just five points, but an emphatic 15-point second
quarter followed and he hit the 30-point mark in the third quarter. Harden faces a week-long wait in his bid to pass Chamberlain, with the Rockets returning from the All Star break on 21 February to face LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain’s record 65game run was ended on 24 February, 1962 when the Boston Celtics held him to just 26 points. The next day he scored 67 to start a 31-game streak of 30-point games.
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 37
Kaieteur News
GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National U-15 2017/2018 Finals
Santos, Eagles, Rivers View and Tabatinga to battle for national honours tomorrow The first GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National Under-15 National Champions would be crowned tomorrow afternoon when the finals are contested between the top four teams that has emerged from the Playoffs. Except for the Rupununi c h a m p i o n s , Ta b a t i n g a Football Club which earned a place in the finals without contesting the playoffs, Santos Football Club (Georgetown), Eagles F o o t b a l l C l u b ( We s t Demerara) and Rivers View Football Club (Bartica) emerged as the top teams from Clusters 1, 2 and 3 which were contested on February 2nd, 3rd and 9th, respectively. The first two Clusters were played at the Guyana Football Federation Tr a i n i n g F a c i l i t y, Providence, East Bank Demerara which will host tomorrow’s finals. Cluster 3 was contested at the Anna Regina Community Center, Essequibo, a first for the county and football. Tomorrow’s action would be witnessed by the top Technical minds associated with Guyana’s football including Technical director Ian Greenwood, Golden Jaguars Head Coach Michael Johnson along with numerous Youth
Development Coaches and those from the various Academy Training Centers. This is an opportunity for the future of the sport in Guyana to showcase their skills with a view of claiming the national title and bragging rights for the next year but more importantly, it provides a pathway for selection to the national team as the best would be selected for further attention by the GFF tacticians. Santos was convincing in turning back the challenges of BV Triumph United; 2-0 (East Demerara) and Corriverton Lynx; 3-0 (Berbice). Eagles FC was similarly dismissive of the challenges that were thrown at them by Timehri Panthers; 2-1(East Bank) and Milerock Football Club (via kicks from the penalty mark after 2-2 draw) of Linden. Equally dominant was Bartica’s Rivers View which got past Essequibo’s Dartmouth Dominators (5-4 on sudden death penalty kicks after a 0-0 stalemate) and Atkinson Brothers FC of Moruca; 2-1. The Tabatinga and Rivers View lads would have to get adjusted to the new turf quickly with Santos and Eagles both playing at the all weather field before; if that would be somewhat of an advantage, is left to be seen. Kick off time is 09:00hrs.
Santos FC of Georgetown were the champs of Cluster 1.
Tabatinga FC of the Rupununi FA.
Georgetown Turf Club Pre-Mash Meet on this Sunday The Georgetown Turf Club will be reopening its doors for horseracing fans this Sunday at the Mocha Arcadia Race Track when it hosts a Pre-Mashramani Gymkhana Horse Race Meet. Six races are carded for the day with the feature race being the K/Class and Lower horses, which is being sponsored by Carib Beer while the L/Class Open will be sponsored by 592 Beer. Other races on the card include L/Class NonWinners, the Unclassified, Two Year-Old Trial and the Four Year-Old and Lower. In addition to Ansa McAl, other sponsors include Supreme Ventures Enterprise Inc., I BET, Goodwood Racing Service, Kanhai Electrical (Regent Street), Chico of Kenrick Auto Sales, Pet Shop and Jumbo Jet Auto Sales. Some of the horses that
will be in action are Victoria, Dr. Switch, Up Front, Red Jet, Simpson, Something Special, Who is That, Dirt Man, School B o y, Roseanna, Speedy, Queen, and Get Up and Get. Starting time is 13:00hrs and admission will be $500 for adults, $300 for children. President of the Georgetown Turf Club, Michael Sims, recently returned to Guyana to do some renovations at the venue and he has already met with various stakeholders as further plans are in train to development the club. In a press release, Sims noted that he will be grateful to have some assistance from the Government of Guyana (GoG) so that he can extend the race track to the distance of one mile and clearing of the eastern and western canal to ensure the track stays dry. Other plans for the turf
club include the construction of a Grand stand, clearing of a cricket
pitch and football ground. Sims also said that the venue is ideal for those
people living at the New Herstelling Housing Scheme, next door to the
turf club to come over and participate and or watch sports.
PAGE 38
Friday February 15, 2019
Kaieteur News
GSA’s Bounty Farm Handicap Tournament
Ashley Khallil too good in ‘welcome back’ for Lydia Fraser Sean Devers story and photos The action in the Guyana Squash Association’s (GSA) Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tournament, which commenced on Tuesday, is expected to heat up as the sixday tournament heads towards the Finals on Sunday at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street. Category ‘A’ matches were contested on the opening night while eight more matches in this category were played on Wednesday night while five in the Open Category were a part of night’s two action. Ashley Khallil (-6) greeted veteran Lydia Fraser, returning to the Court for the first time in a few years, with a clinical exhibition high class squash. Although still looking fit, a spirited Fraser managed just two points in her two-game defeat as youth prevailed
over experience. Khallil, with powerhouse shots and killer drops, which had the determined Fraser panting, the talented Khallil demonstrated impeccable placement and dominated Fraser who fought hard. A 10-shot rally sparked memories of a young Fraser in her prime but in the end the jovial right-hander, who began each game with a handicap of 10 points, lost 15/ 11, 15/11. In the other ‘Open’ matches, Ian Mekdeci (5) beat Medhi Ramdhani (8) 15/7, 15/ 7, Damien Da Silva (-6) beat Tian Edwards (13) 15/13, 15/ 13, Adam Alves (5) beat Dane Pereira (10) 15/7, 15/14 and Pilot Jonathan Antczak (6) beat Reagan Rodrigues (10) 15/5. 15/6. Dane Pereira (10), recovered from a poor start against Adam Alves (5), with spirited squash in the second game but Alves kept his nerves to register a close
second game 15/14, giving him the match 15/7, 15/14. The Category ‘A’ encounters, produced some entertaining matches with one of them being the Zachary Persuad (7) against Mohryan Baksh (-3) contest. Despite Baksh’s much improved court movement and shot selection, the handicap proved too much against fighter Persuad and the three-game match ended in a victory for Persuad, 15/ 10, 11/15, 15/12. Another exciting affair saw Gianni Carpenter (-6) clashing with Demetrius DeAbreu (-4) in what turned into a keenly contested battle. The left handed Carpenter came out strong with some hard drives and good length cross courts to dominate in a 15/10 win. DeAbreu answered with his signature drop shots in the second game and wrong footed Carpenter to a 15/4 defeat. Both came out
determined on the final game with DeAbreu pulling ahead after long, varied shot rallies. Carpenter seemed to find something extra to come back from a 13/3 score to win four straight, but DeAbreu took the next two for a 15/7 triumph. Final scores 10/15, 15/4, 15/7. Kirsten Gomes and Abosaide continued their winning streak, along with Nicholas Verwey and Lucas Jonas. In Category ‘A’ Lucas Jonas (-3) beat 9 year-old Matthew Daby, the youngest player in the tournament, (14) 15/14, 15/14 In the other Category ‘A’ results: Michael Alphonso (10) beat Lucas Persuad (11) 15/11, 15/12, Kirsten Gomes (-4) beat Beau Fernandes (11) 15/12, 15/11, Lucas Jonas (-3) beat Joshua Verwey (11) 15/13. 15/14, Lajuan Munroe (10) beat Dhiren Persuad (11) 15/7, 15/11, Abosaide Cadogan (4) beat Ethan Jonas (-4) 15/
Lydia Fraser’s (foreground) fitness was tested by the younger Ashley Khallil. 12, 15/10 and Nicholas Verwey (-8) beat Brenno DaSilva (13) 15/14, 15/14. Play was scheduled to continue last night in the
Open Category while this evening the action is expected to commence with night four matches from 18:00hrs.
Patrick Ford Memorial Boxing Sunday at Gymnasium QC, Valmiki Vidyala, Bishop’s, Queenstown, Tucville among victors St Lucia’s Langalier, Amsterdam main bout; Allicock battle T&T’s Parris
Gabrielle Singh
Ravita Chan QC, Valmiki Vidyala, Bishop’s, Queenstown, Tucville registered victories when the Georgetown leg of the AL Sport and Tour Promotions, Forbes Burnham Foundation, National Sports Commission 28th Annual Easter Term School Windball Cricket Champions Trophy continued recently at the National Gymnasium. In the female category, Region One Select Team after been invited to bat scored 494 off their four overs with Ravita Chan scoring 34 not out. Luan Singh claimed 3 - 8. Queens College replied with 55-1. Valmiki Vidyalaya High School took first strike and managed 110-4. Tina Ram Sooraj struck 38. Carnegie School of Home Economic
were restricted to 99-5 in reply. Odissa Joe made 25; Gabrielle Singh bagged 5-13. Queenstown Secondary scored 77- 2 taking first knock. Keisha Rawlins got 25. Region One Select Team replied with 58-2; Sonicia Deally made 25. Brickdam Secondary posted 100-0, batting first. Princess Mc Pherson slammed 67. The Bishops’ High School responded with 104-2; Evageline Norman scored 34 and Keziah Joseph 26. Tucville Secondary School took first turn at the crease and scored 127 without loss. Ashanti Woodroffe stroked 62 while Alleia Alleyne made 54. Cummings Lodge responded with 122-1. Sarah Amin slammed 81 with eight sixes.
Queens College batted first and scored 118-4. Serea Razak struck 52 and Naomi Barkoye 34. Carmel Secondary mustered 105 without loss in reply. Indera Amardeo scored 68 and Siana Abrams 30. Charlestown Government Secondary School managed 94-2, taking first strike. Althea Barnwell led with 44 while Shania Maglorie got 38; Shana Kingston had 2-26. East Ruimveldt Secondary School responded with 72-4. Region One Select Team took first knock and made 82 – 1 with Ravita Chan scoring 48 not out and Karen Allen 25. Camille’s Institute for Business and Science Studies scored 86-2, in reply. Charlice Bowroe struck 39 and Stacy Plass 34.
The match-up between St Lucia’s Arthur Langalier and Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam will headline the second annual Patrick Ford Memorial tournament on Sunday at the National Gymnasium while Guyana’s Keevin Allicock will match gloves with Trinidadian Justin Parris in the main supporting bout in what promises to be a mouthwatering night of fistic fury. The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has collaborated with Alford McDonald to stage the GBA’s first International Card for 2019 which will see 15 bouts with the first starting at 19:00hrs. The Caribbean Boxing C h a m p i o n s h i p s Middleweight silver medallist was defeated by the Guyana Defense Force’s (GDF) Amsterdam last year and is aiming to avenge that loss. When Langalier and Amsterdam last fought in the final of the Caribbean Boxing Championships (CBC) last year in Guyana, the St Lucian would have given Amsterdam his toughest time in the ring; giving him the only 8-count he got throughout the championships. Guyana’s 19-year-old 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games Silver Medallist Keevin Allicock, will face-off
Keevin Allicock
with Trinidad & Tobago’s Justin Parris in the main supporting bout in what is anticipated to be a sizzling hot 56kg Elite affair. Trinidad’s four-man team will also include Blessings Waldropt. 60kg (Youth), Nyrell Hosein 57kg (Junior) and Aaron Prince 75kg (Elite). In addition to Langalier from St Lucia, Suriname will be sending four boxers and they will arrive in Guyana today since they are coming overland. Last year’s CBC also included these three Countries with Guyana emerging as Champions. GBA President Steve Ninvalle says everything is in place for fight night and
expressed confidence in Guyana’s boxers continuing to put in Championship winning performances. Stands cost $1,000 while entry to Ringside is $2,000 and Ninvalle said he hoped to see a capacity crowd to encourage the Guyanese while at the same time supporting Armatur Boxing in the Region. Forde, who died at age 55 in Brooklyn, New York in 2011, fought Salvador Sanchez for the WBC featherweight championship of the world in 1980 and was the first Guyanese to fight for a world title before he fought his last professional bout in 1987. (Sean Devers)
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
ECCC/SPR Enterprise 40 overs Tourney
E
n m o r e Community Centre Cricket Club Enforcers (ECCCCF) defeated Beehive SC by 9 wickets while Lusignan A, Betterhope A, Cane Grove, Ogle and Mahaica recorded victories when the East C o a s t C r i c k e t Committee/SPR Enterprise 40 overs tournament continued last Sunday with six matches. In a game which was reduced to 26 overs due to rain at Enmore, Beehive SC were bowled out for 57 in 20 overs after they opted to bat. Amir Khan took 3-9 from two overs and Yuvraj Dyal 23. ECCCC Enforcers replied with 58-1 from 7.2 overs. Bheemraj Ramkelawan remained unbeaten on 27. At Ogle, the home team defeated Golden Achivers
Bowlers propel Enmore Enforcers
SC by 48 runs. Ogle SC Blasters took first strike and posted 208-4 from 40 overs. Andrew Samaroo struck 52 while Andre Gomes made 44 not out, Khemchandra Dindyal 43 not out Michael Deonarine 40. Golden Achievers SC made 160 all out in 36.4 overs in reply. Hemchand Sukdeo scored 51 not out. Davindra Ratahal claimed 432; S. Gossain and A. Gomes took 3 and 2 wickets respectively. At Betterhope, Betterhope A defeated Lusignan B by 55 runs in a game that was affected by rain. Betterhope A mustered 198-9 off their reduced quota of 30 overs, taking first strike. R. Mohamed and Amir Khan scored 41 and 38 respectively. D. Kumar picked up 3 wickets while F. Kadir took 2. In reply, Lusignan B were
Wakenaam CC/Farmers Cup T-20
Noitgedacht SC overcome G Square Cavaliers Noitgedacht Sports Club defeated G Square Cavaliers by 91 runs when the Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee Farmers Cup T20 tournament continued on Sunday last. Batting first a t t h e Wa k e n a a m Community Centre ground in Good Success, Noitgedacht SC posted 1864. Leon Higgins struck 59 while Matthew Cheong made 39 and Dellon Retemiah 29. Beesham Bagpattie had 2-17 and Marlon Dindyal 2-37. G Square Cavaliers were bowled out for 95 in 18.3 overs in reply. Lokram Narine made 30 and Kumeshwar Sudin 25. Cheong claimed 3-11 and Mark Rampersaud 2-28. The fixture between host Good Success and Sans Souci was rained out without a ball being bowled while heavy showers at Zeelandia forced the umpires to call off the game at 12:00hrs which was scheduled to be played between the host and Sans Souci Jaguars. The competition will take a break this weekend to accommodate the Badri Prasad Memorial T20 final between Sans Souci and Sans Souci Jaguars on Sunday. The final will
PAGE 39
Matthew Cheong commence at 11:00hrs at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Sans Souci - Wayne Osborne, Seon Venture, Jaggernauth Manbodh, Cleon Venture, Kamal Khan, R e o n Ve n t u r e , H e e r a Sukram, Oyono Sampson, Devon Rambarran, Roopnarine Persaud, Varounie Sasepaul and Omal Bacon. Sans Souci Jaguars Safraz Mohamed, Imran Mohamed, Gladewin Henry, Zameer Zaman, Beesham Moses, Nokta Moses, Afridi Mohamed, Siddiq Mohamed, Derwin Daniels, Gladewin Henry Jr, Sanjay Jairam and Prem Persaud.
dismissed for 143 in 24 overs. Navin Persaud and K. Franklin scored 44 and 34 in that order; K. Seepersaud took 3-25 while N. Khan and A. Hamid supported with two apiece. At Enterprise: Mahaica SC upset Enterprise Busta Sports Club by 8 wickets. Batting first, Enterprise BSC was sent packing for 101 in 28 overs with H. Sookdeo scoring 36. Hemraj Garbarran and D. Persaud took 2 wickets each. Mahaica SC reached their target in 25 overs with Hemaj Garbarran scoring an unbeaten 71. Cane Grove SC defeated LBI SC by one wicket at Cane Grove. LBI SC were dismissed for 182 in 29 overs, taking first knock. N. Khan stroked 67 and Y. Bishun 38. Yogesh Umroa bagged 5-23 from 5.2 overs. Cane Grove SC responded
Yogesh Umroa
Andrew Samaroo with 183-9 in 25 overs. C. Ageday hit 29; C. Seepersaud and N. Khan took three wickets each. At Lusignan, Lusignan SC A defeated Buxton SC by 109 runs. Lusignan SC A batted first and posted 164-7 from 25 overs.
Vishnu Ramjeet made 59 not out as Devon Benjamin and Clive Andries took 2 wickets apiece. Buxton SC were bundled out for 55 in 11 overs, in reply. Robin Williams and V. Doodnauth captured 3 wickets each
while R .Basdeo had 2. The game between Fairfield SC and Helena SC was rained out with a ball being bowled. The competition will break this weekend due to the Guyana Umpires Council’s AGM.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
Friday February 15, 2019
BBMAMA accredits trio as Free FIBA Americas Qualifiers Captain Rose confident that Style Fighting Instructors Guyana continue dream run The newly accredited Free Style Fighting Art of Martial Arts, Victor Garden, Deanta Myles and Harron Best.
T
he Best of the Best Martial Arts Motivators Association (BBMAMA) has accredited three new instructors in teaching Free Style Fighting Art of Martial Arts. A missive from the association informed that Messer’s Victor
Garden, Deanta Myles and Harron Best, all First Black Belt holders are the newly accredited instructors who will be imparting their knowledge and skills at Houston School, East Bank Demerara and Kalyan Mall, Lamaha Street in the City.
Head Coach of Guyana’s Senior Men’s Basketball team, Junior Hercules, confirmed that 19-year-old Stanton Rose, will continue as the Skipper of the national side when they attempt to come out successful in next week’s FIBA Americas Pool ‘B’ qualifiers in Tunja, Colombia, from the 20th to 24th. Rose became the youngest Captain in Guyana’s history last June when he led the Golden Arrowhead to their maiden championship in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award along the way including hitting the t o u r n a m e n t ’s h i g h e s t individual score in a match as Guyana finished unbeaten. With his exploits in the CBC tourney, Rose was able to receive a full scholarship from Jacksonville College in the United States of America (USA) where he is pursuing an Associate Degree in Science. The school which serves as a breeding ground for UCLA teams has released the Kwakwani-bred baller for one week to participate in the qualifiers. Guyana has been pegged alongside the hosts (Colombia), Paraguay and Bolivia, and the top two teams after the round-robin format is completed, will earn their spot in the 2021 FIBA Americas tournament which will have the world number one side, USA, participating. During an invited comment with this publication, Rose, posited that reaching to the FIBA qualifiers final round, “Is like a dream come true. Only last year, the federation (Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation
Stanton Rose lifting the CBC Championship trophy last June in Suriname.
–GABF) was hurrying around to accrue the necessary funds for us (the national team) to participate in the CBC which was in Suriname. And, despite being the second highest ranked team in the competition, we managed to come out victorious.” Rose further noted that, “Now we are in a similar situation but I am confident that the new Executive of the federation will get us there and it’s up to us (the players)
to do the rest and make Guyana proud. I am confident that we have the gas in the tank for the drive to success next week.” The Captain noted that last year there were four teenagers in the team who are very likely to return to the side for qualifiers and he is hoping that another player will be afforded the opportunity to have a scholarship or to impress scouts and land a semi-pro contract.
Holy Bible Club tapeball on tomorrow
T
he Holy Bible Club of Norton S t r e e t , Wo r t m a n v i l l e will be hosting a six-over 11-a-side tapeball knockout competition starting from 09:00hrs at Durban Park Tarmac tomorrow. The inter-ward competition is being
organised only for school boys while trophies and medals will be at stake. Its main aim is to foster better social relationships among students with an emphasis on discipline. Teams and players can contact Organiser Loriann Tracy on 628 1656 to registration.
Kaieteur News
Friday February 15, 2019
PAGE 41
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition
United may need tactical shift to beat Showstoppers; scorching final anticipated tonight The support that host Showstoppers receives from their loyal fans is second to none in the Guinness Street phenomenon and this special bond is expected to be on show tonight when they face Brothers United in defence of their title. The occasion is the final of this year’s West Demerara / East Bank Demerara Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition which concludes this evening at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac. The three-time champions has been in ominous form since the start of the year and many believe that they will easily retain the title against a team that plays a similar open style to theirs, but clearly does not possess the firepower of the champs. To add to the weapons that they have in their lineup, the partisan fan base has
overwhelmed all pretenders in the past and because the team has grown in success and stature, the support numbers have greatly increased. Wi t h a w h o p p i n g $500,000 and an impressive trophy up for grabs, the pundits have installed them as clear favourites to go all the way. The acquisition of national player Trayon Bobb has added even more venom to their attack and containing them in offense could be a real task for first timers Brothers United backline. As if Bobb’s ability was not enough headache already for United, the trio of Stephon Jupiter, Marvin Josiah and Dexroy Adams makes it extremely difficult to bet against them. However, Brothers United with former national player Andrew Murray Jnr in their lineup is a perfect matchup
NSC/Magnum Mash Cup
Red hot Back Circle continue sizzling form; Showstoppers, Buxton, Gold is Money qualify After another night of enthralling action, seven teams have qualified for the round of 16 in this year’s National Sports Commission (NSC) / Magnum Mash Cup which continued Wednesday night, at the National Gymnasium.Red hot Back Circle maintained their sizzling form coating to a comfortable 3-0 win over Good Life which ensured that they ended the round robin phase as they only team with the maximum points. One of the pretournament favourites, ‘Gold is Money’ suffered their only loss when Linden’s Captial Strikers
37
edged them 1-0 in an exciting encounter. West Demerara’s Showstoppers despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Broad Street still managed to top their group and qualify. Also making the next phase were Sophia, North Ruimveldt, Future Stars and Buxton Diamond. Up for grabs is $600,000 for the winning team, while second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. Action in the tournament continues tomorrow night, at the same venue. Complete Results: Game (Continued on page 34)
for Showstoppers and it will be interesting to see if they change their strategy and defend with everyone behind the ball and hope that a penalty shootout can go their way. On the other hand, their success to date has been their willingness to stand toe to toe, but their opponent’s goalscoring prowess could very well instigate a change in approach. What is certain is the fact that the two teams are offensive monded and
Part of the action in this year’s West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition. fans could witness a scorching encounter for the coveted first prize. Murray Jnr has been the bright spark for the team and to many he holds the key to victory. Meanwhile, UpTop-Bosses and Ballers
Empire will meet in the third place playoff. ESPN and West Side Ballers battle in the Plate Section for $60,000 winner-take-all. Over $1.1million in total prize monies are up for grabs with the winners set to
receive $500,000, runner-up $250, 000, while third and fourth place finishers will take home $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies. Also on board as a major sponsor is Colours Boutique on Robb Street.
t r o Sp GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National U-15 2017/2018 Finals
Santos, Eagles, Rivers View and Tabatinga to battle for national honours tomorrow
Eagles FC of Stewartville West Demerara, won Cluster 2.
Patrick Ford Memorial Boxing Sunday at Gymnasium
St Lucia’s Langalier, Amsterdam main bout; Allicock battle T&T’s Parris
Rivers View FC of Bartica, Cluster 3 winners.
GSA’s Bounty Farm Handicap Tournament
Ashley Khallil too good in ‘welcome back’ for Lydia Fraser Jonathan Antczak (left) beat Reagan Rodrigues at the GT Club on Wednesday night.
Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam trades shots with St Lucian Arthur Langlier in CBC Final last year. (Sean Devers photo)
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.