Kaieteur News

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Businessman claims NEWS oil company has him on watchlist after Facebook live AIETEUR

Saturday Edition February 15, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 07

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 125,233

Negotiations for the Stabroek Block licence...

Guyana held a lot of power but didn't - Chatham House realise it Fellow Associate p.

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Free UG, gas plant, 20,000 p. 3 house lots among promises in APNU+AFC's 2020 manifesto

[From left] APNU+AFC Leaders: Joseph Harmon, Dawn Hastings-Williams, David Granger, Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman

Man, 54, who World's longest-serving raped girl, 6, ruler must reveal his p.7 p. on the run 12 assets for an IMF bailout

IDB loans Guyana $121M to boost expertise in Energy Dept. p.

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Chainsaw operatorp. Three youths hospitalised crushed by tractor 12 after SUV ploughs into them

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 15, 2020

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Free UG, gas plant, 20,000 house lots among promises in APNU+AFC's 2020 manifesto

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Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) yesterday launched its 2020 manifesto under the header ' To g e t h e r L e t ' s M o v e Forward'. The key promotions of this document are a growing, innovative, and competitive economy, a free public education system straight up to university, a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare system, modern infrastructure, and a roof over every head. These are set to be accomplished in the President's “Decade of Development - 2020-2029”.

Some of the major promises to give effect to those general principles are free education, tax relief, infrastructural upgrades from the oil and gas sector, a natural gas terminal and 20,000 house lots.

The largest coalition in G u y a n a ' s h i s t o r y, comprising six parties, is making its bid for re-election

come March 2, 2020, to complete what it started in May 2015. It consists of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Guyana Action Party (GAP), Justice For All Party (JFAP), National Front Alliance (NFA), People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), and Working People's Alliance (WPA).

It claims its term was cut short by the No Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018.

Launching its manifesto at its Camp Street headquarters yesterday were coalition leader and presidential candidate, David Granger; AFC leader and prime minis terial candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan; and other party frontbenchers, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Joseph Harmon and Raphael Trotman.

Notably different were the circumstances of the launch – a closed door event, only for the media corps.

Guyana Press Association (GPA) President, Nazima Raghubir, was first to point out during the question and answer segment that this arrangement was very different from the coalition's launch for the previous general election. The previous manifesto had been unveiled at Stabroek Market.

Harmon told the media corps that that launch would not be the only one, and that there will be others open to the wider public.

N o t a b l y, C o a l i t i o n members who are also ministers of government, were made to defend the party's performance in its first term against the backdrop of previous promises it has made which still have not come to fruition, including two hotbutton issues: liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and constitutional reform.

The President said that, on the matter of

Constitutional Reform, the Government has not made as much progress as it had hoped, but that it did make some headway. Making an excuse for the sloth to the reform process, Granger said that the matter has passed through three AttorneysGeneral.

Ramjattan also spoke on this, telling reporters that the coalition is focused on passing the issues in the Constitution through adequate countrywide, community consultations.

“The wider wills of the people is necessary, not what some of the legal experts and newspaper writers might want.”

He said that though it is a fair criticism that it did not prioritise constitutional reform, the party faced several other challenges, including the restructuring of the sugar estates.

On the matter of telecoms liberalisation, subject Minister for Public

Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, explained that the matter of the remaining monopoly on the sector by G u y a n a Te l e p h o n e & Telegraph (GT&T) rests primarily on the People's Progressive Party (PPP) for reinvigorating the company's contract for another 20 years. That contract is set to meet its end in 2030.

Hughes said, however, that she is proud of the work the Government is doing in that regard, and that the last hurdle to be cleared is the negotiation stage with the company to bring the monopoly to an early end.

Ramjattan said that the party has a lot more to do for the Guyanese people, from the revenues expected from the oil sector and other extractive industries. He then charged the press to ensure that the length and breadth of Guyana knows what the APNU+AFC coalition has to offer.

Granger encouraged all Guyanese, regardless of their background, to come under the coalition's 'big benab'. He said, like Ramjattan, the document of promises is not a 'campaign manifesto', but a 'contract… an agreement with the people'. Granger said it is a temptation for other parties to 'over-promise' but that the coalition will not do so… that it continues to be “very realistic”.

“We are not trying to bamboozle the electorate.

We are capable of delivering everything that we've promised in this document before you,” Granger told the media corps.

“Year after year, you will see how this manifesto unfolds in providing services to the people of this country.”

The complete manifesto can be viewed at the following link: https://www.apnuafc.gy/ma nifesto

IDB loans Guyana $121M to boost expertise in Energy Dept.

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h e I n t e r A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) has loaned Guyana US$606,062 (approx. G$121M) which will go towards strengthening the technical functions of the Department of Energy (DE).

A c c o r d i n g t o procurement documents perused by Kaieteur News, the loan will go towards three areas. Component one of the project which is set at US$331,062 (approx $66M) will support the operationalization of the protocols for the management of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and all other contracts. The p r o t o c o l s w e r e recommended to the Department of Energy, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Petroleum Unit (GGMC-PU), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other critical agencies in the regulatory framework.

These protocols include the forms and reports that outline the tiers compliance commitments of both the Government and the Operators. Particularly, this

component will support contractual compliance monitoring and records management; facilitate an increase in Guyana's organizational capability in relation to the oil and gas sector by adopting best practices and improved interagency information cooperation and communication during the contract management process.

The protocols also take into account, the provision of advice regarding IT platform functionalities for the collection, processing, and retention of contract and regulatory compliance data.

The IDB was keen to note that the management and retention of the volume of data generated by exploration, appraisal, field development, production, and decommissioning are also important to improve audit capabilities and transparency.

Component two of the loan which totals US$150,000 (approx.

G$30M), will facilitate an increase in Guyana's organizational and managerial capability and the construction of handbooks and provision of

training for government officials in the DE, GGMCPU, EPA, and other relevant agency in the use of contract management software and tools for compliance monitoring and enforcement of the Stabroek PSA and all other oil block agreements in Guyana.

The IDB said that this component is intended to improve the operational implementation of the PSA compliance forms and other proformas to increase competencies of designated contract management tools users.

With respect to

Component Three of the loan, US$100,000 (approx.

G$20M) has been set aside to manage the public interest in the oil and gas sector, as well as ensuring transparency among all key stakeholders.

Activities will include the dissemination of products generated under this technical cooperation and other assistance programmes from the IDB to the Guyanese oil and gas sector; and engagement with stakeholders through conferences, events, brownbag lunches, etc. to discuss the most salient

issues in operationalizing the PSA protocols for the sector as it evolves.

This newspaper understands that US$25,000 (approx. G$5M) has been put aside for travel contingencies bringing the total of the project to US$606,062.

The Bank, through the Mining, Geothermal Energy, and Hydrocarbons (MGH) and the Energy Division (INE/ENE) of the Infrastructure and Energy Department, will act as the executing agency due to its ability to leverage its extensive network of

internal and external subjectmatter experts and wellestablished relationships with involved stakeholders.

The IDB has also said that it will contract individual consultants, consulting firms, and nonconsulting services in accordance with the Bank's current procurement policies and procedures.

It was further noted that the IDB will lead implementation, programmatic oversight of the different activities and coordinate results reporting with other organizations operating in the field.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 15, 2020

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

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

EDITORIAL

Political and professional prosperity On January 19th, the New York Post carried an article with this arresting title, “How five members of Joe Biden’s family got rich from his connections.” It should be arresting for conscientious Guyanese despairing about continuing involvements by political leaders and public service seniors in questionable practices, the limitations of the Integrity Commission, and how the corruption plague operates.

What it exposed with Joe Biden’s family enlightens on the quiet arrangements, insider networks, discreet positioning, backdoor sweetheart deals, and the lavish prosperity that flows from the incestuous tangle of family, friends, and likeminded connections.

The Post’s coverage relied heavily on the new book by Peter Schweizer titled, “Profiles in Corruption: Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite.” Guyanese do not have to read the book itself, as the newspaper presented a comprehensive enough picture of how people in high places operate when the high stakes of high-end opportunities (jobs, partnerships, ventures, and the like) are in play for high returns. Inevitably, the well-positioned big hitters emerge from these arrangements richer, more well-established, and a part of the exclusive club that is all about taking care of one another, through endless quid pro quos.

It is also an exclusive club of interrelated insiders, who parcel out the banquet amongst themselves that is well in place here in Guyana, regardless of which party rules. It is just the character and conditions of these kinds of sleazy, underthe-table, conspiratorial business operations. Today, it is the turn of the brother (or sister) over there. Tomorrow the carousel of the prize of vast tracts of prime land or influential job or a lucrative contract would stop and reward another in the circle. And the day after, it would be somebody else’s turn (or their family member) to taste the rewards of power, influence, and results.

Let these immovable and unchallengeable facts be faced.

It is neither accidental nor random, but well thought out, pursued, arranged, and executed operations laced with cooperating players, the language of compliance, and the same sordid outcomes that should fool no one. It is where, like Joe Biden, the name, relationship, friendship, comradeship of those to be favoured are either known or the conversations are had, and the introductions completed.

There are no minutes nor record of such side plays, no incriminating trails. The relationships facilitate getting in front of the crowd and collecting the prearranged result. Joe Biden’s children and relations did.

The US 2020 presidential hopeful said, “I never talked to my son or brother or anyone else - even distant family - about their business interests. Period.” Well, author Schweizer blew up that self-created and self-serving vacuum, which lacked any iota of accuracy.

First, there was Joe’s brother James and Hillside International president (a Biden family friend of longstanding), White House visits, and a very senior job for James. As a Hillside spokesperson explained, there is only upside with the Vice-President’s brother as a partner. The hundred million-dollar contracts came quickly.

Then there was VP Biden’s son, Hunter, on foreign travels via Air Force 2, and high-level introductions to powerful foreigners seeking access to his father. It is of people with plans in their heads meeting other people (all movers and shakers on both sides) with their own agenda and greasing wheels through arriving at mutual understanding.

It is of labour union pension funds used to back Joe Biden politically and the routing of business to an asset manager with links to Chinese mandarins and Kazakhstan big shots and school ties with his son. And the same shaded, suspicious stories involving brother Frank and son-in-law, Dr. Howard Krein. Something for something is how the game works.

Wherever this occurs, it is unfair and wrong, it is enriching. It is sharply and continually insulting to the Guyanese public and those honest, unconnected competitors

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.

It seems ‘No’ is easier than helping persons DEAR EDITOR, I would like to congratulate all the new faces entering politics and lobbying the population for an opportunity to make positive changes. Political power, derived from the people, is absolutely necessary in order to make meaningful change.

An unfortunate lad in the city of Georgetown had the misfortune of developing a severe toothache on the afternoon of 13th February, 2020 that warranted an immediate extraction. The Health Center that he visited at 2 pm turned him away saying that the dentist only operates at 8:00 am and for him to return the next day at 8:00 am. What is a man with a toothache to do in Georgetown after 12 pm? He requested to see a doctor on duty for some strong medication to help the pain.

The receptionist told him he cannot see the doctor because he might have an infection and he needs to see the dentist and to please return in the morning at 8:00 am. She was unable to notice

that he was in pain and needed immediate help.

What is wrong with our health care professionals that they are bereft of empathy and compassion? Normal people seeing someone in discomfort would rush to see what they can do to assist.

But in Guyana, the culture of Guyana’s public institutions is to say No, Turn Away, Ask for Bribe, Come back tomorrow. ‘No’ is easier than helping persons.

The lad asked of me to take him to the Cheddi Jagan Dental School. Upon arrival there at approximately 2:30 pm, a guard sitting on duty said pompously that no one is available and that no extractions can be done because ‘they have closed off for today’. I asked to be directed to where we can go to get an extraction. The answer was that we should return tomorrow morning or go to Cheddi Jagan on Croal Street. (I imagine he meant Charlotte St.) I found that unacceptable. I told the guard that I need to speak to someone senior. He said that was not possible. I walked

past him and inquired of a medical professional walking aimlessly inside of where to take a person who needs an immediate extraction. The woman looked contemptuously at me and barked that I should ask the guard. Why do we continue to pay people like this a salary? This complacency and disrespect for Guyanese and for the dental profession will disappear the moment every one of them gets fired and replaced by Cubans.

I asked the guard again which public institution is available to attend to people after Cheddi Jagan Dental School ‘closes off for the day’ since a patient was present who needed immediate care. The guard, completely lost to his purpose, asserted the full extent of his idiocy and lack of training and class with ‘you disrespected me, so I will disrespect you now. You go to Cheddi Jagan on Croal St.’ I interpreted that to mean that we must earn the punishment for disrespecting him and go pay for private

dental care. What can be worst than having no compassion and empathy for a fellow human being in pain? Year after year, people are complaining, under different governments, of the treatment at this health care facility and yet the complacency continues.

After the raucousness outside with the Guard, a senior looking individual, a dentist, ran outside. His advice to the man in pain was to drink 4 panadols every 4 hours, since, the dentist claimed he had no drugs in stock to offer anything for pain.

This is what we are doing in Guyana in 2020.

My blood boils when I see the way the poorest and the most vulnerable in Guyanese society are being ill-treated and stamped upon.

Had I an ounce of political power, I would have fired from the guard to the Director of the Cheddi Jagan Dental School for the way they treated a poor man with a toothache. Cheddi Jagan must be turning in his grave (Continued on page 5)

Parties Must Commit To Power Sharing DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is a very deeply divided nation. Anyone who states otherwise is fooling the population or does not understand our politics. Will the March 2 elections solve our ethnic problem in which half of the nation is excluded from decision making and by extension resources and handouts of the government?

The ‘winner takes all’ political system has not and will not solve our racial politics or bring people parties together to facilitate economic development. For over sixty five years, the country has stagnated or failed to reach its full potential under this failed system of winner takes all. It is time to try some other political system in which power is shared by all elected parties.

Wi t h t h e e l e c t i o n campaign in full swing, voters are polarized as ever.

Racial tension is very high; violence is on the rise amidst

fear mongering. Some speakers resort to ethnic appeal with a few uttering prejudicial stereotypes against others. So the elections will not bring a solution to racial conflict.

And no party is attracting significant cross-racial support to make it truly multi-ethnic. In fact, the country faces a serious challenge to hold free and fair elections as a result of racial tension and ‘racialized’ (though not necessarily racist) parties.

The fear of ‘rigging’ is widespread among voters.

Post elections, the ethnic problem will persist. And so will be the challenge to maintain political stability and accommodate rival ethnic groups in the distribution of resources and jobs, both of which will seriously impact on the economy as has been the case since the 1960s. So postelections, Guyana will still continue to fail to realize its

and supplicants. There are those who think they are slick and wave this farce about recusal, which means absolutely nothing here. It could be land or business contract, or the more discreet favours for family: jobs, and scholarships via a closed network that is pervaded by nepotism, cronyism, and traditionalism. It is why we keep hurling daggers at each other, knowing full well what we ourselves did practice.

full potential.

So what should be done to ameliorate the ethnic tension and conflict in the society and lay the conditions for growth and development? Regardless of which party triumphs in the elections, it should immediately set about to construct a new constitutional arrangement that grants the varied groups (via their elected representatives) a share in governance in accordance with the proportion of votes received. In short, there should be some form of power sharing among all elected parties. No ethnic group and its representatives should dominate the government.

The talk that a party is multi-ethnic and representative of all groups is just that – all talk, not reality.

Although a party may receive support from several groups, as indeed is the case with most parties, the leadership of a party is dominated by members of a larger group and most resources (when in power) also go to the members and supporters of that larger group. Members of the other (smaller) groups or from the ‘defeated’ group are mere

tokens in the pawn for dominance by the larger group. This type of politics must come to an end immediately post-elections replaced by one in which all ethnic groups feel they are part of governance.

All parties now in the electoral fray should commit to power sharing in which elected rep of every group is included in governance in accordance with its electoral strength as happens in places like Switzerland, Belgium, Northern Ireland, etc. There should also be some kind of decentralization of power and cultural autonomy backed by a relatively equitable distribution of resources for the groups.

Such a formula or constitutional reform will help to lessen ethnic tension, bring stability, promote better governance, and reduce corruption. It will create the minimum conditions for long lasting growth, peace, and development. In the long run, the country will be better off than the current winner takes all political system that excludes half the country based on political affiliation and ethnicity.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

Saturday February 15, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Shining Some Light On Rett Syndrome DEAR EDITOR, According to the World Bank Group, statistics released from the United Nations during their general assembly on disability in 2019, one billion people (15% of the world’s population), experience some form of disability and one-fifth of the estimated global total experience significant disabilities.

An Austrian neurologist, Andreas Rett, published a report in 1966 notifying the public about a disorder termed Rett Syndrome (Cerebroatrophic hyperammonemia). According to the International Rett Syndrome Association (IRSA), Dr. Rett observed two girls making the same repetitive hand-washing motions. He compared their clinical and developmental records and found they were very similar. Dr. Rett had six other girls with similar behaviours and became very interested in this unknown

illness. He devised a film of the girls and began traveling around Europe in efforts of finding other girls with the comparable symptoms.

Rett syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that affects brain development and functionality. It causes a progressive loss of motor skills and speech.

This condition affects about 1 in 10,000 girls, and is hardly found in males. Rett syndrome is genetically caused by mutation in a gene located on the X chromosome.

Most of the symptoms are elusive and vary with age. Babies with Rett syndrome are born after a normal pregnancy and delivery.

Most infants with Rett syndrome seem to grow and behave ordinarily for the first six months. However, signs and symptoms start to appear after, and at each stage, the patient experiences different symptoms.

It seems ‘No’ is easier than helping...

From page 4 to have his name associated with this level of depravity and complacency.

All Guyanese have a constitutional right to free medical attention and going to a private health care facility should be a choice, not a necessity. Soon, we in this country will be jumping up and down celebrating 50 years of being a Republic. What have we really achieved? All we have accomplished is a deeply divided class society, where the poor grovel in the mud and constitutional rights are nothing but a farce.

Guyanese, as a people, lack

self respect.

It is my hope that by sharing this experience, someone responsible can educate the Guyanese public, especially those living in the great Capital City of Georgetown, of where they can go to get emergency public dental care after 12 noon on weekdays and weekends.

Sincerely, Sandra Khan

Stage one, which is also known as early onset, has signs and symptoms that are subtle and easily overlooked. It starts between 6 and 18 months of age and can last for months to a year (12 months). Babies may show less eye contact and experience delays in sitting, crawling or disinterest in toys.

Stage two, rapid deterioration, occurs between 1 and 4 years of age.

Children can be seen losing the ability to perform skills they once had. This physical loss can either occur rapidly or gradually over a few weeks or months. Symptoms of Rett syndrome occur, such as slowed head growth, abnormal hand movements, rapid weight loss, hyperventilating, screaming or crying for no apparent reason, sudden outbursts, difficulties with movement and coordination, and a loss of social interaction and communication.

Stage three, or the plateau stage, begins between the ages of 2 and 10 years and can last for many years. While problems with movement continue, behaviour may have limited improvement, with less irritability, and some improvement in hand use and communication. Seizures may begin during this stage, more specifically silent seizures, which is a sudden,

uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain which can severely affect the child if not treated.

Stage four, known as the late motor deterioration stage, usually begins after the age of 10 and can last for years, or even decades. It’s marked by reduced mobility, muscle weakness, joint contractures, and in some instances, scoliosis which is a lateral curvature of the spine.

Understanding, communication and hand skills generally remain stable or can improve slightly, and seizures may occur less.

Although there’s no cure for Rett syndrome, potential treatments are being studied.

Current treatments focuses on improving movement and communication through therapies (speech and physical), treating seizures, and providing care and support for children and adults with Rett syndrome.

Raising a child is indeed difficult, but raising a disabled child, concerns about their future, and the family’s future in general, can be very overwhelming. Parents often lack the financial support necessary and may experience trauma without

appropriate treatments. No parent wants their child to be sick, disabled, or harmed in any way.

It is not an experience anyone expects to go through; rather, it is an experience that is unplanned.

The terrain families must travel is very rough and yet, majority of families are able to find the strength within themselves to adjust to and handle the challenges that may accompany their child’s disability.

Personally, my family has experienced great deals of distress and tribulations after the diagnosis of my 7-yearold niece, who is a warrior against Rett Syndrome.

Doctors can easily diagnose Rett by observing signs and symptoms at every stage of growth and development. However, this is not possible in Guyana due to the lack of trained personnel and equipment in the health care institutions.

As a result, we have been inspired and motivated to initiate an awareness campaign and non-profit organization – Precious Angels’ Charity – in efforts of spreading awareness and raising funds for the treatment

of these precious souls who are silenced by this disorder.

If anyone has a relative or loved one experiencing peculiar signs and symptoms, kindly be aware that help can be provided.

Although diagnosis and full treatment is not quite present in Guyana for suspected cases of Rett Syndrome, occasionally, dedicated neurologists and therapists from abroad offer screening at Met Pride Academy, which is a Specialneeds School (metprideacademy.org). This is done so as to provide answers, suggestions and greatly needed help to the questions desperate families ask about their disabled child.

One can only hope for a cure to be found in the near future. It is through unity and perseverance Rett Syndrome can be defeated.

We must stand together, exert love and put aside conflicts, to provide emotional help to the families and children affected by this disorder and many more like it.

Hadiyyah Mohamed Student 6th Form – School of the Nations

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Kaieteur News

Our youth must allow for the greyness that comes with the wisdom of years DEAR EDITOR, I observe campaign America and political Guyana, and I ask: what’s the hubbub?

By that I mean the one that swirls about youth and age and the aged, as in the considerable presence of the disparaged latter, the socalled over the hill gang here.

It is worth some looking to understand what prevails not only here, but elsewhere.

America on the 2020 campaign trail furnishes an illuminating reality on this age divide; it puts to bed this ancient hostility and uncontained impatience of firstborns straining to displace their teachers and fathers. They have hardly spent time at the feet to gather the barest rudiments; yet like the youthful Icarus, they test wing and tempt the gods, and end up plummeting to ground in self-inflicted ignominy.

In a land of300 million citizens, with think tanks and intellectuals galore, an intelligentsia of majestic Mensa magnificence, of unlimited resources, and ascendant academia, there is only the tried and selfmarketed true, rising to the top and leading the pack. The younger others are forced to follow. The Democratic hopefuls in the front running spots are of a certain unmistakable vintage: Biden, Bloomberg, and Sanders, are all over the biblical three score and ten years. And the incumbent challenged is himself in that same age bracket.

That is dismissed in this country as un-sprightly, unsound of mind, and unsafe for leading and trusting. Of anything.

It is similarly enlightening (should be to youthful Guyanese in a hurry) that those who fell by the wayside are almost all below 60 years of age, with some still in

their 40s. In the crucible of test, they lacked what it took, and were compelled to concede and bide their time for later when older, wiser, brighter. It takes time, with lots to learn, life can be very nuanced.

I must be clear: overwhelmingly, the politically older have failed us, and miserably and unendingly. The opposition experimented with youth two decades ago and it is a nightmare; a Frankenstein created who, in turn, has spawned younger ones with his political genetics.

The government itself had to send some upstarts packing to far corners, where they could meditate and meet with their limitations. The only people to whom such are not obvious would be themselves. So, the practice has been: chill out, cool down, and come back when the hasty recklessness of youth are unlearned and the maturity and sagacity that comes from careful aging takes firm, dominant hold.

Those younger ones who twist feverishly should check in the mirror: they must know what they do not know, which is everything. They must humble themselves to admit publicly that they know nothing of the biggest thing to hit Guyanese existence, which is its oil splendor. I can tell you that the youthful hot blooded would be chewed up and spat out before breakfast, then carted away by the trash haulers before the opening bell. They may fancy themselves political cocks of the walk, but the book instruction from UG or farther is not the real world.

In the real cruel world, governments have been overthrown and replacement men installed to perpetuate special interests. In the real world of hard corporate visions, men (sturdy patriots included) are bought and sold

for a dime a dozen before sunrise. In the real world, the young are drooled over, for they come full of themselves and their overpowering strength; they are enticed through their hubris, which reveals much. That they have no answers, since they possess next to nothing by way of comprehension. Of what is involved; of the subtleties to be interpreted and dealt with gingerly; of the many compromises and collaborations to be employed to progress a single inch to make things work.

There is the seasoning of age; youth serves as cannon fodder. Their hearts are in the right place, but their minds are still unschooled and unkempt, and unappreciative of the vast responsibilities, the grand statecrafts, the uncompromising ethics that are demanded. These they miniaturize to the frivolous, frequently, the churlish. Ask our loud and proud parade of the young to identify the defining priorities of their life and the defining issues of this nation and they falter and wither. Sure, the tom-toms of intentions sound; but they lack persuasive thunder.

There is the smoke that spirals from the murky mirrors of social media and the surly mob that surrounds that scorched earth. There is little else; such is the substance of those without depth, without staying power, without the refining heat of years.

They should learn from the extremely fine sands of the gods; they take time to get that way. Yes, our ruffled and agitated youth must allow for the greyness that comes with the wisdom of years, even though Lord Byron might have disagreed.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Saturday February 15, 2020

There must be room for a third choice or a third voice DEAR EDITOR, Once we Guyanese have turned our hostile, tense society for a more accommodating culture, particularly during the ‘silly seasons’, there will be room for more give and take politics, more room for cordial exchanges.

Because of the tension, it is already advised that it would be better for politicians to tone down their rhetoric.

That is quite in order.

So let us look for example saying a third choice party, or a third Voice party, instead of saying ‘our choice is a Third Force party’.

That being said, there is this question of accommodative politics, too, which must be demonstrated, not only in theory, but in practice.

There has been a perceived attempt to quiet, or

to discommode, as it were, leading up to this year ’s elections which will not add one iota to the popularity of the mainstream politicians, or political parties. The bigger brothers’ strategy of condescension, or avoidance of the small parties as a motive to win support will never aid to the former’s cause. It is like adding salt or vinegar to a wound.

Once some party or politician sense there is some measure of threat, especially that which is coming from the new and smaller parties, the combative mode kicks in and that is quite natural. But some level of maturity should accompany combative and competitive politics, which is sadly lacking in Guyana.

So far we could be doing well, to a certain degree, but in a democratic Guyana would not Guyanese, as a whole,

love to have better coverage of news of not only the major parties, but a wider coverage that will include that of ’smaller’ parties?

Are we afraid that if these so called ‘smaller’ parties are given coverage this could eventuate in a wider range of representation at the level of Parliament? Guyanese by their ballot, since 2011, have given an ominous sign that the dominance of two political parties is not a recipe for a healthy growth and prosperity in Guyana.

When there is such a boast of inclusivity, one would hope that for a better future for all of us, there must be room to encourage, accommodate, resonate with, at the parliamentary level, a third choice or a third voice.

Sorry, but not a third ‘force’.

Yours truly, Joseph C. Atkinson

A response to Mr. Kissoon’s “I will gladly be a character witness for Gary Best” DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter with great hesitation as it will appear to challenge one of the nation’s most outspoken and enlightened individuals; someone whose column I try to never miss. However, I would like to remind Mr. Kissoon of a very well-known but often forgotten and not heeded legal principle known as the ‘rule of law’. The late Lord Bingham (1933 – 2010) who was successfully Master of the Rolls, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, and a Senior Law Lord, made a fruitful attempt to define the said principle which is extensively accepted as the rightful definition by the legal fraternity to date. Lord Bingham stated that ‘the core

of the existing principle is […] that all persons and authorities within the state, whether public or private, should be bound by and entitled to the benefit of laws publicly and prospectively promulgated and publicly administered in the courts’ Lord Bingham then went on to identify and discuss eight ‘sub rules’ I would to exclusively feature in this letter the third ‘sub rule’ where Lord Bingham went on to elucidate ‘the laws of the land should apply equally to all, save to the extent that objective differences require differentiation.’

I have no doubt that Mr. Best is one of our nation’s most esteemed individuals, and I acknowledge his

contributions to the land with great admiration. However, we shall not set aside the fact that he was intoxicated and over the limit, while in control of a motor vehicle, and here we shall not apply no differentiation from the duty of care required of the ordinary motorist. I am sure Mr. Kissoon’s column was not in bad faith and he was just acknowledging Mr. Best for the ‘nice human’ he is, however, given the weight of his column, I plead with Mr. Kissoon to let rule of law prevail and let justice run its course.

I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and those who are mourning the loss of Jude Bentley.

Regards, Richard Bhainie

I call on the hard working Top Cop to take personal interest into this matter DEAR EDITOR, It is with dismay and shock that I learned of the criminal attack on Robeena Zaman. I sincerely pray and hope that she fully recovers from the trauma and the wound she sustained in that disgusting attack. I am certain that the mental and physical scar of that dreadful morning will accompany her forever.

As for those of us who do not know Mister and Mistress Zaman. Please allow me to shed some light on these two outstanding personalities. Mr. Zaman is the Imaam of the Albouystown Mosque. He

lives at the Mosque compound with their three children. They are by no means wealthy people, but they are rich in their hearts.

They dedicate their time, resources and efforts to help improve the lives of the people within that community. Mrs. Zaman will teach the women to sew clothing, bake cakes and pastries, and other craft skills. She is relentless in her efforts to improve these underprivileged women within that community. Two of the three children attended Queen’s College and are now pursuing higher studies at the University of Guyana. Her

passion is to work among the neglected, deprived and underprivileged class. I attest that this is a family who worked against all odds to help society.

All so often we hear, see and learn of similar attacks on innocent, defenseless persons. I am wondering where our country is heading and what is the response of our law enforcement authorities? Many, many cases of robberies and harassment do not get the attention of the police department. In most cases victims are scared to report violations and robberies

because of the ‘royal run around’ by some police officers, and even if they do make a report very little is done to apprehend the suspects.

I call on the hard working Commissioner of Police to take personal interest into this matter to have the suspect arrested and charged.

I conclude by extending my sympathy to Mrs. Zaman and her family as I wish her a speedy recovery.

May All-Mighty God keep you safe.

Yours truly, Nazar Mohamed

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 07

World's longest-serving ruler must reveal his assets for an IMF bailout T

he President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has ruled the Central African nation for 41 years, since he ousted his uncle in a 1979 military coup.

He was able to take control of the country's oil assets soon after the first discovery was made in 1995 in the Gulf of Guinea. Since then, oil has become the nation's most important asset, catapulting it into the ranks of the wealthiest nations in the world per capita.

While one would expect the people of such a nation to be well off, that cannot be said for Equatorial Guinea.

Its people are suffering, and the country has found itself in a crisis so dire that it needs the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to give it financial support.

Although it was as rich per capita as its former colonial master, Spain, according to a December 27 report in Bloomberg's Business section, Equatorial Guinea's economy shrunk by a third to US$13B dollars a year later.

Starting with an oil price collapse in 2014 that it was not resilient enough to withstand, the country's export earnings and foreign assets took hits, according to the IMF's mission chief, Lisandro Abrego. He said that those issues have been compounded by governance

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo Photographer: Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images and corruption issues.

It is struggling to pay off its debts after oil prices collapsed in 2014, and the government's arrears to construction firms have piled up so high that the total equates to nearly 19 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, according to the World Bank.

Revenues from offshore oil fields have supported investments in large infrastructure programs over the years, but left little room for social projects. Less than half of the 1.3M population has access to clean drinking water and 20 percent of children die before the age of five, according to United Nations data.

A c c o r d i n g t o Bloomberg, Obiang, accused for years of squandering the nation's oil wealth, will have to declare his assets to the country's development partner if the IMF is to grant more financial support. The demand is part of a wider

asset declaration regime the IMF has included in its program requirements for all senior government officials, the IMF's mission chief, Lisandro Abrego said in an interview.

Lisandro said that the program, agreed to in December, will require increased transparency, improved governance and the implementation of a string of anti-corruption reforms.

Audits have already begun, with completion dates about mid 2020, the IMF Chief said. The anticorruption advocate has also mandated that all oil and gas contracts be made public.

That is expected to come to fruition by next month.

IMF will require the central African nation to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to improve the governance of its extractive industries.

Initially applying for membership in 2008, the

Oil was discovered in Equatorial Guinea in the 1990s. Revenues from offshore oil fields have supported investments in large infrastructure programs over the years, but left little room for social projects. Less than half of the 1.3M population has access to clean drinking water and 20 percent of children die before the age of five, according to United Nations data.

Obiang, accused for years of squandering the nation's oil wealth, will have to declare his assets to the country's development partner if the IMF is to grant more financial support.

(Bloomberg Business - December 27, 2019)

country has implemented reforms to meet the membership requirements, and a new application was filed in November last.

MONEYLAUNDERING CASE Bloomberg also reported that in December last, the IMF gave the go-ahead for a US$280M loan to the c o u n t r y, a n d a t l e a s t US$40M has been dispersed already. The money is just about the same as was spent

by Obiang's eldest son and Equatorial Guinea Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, in the decade following 2000 before he got into trouble for money laundering.

He had been buying up properties on several continents and assets including Michael Jackson memorabilia, documents filed in a 2013 U.S. Department of Justice

money-laundering case show. The case was settled the following year.

The president's son received a three-year suspended jail term and a US$35M fine from a French court in 2017 for spending tens of millions of dollars in

public funds on a mansion, sports cars and jewelry. In September last, Swiss authorities raised US$27M in an auction of exclusive cars they had seized from him, including a limitededition Lamborghini Veneno roadster that sold for US$8.4M. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Human-rights and anticorruption advocates have questioned why the IMF is lending its credibility to “a regime with no previous record of serious reform,” Sarah Saadoun, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, said in an interview. “ Wi t h n o e x t e r n a l pressure, besides the IMF, there's a risk that the loan will fund the same lifestyle that the oil wealth has upheld for 25 years,” Saadoun said by phone from New York.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Negotiations for the Stabroek Block licence...

Guyana held a lot of power but didn't realise it - Chatham House Fellow Associate

By Kiana Wilburg

I

n the report that the c o a l i t i o n administration commissioned last year from international law firm, Clyde and Company, it was noted that the negotiation of improved terms for Guyana in the 2016 agreement with Exxon was not a priority for the Government.

During her first appearance on Kaieteur Radio's programme, Guyana's Oil and You, Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel was asked to state if she is aware of this conclusion in the report, to which she answered in the affirmative.

Questioned on what she made of the said pronouncement, Dr. Marcel said, “Well I mean, that certainly echoes the kinds of concerns that were talked about at the time in Georgetown, you know the sense of threat coming from Venezuela.

(But) I think the thing that is often forgotten in those moments, or that was forgotten at that moment, was that Guyana was actually quite powerful but it didn't see that. I think the Guyanese Government

Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel perhaps didn't see how powerful it was vis-à-vis Exxon.”

In response to a request to expound further, Dr. Marcel noted that Guyana went from being a frontier country where it was struggling to find investors in its oil sector, to a country that was really emerging as a hotspot; as a place where significant exploration money had already been put into finding reserves.

The Energy Expert added, “And I think it seems likely Exxon knew what it had there, and therefore, the government had power and since then, the power of the

government has grown, because (there) has been a string of impressive discoveries, and I think it is really important to see that power and not to feel like little Guyana anymore.”

Further to this, the Chatham House Associate Fellow was reminded of the controversial Global Witness report which stated that Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman ignored expert advice to the effect that more financial information was needed before he signed the Stabroek Block licence. On this note, Dr. Marcel was asked to say if she believes that an investigation is needed to understand why that advice was ignored. Dr. Marcel said it is her understanding that was part of the focus of the Clyde and Company investigation.

The Chatham House Fellow added, “I mean, that is just taken from public sources. I thought that was the gist of the investigation, understanding the step by step of the whole process...”

D r. M a r c e l n o t e d , nonetheless, that she believes it is important to understand if there was mishandling of the award of the contract.

Saturday February 15, 2020

GAWU rejects “measly offer” from GuySuCo as pay increase - parties to meet again in coming week

The workers and GAWU representatives at the meeting with GuySuCo executives

By Shikema Dey

I

t was only one week ago that sugar workers all across Guyana rejoiced at the promise of their longawaited wage increase by the beleaguered Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) but this joy was short lived after the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) rejected what it considered a “measly offer.”

This comes after years of protest and strike action costing the already troubled sugar company millions in lost revenue.

The Union in a statement explained that “it could not see completely eye-to-eye with what has been put on the table by the sugar company”.

“Our response took account of the consultative engagements with the sugar workers of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates. Bearing in mind that the discussions are still ongoing, we do believe it is

prudent to disclose where the parties have convergent and divergent views.”

GAWU contended that some fundamental issues are still to be considered before any further movement can be made. According to the Union, GuySuCo should not seek to deviate from the initial proposal put forward by them, 'where it really belongs'.

“Workers felt too that their situation should not be used to their disadvantage or seemingly exploited. They recognized and are convinced that their consistent struggles, which were manifested in several forms since 2015, have finally borne fruit. They are also convinced that they deserve, like all workers, a fair and just rise-in-pay and that is all they simply desire.”

GAWU did not fail to mention the opportune time that the increase, something they have been insistently fighting for since 2015, came into fruition; calling it a mere “vote-getting

exercise”.

“They have been ignored since 2015, but, it seems, they are suddenly important as their and their families' votes are now considered pivotal.”

GAWU had expressed concerns on the timing of the offer by the sugar company, mere weeks away from the upcoming March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“It did not escape our attention that the offer comes less than a month away from when the workers and their families are expected to exercise their franchise, and when there are active attempts to woo their support after years of assault perpetuated against them.”

The Union and the workers are looking for good sense to prevail and that the workers to be justly rewarded for their dedicated efforts. The parties are expected to meet again in the coming week with GuySuCo slated to offer a counterproposal with more favourable terms.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 15, 2020

PAGE 09

I DO NOT ENDORSE THIS MESSAGE “This is David Granger and I endorse this message�.

This was the promo which came on at the ending of an APNU+AFC political advertisement featuring public servants or, at least, persons in training to be public servants.

The ad is part of APNU+AFC's elections campaign and was aired on national television. It features a young girl who showers praises on the training that she is receiving to help her become a more professional public servant.

The contradiction seems lost on those who scripted and directed this advertisement.

Public servants are not supposed to be involved in political advertisements.

Not only was a young girl featured in the ad in her green uniform of the Bertram Collins School of the Public Service, but so too was footage of other persons under training. Classroom

footage of the College was also used. The ad is in breach of longstanding public service conventions.

APNU+AFC should pull this ad. The President should remove his voice from being used to endorse the message.

A public servant is anyone who provides a service in the Government of Guyana in a civil capacity and includes the Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Prison Service. A civil capacity refers to a nonpolitical post.

By convention, no public servant should also be on a political platform or part of any Party's List of Candidates contesting elections. The PPPC had a number of such persons on their List for the 2015 elections and APNU+AFC made it clear that these persons would not be allowed to function in the public service.

The Kaieteur News of May 21, 2015 reported the President of Guyana as telling

a gathering of senior public servants that he would be accepting the resignations of those public servants who were on the list of candidates of political parties.

However, APNU+AFC has not been consistent when it came to debarring from the public service those persons who were on their party's list of candidates. It is well known that at least two Permanent Secretaries who were on the PPPC List of Candidates were retained in the government service.

The government has a way of flaunting principles and then flouting these very principles. APNU+AFC has also appointed persons to government posts who were on their List of Candidates in the 2015 elections. And there are persons presently working within the government who are on the List of Candidates for APNU+AFC for the 2020 elections. Some of these

Dem boys seh... Some people want rob Guyana even more

Global Witness does do investigations all over de world. It does investigate corruption in de extractive sector. It find out that Exxon use aggressive tactics when it was negotiating wid de government because it know that de government was new to de oil sector. It never seh Trotman corrupt. Is just that he didn't know better.

Exxon tek advantage just like how some big people does tek advantage pun some children. It was just like a big man see a child wid a candy and tek it way and give a child a stone to suck.

Or de man who see a child wid a $5,000 note and he tek de note and give de child a shine $10 coin.

De thing that got dem boys thinking bout this whole thing is when a retired senator from way down South and who name Black,

write a letter to de Waterfalls paper. This man support de Exxon deal.

Well, de Waterfalls Boss Man ask him to name one deal similar or worse than de one Guyana get. Couple days pass and this senator ain't respond yet. Is like he drop off de map. He seh how Guyana asking to drop de profit oil fuh a bigger royalty.

He right wid de last one.

Dem boys see other countries that got oil and now suffering. Equatorial Guinea had to run to de IMF fuh a bailout. But before this could happen, de world's longest serving head of state (except de Queen) must declare he assets.

Corruption rampant in that country and de leaders squander de oil money. And up to 2017 the country was even richer than Spain. De odda day de IMF had to lend

dem $280 million. That was de same sum de head of state son spend between 2000 and 2011 pun cars and luxury properties and odda fancy things. Now dem have an audit and de pressure is on.

All dem big ones got to declare dem assets. Some gun get tek away.

Guyana can't ever get like that, because dem boys watching all dem leaders like how cat does watch milk.

And dem remember R o w l e y, d e l e a d e r i n Trinidad. That country use to produce oil, too. De man seh it would be a hell of a thing if he country got to go to de IMF fuh a $200 million bailout when Trinidad got billions slipping through its fingers while de leaders sleeping at de wheel. Now is when Guyana got to tek note.

Talk half and protect de wealth from now.

persons have not resigned their positions.

All the parties should make clear how they will treat with this issue of their candidates. They should state clearly, the policy which they intend to pursue to keep the public service free of political appointees or persons who have been put up to run for public office.

Government employees are free to attend political meetings and rallies. But they should not bring partisan politics into the office.

Over the past few weeks, there have been various

reports being leaked to the media about open partisan campaigning within government offices. Jerseys with political slogans are known to have been shared out to some government employees. Government vehicles, including some vehicles belonging to Ministries, have been seen to be shuttling persons to political rallies. A vehicle belonging to a Regional Democratic Council was also caught in this act. The video was posted on social media.

The President should

have a serious chat with his campaign directors. Public servants should be kept clear of appearing in political ads in their public service uniforms or allowed to use public service facilities to film such ads.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday February 15, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Was this an April Fool's joke at Banks DIH last week?

L

ast week, Banks D I H L t d announced it will be entering the car and motorcycle retail business, meaning it will import and sell these items. This has to be one of the strangest decisions in the business world in Guyana the past hundred years.

Banks DIH is essentially

a manufacturing entity. It takes local ingredients, manufactures them, and the finished product is local stuff we as Guyanese are grateful for and proud of. My wife only eats Banks sweet biscuits. There are literally over two dozen areas of local production that Banks DIH can get into. Some of its rivals are heading in this

direction.

Take DDL. It now produces fresh juices of the following types – orange, cherry, passion fruit and sorrel. The company has cemented an arrangement with farmers for a daily supply of fresh fruits. After coconut water, my choice is sorrel. Sorrel is a seasonal fruit appearing in the

November/ December time of the year. DDL now produces sorrel juice each day. I only, let me repeat, I only drink sorrel juice, fresh from DDL. Why is one of the Caribbean's most enduring and respected companies, Banks DIH, going into the retail business in vehicles and motor-cycles? Why not leave that to small entrepreneurs? When I was young this country boxed its own milk. It came in three s i z e s . To d a y, G u y a n a imports boxed milk from Barbados. We import canned luncheon meat from Barbados.

The Marriott Hotel only uses imported beef from Miami. Any food scientist from the Third World will tell you that such meat is chemically treated. It is less healthy than the local stuff. I go into Massy Supermarket and staring you in the face is the graphic reality of the failure of Guyana.

Massy sells local meat and its cuts of beef can rival any shelves you see in foreign countries. Why then is the Marriott importing beef from Miami? What an asinine country. A stateowned company importing beef, pork and chicken from Miami.

This is an area that Banks DIH can get into. Forbes Burnham is turning in his grave. Burnham would have told the oil officials who stay at the Marriott that either they eat Guyanese cuts or leave. They would not have left, because oil is more important than beef.

Why in the 21st century can we not can our own fish and look at the varieties of fish we have in the ocean and rivers. Did Banks DIH think about this? Why aren't we canning our fruits? Did Banks DIH think about this before they looked to Japan for cars to sell?

Selling imported vehicles is a foreign exchange negative. You need foreign currency to buy the stuff and you are selling it in local currency. How is that a foreign exchange earner?

Every vehicle and motor cycle you import, foreign currency is leaving the country.

Once the sugar industry collapsed and rice got into trouble, this economy should have moved into production areas where foreign exchange would be guaranteed. What were needed were state incentives to nurture the manufacturing s e c t o r. B u t w i t h t h e exception of President Burnham, subsequent presidents succumbed to the “invoice mentality” where we import everything, from the most complex industrial machine to bubble gum.

Here is what I am asking my readers to do for me.

Don't take my word for it. Go to Massy Supermarket and see the deluge of imported fruits and vegetables. The shelves will rival anything you see in Manhattan.

Any foreign meat, vegetable and fruit you see in Europe and the US, Massy Supermarket has it. This country is hemorrhaging foreign exchange from

Frederick Kissoon imported foods and foodrelated materials. Do you know a local company started from scratch importing apples and grapes? Now it is a huge business making huge sums?

I used to view Trinidad with uncontrollable rage when I saw those supermarket shelves. It reminded me of my freshman days at UG and the textbooks I read (including our own boy, Clive Thomas, w h o h a s s i n c e metamorphosized) denouncing the colonial mentality of our leaders in the Third World after Independence, with the exception of Burnham (Burnham was deeply visionary; it is such a pity he was a narcissistic autocrat).

Now look at my own country today.

I am going to end on a note that you may find facetious. But I am making a serious point with this joke. I grew up on D'Urban Street in Wortmanville. About six houses west of Hardina Street there was a huge tree that bore a fruit named in local parlance, “stinking toe” (I don't know the scientific name). I plan to start a company importing stinking toe.

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

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 15, 2020

Chainsaw operator crushed by tractor

A

chainsaw operator was k i l l e d i n gruesome fashion after he was crushed by the tractor he was travelling in on Thursday.

The dead man was identified as 43-year-old Keith Simmons of Coomacka Mines, Region 10. According to information reaching Kaieteur News, the incident occurred on the Malali Backdam Trail, at around 1:00pm.

Police reports indicate that the tractor was being driven by a 34-year-old logger of Malali at the time of the tragic incident.

Kaieteur News understands that the unregistered tractor was heading west along the Malali Backdam Trail, descending a hill, while Simmons stood on its front bar. It was said that the driver lost control of the tractor and Simmons fell in front of the vehicle where the left front wheel reportedly ran over his chest.

Dead: Keith Simmons Simmons was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex sporting severe chest injuries. He later died while receiving medical attention.

The driver of the tractor was subjected to a breathalyzer test, however no trace of alcohol was found in his system. He was taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

Man, 54, who raped girl, 6, on the run

P

olice are on the hunt for a 54-yearold man who was accused of raping a 6-yearold girl while viewing pornographic material.

C o m m a n d e r , Superintendent Yonette Stephensdisclosed to Kaieteur News that the suspect was arrested and subsequently released on station bail after the mandatory 72-hour holding period had passed.

During this time, the police had sent a file to the

Director of Public Prosecutions on the way forward, and the DPP had later recommended that the man be charged.

But initial checks at the man's Mahaicony home went unanswered. According to police sources, the man may have fled to the country after being released. The shocking allegations surfaced on January 15, 2020 when a neighbour who heard the little girl crying out decided (continued on page 20)

Tucville man found with gun in crotch, jailed

M

agistrate Annette Singh yesterday jailed a mason who was caught by the police in November, last, with a gun in his pants crotch.

Darrell Kennedy, 20, of Perry Street, Tucville, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where the sentences were handed down. Kennedy, who was slapped with three charges, was found guilty of illegal possession of a gun and ammunition, while the third charge, is still ongoing.

Kennedy had denied the charge which stated that on November 21, 2019, at Aubrey Barker Road, he had in his possession one .32

pistol and two live rounds of .32 ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The Magistrate ruled that after going through the entirety of the evidence led by the prosecution she is of the opinion that every aspect of the case was proven and as such she found the accused guilty of the offences.

The accused was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment on each charge. The sentences will run concurrently. Kennedy is still facing the charge which alleged that, on November 18, 2019, at Perry Street, Tucville, he stole a motorcycle valued at $435,000, property of Quincy Hinds.

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 15, 2020

Children rescued from burning home By: Anastacya Peters

A

2 6 - y e a r- o l d mother of two is thanking several residents in the Sophia Community for their swift action in putting out a fire that was consuming her home while her children were trapped inside.

The incident occurred last Thursday at Lot 22 D Field Sophia at around 18:30hrs.

Kaieteur News understands that at the time of the incident the mother of the children, Kiesha Williams was as work and

the children ages three and six were left in the care of their uncle Nicholas Harvey.

However, at the time of the accident Mr. Harvey leaved the children unattended so that he could go to a nearby shop and purchase something.

Minutes after leaving the premises the house went up in flames unknown to Mr. Harvey.

According to sources, although the fire service arrived on a timely basis it was impossible to save anything from the home that was consumed in matter of minutes.

In an interview, with this publication, a neighbour, Candace Callender stated that she was on her way home from work when she saw the house in fire, knowing that the children would normally be left in the care of the young man, she started to called out for Mr. Harvey but got no response. “When I saw the fire I start shout for [Nicolas] but when I realised he was not at home, me and another boy went inside the house and take out the children and carried them over by me to stay until he [Nicholas] arrived.� When contacted

sources from the fire department told this publication that the cause of the fire is likely due to illegal electricity connect that was

attached to the home at the time of the incident.

The family was unable to

What was left of the home after the inferno

save anything from the burning building. The matter is being investigated.

Thief knocks 12-year-old student unconscious, steals bookbag and phone

A

1 2 - y e a r- o l d student of West Demerara Secondary School has been left traumatized after he was beaten and robbed by a lone bandit last Monday around 16:05hrs. At the time of the incident, the child was on his way home from school.

Kaieteur News understands that the lad was riding his bicycle through the Coglan Dam Street, which happens to be a short distance from his home in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, when he was approached by a man on a bicycle who demanded that he hand over his belongings.

The robber then took a metal object and struck the child on his head.

The boy fell unconscious and was subsequently rushed to the Regional hospital where he later regained coconsciousness.

The child suffered a fractured skull and other injuries to his head. He was hospitalised for two days.

In an interview with this publication, the victim's mother told Kaieteur News that due to the incident the child is scared to go to school. The lad was relieved of his bookbag and cellular phone.

Police are investigating.

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 15, 2020

Businessman claims oil company has him on watchlist after Facebook live

B

usinessman B r i a n Macintosh, popularly known as Bryan Max, believes that a recent Facebook live video is the cause that he is being followed.

Macintosh, who says he has been an advocate for the people for over two decades, told Kaieteur News that he recently took on an oil company for its deal with Guyana. He said that he demanded that a better contract be signed and wondered what it would take to have a better deal.

However, according to Macintosh, who is a race car driver as well, it appeared that his Facebook posts have not gone down well with the oil company and other persons.

“I received a call from a friend who asked if I had threatened the oil company. I was sent a BOLO (Be On The LookOut) notice which

had been issued to security personnel of the oil company.”

According to Macintosh, he even felt certain of being followed and had to hire two security personnel and install more cameras at his home. He has not yet contacted the US Embassy on the matter.

“I have sent an Instagram message to the US president Donald Trump who actually knows I exist. During his campaign, he acknowledged my support for him…from someone as far away as in Activist Bryan Mackintosh South America.” has insisted that he will According to the activist, continue to push for it is simple what he wants.

“I am saying that Guyana a better oil deal. must have a fair deal.

“When the oil contract Presently we are getting two percent, but in actuality it and its signing bonus first came up, I spoke about it. It will be less.

We are supposed to get took a little while to read 12.5 percent after deduction, between the lines, and I but we are going not getting f i n a l l y r e a c h e d t h e that. I am worried for myself conclusions that the oil and family.” company has blatantly and viciously robbed Guyana.”

He said he started to write more on the oil deal and just over a week ago, tackled the issue in greater

detail in a Facebook live video.

“We started talking about what it would take for the company to understand that Guyanese are serious; that not everybody is in agreement with the oil contract, like the government and a few supporters. We talked about what we need to do. Do we need to go out in front and protest in front of your building?”

Mackintosh said he also pointed out that Guyana is unaware if natural gas is being taken from the offshore wells.

He said afterwards he received a call that the Facebook live came to the attention of the oil company which sent out the BOLO to its security people.

“It had my photograph and said I made reported threats to the company. It also talked about the vehicles I am driving.”

Mackintosh claims that the BOLO notice was sent to a number of security personnel from overseas working with the oil

The purported BOLO notice

company- mainly exMarines and military persons.

In concluding, the businessman insisted that he

is not politically aligned, but has a preference to give a smaller party a chance in the general elections slated for March 2nd.

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Banks DIH eyeing technical institute - 15 institutions celebrated

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p r i v a t e Technical and Vo c a t i o n a l Education and Training (TVET) institution may soon be on the horizon, according to Clifford Reis, Chairman of Banks DIH Limited.

Reis was at the time speaking at a celebration of education hosted by the corporate giant in conjunction with Guyana's 50th Republic Anniversary on Thursday. The Chairman described the institution as one which is still in the initial 'discussion' phase, but added that the plans can soon be realised.

Supporting the initiative was President David Granger, who described technical, vocational and science education as the centre of transformative change in Guyana's economy.

The President regards technical education as the means to equip students with skills needed for them to function in the modern workforce. To this end, he highlighted the significant measures taken to ensure

education in Guyana continues to substantially improve. Citing teacher training, digital learning, the construction of new schools and the bridging of the education gap between h i n t e r l a n d and coastal students, President Granger revealed that there are now over 250,000 students currently in school.

As such, the Government of Guyana will continue to pursue every opportunity to ensure that by the end of the Decade of Development, no eligible young Guyanese will be classified as 'not in education, employment and training (NEET).

Among the institutions celebrated were the Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Essequibo Technical Institute, the Government Technical Institute, the Linden Technical Institute, the New A m s t e r d a m Te c h n i c a l Institute, the Guyana Industrial Training Centre, the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Centre, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, the

President David Granger, Banks DIH Chairman, Clifford Reis (seated at right), Human Resources/Trisco Director, Paul Carto (seated at left) along with the representatives of the various technical institutes.

Sophia Training Centres, FORCE-GRECO Training Centre, GuySuCo Training Centre, the Mashabo Primary School, Burnham Education Scholarship Trust (BEST), and STEM Guyana.

Adding that corporate communities should consider establishing their own colleges of science and

technology to recruit, retain o r r e-orient graduates, President Granger emphasised that training human resources is paramount to developing the country. “The corporate community functions in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment. It must be able

to keep abreast with the pace of change and become more innovative if it is to increase its earnings,” the President said. “The corporate community can support academic excellence by offering bursaries, grants and scholarships as a means of inculcating this value within society.”

Reis noted that education is an essential tool to be used to scribe a bright future for Guyanese and that it provides the capacity to resolve problems in society.

With over 1500 staff members, Banks DIH said it strives to maintain its commitment to building on traditions of excellence. (DPI)

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Public Utilities Commission opens new office in Essequibo

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he Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced the opening of a new office on the Essequibo coast. It has already, in addition to its Queenstown office, branches in Freeyard, Port Mourant, Berbice and LEN's Building, Mackenzie, Linden.

PUC explained that following a number of feasibility studies and outreaches from Charity to Supenaam, Essequibo, it was determined that an office was required to meet consumer needs and to ensure that potential complainants of utility services can have easier access to the PUC. “The Commission is therefore pleased to announce the opening of its

doors to the new office at Lot7E Henrietta Village, Essequibo Coast at the B's Mall on the 11th of February, 2020, which was followed by the formal opening on the 12th of February, 2020.”

According to PUC's chair, Dela Britton, the location of the office was selected primarily since it sits at the edge of the central town of Anna Regina and located in close proximity to the business centre, banks, market, police station, Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Democratic Council.

“Its location serves as the carriageway for both pedestrian and commercial traffic, with adequate parking space for motor vehicles.” Persons with

complaints or inquires may contact any of our offices between the hours of 8:00 hrs. to 16:30 hrs (Monday Thursday) and 8:00 hrs. to 15:30 hrs. on Fridays.

PUC is a multi-sector regulator with responsibility for quality of service, tariff setting, the approval of development and expansion programmes of public utilities, facilitating access and interconnection and performing regulatory, investigatory, enforcement and advisory functions.

The PUC commenced its operations in 1990 and r e g u l a t e s t h e telecommunications GT&T and Digicel - the Guyana Power and Light Inc. and the Guyana Water Inc.

Saturday February 15, 2020

PUC's chair, Dela Britton (2nd r) and other officials perform the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the commissioning of the new Essequibo office

Murder accused faces court after 13 months in hiding A 47-year-old Stevedore Housing Scheme resident was yesterday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a murder charge, 13 months after the incident occurred. He had been in hiding. Gary

Blackman was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on December 21, 2018 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, he murdered Darrel Edwards called 'Overdose'. At the time that the charge was read, the accused was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

The prosecutor told the court that Blackman and Edwards knew each other as they would usually hang out at the same location.

On the day in question around 23:30hrs, Edwards was at a female's home located at Leopold Street, when Blackman showed up at the said home. It is alleged that when Blackman arrived he found Edwards in a compromising position with the woman in bed, and a fight ensued. Blackman reportedly armed himself with an icepick taken from his pants

waist and dealt Edwards several stabs about his body.

Edwards ran into the street and Blackman gave chase.

When Blackman caught up with Edwards on Hadfield Street, he continued to attack him. Edwards subsequently fell at the side of the road while Blackman made good his escape. Edwards was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to the prosecutor, Blackman went into hiding, and on Tuesday, last, he was apprehended by police ranks and told of the allegation. He was then placed into custody and later charged for the o ff e n c e . Following the prosecutor's presentation to the court, the magistrate remanded Blackman to prison until February 20, when he will make a second appearance for disclosure of evidence into the case.

Man, 54, who raped...

From page 12 to investigate. It was revealed that the child and her brother were left in the care of the man and his wife after their father died some months ago. The neighbour was in his yard when he heard the child cry out. Upon peeking into the man's home after climbing on his roof, he reportedly saw the man raping the child while he watched porn.

The child's mother who

was at work at the time, was informed of the incident and when she questioned her daughter about what happened, she was reportedly told her that the older relative had interfered with her about ten times before he was caught. The woman immediately made a report to the station.

A medical examination was conducted and it was confirmed that the little girl was sexually molested.

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Three youths hospitalised after SUV ploughs into them

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hree youths, ages 9, 14 and 16, are p r e s e n t l y hospitalised with serious injuries about their bodies after the driver of a Nissan Xtrail ploughed into them on the Bushlot, Corentyne, Berbice public road yesterday afternoon at 12:15 hrs.

Injured and hospitalised at the A&E of the New Amsterdam Hospital are sisters, Aliya and Aneela Mohabir (aged 16 and 14 respectively) and Roshini Mohan, aged 9. Aliya Mohabir is in a critical condition. Aneela suffered a fractured right leg and is in a stable condition. Roshini Mohan is under observation.

The driver of the Xtrail bearing license plate number PXX 5165 has been identified as a 31-year-old resident of #72 Village, Corentyne. He is said to be a doctor attached to the Skeldon Hospital.

According to the police, the vehicle was reportedly heading east along the northern carriageway at a normal rate, when the driver alleges that he saw a school child (the 9-year-old) who was standing on the southern side of the road run across

Aneela Mohabir the road into the path of his vehicle. As a result he applied brakes and swerved to avoid a collision, but this proved futile, and he ended up on a foot path where the other two girls were walking.

They were immediately picked up by public spirited persons and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital and subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they were admitted.

Mother of the two teenagers, Bashwattie Rambrich, told reporters that

Aliya Mohabir her older daughter is not attending school but the younger one, who is in form 2 at Bushlot Secondary, wanted to purchase a Valentine's Day gift for her class teacher at the shop located near the said school.

She added that the older girl said she would accompany her to the shop.

"Dem binna go shop to buy a gift for she teacher when dem get knock. Me get the call seh they end up in accident and dem gone Port Mourant Hospital, but when me go there, dem bin already

Roshini Mohan transfer to New Amsterdam", she said.

Meanwhile, Roshini Mohan's mother, Latchmi Devi Mangru, while speaking to this publication,

related that it was her husband who rushed home and informed her that her daughter, who is a student of the Kildonan Primary School, was struck down by a vehicle on the public road.

She stated that when she reached to the location her daughter had already been taken to the hospital. When she arrived she was informed that her daughter would be transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and had sustained head injuries and other injuries about her b o d y. H o w e v e r, t h e grandmother of the child explained that Mohan would eat lunch at her house which is located a lot away.

"She just left my house and told me she going back to school, but it nah meet three seconds and me hear a impact, so me start holler out for she and me run out and

see she pon the road. Me neighbour dem come out and rescue she and take she to the hospital", she said.

According to the woman, her gran-daughter's body was "like two feet away from the white line" and there was no pedestrian crossing near. She confirmed that Mohan was crossing the road when she was hit.

The driver of the Xtrail after hitting down the three youths, stopped and exited his vehicle, but he appeared to be in shock over what had happened, eyewitnesses said.

He was subsequently taken into custody at the Whim Police Station where he is assisting with investigations. His vehicle, was which was also impounded, was released shortly after it was inspected at the station by ranks.

Republic Bank now processing last year's transactions to several customers' accounts

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fter days of being berated on social media for what seemed to be questionable transactions to several accounts of customers, Republic Bank has provided an explanation.

It appeared that thousands of customers used their Visa OneCard to conduct transactions last year during the period when the bank was making changes to its systems. A significant number of those

transactions were never processed. That matter is now being corrected.

According to the Trinidad-owned bank in a notice on its website on Thursday, going forward, transactions will be processed as usual. “Republic Bank advised customers that Visa OneCard transactions conducted online and via other banks' Point-of-Sale terminals and ATMs during the period November 4 to December

31st, 2019 are now being processed to accounts. We confirm that going forward, these transactions will be processed within the regular timeframe. We sincerely apologise for the delay and any inconvenience this may cause.�

It appears that customers were making withdrawals and deposits and not checking properly.

In November last year, Republic Bank announced that it was upgrading its banking platform to allow for a number of other services. However, the conversion process hit hurdles with delays and long lines in the bank and its branches.

Customers complained about being unable to access accounts and even receive salaries.

The regulator, Bank of Guyana, and others were highly critical about the delays.

This week, as the transactions were being processed, a number of customers who appeared to have made withdrawals last year which were not processed, appeared to have taken out too much. The bank reportedly signed agreements with a number of them to pay back.

Republic Bank has the largest market share in Guyana. Its parent company had made a bid to take over Scotiabank in Guyana, but that effort was nullified by Government.

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Saturday February 15, 2020

FOR RENT Ransom (Concrete mixers), Scaffolding, Power washer, compactors, hire truck service etc, free delivery. Telephone: 610-5360.

Email: dmdscaffolding@yahoo.com SERVICES

FOR SALE

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

Brand new computers, Wifi, Bluetooth, Windows 10. Call or Whatsapp #687-4970 CXC Past papers

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

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 House plan to draw or estimate. Call: 216-0671/6928464. Whatsapp #622-0267

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

Steel Rod 1/2"- 12mm$745+14% VAT, 5/8- 16mm $1,315 +14% VAT at Alabama Trading , 27 Lombard Street Werk-en-rust/ #231-3345/2274234

CAR RENTAL DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL & TOW TRUCK SERVICE:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE#698-7807.

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

LAND FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Transported land for sale in Rose Hall Town.Call#603-1441

House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc.

Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909

Diamond $5M, Sophia $5M, Schnoord $4M, Supply $27M, Loo creek wharf 6 acre $60M Sacacalli. Shawn #231-2199/ 618-7483 TO LET Spacious 2 bedroom upstairs unfurnished apartments in Queenstown. Garage parking and water included $120,000/ month. Call: 669-0698 2 bedroom fully furnished, airconditioned apt (gated community, Herstelling EBD)Parking, utilities included. Call: 699-6891/2657777 Lodge Apartments (Vlissengen/Durban): Unfurnished $40,000-$60,000 p/m. Furnished ( For Visitors) $600 US p/m. #633-8514/6687305/697-6421

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Fully furnished, luxury 2 bedroom apartments. Long & Short term. Rentals #687-8818/ 666-7028 Lower unfurnished 3 bedroom home in Eccles. Spacious & Parking available $150,000/ USA $750. Contact Ajai #6297132/ USA# 281-739-6550

New Volkswagen Jetta, going cheap, owner leaving country.

Tel# 629-2619

Land for sale in Herstelling New Scheme (44x87) $5 Million. Contact Alistair #6268040

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Kaieteur News

Golden Grove, EBD, 4 bedroom upstairs, Kitchen, Dining room downstairs.

Tel#691-2921/220-9353 House for sale in Kuru Kururu.

Contact Gary #664-1569 for more info Charlestown $15M, South $22M, Norton $22M, Diamond $10M, Gordon, Tucville $22M, Princess $15M. Shawn #2312199/618-7483 WANTED Car, Canter & Bus drivers. Call: 225-3234/225-9223 Two Certified cooks needed, speciality african and local dishes urgently. Grandma’s Kitchen. #233-0010/691-5777 Experienced supervisor, receptionist, maid and handyman to work in Hotel.

Call: 225-9211

VACANCY Receptionist, Deskstaff, 25-50 years, three shift system. Tel# 225-0198 Diesel mechanic/welder to work on TM trucks. Contact #223-5273/223-5274 Accounts clerk for Eccles Office, English1, Mathematic-2, Quickbooks.

Email application to: techserigy@yahoo.com Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132 One male janitor. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda 2 Vacancies- Clerk & Domestic, Live-in facilities for Berbicians & Essequibians. #219-5354

Two bedroom apartment, parking & overhead tank $45,000. #626-5846 Self contain rooms to rent in Prashad Nagar. Tel#227-2993 Two 2 bedroom house in Herstelling, 1 month rent, 2 month security. Call: 696-1680 2 bedroom, Lower Flat, in Hadfield St, Lodge, Tiled, Secured & Grill. Mature Individual. $300 USD per month. Tel#610-5210/2268149 WANTED Puri cooks, kitchen assistant, Apply @ Shanta’s- 225 Camp St One general domestic to work in interior, to cook, clean.

Accomdation & meals provided. #680-2702 Maid. Requirements: person must be living on the East Bank. Contact# 600-6887 One Body work technician.

Call: 227-1717 Truck Driver to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717 VACANCY Office Assistant- Maths & English, Excel & Quickbooks.

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

Tel# 227-0186/227-0176 Looking for a job & educational services?

Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call: 600-8457 1 Accountant, must be qualified higher than CXC and basic accounting. Please call: 225-8645/223-7165 Cashier, 45-65 years with experience, Maths & English, R.M Baichandeen Inc. 78 Church St

Saturday February 15, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Business matters take a sudden turn for the better, Aries.

Paperwork may need to be executed. A new sense of selfconfidence contributes to these developments.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A chance to travel, perhaps for business purposes, could present itself to you today. This might require some temporary adjustments in your personal life, but don't let this stop you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Someone in the know could come to you today with opportunities for increasing your income, Gemini, perhaps involving investments of time or other resources in new business enterprises.

CANCER(June21–July22) If you've been thinking about starting a new business partnership, Cancer, this is the day to take some positive action toward that end.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some rather boring and mundane tasks, perhaps involving paperwork, could take up much of your time today. You could get easily distracted and be tempted to set it aside and do something more interesting VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) New enterprises that you've worked to perfect for a long time, perhaps involving writing, speaking, or publishing, might pay off today, Virgo.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Some paperwork involving business enterprises could be executed today, possibly in your home. This might be a new and unexpected development.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Success in business, perhaps involving writing or speaking, might come your way today. Paperwork, such as contracts, could take up a lot of your time.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You've worked hard to promote your business interests, and today it might pay off. Money, or contracts promising it, could come your way, as well as new opportunities to pursue success.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your optimism and enthusiasm should be very high today, Capricorn. Business and partnerships have been proving both satisfying and profitable lately.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today your level of imagination and intuition is especially high, Aquarius. Trust your heart today, especially where new projects and money are concerned.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This should be a very busy day for you, as communications involving business matters could take up much of your time. These could concern your own goals or those of a friend or a group with which you're affiliated.

PAGE 30

Red Force left staggering after Harding five-for, Brathwaite fifty BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Fast bowler Keon Harding reiterated his immense promise with a third career five-wicket haul, while Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite flirted with a return to form, as Barbados Pride took control of their fifth round match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force here yesterday.

The 23-year-old Harding snatched five for 57 as Red Force, resuming the second morning on 52 for one, were dismissed for a disappointing 175 in their first innings nearly an hour after lunch at Kensington Oval.

Opener Jeremy Solozano top-scored with exactly 50 after resuming on 35 while Akeal Hosein struck 28 and number 10 Uthman Muhammad, 27, but Red Force lost their last nine wickets cheaply for 104 runs.

Armed with a small but handy lead of 34, Pride reached the close on 127 for two – an overall lead of 161 runs heading into today’s penultimate day.

Left-handed opener Shayne Moseley was unbeaten on 49 while partner Brathwaite got 58, the pair

posting 106 for the first wicket to deny Red Force any early success.

Moseley has so far struck five fours off 118 balls in three hours at the crease while Brathwaite gathered his second half-century of the season in what has been an otherwise bleak campaign, facing 104 balls in just under 2-½ hours and counting five fours and a six.

Bizarrely, he was dismissed for the second time in the match, lbw offering no shot this time to seamer Terrance Hinds.

Test batsman Shamarh Brooks lasted only 11 balls before he was lbw to left-arm spinner Hosein, and Red Force then spurned two opportunities in the day’s final over from Hosein when Justin Greaves (three not out) was put down twice.

The damage, however, had been done earlier when Red Force collapsed to 136 for eight at lunch after cruising on 71 for one.

Solozano extended his third wicket stand with captain Yannick Ottley (12) to 35 before Harding struck, comprehensively bowling Ottley with a good length delivery as the right-hander

defended.

When Solozano followed, caught and bowled by Harding, Red Force were stumbling on 88 for three and then stunningly lost another three wickets in the space of 16 balls without adding to the total.

Jason Mohammed was bowled by Test seamer Kemar Roach (2-38) for 11 while former Test captain Denesh Ramdin and Yannic Cariah both perished without scoring to catches at the wicket off Harding and Roach respectively.

The tail wagged somewhat, Hosein putting on 21 for the eighth wicket with Hinds (17) and 26 for the ninth with Muhammad, who in turn added 23 for the last wicket with Daniel St Clair (six not out).

Scores: PRIDE 209 (Kevin Stoute 52, Ashley Nurse 48, Kemar Roach 38, Shayne Moseley 23; Uthman Muhammad 3-47, Terrance Hinds 3-51) and 127 for two (Kraigg Brathwaite 58, Shayne Moseley 49 not out).

RED FORCE 175 (Jeremy Solozano 50, Akeal Hosein 28, Uthman Muhammad 27; Keon Harding 5-57).

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15...

From page 30 Kehav Deonarine, Coach: Anthony Adams, Manager Vickram Ramnarine.

Berbice: Rampertab Ramnauth -Cpt, Avishkar Persaud, Zadeem Larose, Sanjay Algoo, Rashaad Gafur, Nyron Hicks, Damion Cecil, Kevin Kisten, Salim Khan, Matthew Pottaya- Vice Cpt, Kumar Deopersaud, lyndon Simon, Aaron Craig, Shiv Harripersaud, Ameer

Rahaman-Manager, Leslie Solomon- Coach Demerara: Romeo Deonarine, Riyad Latif, Josh Alves (Capt), Sachin Balgobin, Joshua Alves, Nityanand Matura (ViceCapt), Reziekel Renee, Reyad latif, Dhanesh Persaud, Wayvell Allen, Bramanand Rabindranauth , Alex Datterdeen, Nicholas Sheopersaud, Hemraj Harriprashad, Coach

Latchman Yadram, Manager Omar Hussain.

President’s XI: Stephon Sankar (Capt), Tulsiram Ramkarran (Vice- Capt), Arun Gainda, Sohail Gangaram, Tularam Chitamani, Yodesh Sumitra, Deonarine Dindyal, Andrew De Santos, Afazul Kadir, Aftrz Ali Budhoo, Jeremiah Singh, Tariq Walters, John Persaud, Manager Yeuraj Khemraj, Coach Ryan Hercules.

Albion, Port Mourant to reach in final of...

From page 27 19.1 overs: Kevin Kisten 70, B. Fredricks 26 not out.

Meanwhile, the Berbice Cricket Board has released the names of its fourteenman squad for the GCB inter county Under-15 tournament.

Rampersaud Ramnauth would serve as Captain with Matthew Pottaya as Vice Captain.

Leslie Solomon is the coach, while BCB Asst

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

Secretary Ameer Rahaman would perform the duties of Manager.

Squad: 1. Rampertab Ramnauth(cpt) 2. Sanjay Algoo 3. Avishkar Persaud 4. Matthew Pottaya (vicecpt) 5. Kevin Kisten 6. Zadeem La Rose 7. Raashad Gafur 8. Nyron Hicks 9. Salim Khan

10. Damien Cecil 11. Kumar Deopersaud 12. Aaron Craig 13. Shiv Harripersaud 14. Lyndon Simon Meanwhile, the BCB would also start early preparation for the 2021 Under15 tournament by starting another tournament in late March/early April. The cut off date of birth would be the 1st of September, 2006 and clubs are asked to start preparation.

Guyoil, Ming’s Product Services and Caribbean Container INC supports RHTYSC

Ms. Shaunetta Barkoye, Accounts Clerk of Guyoil hands over donation to Hilbert Foster in the presence of PRO Lonessa John-Forbes.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS ten cricket teams Say No/ Say Yes campaign last weekend received three major boosts as the club prepares for a hectic 2020. The teams under the programme targets all youths in Berbice to Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Alcohol, Tobacco, Crime and Yes to Education, Culture, Religion, life and Sports.

The Management of the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) handed over a cheque for $100,000 while the Caribbean Containers INC also made a financial contribution. Long time sponsor, Ming’s Product Service also handed over a large quantity of cricket balls to the teams. Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster who collected the donation, stated that the Say No/ Say Yes campaign has been one of the most successful programmes of the club over the last twenty five years and is administered by the Poonai Pharmacy Under 12 and Under 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division,

Mrs. Roshini Dodnauth-Charran of Mings hands over the balls to Ms. Marissa Foster of the RHTYSC. Metro Female, Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under 21 and First Division teams.

Foster expressed gratitude to the three companies for their donations and stated that special emphasis would be placed in 2020 on education, suicide, drug abuse and sports. The club would use a wide range of activities as Television programmes, Television Commercials, Magazine, Award Ceremonies, Youth

Inspiration Forum, Job Fair, Exhibition, Cricket Academy and Educational Competition to get the message across to youths. The educational competitions to be hosted would include spelling bees, essays, debating and posters. The cricket teams would also host or sponsor a number of sporting tournaments for youths. These would include cricket, athletics, chess, dominoes, football, basketball and volleyball.

Milo football tourney opens today and continues tomorrow Action in the Milo Schools football tournament, organised by the Petra Organisation for 2020, will commence today with three matches. The venue for the contests is the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. The competition will 2/15/2020 12:00 hrs 13:45 hrs 15:30 hrs 2/16/2020 12:00 hrs 13:45 hrs 15:30 hrs

continue tomorrow at the same venue with another three matches.

The annual tournament is being sponsored

by Beepat’s under the Milo brand.

The fixtures for today and tomorrow’s games are as follows:

Round Robin Round 1 Day 1 Ministry of Education Ground Match # President College v/s Queenstown Secondary 1 Marian Academy v/s St Joseph High 2 East Ruimveldt Secondary v/s St Stanislaus College 3 Round Robin Round 1 Day 2 Ministry of Education Ground Match # Bishops High v/s Cummings Lodge 4 Christianburg Secondary v/s Golden Grove 5 Lodge Secondary School v/s Ann’s Grove 6

Saturday February 15, 2020

Battle lines drawn in Magnum Tonic Wine Mash Cup Futsal action tonight The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will provide the ideal battlefield this evening from 7:00pm when Leopold Street battle Rio All-Stars and Bent Street tackle Kingston in the Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Cup Futsal Championship semifinals.

Esan Griffith, the tournament coordinator during pre-match comments said, “Tonight will decide who will contest the grand finale for the coveted championship and fans can expect a thrilling night of action which has been the hallmark of the tournament since its inception, more so this year which has provided several unlikely results.”

According to Griffith, “The tournament has lived up to and exceeded all expectations with the quality and excitement that has been on display from the opening night. The success of the tournament would not be possible without the sponsors and more importantly the players and

fans who have afforded us the unwavering support from day one.”

The feature clash of the night has the potential to be a classic as traditional giant Leopold Street looks to assert their dominance over emerging threat Rio All-Stars.

Due to their experience, Leopold Street will enter the match as the marginal favourite. Offensively, Leopold Street have tallied nine goals to date, five of which occurred in the two previous elimination rounds.

Responsible for this improved output, which produced wins over Gold is Money and Avocado Ballers, are Okeene Fraser, Omallo Williams, Eon Alleyne, Benjamin Opara and Delwyn Fraser.

Defensively, the rearguard has allowed four goals. However, they have only been breached once in the elimination section.

For Rio All-Stars, a place in the finale will solidify their status as a genuine national heavyweight. Their berth to

the semifinals was gained following wins over Back Circle and Future Stars, two formidable sides.

Offensively, Rio All-Stars have tallied seven goals.

Jermin Junior, Kelsey Benjamin and Job Caesar have been pivotal on the scoring charts. Defensively, Rio All-Stars has only conceded three times, with no goal allowed in the knockout round which is the overall best record in the event. The likes of Solomon Austin and Cecil Jackman have been vital in this regard.

Meanwhile, giant killers Kingston will have an unenviable task ahead when they face off with former champion and tournament favourite Bent Street.

Kingston have recorded an impressive 10 goals in their campaign. This has produced wins over Sparta Boss and Spartacus, thus earning them the moniker of giant killers.

Rising star Stephon Reynolds leads attack for Kingston which also featured the veteran forward Nigel

Johnson leads Jaguars fightback with unbeaten fifty St George’s, Grenada, CMC – Guyana Jaguars skipper Leon Johnson made a welcome return to form with a half-century which pulled the five-time reigning champions out of trouble on yesterday’s second day of their fifth round contest against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

With his side struggling on 25 for two in reply to the hosts’ first innings of 318 at the National Stadium here, Johnson struck a composed unbeaten 65 to steer the innings to the relative safety of 145 for three at the close.

The 32-year-old, who made a half-century in his first innings of the season only to gather a mere 77 runs from his last six outings, has struck 11 fours in a knock spanning 122 balls and a shade over 2-½ hours.

Crucially, he put on 74 for the third wicket with Test lethander Shimron Hetmyer who made 32 in his second regional first class appearance in two seasons before gifting his wicket, before adding a further 46 in an unbroken fourth wicket stand with allrounder Chris Barnwell (28 not out).

Keron Cottoy (56) and Shane Shillingford (53) had earlier struck half-centuries as

Volcanoes flourished after resuming the day on 212 for six.

Unbeaten overnight on 37, Cottoy stretched his seventh wicket stand with Shillingford to 36, hitting 10 fours off 85 balls in just over 1-¾ hours in posting his maiden first class halfcentury.

Once Cottoy perished, Shillingford took responsibility for the innings by anchoring a 57-run, eighth wicket partnership with Sherman Lewis who made 24.

All told, Shillingford faced 86 balls in two hours and counted four fours and a six.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul led Jaguars’ attack with four for 59 while leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo supported with three for 73.

Left-arm seamer Preston McSween (2-43) gave the hosts an excellent start when he removed Chandrapaul Hemraj without scoring with a single run on the board in the fifth over.

And when new-ball partner Ray Jordan dislodged Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 11 to a catch at the wicket, Jaguars were collapsing yet again.

But Johnson steadied the innings, combining with

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Hetmyer who lashed four fours in a 39-ball knock before top-edging a pull at McSween and was caught at short midwicket.

S c o r e s : VOLCANOES 318 (Keron Cottoy 56, Kavem Hodge 53, Shane Shillingford 53, Devon Smith 27, Andre Fletcher 27, Roland Cato; Veerasammy Permaul 4-59, Devendra Bishoo 3-73).

JAGUARS 145 for three (Leon Johnson 65 not out, Shimron Hetmyer 32, Chris Barnwell 28 not out; Preston McSween 2-43).

Meanwhile, over at FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, Jamaica Scorpions, replying to Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ first innings of 227, reached 260 for six at the close on the second day of their fifth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium here yesterday.

S c o r e s : HURRICANES 227 (Terrance Warde 65 not out, Montcin Hodge 52, Amir Jangoo 35; Patrick Harty 443).

SCORPIONS 260 for six (Jermaine Blackwood 98, Denis Smith 36 not out, John Campbell 35, Oraine Williams 30; Rahkeem Cornwall 3-72).

Denny.

Defensively, Kingston has conceded six times.

On the other hand, their impending opponent, Bent Street, is the leading outfit with superior numbers on both ends of the field.

Offensively, Bent Street have recorded a tournament leading 18 goals. This level of firepower which recorded wins over Sophia and Mocha, is led by the likes of Daniel Wilson, Colin Nelson, Sheldon Holder, Jermaine Beckles and Adrian Aaron.

Defensively, Bent Street also possess the joint best overall record in the event which concretizes their position as the tournament favourite.

Prior to the commencement of the two semi-final matches, two exhibition matches will be staged.

Winner of the event will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy, while the second place side will collect $400,000 and the respective accolade. On the other hand, the third and fourth place unit will receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Among the other sponsors of the event include the National Sports Commission and MVP Sports.

Albion, Port Mourant to reach in final of BCB/Lewison General Store Under-15 Tourney - Another Under-15 Tournament to start in late March Albion and Port Mourant will clash in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board Under-15 tournament.

Albion defeated Tucber Park by 52 runs at the Albion Ground in the lone semifinals, while Port Mourant defeated RH Canje by 9 wickets in the playoff before drawing a bye to the final.

Playing at the Albion Ground, Albion were bowled out for a meagre 102 from 28.3 overs with Afraz Budhoo top scoring with 24 and Tameshwar Mangal 14.

Bowling for Tucber Park- C. Welcome, D. Hendore, L. Simon and A. Azad took two wickets apiece for 20, 10 and 19 respectively. Tucber Park in reply, fared ever worse and were bowled out for 50 with only M. Arjune reaching double figures with 15.

At the Canje Ground, the home team were bowled out for 91 as Sanjay Algoo offered resistance to the Port Mourant bowling with 30.

West Indies Under-15 player Rampertab Ramnauth 3 for

20 and Romel Budhana 3 for 19 were the best bowlers for the visitors, who in reply raced to 92 for 1 in 17 overs as Ramnauth completed a fine all round match with an unbeaten 60, while the younger brother Rampersaud contributed 19 before he was run out with six runs required.

Scores from some earlier matches Rose Hall Canje defeated Tucber Park by 43 runs at Canje.

Rose Hall Canje - 148 all out in 49.2 overs: Sanjay Algoo 45, Avishkar Persaud 28; Extras 52; Lyndon Simon 2 for 45 and G. Kisten 2 for 15.

Tucber Park - 105 all out in 34.4 overs: G. Kisten 24, Extras 58; Romario Ramdehol 5 for 14 and A. Allen 2 for 19.

Tucber Park defeated Blairmont by 9 wickets at Blairmont.

Blairmont 108 all out in 32 overs: R. Koobi 37; D. Hendore 3 for 8 and Lyndon Simon 2 for 10.

Tucber Park - 110 for 1 in (Continued on page 26)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 15, 2020

GMR&SC’s NROC

King and Jeffrey battle to highlight tomorrow’s showdown - Deodass looking to retain titles The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) will host the first round of the National Race of Champions (NROC) circuit championship tomorrow at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, where fans, who will enter the venue free of cost, will see keen competition amongst Guyana’s best motor racers.

Former Caribbean Motor Racing Championship group four winners, Kristian Jeffrey and Andrew King, will both be on show tomorrow to show who the best is in the most popular category. King and Jeffrey will also face competition from Mohan Rangasammy, Danny Persaud, Rameez Mohamed and Mark Vieira.

However, King, who was been at the top of the game for the past two seasons in his iconic yellow RX-7 machine, will be tipped to continue his purple patch.

This will be Mohamed’s first outing in group four and he is keen to make a big impression.

Mohamed, who holds the Endurance larger circuit record at South Dakota with a time of 1minute 17s, will be in his endurance machine, but getting Mark Maloney’s sub 33second normal track record will definitely not be within his reach.

Group three action is anticipated to be heated and the club has confirmed that a full grid of 12 cars is expected for the showdown. Among those already confirming their participation include defending Champion Motilall Deodass, Rameez Mohamed, Syed Hassan, Anand Ramchand, Roshan Ali and Shairaz Roshandin.

The Starlet Cup is expected to have the usual action with key rivalries set to be reignited.

Deodass also hold the

Paul Yearwood (Ackeem Thomas photo) crown in this class but he will get stern competition from the usual suspects including Afraz Allie, Hassan, Ali, Roshandin and Ramchand again.

In an invited comment with this publication, Deodass explained that he is hungry to eat up his rivals on the track.

“I wished there was a meet each month because of the excitement it brings

for both fans and competitors. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel tomorrow and put on a nice s h o w b u t I a m m o re determined to do well since I am defending not only one but two titles,” the Motor Trend service center sponsored driver posited.

The two-wheel daredevils have a lot to compete for, in addition to bragging rights, first to fifth place rookies will

MOU signed to facilitate cyclists training at National Park

The late Jude Bentley led the hearse with the remains of the late Vivekanand Rudradeo from his residence to the Good Hope Crematorium in 2009.

A Memorandum of Understanding, in the name of cyclist Jude Bentley who passed away recently in an accident on Rupert Craig Highway, was signed yesterday to allow the country’s cyclist to use the inner circuit of the National Park for training in the evenings. The MOU was signed by the National Parks Commission and the Guyana Cycling Federation.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones stated that the MOU is geared to allow the cyclist access to the National Park after peak hours. “It speaks about the NSC and the Cycling Federation providing

sufficient signage around the circuit which will alert all on sundry as to the timing when the cyclists will take to the circuit.”

Jones said that it will be a period of about six months for exclusive sensitisation to alert all that this is what is going to happen from Monday to Friday in the National Park.

President of the GCF Linden Dowridge said that the objective of the MOU is to ensure a situation such as the incident involving the late Bentley is not repeated.

“Safety is of major concern for us and the culture on the road is different. Most of our cyclists are working and with

this agreement they will also have longer recovery periods prior to their training.”

Bentley represented Guyana at the 2006 Sydney Commonwealth Games in Australia. He was also a businessman and owned and operated the Bike Shop on Robb Street.

There were a number of cyclists who were involved in accidents. In 2009, 12 year-old Vivekanand Rudradeo passed away following an accident on the road way due to the reckless use of the road by drivers. He was a former member of the Kaieteur Cycle Club and student of Graham’s Hall Primary School.

Rudradeo succumbed to

injuries he sustained on August 29, 2009 when he and his father were involved in an accident with a car while training on his cycle.

And in 2013, Raul Leal was involved in an accident and as a result he had to call time on his promising career.

He was 16 at the time of the incident and was admitted to the Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital following a collision with a mini bus at Meadow Brook Gardens.

Leal who went to a one month High Performance training stint in Colombia had suffered a broken right hand and left foot as well bruises and a swollen left eye.

Raphel Fraser receive $50,000 each.

Reigning Champion Dowayne Caesar is tipped to come out on top but he will have Raphel Fraser, Paul Yearwood, Raveiro Tucker, Carey Griffith, Romeo Singh, Kevin Persaud, Ravi Singh,

Andy Rajkarran and Elton Carter breathing down his neck.

The NROC is sponsored

by Mohamed’s Enterprise, KFC, Tropical Shipping and Hand In Hand Insurance Company.

GABBFF 2020 Novices Championships

Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney to debut & Omisi Williams returns for Mr. Linden Classic

By Franklin Wilson Following his creditable 2nd place showing at last Sunday’s 6th Kares Caribbean Crossfit Challenge held at the National Park, Omisi Williams has his sights set on re-entering the body building arena after competing at the Novices in 2017 where he managed a 3rd place in the Under-21 and 2nd in the Middleweight class.

The Lichas Hall in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden will this evening host the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) 2020 Novice Championship as well as the Mr. Linden Classic which is aimed at boosting the sport there.

Apart from Williams, Upper Demerara Barbel Club athlete Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney, more known for his exploits in the powerlifting arena, will be making his debut on the body building stage and will be competing in both the Novice and Mr. Linden Classic.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday from his base in Linden, Chesney said that he was not going to say much but would allow his body to do the talking tonight.

“I really do not have much to say but I am ready like freddie. A lot of people will be blown away when they see me on stage, so I encourage all to come out

and enjoy a good night of rivalry.”

Williams shared that he would have had a few days after the crossfit competition to get rid of the water in his body and get in shape for the stage tonight.

“I’ve been in this before so I am aware of what I need to do to get ready for action.

There hasn’t been enough time after the crossfit competition so it’s just my natural physique I am working on.

I like body building a lot so I am ready for the challenge.”

Among the 25-athletes competing tonight are Ryan Panday, Nicholas Albert, Nicholas Blair, Dillon Johnson, Wayne Marshall, Arlington Layne, Darren Harris and Joshua Alexander.

Crystal Leander and Ashanti Conway will be among the ladies vying for top honours.

Meanwhile, GABBFF President, Keavon Bess has informed that all systems are in place for what he anticipates would be a stimulating evening of competition for both shows.

The sponsors for tonight’s activities are long time federation supporter, Fitness Express and Linden Businessman, Samuel Hardy.

Trophies and medals are at stake for the top performers apart from bragging rights for the Overall winners.

Saturday February 15, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Nicholas Narain pushed in latest Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament The 2020 Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament continued on Thursday evening at the Georgetown Club, with round of sixteen matches in the Open Category, quarter final matches in Category A and plate matches in both categories.

In the Open category Nicholas Narain (-15) had to

pull out all the stops to overcome the challenge of Medhi Ramdhani (6) winning in three close games 15 - 10, 11 - 15, 15 – 12, while Peter Michael De Groot (-15) had a surprising straight forward win in his match with Abosaide Cadogan (0) scores being 15 - 9, 15 - 8. Brian Edwards (9) took care of Kirsten Gomes

Lloyd Fung A Fat (left) beat Robin Lowe on Thursday night at the GT Club.

FIFA Referees retire after years of service Former FIFA Referees Venton Mars and Sherwin Moore have retired from the beautiful game of football having served a combined total in excess of 21 years.

Mars, who served as a FIFA and National Assistant Referee, and Moore, a Referee, both went into retirement over the January – February period.

Both match officials have officiated in matches across the Caribbean Football Union, Concacaf and FIFA regions. Mars began his FIFA career in 2004, while Moore began in

2013.

In an invited comment, Chairman of the Referees Committee and Executive Committee Member of the Guyana Football Federation, Dion Inniss said the institutional memory of the technical personnel should be preserved: “Sherwin and Venton are the true embodiment of service to the game. Now that they are no longer active officials, we look forward to them using their experience and knowledge gained over the years to mentor future match officials.”

Former FIFA Referees Sherwin Moore (left) and Venton Mars.

(0) 15 - 13, 15 - 9 and Louis da Silva (10) stunned Ashley Khalil (-7) 15 - 3, 15 - 13.

In category A Rayad Boyce (5) had to call on all his reserves to overcome Tiana Gomes (13) 15 - 13, 5 15, 15 - 14 and in a battle between the two Fernandes siblings Grant (10) beat Beau (7) 15 - 7, 15 - 14.

Lajuan Munroe (2) again had another match go down to the wire as he defeated Nathan Rahaman (5) 15 - 9, 12 - 15, 15 - 14 and in the last of the quarter final matches Dhiren Persaud (3) beat Kassie Walcott (13) 15 - 12, 15 - 12.

Results of all the matches played were as follows: Open Category Nicholas Narain (-15) beat Medhi Ramdhani (6) 15 - 10, 11 - 15, 15 - 12 Peter Michael De Groot (-15) defeated Abosaide Cadogan (0) 15 - 9, 15 - 8 Brian Edwards (9) beat Kirsten Gomes (0) 15 - 13, 15 - 9 Louis da Silva (10) beat

Beau Fernandes and her little brother Grant in action.

Ashley Khalil (-7) 15 - 3, 15 13 Lucas Jonas (2) beat Steven Persaud (9) 14 - 15, 15 - 13, 15 - 8 Lloyd Fung A Fat (7) beat Robin Lowe (9) 15 - 7, 15 - 11 Zachary Persaud (10) beat Johan da Silva (9) 11 15, 15 - 8, 15 - 8 Category A Rayad Boyce (5) defeated Tiana Gomes (13)

15 - 13, 5 - 15, 15 - 14 Grant Fernandes (10) beat Beau Fernandes (7) 15 7, 15 - 14.

Lajuan Munroe (2) defeated Nathan Rahaman (5) 15 - 9, 12 - 15, 15 - 14 Dhiren Persaud (3) beat Kassie Walcott (13) 15 - 12, 15 - 12.

Open Plate Dane Pereira (9) beat David Fernandes (9) 15 - 12, 15 - 9

Category A Plate Brenno da Silva (10) beat Nandishraj Singh (13) 15 - 7, 15 - 11 Shiloh Asregado (-5) beat Lucas Persaud (7) 11 15, 15 - 8, 15 - 13 Demetri Lowe (9) defeated Rylee Rodrigues (9) 13 - 15, 15 - 13, 15 - 8 The tournament continues tonight with the finals slated for tomorrow from 11.00 am.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Saturday February 15, 2020

Banks DIH overcome Vad GSSC and Sans Souci to clash Engineering XI in Tapeball fixture for WCC/Trophy Stall/Bel

Air Rubis T20 title tomorrow

The victorious Banks DIH team.

B

a n k s D I H d e f e a t e d Va d Engineering XI by 33 runs when the teams collided in a T20 Tapeball fixture recently at Thirst Park.

Batting first, Banks DIH posted 181 all out. Deonarine Seegobin struck nine sixes and one four in a top score of 75 while S.

Bovell made 43; S. Parmanand took 2-38.

Vad Engineering XI were restricted to 148-7 in reply. C. Nauth made 29 with three sixes, while Seegobin took 2-9 to take the man-ofthe-match award.

The game was sponsored by Vad Engineering.

Good Success SC will battle Sans Souci in the final of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee/Trophy Stall/Bel Air Rubis inaugural T20 competition tomorrow at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

Good Success will fancy their chances following their four-wicket victory against Maria’s Pleasure in their semi final encounter last Sunday; however, they will have to contend with a balanced Sans Souci unit.

Off-spinner Vickram Ramnarine has taken two five-wicket hauls in consecutive matches, including the semi final and will look to end the tournament as the leading wicket taker. On the other hand Seon Venture has been in fine form, and is among the leading run scorers in the tournament. An exciting battle is anticipated between the duo.

Good Success skipper Imran Khan has been in fine form with the bat, leading his team’s chase in their semi final win with an attacking half century. Apart from Khan, openers Tulsieram Ramadeen and Mahase Ramnarine have provided their team with decent starts, while the middle order is

Seon Venture capable, with the likes of Nazeer Mohamed, Wazir Khan, Ejaz Mohamed and David Chalitar.

While Ramnarine has been in fine form with the ball, Imran Khan is a dangerous left arm swing bowler and is too is offspinner Mohamed who has been economical.

Like their rivals, Sans Souci have a decent opening pair in Jaggernauth Manbodh and Heera Sukram, but their strength lies in their middle order which has been at the forefront in most of their wins so far this season. Apart from Seon Venture, the likes of Cleon Venture, Kamal Khan, Kieran Kumar and Oyono Sampson form a strong batting line-up, while their bowling will be led by Devon Rambaran and Seon

Imran Khan Venture, with support from Sasepaul, Bacon and left arm orthodox spinner Khan.

The pitch is expected to favour the batsmen with some assistance for the spinners; the game commences at 13:00hrs.

Teams; Sans SouciJaggernauth Manbodh, Heera Sukram, Kamal Khan, C l e o n Ve n t u r e , S e o n Venture, Devon Rambaran, Oyono Sampson, Kieran Kumar, Varounie Sasepaul, Derwin Bacon, Omal Bacon and Quacy Whyte.

Good Success; Imran Khan, Wazir Khan, Nazeer M o h a m e d , Vi c k r a m Ramnarine, Mahase R a m n a r i n e , Tu l s i e r a m Ramadeen, David Chalitar, Ejaz Mohamed, Alex Hill, Devindra Hansraj, Shoaib Namaz and Chandrika Persaud.

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County cricket starts tomorrow

T

he GCB/Dave We s t I n d i a n Imports 2020 U15 Inter-county tournament commences tomorrow with Demerara battling Essequibo at Lusignan and the President XI facing the Berbice team over at Bourda from 9:30 hrs.

Round two has Essequibo competing with the President XI at Everest, while Demerara face off

with the Berbicians at Lusignan on Tuesday.

On Thursday, 20th February, the tournament will move to round three where Demerara gets the opportunity to clash with the President XI at GCC, and Essequibo engage Demerara at Lusignan as each team vies for a position in the final where the two teams with the most points battle for the title at

Bourda.

The teams are as follows: Essequibo: Benny Persaud (capt), Shazif Mohamed, Ragindra Ramblin, Bruce Vincent, Ijihad Kadir, Gladwin Henry, Mohandas Ali, Akeem John, Gulcharran Chulai, Tekeshwar Nankoo, Adesh Dass, Ramesh Seeram, Davendra Lall, (Continued on page 26)

GMR&SC’s NROC

King and Jeffrey battle to highlight tomorrow’s Deodass looking showdown to retain titles

rt

Andrew King waves the chequered flag following a successful race.

Spo

Danny Persaud (left) and Shairaz Roshandin in group three action. (Mikey Spice photo)

GABBFF 2020 Novices Championships Johnson leads Jaguars Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ fightback with Chesney to debut & unbeaten fifty Omisi Williams returns for Mr. Linden Classic

Jaguars captain Leon Johnson.

MOU signed to facilitate cyclists training at National Park

Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney set to make his body building debut tonight.

Omisi Williams set for the body building stage tonight in Linden.

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