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Guyanese man Saturday Edition NEWS murders 11-yr-old daughter in Canada AIETEUR

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February 16, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 07

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Elections matters not enough to force National Assembly sitting - Harmon

Believe it or not!!

This is not a motorcycle dealership or showroom. Rather, these are just some of the motorcycles that the police seized last weekend after some men ran and left them.

Ministerial plenary Prisoner joins father on US$18M signing bonus meets with all charge for impersonating still to make way to Consolidated Fund Cabinet powers Volda Lawrence - Opposition Leader

Govt. circular is the only reason banks have better rates for foreign currency - bigger problems coming - Jagdeo Appointing AG as External Auditor for Natural Resource Fund a wrong move - NRGI

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 16, 2019

Elections matters not enough to force National Assembly sitting - Harmon

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he government does not know when the next sitting of the National Assembly will be since it does not have enough matters on its agenda for this purpose, said Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, yesterday.

At the time he was meeting with the press at the Ministry of the Presidency.

There, the media reminded Harmon of appeals

from some quarters to hold a sitting of the House to extend the deadline for the hosting of General and Regional Elections as well as to address funding needed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the hosting of elections.

Harmon said that once there is Government's business to be conducted in the National Assembly, it will be called. He added, “Once Government's

business has to be transacted, then it will meet…”

The Minister was challenged by the media to say if the business of general election is not significant enough for the House to meet.

H a r m o n o n l y acknowledged at that time that the issue of elections is an important matter.

Even though the Government has a few Bills,

it is considering at this point, Harmon maintained that there isn't “enough business” to take to the House at this time.

Yesterday afternoon, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, was asked whether Government has ever called a sitting of the House for just two or three matters. Isaacs said he could answer in the affirmative.

The Clerk said, “There

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs are times when you have several things on the Order Paper but a motion for example would take so long that the House ends up only dealing with that matter.”

State Minister, Joseph Harmon He did note, however, that nothing in the Standing Orders stops the Government from calling a sitting on just two matters.

(KIANA WILBURG)

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 16, 2019

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Guyanese man murders 11-yr-old daughter in Canada Brampton, Canada The frantic search for an 11year-old girl allegedly abducted by her father on her birthday, Thursday, ended in tragedy after the child was found dead inside a Brampton home.

Roopesh Rajkumar, 41, said to be Guyanese, was taken into custody near Orillia in connection with the death of his daughter Riya — whose abduction was the subject of a late-night Amber Alert. He has since been transferred to a Toronto trauma centre to be treated for self-inflicted wounds, according to a source.

He has been slapped with first-degree murder charges,

according to the Toronto Star.

The case has shocked family members and others who had visited Florida on a separate gathering.

Riya, whom police said did not reside with her father on a full-time basis, had been out celebrating her birthday with him beginning at 3 p.m.

Thursday.

The child's mother went to Peel's 22 Division when Roopesh, her former boyfriend, didn't return with the little girl at the agreedupon time of 6:30 p.m., and began making comments suggesting he was going to harm both himself and his daughter, police said.

An Amber Alert was

US$18M signing bonus still to make way to Consolidated Fund - Jagdeo

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n T h u r s d a y, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo blasted the government for failing to uphold the law and constitution in several instances.

Jagdeo's main focus was on Government's ignoring of the constitutional provision, which states that the president and cabinet must resign on the passage of a noconfidence motion.

However, Jagdeo was keen to point out that the government also acted illegally when it failed to put the US$18M collected from ExxonMobil into the consolidated fund.

Jagdeo noted comments attributed to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, recently. He acknowledged that Minister Trotman expressed regret about the manner in which the government handles the US$18M Jagdeo said, “Trotman suddenly expressed contrition about them hiding the $18M, now he is sorry about it.”

The Opposition Leader said that the looming election is the only reason Trotman now knows that the government should have told the nation about the money, “but still he went ahead again to cite national security reasons why they did not do so and it is a total lie.”

Jagdeo was adamant that there is no threat to security in Guyanese knowing about money collected from ExxonMobil. He questioned, “Now that we know the details what is the national security implication?”

The Opposition Leader said, too, that the most troubling issue now is that “the money is still out there.

It has not been paid into the consolidated fund as mandated by the FMAA and the Constitution of Guyana.

That is another breach of the constitution.

Jagdeo said that the disregard for the constitution is so blatant that even in the face of the court case; the government continues to refuse to put the money into the consolidated fund.

Jagdeo said, too, that the “estimates for 2017, 2018 and 2019 are all wrong. The accounts in the estimates, which have to be certified by the Auditor General—have left out the US$18M from these accounts. So it is as though, we never got it as a country.”

He continued, “Yes, it is in a bank account but it is not part of the estimates and that is a serious violation of our law. But this guy (Trotman) lightly said in passing, we are sorry about it, we could have shared (information about the money) a little earlier but we were worried about Venezuela.”

issued by Peel police around 11:30 p.m. asking anybody who spotted the pair or the father's 2005 silver two-door Honda Civic to call 911.

Roopesh and his vehicle were spotted shortly after midnight by a citizen in OroMedonte, between Barrie and Orillia.

He was taken into custody after a high-risk takedown by provincial police on Hwy. 11, and was handed over to Peel cops Friday morning.

After his arrest, police went to a home on Hansen Rd., in the Kennedy Rd. N. and Williams Pkwy. area, in Brampton and found young

the Meadowvale Village Public School student dead.The Grade 5 student's death “has brought tremendous sadness to the students and staff,” principal, Stacy Service, said in a statement. Counsellors were on hand at the school, in the Mavis and Derry Rds. area, to help her classmates.

“Riya was a well-liked student, and her death is deeply felt by everyone at the school,” Service said.

Nobody else was in the home at the time, Const.

Akhil Mooken said, and the young girl's cause of death was not released.

Riya Rajkumar and father Roopesh Rajkumar

New Pegasus Centre to be completed by 2020 year end

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orks on the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre at Kingston, Georgetown, will be completed by the end of next year. However, the buildings will ready by the first half of next year.

Pegasus owner, Robert Badal, made this statement during a tour of the construction site, yesterday, to members of the media and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin.

Badal said that the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), is currently executing the first stage of foundation building, which involves placing piles as deep as 100 feet into the earth. “It is a very complex operation. First, we have to drill the hole; then, we have to secure the hole; then we put the steel cage, and pump concrete at a high pressure.”

Badal said that 80 percent of the piling work has already been completed.

He also noted that the building project is LEED Silver certified – a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, which to his knowledge, no other building in the

Minister Gaskin with Pegasus owner, Robert Badal, on the tour yesterday.

Caribbean has.

Minister Gaskin said, “[I am] very impressed and very excited. As you know, this is the largest single investment project by a local business in Guyana. That, in itself, is impressive and I am happy to have been a part of the launch.”

“Things are happening very quickly in Guyana due to the discovery of oil, and there's a lot of business interest in Guyana. From this kind of project, the kind of

accommodation for business and for guests, I think, will be needed, and relevant, going forward.”

Badal said that during construction, the government will benefit from over US$3M in taxes, and over US$4M per year after the completion of the centre.

The upcoming hotel represents one of the largest investments (US$100M) of the local private sector in Guyana.

Plans for its construction indicate that there will be a 12-storey hotel to provide luxury accommodation, which will feature bars, restaurants and entertainment facilities, as well as long-term accommodation.

A second tower, intended to be the hotel's corporate centre, will be built alongside the Pegasus Suites. Badal intends for it to feature first world offices and conference facilities.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 16, 2019

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

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

EDITORIAL

These bomb scares and politics

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here is a confirmed official report of a bomb scare called into the University of Guyana last week.

On Monday, it was shared that another of these troubling, definitely dangerous, scares was experienced at a City School.

This is not good, whether at an educational institution where there are older, more mature, students; or at a school where the audience is younger, much younger, and easily susceptible to issues of panic and control, and unanticipated peril.

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

Something is wrong with this development; wrong with the picture; wrong with the people actually initiating and executing such a phone call.

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

This has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms as the work of social anarchists bent on fomenting dissent, intensifying pressure, and leading to places where this society cannot go, and must not go. It is beyond the unmentionable and unthinkable, it is also highly contemptible, and serves no constructive purpose.

If, by some chance, there is a political linkage, then this can only be viewed in the harshest, most deplorable light.

Let this be made clear and right up front: no aspersion of any kindis intended in that direction, or at any person, or at any group, political or otherwise.

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

First, the political history of this society, particularly as matters have gravitated and escalated (declined) during past elections seasons do not offer either much comfort or much confidence, as to either the reliability, even ability, of key groups to walk a purely peaceful and politically principled line.

There are no innocents here.

Second, an ugly start has been made at places of learning, where and what is next on this undermining agenda has to be the automatic follow-up question? There was that occurrence at a top city school a few weeks back, which should be considered of a privately malicious nature.

The scare at UG does not fall into such a euphemistic and polite category. It is neither inappropriate nor untimely to question, given what has happened, as to where next and how? And, of course, by whom?

Unfortunately, the field of opportunity is wide open and inviting, be it the copycat, the damn fool, or those reckless enough to play stupid games with the combustible. In addition, tensions are quite high in opposing camps; and sometimes, the diehards or adventurous take things into their own hands, and too far, without a second thought or a second of hesitation.

Therefore, it is imperative that all political leaders seize the moment to not only caution their followers (especially the known loose particles), but to go out of their way to reassure the public that the wellbeing of this entire society is of paramount importance to them as leaders.

Further, and even more unfortunately, this could be preaching to political atheists and agnostics, whose first and foremost interests are about party and power; and not necessarily in that order. What follows has to be placed in the public domain: battle stations are being, if not already, drawn; and troops indoctrinated and geared up for a confrontation.

Unless sanity and the greatest of care are exercised, this promises to deteriorate into full fledge conflict.

The work of City Council’s Public Relations Division is certainly not “trash” DEAR EDITOR, The Senior Officers and general administrative staff of the Mayor and City Council, express utter disgust with the emotionally charged statements of Councillor Ayodele Roache, at the statutory meeting of Monday, February 12, 2019, in which she referred to the work of Council’s Public Relations Division as “trash.”

The Councillor was cautioned and subsequently withdrew the comments from the records of the Council.

However, the fact remains that the spoken words are ephemeral and can never be recalled. Therefore, it is imperative that this matter be addressed publicly at this juncture so that greater caution would be exercised in the future.

It has been observed that it is the practice of this Councillor to be making hasty remarks about the work of Council of which she is a part. At a previous meeting, the Councillor had boldly declared that the Georgetown City Council does not have a social media presence; she was corrected by Officers of the Council.

The Councillors are policy makers and they have the duty to bring to the

horseshoe table their knowledge, expertise and skill to inform policy decisions.

However, sentiments like these would only harm the image of the Council, of which we are working tirelessly to rebuild.

The City Administration welcomes constructive criticism. Since constructive criticism would help us to understand where we are and the direction we ought to take.

The work of the Public Relations Division of the City Council is consistent with the organizational goals and objectives. In addition, to the use of Public Relations tools such as regular press conferences, press releases, media tours, the production of pamphlets, flyers, brochures, a Facebook page, special radio and television programmes. The Division collaborates with other Departments of Council to plan and execute strategic programmes, which cater to the communication and information needs of the public. Moreover, the work of the Public Relations Division is guided by its Communications strategy 2017 -2019.

The dynamics of this complex organization with different departments and

sections necessitate that the Council gauge public opinion and this is done through analysis and research.

Analysis helps us to identify problems and clarify matters, which would enhance our services. Further, research is a prerequisite for policy decision making.

Research helps to inform policy recommendation and programme planning. The most recent research conducted by the Division in October 2018, gauged public opinion on the payment of a fee for the collection of waste from households. The research findings were presented to Council via the monthly report.

Editor, could Research and Analysis be classified as “trash” as purported by the learned Councillor?

The Public Relations Division, through timely interventions of the officers attached to the complaints desk, averted many conflicting situations in local communities. The complaints desk provides citizens an opportunity to present their cases to the Public Relations Officer, who contacts the relevant Departmental Heads to have the issues resolved.

The process involves site visits to problematic areas by

the Officers, the Public Relations Officer and the complainants. In some instances, the problems are being resolved instantly, while in others, it necessitates the acquisition of resources, and this delays the process. Many citizens have thanked the Division both privately and publicly for its timely intervention and amicable resolution of many problems. Is the Councillor referring to Public Relations intervention in this regards as “trash?”

At Council, we embrace the Municipal Act Chapter 28:01, Section 301 (10). This section of the Act is operationalized through several programmes including special Health and Environmental Education programme in City Schools.

In 2018, the programme reached approximately five thousand children at the primary level. This was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Public Health and Solid Waste Management Departments. Also, because of the success of this programme, the “I believe clubs” were birthed. The focus of these clubs is to produce students who would (Continued on page 6)

GPHC needs to come clean and let Guyanese know exactly what happened to these children DEAR EDITOR, Sadly, in January, three paediatric cancer patients died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) when they were treated with two widely used and safe anticancer drugs - vincristine and methotrexate.

These medicines are not novel and they are well characterized. They induce their effects by mechanistically arresting cell division and thereby causing a reduction in the number of cancer cells. As such, the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed their use by including them in its list of essential medicines. However, the reasons behind why such safe medicines have caused three children to die at the GPHC need to be shared for the benefit of all.

Of course, such a catastrophe prompts serious concerns about whether these drugs were administered through the recommended mode and whether they were stored under the required conditions, among others.

Moreover, allegations swirled that the GPHC erroneously delivered these

anticancer agents through the spine i.e., by an intrathecal means in spite of clear warnings that vincristine is deadly when given to patients via such a route.

This information has been around for more than 60 years.

Pharmaceutical companies clearly recommend that this medicine should only be administered through the veins i.e., by an intravenous route.

Therefore, intrathecal administration is medical malpractice. Moreover, it is also manslaughter.

Further, an inspection into the second anti-cancer drug, methotrexate reveals that this drug has also been around for more than 70 years.

Its recommended mode of administration is via the spine only if it does not contain the preservative, benzyl alcohol.

Benzyl alcohol can be fatal, especially for certain pediatric patient populations.

The GPHC needs to come clean and let Guyanese know exactly what happened to these children. Moreover, such level of openness is necessary in preventing unnecessary deaths.

During this historic era of

the digital age, the GPHC operates in a medium where information is at its disposal; thus, there is no reason for such medical errors.

Information about these drugs saturates the clinical literature.

Even a quick Google search concerning these drugs will instantly produce volumes of information.

Further, every drug has an a c c o m p a n y i n g pharmacological literature.

Given this, it is quite disturbing that the GPHC erroneously administered these drugs through the wrong route on three separate occasions in one single

month.

The GPHC clearly lacks skilled professionals. These are the very reasons why Guyanese cannot trust the GPHC and the entire health care system. No wonder politicians seek medical treatment from abroad and reject the deadly health care offered here.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, mismanagement at the GPHC because of political influence is also a major reason why patients die from causes, which are 100% preventable.

Just look at the way our drugs are dumped - under bottom houses on flood-prone (Continued on page 6)

Truly disgraceful DEAR EDITOR, It is truly disgraceful that a former President of this nation should now be publicly calling on Western countries to impose sanctions on Guyana.

What exactly does Jagdeo want? To see Guyana’s children starve to death like those in Iraq during the sanctions of the 1990s? Or for us to endure economic isolation as pertains to this day in Iran? Or suffer the same destabilisation campaign going on in our neighbour Venezuela?

How ironic that the leader of the PPP/C should be calling on the West to interfere. One has to deeply question whether his lust for power exceeds his love of this country.

Yours sincerely Albert Russell

Saturday February 16, 2019

Integrity and dual citizenship - the flawed perception of some more welcome than others DEAR EDITOR, In her ruling on the Government’s contention of Charrandass Persaud’s dual citizenship as a reason for nullifying his vote in the NoConfidence Motion (NCM), the CJ cited article 155 (1) “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state”.

The CJ said that disqualification from the National Assembly does not stop at Charrandass, but is extended to all the other members of parliament with dual citizenship.

The CJ ruled that the NCM remains valid on account of article 165 (2) which says in part, “the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present or to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly, shall not invalidate those proceedings”.

Language cannot be simpler than the above! The planned, continued contentious appeal announced by the President, all the way to the CCJ, is an unjust, blatant and ludicrous display of double standard. In essence, he is saying that it is okay for an MP with dual citizenship to vote on behalf of the Government but one voting

against the Government, that vote should not be counted even though the CJ adjudicated that cabinet is considered resigned by virtue of the NCM. One would have expected the President, in his pursuit of the Charrandass dual citizenship appeal and his reluctance to call for elections in the specified timeframe, would have shown some charisma by publicly culling his dual citizenship ministers from his constitutionally deceased cabinet by calling for their resignation.

That may have inspired some degree of solidarity amongst the appellate judges and would have worked more wonders on the electorate than the proverbial bags of goodies that his ministers seem to be walking around with.

It would have shown some intent by the president to adhere to the constitution.

The President’s lack of ability to manipulate situations to inspire commitment and reasoning amongst the masses, leaves the perception of him as a drab, autocratic leader. How does one rate this response - “I did it”, when the Government was caught hiding 18 million US dollars as a signing bonus from the people and so far has refused to put same in the consolidated fund where it legally belongs?

Given the above, one wonders what some of our popular columnists see in his penchant to act contrary to the constitution and allude it to his personal integrity. Integrity, by definition, should be made of sterner stuff!

Back to dual citizenship and article 155. I can understand the disgust of the homeborn members of the National Assembly caught with dual citizenship when it is perceived that a member born in a foreign land and now having Guyanese citizenship seems to be escaping the hook because of the wording of article 155.

A part of 155 (1) states – “who is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

This part is being grossly misunderstood.

The framers of the constitution were no fools. One can only by virtue of their own act make an acknowledgement of allegiance. Obedience and adherence to homeland is your expected duty by birth.

As a baby, no one expects you to sign anything! The British expect obedience and adherence from an individual by virtue of his/her birth on their soil. No such individual must escape the dual citizenship hook.

Rudolph Singh

THAT UG BOMB THREAT DEAR EDITOR, I use this opportunity to examine this very unfortunate and unforeseen danger that surfaced a few days ago (Tuesday, 5th February, 2019).

On the day in question, there was an apparent bomb threat. One would think that a University should be at least half prepared for an event of this magnitude or something to that effect.

Even if they were not, they would have some sort of preparedness for dangers of fires, tremors, etc., all of what is somewhat synonymous to the bomb threat.

We should not go down the road of “we never had a bomb scare before” as an excuse gateway for the administration, because it will open up a can of worms all over the country, as we see many entities not prepared because of the above-mentioned fact.

Editor, on the day of question, not only was there no bomb squad in place, the emergency service response was generally poor with scores of students scattered about, all trying to exit the university.

The back entrance of the campus can only facilitate one person at a time exiting and the front gate, well, you be the judge of how fast thousands can exit from that gate.

But as time progressed, you got to see how backward this country is: The Guyana Police Force sent a van with about 6 ranks to escort over 2000 students from campus; one fire truck came to the campus, which

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has over 15 buildings, imagine if 3 were blown! If that was the case, then here is the mad part, not one ambulance came to the campus.

We the students of this, sometimes great institution, demand answers as to who is responsible for events of this nature: who made the necessary calls requesting assistance and if that was done, why wasn’t an ambulance called in?

I would like to make it known that students could have been injured exiting the campus. Who would have taken the timeout in the heat of the madness to assist? We demand answers!

Concerned Student

Impending constitutional crisis?

DEAR EDITOR, A very small band of bellicose individuals are shouting every day that the “worst” constitutional crisis in our history is impending. It reminds us of the ‘Henny Penny story’ that made famous the line, “The sky is falling”, which has now become a metaphor signalling danger is imminent. For the man in the street, however, tomorrow is just another day.

As a matter of fact, every generation thinks the challenges occurring in its epoch are the worst in history, so at first glance it is easy to accept such rhetoric of an impending constitutional crisis without closer scrutiny.

But history would show that other events of a similar nature under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C), instead, did push us to the worst constitutional crisis in our nation’s history.

Yet with true Guyanese tenacity and resolve we have overcome and are the stronger for it. The Guyanese people are indeed a match for anything.The first major constitutional crisis in this nation surrounded the 1997 Elections, which culminated with the end of the Herdmanston Accord in 2001 and the second, the subsequent voiding of those elections on the basis that they were unconstitutional.

As the Herdmanston Accord drew to an end on January 17, 2001, the CARICOM-brokered Accord, which was expected to ensure governance between January 1998 and January 2001, should have produced an election immediately upon its expiry. This did not happen.

As one commentator of the period noted in one of the daily newspapers, “After the elections of 1997 and as a result of the non-declaration of official results, the arbitrary behaviour of Mr. Doodnauth Singh, the secret and illegal swearing in of Mrs. Jagan as President, and the resultant acts of protestations, there was a void of constitutional rule in Guyana.

It therefore means that at January 16, 1998, there was no legitimate government.

The Constitution, the people’s contract for governance, the fundamental

law of the land, having being violated and observed in the breach, caused the people to take extra-constitutional measures to reinstate constitutional rule and respect for the supremacy of the constitution.

The reinstatement finally came about through the Herdmanston Accord. The Herdmanston Accord was signed by the two parties, which manifestly represented the vast majority of the people. The Accord reinstated the Constitution with one proviso: that new elections must be held by January 17, 2001.”

This never happened. The PPP/C government chose instead to put “voluntary limits” on its governance.

Elections were held in March 2001.An Editorial of the period states, “There was of course the ground-breaking meeting at the Office of the President between President Jagdeo, Mr. Hoyte and the leaders of the other two parliamentary parties but it failed ultimately in providing the basis for a governance agreement.”The second major constitutional crisis, the mother of all constitutional crises locally, as said before; also of 2001, was the decision of Justice Claudette Singh in the Elections Petition Case of 1997. Justice Singh vitiated those Elections, stating among other things that the Voter ID Card legislation at that time was unconstitutional.

In spite of this, the PPP/C declared its government to be legal and vowed to remain in office, even though the then President, Bharat Jagdeo, himself described the period between January 15, 2001 when Justice Singh announced her decision and when she announced her final order, January 26, 2001, as “difficult and disturbing for

our country and unprecedented in its history.”

One major newspaper front-page headline, read, “Business as usual - Jagdeo”.

It is interesting to note as well, that Counsel representing co-respondent and former President Janet Jagan, in contrast to previous arguments that the judge having voided the elections on a constitutional point did not have the power to make consequential orders, presented a proposal for the court to rule that: “(1) All acts and things done by the National Assembly, the Court and all state agencies, bodies and institutions from December 15, 1997 are valid, lawful and binding.

(2) The National Assembly, the Government, and all state agencies, bodies and institutions shall remain in existence and shall continue functioning until the president is sworn in and are valid, lawful and binding.

(3) And all acts and things done by the above until the president is sworn in are valid, lawful and binding.

At the heart of the argument is the need to create a remedy which will avoid that which can lead to anarchy...and plunging our country into constitutional crisis.”But what I have found most insightful is that Chief Justice Claudette Singh stressed repeatedly at the beginning of delivering her judgment, which voided the 1997 General and Regional Elections for unconstitutionality, “I have no jurisdiction to order the President or the government to demit office.”

Sherod Avery Duncan Citizen

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WHAT WE NEED IS LOVE AND RESPECT; WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER DEAR EDITOR, I bring greetings to my Guyanese brothers and sisters in the name of the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

We are a blessed nation, one in which as a people we can live in peace and prosperity, free from selfishness and greed.

We are an intelligent people with the potential to reach even higher heights; I and I must be forever concerned for the security of our children and ourselves.

The world is watching us, are we going to disintegrate into chaos and anarchy to please the enemies of peace.

I call on the nation to enter into dialogue and ask yourselves, should we allow ourselves and our communities to be used as tools to promote violence and as such tarnish our good standing in the international arena?

Over the last three years, thousands of young people have been trained and exposed to technical and vocational skills; ICT has taken off.

These young people can now use online programs to further their career development, as

the oil flows and businesses abound they will all be employed.

Community Centres It is in these centres, projects and programs are born - great physical and mental prowess gives rise to blooming communities, love and respect remains the hallmark for national development.

We are a blessed people, it is not by chance, it is the Creator’s will that we are made custodians of his treasure house, so let’s live that respect for each other, for a few years down the line we will all be passed into eternity.

This time is to be enjoyed; this is the time to realize the good life.

Let us leave footprints on the sands of time, let us leave a legacy of Paradise, make the world want to travel and behold the beauty and serenity of our Eco-tourism sites.

Hinterland Development Our hinterland development must be grounded in resettlement , for here is where our wealth lies waiting for its pioneering children - the gold,

diamond , manganese, bauxite ,oil, our rivers with an abundance of fish, rich agricultural lands , yet we stay on the coast and and allow foreigners to take up the land, while we engage in needless fights.

Come on young people, discover Guyana, visit the hinterland with your social clubs and sports teams, visit the inhabitants of the hinterland from whom we can all learn, and they likewise.

It is the youthful energy that will traverse the mountains, hills, valleys and gulleys.

It is the elders who must share with the adventurers their experiences, having lived and worked in the hinterland while maintaining their families on the coastland We must not only see our hinterland as “bush” but a Paradise waiting to rise from beneath the sea.

What we need is love and respect; war is not the answer.

Let us continue to be governed by the Constitution as it remains firmly in the hands of a caring President and Government.

RAS Aaron Blackman

The work of City Council’s Public...

From page 4 be the vanguards on environmental matters.

Further, they would be the ones to influence change among their peers, families and the wider community on good environmental stewardship.

While we believe in enforcing the City By-Laws, we embrace the need for information and education.

We work assiduously, within the confines of the limited resources, to implement programmes and to achieve

Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

our set goals and objectives.

Many of our stakeholders are aware that due to our financial constraints our planned projects are curtailed.

In the Division, we have reviewed our performance for 2018, and have crafted a strategic communication plan which embodies the focus of the Organization for 2019 which includes; public health, solid waste management and maintenance of drainage system. The plan will measure the impact of

programmes executed.

It is regrettable, that the honourable Councillor never sought to engage any one from the City’s Administration to have certain things clarified before m a k i n g a p u b l i c pronouncement.

If the Councillor had taken the time to interact with someone from the Division, she would not have made such a colossal error openly; stating that Council only has a Facebook profile.

The Council has both a page and a profile. Council’s Facebook page is Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer

IT IS TIME THE PR DIVISION AT CITY HALL EARNS ITS KEEP DEAR EDITOR, Hats off to the new Mayor of Georgetown!

It is about time that somebody at City Hall called a spade a spade. For far too long, persons there are aware of the ineffectiveness of the Council, but opt to downplay the unhappy state of affairs at City Hall or turn a blind eye for political predispositions or for personal and selfish interests.

Every candid citizen of our capital would support the Mayor in declaring the Public Relations Department/Division a complete waste of time.

How could they allow one of their officers to be in the ‘Arms of Morpheus during the hosting of a very important meeting?

This is nothing short of complete disrespect.

The question has to be asked, what really does the Public Relations Department/ Division of the City do?

Do they produce a newspaper or newsletter, or do they host television or radio programmes as is done in

other countries? The Mayor’s Report has long ceased to be broadcast.

Do they ensure that the City has a dynamic and active website and constantly updated presence on social media?

Their last feeble attempt was an absurd programme called ‘Georgetown on the Move’. Everyone wanted to know move to where, but that question was answered by the recent Commission of Inquiry, which showed that the Council’s assets were on the move unlawfully into the hands of others.

Georgetown has jaw-dropping architecture, distinctive restaurants, a rich array of cultural offerings, and intriguing shops, but one wonders what the Public Relations Department/Division of the City does to promote Georgetown as a tourism destination to persons wishing to visit this part of the world.

Do they promote Georgetown as an attractive destination for investors and new businesses to call home?

Do they promote the culture, friendliness, affordability, happiness and livability of Georgetown to the rest of the world? Or is their only responsibility to write a few long-winded wishy-washy and vacuous letters to the press?

It is time the Public Relations Department/Division of the Council earns its keep.

Public Relations should shape our city. Companies use PR to get noticed, to change opinions, and pass on vital information that helps people to make decisions.

This does not happen with the PR Department of the Council.

If the Public Relations Department/Division of the Council is to survive then they need to begin to communicate information to the public to increase awareness of city services, accomplishments if any and critical issues, as well as improve the city’s image by marketing its quality of life.

Sincerely Modi Sankar

GPHC needs to come clean and let ...

From page 4 Sussex Street, and in the Ocean View Hotel.

Government has got money to burn on storage. Government even paid over three times the current market value for the Sussex Street bottom house.

The importance of appropriate storage cannot be underestimated and it is necessary in preserving the chemical integrity of our drugs and thus their pharmacological effects and safety.

Medicines are required to be stored as per specific m a n u f a c t u r e r recommendations.

For example, vincristine should be stored only in a cool dry place and in the dark while, metho t r e x a t e n e e d s a different set of conditions for storage. Improper storage can cause our drug supply to contaminate with bacteria, parasites, and fungus in altering the chemical structure and the chemical stability of drugs, thereby rendering them expired, ineffective,

poisonous and deadly.

Editor, here is another dimension demonstrating how politics have turned our health care system into one that is deadly and these three children are the victims of such a system. Guyanese will never forget how Ms. Volda Lawrence, the Minister of Public Health, bragged that she will hire only members of the PNC to serve in the government-run health care system.

This is shortsighted and inhumane.

Today, many individuals without an ounce of health care training hold key positions at the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and at the GPHC, instead of skilled professionals.

Sadly, the poor pay the price while members of government travel abroad for medical care on tax dollars they suck from the poor. Such abuse must end if we are to respect human lives and develop our country.

Unfortunately, given the level of corruption, most

Guyanese fear that the MOPH and the GPHC will bury the truth about what happened to these three children through sham investigations to avoid accountability. This kind of corrupt investigation is rampant at every agency in Guyana. Most of us have been robbed of our rights by such kinds of corruption.

The MOPH and the GPHC have already heightened our fear by informing the public that the autopsies of these children are inconclusive. How can this be?

This is hard to swallow.

An independent investigation will extract the truth and it is needed.

Guyanese cannot trust the MOPH and the GPHC. Of course, health care professionals know exactly how these children die, because vincristine given through the intrathecal route is known to induce a unique repertoire of symptoms, which is characteristic of such a problem.

This is science. Science is reliable. The MOPH and the GPHC need to respect the families of these children and provide them with the facts surrounding the deaths of their loved ones. These families need closure.

However, given the level of corruption, we may never know the truth and so do not hold your breath for it.

Sincerely, Annie Baliram

Saturday February 16, 2019

Undercover cop robbed at city bar…

Third suspect charged A third suspect was yesterday arraigned before the court in relation to the robbery and stabbing of an undercover cop at a city bar last December.

Michael Shepherd made an appearance before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to his charges.

His accomplices, Keston Duke and Justin Austin, have been already charged and have appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and were granted bail.

The charge alleged that, Shepherd while in company of others on December 15, 2018 at Lot 92 Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown and armed with a gun, robbed Julius Bowling of one gold chain valued $20,000 and a .38 pistol with six matching rounds of ammunition valued $125,000, property of the Guyana Police Force.

Also it was alleged that, on December 15, 2018 at Lot 92 Second Street, Alberttown, the accused wounded Julius Bowling.

Shepherd did not get to plead to the offences as police prosecutor Sanj Singh asked for the Administrative Justice Act (AJA) to not be applied because the defendant is to be jointly charged with the other two accused.

Moreover, the prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the fact that he is known to the police, a firearm was used in the act and the victim was brutally attacked.

The accused was repre-

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Kaieteur News

Michael Shepherd sented by Attorney-at-law, Eustace Hunte who argued that the prosecution could not present any evidence to the court that his client is known to the police as he was instructed that Shepherd was never charged before.

He further stated that his client has requested to see a medical practitioner as he allegedly was beaten by police ranks while in custody.

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly after listening to both sides denied bail for the accused and instructed that he return to court on March 4, 2019.

According to reports, on the night in question, Julius Bowling who at the time was on undercover duties at Club

Aces, was approached by the three accused. They disarmed him and took away his gold chain. When the victim resisted, he was stabbed to his head, stomach and hands.

It was noted that ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) footage was obtained from the club. The police were able to later retrieve the stolen gun in a garbage heap after receiving an anonymous call directing them to a location in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Govt. circular is only reason banks have better rates for foreign currency- Jagdeo - Says bigger problems coming It is true that the local banks are offering better rates for foreign currency but that is not a reflection of the nonexistence of a problem on the market. The only reason the banks are offering a better rate is because Government has given instructions for them to do so.

That is basically what Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, told the media on Thursday, at the weekly press conference held at his Church Street Office.

Jagdeo said, “Everyone knows that out there in the market for notes you have to pay at least $230 to US$1.”

He noted the argument from Central Bank that there is no shortage of foreign currency because you can go to any local bank for transfer and get the money at a much lower rate.

“But what we are not told is that the only reason the rate is lower (at the banks) is because of a government circular, which has forced the banks. They cannot buy beyond $215 and they cannot sell at more than $218.50. So they have limited the spread.”

Jagdeo said that the instructions were given by the “executive”.

He said that the move by the government “is not in keeping with the open market for determining the value of currency. If they remove that

circular, you will see how quickly bank transfer will go up to the same $230.

“So if you are a gold dealer or you export gold or rice, you cannot sell to the banks beyond $215 and you bring in your money, you get paid through the bank. That is why the transfers are kept at that rate.

“It is not the true level of the market because a lot has changed; supply has dwindled, foreign currency has dwindled significantly. I suspect things are going to get worse as we proceed.”

Recently, Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga, said that there is no shortage of US currency in the banking system.

“There is sufficient foreign exchange in the market.

As a matter of fact, for the bank Cambios, we have almost US$50M available for those who want to purchase foreign exchange,” Dr. Ganga told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

He, however, noted that there may be hoarding taking place and coupled with the demand for US dollar notes by foreign nationals, this could be responsible for the claims of currency shortage.

Nevertheless, he stressed the availability of such currencies at the commercial banks.

“You can get a debit card

in USD if you are travelling, that is a visa debit card. You can also wire money to wherever you wish to make payments and those are at very good rates, which are hovering around $215… $215.50.”

The Central Bank Governor also reiterated that the country is currently in good financial standing with strong economic indicators.

“The financial indicators are good with respect to inflation. For example, it is just about 1.2 percent exchange rate and is relatively stable.

In terms of commercial rates at the commercial bank, as I indicated before it’s just about $215 – $215.50.”

According to Dr. Ganga, the Bank of Guyana is closer to entering into an agreement with an international banking institution to function as the correspondent bank following Bank of America’s withdrawal in July of 2016.

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Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

Ministerial Plenary meeting with all powers of Cabinet

By Kiana Wilburg The government is no longer holding Cabinet meetings. This is being done as a sign of respect for the court’s ruling that Cabinet ceases to exist once a No-Confidence Motion is passed. Instead, it is holding a Ministerial Plenary. But this very body still has all the powers of Cabinet.

This was announced yesterday by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

There, the media was quick to question the legality of such a body which Harmon said, is considering several Bills and “noting” the award of contracts.

In defence of the Ministerial Plenary and its powers, Harmon contended that the body is provided for under the Constitution, specifically the part that speaks to the President and the Government.

He explained that the said provisions note that the President is empowered by the Constitution to hire Ministers

to help him carry out his duties. When there is a meeting of those Ministers, then they would have the powers of Cabinet to ensure they execute the mandate given to them by the President, expressed Harmon.

The Minister of State said, “The Plenary is usually held once a month and Cabinet sessions are held every week. It is an extended Cabinet with all ministers included. It is noted that there is a judgment of the court that was made with respect to Cabinet and that judgment has been appealed.

“We do not have a stay on the judgment as yet.

Therefore, we have not held Cabinet meetings as such.

The Plenary however is chaired by President David Granger and includes all of the ministers and therefore, has all of the powers that the Cabinet can have…”

The Minister of State was also asked to say what law gives the Plenary the authority to note contracts. In this regard, he explained that contracts are determined by the

National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Harmon said, “They are usually sent for a noting and that is to say a recognition that these contracts have been finalized and they have been issued. So there is no question of a no-objection or approval. It is a noting and that has always been the position with that.”

As for concerns that the Plenary is running the risk of the parliamentary opposition challenging its “noting” of contracts and any other decisions it makes for that matter, Harmon did not seem worried.

The Minister said, “I don’t see it as running a risk because it has always been a position of when Cabinet sat, Cabinet noted, when the plenary sits, it noted and that recognized that the final decision was made at the NPTAB. So I don’t understand it to be running any risk.”

He added, “We have a government that is legal and functioning and a President of Guyana…We have been

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon elected by the people in May 2015 to run the affairs of the country for the next five years…we didn’t come into office by any backdoor means.”Given his comments

on the powers and legitimacy of the plenary, Harmon was pressed by the media fraternity to say if the Coalition Administration is not basically running a proxy Cabinet.

To this he retorted, “You can interpret it how you want to.”

Since the Government is respecting the court’s ruling on the non-existence of Cabinet, Harmon was also quizzed to say why the government does not respect the other part of the court’s ruling to hold elections in 90 days.

The Minister said that if one accepts Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, one would see that it speaks to the timeline of elections and the fact that there can be an extension of that 90 days deadline.

He added, “It says that the President will remain until there are new elections and so matters have been filed in relation to these matters and it would be premature for him (President David Granger) to call elections and these matters are still engaging the attention of the court.”

Ex- con, pregnant wife charged for scamming persons of house lots A man, who told the court that he is an undercover agent attached to the Major Crimes Investigations Unit, and his wife who is seven months pregnant were yesterday charged and remanded to prison on allegations of house lot scams.

The couple Rajeshwar Persaud, 57, and Renika Rajbance, 19, both appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The first charge against Persaud stated that on May 29, 2018 at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he induced Renika Rajbance to affix her name to an arrangement of sale and purchase for a property at Lot 186 Prospect, East Bank Demerara for $1,720,000 in favour of Rodwell Fortune and Dorigen Fortune, in order that it may afterwards be converted to valuable security property of Renika Rajbance.

It was further alleged that on July 31, 2018 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, with intent to defraud, he induced Renika Rajbance to affix her name to an arrangement of sale and purchase for a property at Lot 34 being a part of 28 Plantation, Friendship, East Bank Demerara, for the amount of $1M in favour of Amanda Sooklall, in order that it may afterwards be converted to valuable security property of Renika Rajbance.

The last charge stated that on November 1, 2018 at Charlotte Street with intent to defraud, he induced Renika Rajbance to affix her name to an arrangement of sale and purchase for the property at Lot 186 Prospect for the

Charged: Renika Rajbance amount of $3M in favour of Waleima Singh, in order that it may afterwards be converted to valuable security property of Renika Rajbance.

Persaud denied all the allegations after they were read to him.

Police Prosecutor Richard Harris stated that Persaud is known to the police. He was previously charged and convicted for similar offences.

The Prosecutor added that 10 more investigations are currently on going as it relates to the selling of plots of lands across Georgetown.

The Prosecutor went on to tell the court that the defendant is a witness in the murder of businessman, Godfrey Scipio, called Sagga, who was killed on October 12, 2018.

Derwin Eastman, who was once Best Cop for ‘A’ Division and his colleague, Jemison Williams, who were both attached to the Brickdam Police Station, are currently on remand for the capital offence.

Charged: Rajeshwar Persaud Eastman and Williams was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on October 12, 2018, at David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, they murdered Godfrey Scipio. The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) is currently on going before a City Magistrate.

The Prosecutor further went on to tell the court that Persaud was evading the police both as a witness and a suspect. The court heard it was only recently that he was held by police in Suriname and brought back to Guyana by ranks of the Major Crimes Investigations Unit, The Prosecutor told the court that upon his arrest, he was found with 96 passports in his possession.

Prosecutor Harris made serious objections to bail being granted to Persaud citing that he is a flight risk.

Meanwhile, the charges against Persaud’s wife stated that on November 1, 2018 at Charlotte Street, Georgetown with intent to defraud, she obtained a sum of $3M from (Continued on page 12)

Saturday February 16, 2019

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Mixed signals While the limelight is now on the impending constitutional crisis, there is brewing another more worrying development. The economy is experiencing signs of stress which if not addressed can trigger economic turbulence.

Mixed signals are forthcoming from within key sectors of the economy.

These signals can lead to investor caution and a loss of new investments.

Yesterday, reports began circulating about bauxite workers employed by RUSAL expressing concerns about the wage increases offered them. At the same time, a new investor in the sector is

promising significant investment into its operations, which is said to be highly promising because of the discovery of almost ‘pure’ bauxite ore.

On the one hand, there are promises of good prospects at a virgin mine and, on other hand, there are concerns that the traditional mines may not be generating the type of returns to allow for a reasonable increase in workers’ wages.

The government’s projections about bauxite have generated some confusion. While the government anticipates only marginal increases in aluminium prices in 2019, it

believes that the price of ore (which Guyana exports) will increase.

In fact, the Minister of Finance in his Budget presentation, projected that the sector will benefit from increased aluminium prices and was expected to grow by 8.6%. Interestingly, despite this growth, the earnings from bauxite were only pegged at 4%.

In the face of these mixed signals, the government needs to provide clarity.

Obviously, the government cannot control the international environment but at the same time, it should be mindful that if the global environment is unfavourable

Prisoner joins father on charge for impersonating Volda Lawrence An inmate of the Camp Street Prison, who is currently serving a prison sentence for impersonating First Lady Sandra Granger, has once again been charged.

This time he is accused of obtaining $2.1M worth in phone credit by falsely pretending to be Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence.

It is alleged that Mohamed Ali between October 5, 2018 and October 10, 2018, at Georgetown, obtained from Julius Belgrave, $2.1M worth in phone credit, by falsely pretending the phone credit was for Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

This charge against Ali came one week after his father was arrested and charged for the same offence.

The father, Azad Ali, 57, a labourer, of Albouystown, denied the charge, which stated that, between October

Charged: Mohamed Ali 5, 2018 and October 10, 2018, at Georgetown, he conspired with his son, Mohamed Ali,

and other persons unknown and obtained from Julius (Continued on page 22)

Dem boys seh ...

Nuff man half dead after Valentine’s Day On Thursday, some stores mek money because man really spend money. Who didn’t pay $10,000 fuh $500 chocolate because it wrap up nice in red and white, buy flowers dat people does normally sell fuh a few dollars but pay a jewel and a crown.

Some of dem buy clothes fuh de woman because he want to dress she up like when people dressing up Christmas tree. He buy everything from she head to she toe. And dem boys find some bareface woman who decide dat if de man want she to be he Valentine, he must remember dat you can’t tek goat and lef de kiddy.

Dat is when de man save a lot of money because de lady produce a list.

Internet and cell phone—$14,000 Lights & Water (only a small fridge) — $10,000 Contribution for Rent ————— $40,000 Food —— $30,000 Travel ——$23,000 School fees fuh one chile— $14,000 Other expenses ——$10,000 How de man save de money? He run suh

fast dat he lef he shoe sole behind. But Valentine was nice. De day come and gone and some of dem woman refusing to come out of de red and white clothes some man buy fuh dem.But dem same clothes nearly cause trouble.

Red is de PPP colour suh when Jagdeo see people wid dem red shirt, he was certain he had mass support. And some of Soulja Bai people get vex wid all who wear de red shirt.But life is a strange thing when it come to woman and Valentine. Men does break dem back trying to please de woman and she quick to get vex if he only slip up. Well dem boys got a solution to all dis.

Dem do some research and dem find out dat Valentine died for love; Jack in de Titanic died for love; Romeo died for love; Samson in de Bible died for love; Hercules and Achilles died for love. Even Jesus died for love.Dem boys want to know, wheh de women deh? Next year, every man should ask a woman to name three women who died for love. If dem can’t do it, dat is a test of dem love.Talk half and think about women and love.

then the proposed new investment in the sector may not materialize.

Guyana earns its foreign currency principally from the sale of its bauxite, gold, timber, sugar and rice.

Two-thirds of Guyana’s export earnings are derived from the sale of gold.

A few years ago, the government claimed that it was rebalancing the economy. However, it seems that little has been achieved, in this regard, on the production side. If anything, the deliberate decision to downsize the sugar industry has made the economy even more imbalanced.

What this means is that should the gold industry experience a downturn before first oil, the Guyana economy can crash. If you subtract the export earnings from gold, the economy will be reduced to one third of its size.

Given the imbalance in the country’s production structure, Guyana cannot afford a major shortfall in export earnings for gold.

Right now, some strange signals are being received from the gold mining sector.

One large company is being restructured and this has already said to have affected

production.

Guyana’s balance of payments, already showing signs of distress, could end up deteriorating further. The Bank of Guyana assures us, however, that earnings from our principal exports have not been reduced.

But that is beside the point.

The more germane question is what is the gap between imports and exports since the wider this gap, the greater pressures it will place on the foreign currency market.

And this can lead to a devaluation, which will hurt the savings and earnings of the poor. Already, one analyst has urged persons to protect the value of their savings.

A further deterioration in the economy will increase unemployment. It will make a bad situation worse.

The government, in full election mode, has promised Lindeners – major constituency of the PNCR – more jobs. The government plans to spend $60M to rehabilitate a call-centre in that community in order to provide 200 new jobs by 2019.

However, the government is not saying who will be the client or clients for which the

call-centre will be providing services. Unless there is a client, it makes no sense rehabilitating the call-centre.

It will only end up being a white elephant.

Lindeners have had a bitter experience with the previous call-centre, which was closed months after the Coalition government took office, with close to 100 persons losing their jobs.

The local outsourcing industry is experiencing some spasms. One major call-centre has laid off some of its workers.

On the other hand, a major player seems to be expanding its operations in Georgetown.

This is another example of the mixed signals, which the economy is being generated with the economy.

The government has to address these mixed signals.

Otherwise, investors will become extremely cautious about investing in Guyana and that will only mean greater hardships.

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Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Valerie Rodway: A fitting tribute The event to commemorate the 100 birth anniversary of Valerie Rodway together with the naming of a state building after her is one of the refreshing mementos to have emerged since the birth of discomforting tensions that generated by the no confidence vote.

Ms. Rodway was related to one of the political activists that had deep influence on me – Brian Rodway of the Movement Against Oppression then the Working People’s Alliance. There is no question about the resemblance. The honour bestowed on Ms. Rodway was soothing in that it transcends partisan politics and ethnic quarrels. It centers on the lady’s excellent contributions to the culture and art of our country.

Since the demise of the Burnham era, successive governments have displayed philistine ignorance of the

great personalities of Guyana.

The reason has to be more than esoteric as to why Desmond Hoyte is not given a street name.

The absurdity becomes even more unnerving when you think that the Convention Centre is named after Arthur Chung and the small airport at Ogle after Eugene Correia. As a historian, academic and social activist I can only use harsh language to denounce those who continue to shape this country in ways that are insulting to a very young population.

One’s wrath should be reserved for the governments that the PPP led from 1992 to 2015. That is twenty-three years yet in that period central government didn’t do anything to honour those who should have buildings, streets and scholarship in their names.

Shiv Chanderpaul Drive was the idea of the then

Georgetown Mayor, Hamilton Green. It was not done by central government.

One of the men who wanted to be president of Guyana, Dr. Frank Anthony, was Minister of Culture. Even if Anthony knew his party would frown on honouring Desmond Hoyte, then what about personalities that have no controversial aura around them? Maybe you can forgive Anthony.

He is a practising Hindu and perhaps didn’t know that one of the singers that got international fame in the eighties was Eddy Grant.

Maybe Frank didn’t listen to that kind of music. You can’t blame people for the music they like. I am not into hip hop, dancehall vibes and rap. Everything, even finding a discarded pair of dilapidated shoes on the roadside, involves political tussles and ethnic competition in Guyana.

Anthony would not have

dared touch Desmond Hoyte.

The current administration would not entertain an ephemeral thought of naming something in Guyana after Walter Rodney or Father Andrew Morrison.

But there is a neutral pathway. Guyana has many Valerie Rodways.

The sad thing about it is that from 1992 onwards the people who can let the current generation know of some outstanding personalities this country birthed are simply not interested. Saint Lucia within days of Darren Sammy’s Twenty 20 World Cup victory as captain of the West Indies team changed its national stadium in his name.

These personalities are many. You don’t have to look far. There is no counterpart to Yesu Persaud. He has gone beyond Peter D’Aguiar as Guyana’s foremost innovative entrepreneur. From DDL, Yesu went into founding Guyana’s first indigenous commercial bank (Demerara Bank), then founded an outstanding small loans agency

(IPED) then into charities.

Why is nothing named after this icon?

Once I am writing on this topic the name Ron Robertson has to be mentioned. I think this is about the third time, I have advocated the urgent naming of something after this prolific contributor to the arts in Guyana. I don’t think the politicians on both sides of the ethnic, political and cultural divide should have a problem with three names – Persaud, Robinson and Grant.

There are more. JOF Haynes is one. The Guyana law school is to be named after him. That should generate no controversy. But the birth of the institution is in doubt.

This man was simply a brilliant jurist.

Rohan Kanhai has not been treated well by successive governments. This guy inspired a generation of cricketers. You have Lance Gibbs Street. That is superb. You have Clive Lloyd Drive. That is great. You have Shiv Chandrapaul Drive. That is

Frederick Kissoon most welcomed. But why is Kanhai missing? Isn’t this more than mysterious?

Some roadways in Guyana have no names and these streets are heavily used.

The first street east of Conversation Tree Road has no appellation attached to it.

This road begins from the highway from the northern side where there is a Rubis gas station. Rubis, when it was Texaco, bought up a famous hotel for its construction right on that spot. That name is gone from the present generation. Why don’t we name the street after that hotel?

Jagdeo warns…

All contractors awarded after March 19 could face court action Contractors who accept contract awards from the government after March 19 could face legal action to recover funds disbursed under those contracts.

This is according to Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, who held a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Thursday.

Jagdeo contended that the government will, after that date, have no jurisdiction to award contracts, because it would be operating illegally.

He said that if the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wins the next General and Regional Elections, the group that assumes government will seek to institute civil procedures against such contractors.

“The Accountant General may face personal liabilities for the disbursement of any money in that period. Contractors and others who persist in dealing with an illegal government could face civil recovery procedures for money that they receive on contracts.”

The leader of the Opposition also doubts that elected officials will be constitutionally in their right to use vehicles and other state assets if the March 19 deadline passes. He said that the PPP would also seek to recover the costs for the usage of those assets. He said that it would

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo even be a violation of the Constitution for an illegitimate government to give orders to the disciplinary forces.

The PPP, he noted, even before an election, will ask the international community to implement sanctions against individuals who disregard the constitution in this regard, as he said he has seen the community do this before.

Jagdeo said that he is making these statements in the same regard as David Granger, who spoke in 2014 about how Guyana would become a pariah state if the then PPP government sought to disregard the No-Confidence Motion brought against them by the then combined A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Alliance

for Change (AFC) opposition. “Our own president, in 2014, defined how Guyana should be treated in those circumstances. They are pushing us into a situation [in which] this country could be harmed.”

He reiterated his stance that the PPP will not grant an extension past the March 19 deadline, because that would make the party complicit in the government’s disregard for the Constitution.

Further, the PPP does not intend to go back to the National Assembly unless the matters relate to the granting of funds to GECOM if such is necessary for General and Regional Elections, or any other matters that would affect progression to same.

Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 16, 2019

CARPHA inks agreement to strengthen regional health security

T

he islands and territories of the Caribbean region, though diverse in language, culture and status, share many public health challenges.

These include chronic diseases, ageing populations, and exposure to the effects of climate change such as extreme weather events and outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Moreover, the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CARPHA] signed a €1.5 million funding agreement with the Agence Française de Développement [AFD], on Wednesday February 13, 2019.

The agreement aims to strengthen strategic intelligence and partnership approaches to prevent and control non-communicable diseases [NCDs] and strengthen regional health security in the Caribbean, which are beneficial to the peoples of the Region.

The agreement was signed by Dr. C. James

Hospedales, Executive Director of CARPHA and Mr. Philippe La Cognata, Regional Director for Atlantic Ocean of the AFD. This signing ceremony took place at the Embassy of France, in Port of Spain.

Serge Lavroff, Ambassador of France to Port of Spain stated, “The partnership marks the firm commitment of the AFD to our region and the strong will to strengthen the links with it and work more closely with the various cooperation stakeholders.

In this regard, health and health issues constitute, in our view, one of the main challenges that the Caribbean must overcome in the coming years and CARPHA is the right stakeholder for us to join forces with.”

Ambassador Lavroff also acknowledged the commitment and quality of work that CARPHA and its teams carry out in the Region.

Speaking at the signing, La Cognata said, “The Agence Française de

Développement is really proud to sign this financing agreement with CARPHA to strengthen regional health security in the Caribbean.”

He further stated, “We consider CARPHA a major player in the region regarding public health issues. For our agency, CARPHA is a quality counterpart a n d w e a r e looking forward to strengthening our partnership over the years to come.”

The objectives of the agreement include improving the availability and use of NCDs and related population risk factor data, in CARPHA Member States [CMS] and at the regional level. The project has three components: Non-Communicable Diseases [NCDs], which includes the update and implementation of clinical guidelines for hypertension and diabetes.

The Regional Health Security component involves communicable disease

CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales. surveillance, and vector control and surveillance. The third component addresses partnerships, and includes partnership, brokering and negotiation training; and formalise cooperation between CARPHA Member States and the French Caribbean Outermost Regions [FCOR] on data collection and analysis as well as in other fields of cross expertise.

Dr. Hospedales thanked

the AFD for their support and stated, “This is a good reflection of solidarity. We are combining the CARPHA umbrella of member states with Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana to have an increased regional health security response to threats, and matters associated with climate and environment, tourism and communicable diseases.”

He went on to say, “The regional response to the grave threat posed by noncommunicable diseases must be intensified immediately if the health, well-being and development gains of Caribbean people are to be protected.

“The areas of collaboration are aligned with CARPHA’s strategic priorities such as childhood obesity and other NCDs, communicable diseases and health security and the Caribbean Cooperation in Health.”

In his capacity as Chair of CARPHA Executive Board, the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health Trinidad and Tobago, commended the AFD for engaging CARPHA, and by

extension the Region, to ensure that global health concerns due to NCDs are addressed.

The Minister stated, “No one can do it alone. It has to be a team effort. Diseases know absolutely no boundaries and we could only prevent and control diseases through collaborative efforts and agencies like this.”

He sa i d , “ C A R P H A already has the UK Overseas Te r r i t o r i e s [ U K O Ts ] a n d D u t c h a s member states, and what this marriage will do is deepen the relationship between CARPHA and the French in the Caribbean, and I hope countries like Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, will become full-fledged members of CARPHA.” Attendees at the signing ceremony included senior representatives from the Embassy of France to the OECS; Centre for Health Economics, UWI St. Augustine; Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs; Ministry of Health; Alliance Française and CARPHA.

Ex-con, pregnant wife charged for...

From page 8 Waleima Singh for a property at Lot 186 Prospect by falsely pretending that she was in a position to sell that property, knowing same to be false.

It was further alleged that on July 31, 2018 at Eccles with intent to defraud, she obtained a sum of $1M from Amanda Sooklall for a property at Lot 34 being a part of 28 Plantation Friendship,

East Bank Demerara, which is the pr o p e r t y o f N a l i n i Rajbance, by falsely pretending that she was in a position to sell that property, knowing same to be false.

She also pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The woman, who cried t h r o u g h o u t the court proceedings, pleaded with the Magistrate to grant her

bail citing that she is pregnant.

However, the Magistrate remanded her to prison on the basis that investigations are still ongoing and the nature of the offences.

The couple was instructed to make their next court appearance on February 28 and March 13, next, respectively for report on the matter.

Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 16, 2019

Verdict looms for accused in fish cleaner's murder

N

e x t w e e k Thursday, High Court Judge James Bovell-Drakes will sum of the evidence in the trial of Quaison Jones, called 'Blondie', who is accused of the murder of his fellow fish cleaner, Marlon Greene.

Greene was knifed to death in 2011 at Meadow Bank Wharf. Yesterday, closing arguments were presented by defence counsel Ronald BurchSmith and Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken and Tameika Clarke. According to reports, on January 17, 2011, some fish cleaners were attracted by loud hollering and when they ran to the location, they allegedly observed Jones cuffing away at Greene.

It was reported that a closer look revealed that Jones was armed with a knife, and there were bloodstains on the blade.

Greene's windpipe and jugular vein were severed, according to the pathologist.

His cause of death was given as shock and haemorrhage.

During the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses, including Stephen Vieira, who said that Greene was like a foster son to him.

According to him, during January 2011, he resided at M e a d o w B a n k k o k e r, Georgetown, with his wife, children and Greene.

MURDER ACCUSED: Quaison Jones Vieira told the court that Greene had no parents and that he used to look him after. “(Greene) had no mother, no father. I use to mind him.”

Questioned by the prosecution as to if he knew Jones, Vieira replied in the affirmative, adding that the accused used to clean fish at the back of Meadow Bank Wharf. He told the jurors that on January 17, 2011, he was at home when he heard an argument.

As a result, Vieira said he exited his house from where he saw “Marlon and 'Blondie' shape up like they going and fight.” According to him, he saw when 'Blondie' pulled out a knife and soon after Greene fell to

the ground.

“Then I see 'Blondie' start boring Marlon,” Vieira added. He said that he noticed a wound to Marlon's neck from where blood was gushing. The witness stated that he and other persons picked up the injured man and placed him in a minibus, which transported him to the hospital. Vieira added that doctors later informed him that Greene had died since his throat had been slit.

Also testifying was Rondell Singh, Greene's brother, who said that he too lived with Vieira. He said that on the day in question, he was at the koker cleaning fish when his employer, Vieira, alerted him of an argument between his brother and Jones.

According to him, he immediately stopped what he was doing and went to part the fight. He saw his brother bleeding heavily from a wound to his neck.

He said that he took his jersey and placed it around his brother's neck and assisted with taking him to the hospital.

Nicolas Isaacs, another fish cleaner, testified that the killing occurred when he was around 17 years of age. He said that Jones, who was armed with a black-handled knife, later ran away from the scene.

Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 16, 2019

Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Unity - a viewpoint C

onflicts, which in many ways adversely affect the lives of people can be heard of and be seen regularly. The many forms of conflict jeopardise the well-being of people be it physical, emotional, mental, financial or otherwise.

People's struggles for a better way of life and in some cases for survival may sometimes propel them into a more confrontational mode.

The social, economic, political, personal, family and other issues, which demand their attention, push them into being less tolerant with a fighting mood surfacing.

This fans flames of conflict.

Such responses whether impetuous or calculated destroy not only good relationships, which are necessary but affect the wellbeing and tranquility of those involved.

In our World, full of lofty ideals, religious teachings and vociferous outpourings on subjects of love, harmony, compassion and understanding, the forces of conflict seem to be getting s t r o n g e r.

Instead of searching for common bonds of unity to face such p r o b l e m s a s p o v e r t y, disease, hunger and want and focus on organizational and national goals, the tendency is to create and promote conflict.

Every person will state acceptance of the need for Peace whether in the homes, schools, workplace, nationally or in the World.

Yet too few are prepared to be instruments of Peace. We seem to forget the Biblical statement, “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.” The question may be asked – What should the conflict lovers be called?

Would the answer be children of the Devil!

Surely, none of us would like to be so categorized, although we may sometimes place ourselves in that group.

Writing on Vision of a Better World, Sir Peter Ustinov stated: Ideally, men should be judged by their actions, not by their beliefs. This is still sadly far from being the case.

Whereas religions have succeeded in elevating humankind to wonderful isolated examples of spiritual strength, their message of love, concord, or even tolerance has been tragically ignored by those who use faith as something by its very nature, divisive,

exclusive and true to the detriment of other truths.

“And yet, despite these threats to the world's peace of mind, enormous changes in our sense of values are thrillingly discernible…

“The quicker ideas of victors and vanquished are relegated to the sports arena, where they belong, to satisfy the chauvinistic diehard streak in all of us, the better.

In the forward looking terms of future coexistence, these criteria have no place…”

In our own society, we witness the perpetuation of divisions, promoting conflict which is inimical to the interests of our People and to the development of our Nation with its motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

Too often, we have the dissipation of energies in argumentative sessions aimed at out-maneuvering and gaining advantage over others, rather than striving to achieve desirable goals beneficial to all. The desire to prove others wrong is then a greater priority than the subject matter itself.

I was thrilled some years ago when the then Prime Minister of Israel in response to a question as to whether he was prepared to give up the Golan Heights, replied in a Statesman like manner that the issue was not the land in dispute but Peace.

The need for promoting Peace is self-evident! In this regard, we have a role to play in our homes, offices, neighbourhoods, communities and country.

The Italian Poet Petrach writing on Peace stated: “Five great enemies to peace inhabit with us viz Avarice, ambition, envy, anger and pride. If these enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy Perpetual Peace.”

My view is that we must seek Peace within ourselves.

We must pray that the Lord

will lift up his countenance upon us, grant us Peace and make us instruments of Peace. Guyana with its natural resources, vast areas of fertile land, hospitable people and lovely climate will not grow, develop and prosper unless those powerful and influential Leaders place the interest of the country and its people

first.

Leaders in the social, cultural, political, religious, professional and educational streams of Guyana who enjoy the status of influencing public opinion and behavioural responses, need to give priority to building bridges of understanding and promoting purposeful unity.

By Vibert Parvatan

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 16, 2019

Banks DIH remembers charitable organisations

Representatives of religious and charitable organisations pose with the Company's Directors at the Deeds of Covenant Ceremony at Thirst Park.

B

anks DIH Limited hosted its Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon and Deeds of Covenant presentation ceremony, last week, as the Company provided charitable assistance.

Twenty-seven religious and charitable organisations were presented with over $4.8 million financial donations during the annual Deeds of Covenant ceremony held on Wednesday at Thirst Park.

Mr. C l i f f o r d R e i s , Chairman/Managing Director said both events have great significance to Banks DIH Limited in fostering goodwill and offering tangible assistance across Guyana.

Presiding over the Deeds of Covenant Ceremony, Mr. Andrew Carto, Human Resources Director said, “We make these donations as part of giving back to the communities in which we operate. We feel much better as a Company when we share what we have received with others and the recipients of donations in urn share with others.”

The organisations were Missions of Charity, St.

Andrew's Kirk, Scout Association of Guyana, Girl Guides Association, St. John's Ambulance Brigade, The Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Young Wo m e n ' s C h r i s t i a n Association (YWCA), Uncle Eddie's Home, Salvation Army, Gentlewomen's Relief Association, Guyana Red Cross Society, St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital, St. John's Bosco Orphanage, Guyana Society for the Blind, Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, St. Philip's Parish Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Our Lady of the Mount Charities, St. Thomas More Men's Hostel, St. George's Cathedral, St. George's Cathedral School Feeding Programme, DharmShala, Guyana Sanathan Dharma Maha Saba, Shaheed's Boys and Girls Orphanage, St. Ann's Orphanage and Ruimveldt Children Home and Care Centre.

Meanwhile, more than 650 of the Company's pensioners and members of benevolent organisations attended the Annual Senior

Citizens Luncheon held last Sunday. Mr. Clifford Reis, Chairman/Managing Director in delivering a brief report on the Company's performance paid tribute to senior citizens.

Mr. Reis at the function said, “We have embarked on a programme of strengthening the relationships we enjoy with our key stakeholders and we have been travelling across the country to meet with our shareholders and friends. Our coming together today represents just another facet of that journey of relationships.”

The Annual Luncheon formed part of the Company Corporate Social Responsibility programme and provided for its pensioners, members and residents of the Guyana Red Cross, Salvation Army men's and women's hostels, David Rose Centre in West Ruimveldt, Guyana Legion, Guyana Society for the Blind, Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired, Uncle Eddies' Home, Archer's Home, St. Vincent de Paul Home among other organisations.

The attendees were provided with meals, refreshment, hampers and financial assistance.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 16, 2019

PAGE 19

Noel Fernandes talks about winning GTT's BMW X1 N

oel Fernandes was the grand prize winner of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph's (GTT) 2018 Plus Size Christmas promotion. It has been almost two months since he was announced the winner, but the moment of astonishment, elation and acceptance is one on which he will reminisce time and again.

It was the first time he was the winner of any contest. Perseverance, faith, his charm and humility are no doubt factors that contributed to his winning the BMWX1.

Fernandes is not only fortunate to have won the new car, but with a year insurance and a year's supply of Super 95 Gas from Guyoil, he and his family can journey with ease.

Born in Kitty, Georgetown, his early education was had at Rama Krishna Primary School.

When he wrote the Common Entrance Examinations, he was awarded a place at the Indian Trust College where he spent less than a year before transferring to

Campbellville Secondary.

There he completed his secondary education.

Almost thirty years ago, he committed his life and pledged his love to his wife and moved to Enterprise Gardens, East Coast Demerara where he still resides.

He relies on his family for support, stability and security.

They have stood by him throughout his life's journey and their support during the competition boosted his confidence and helped prepare him for what was to come.

They are as equally happy and satisfied that he won the car.

Since winning the car, the euphoria has not subsided. His faith has been strengthened. Material possessions are not as important as family, love, faith, security and happiness in life's journey.

H o w e v e r, m a t e r i a l possessions can certainly enhance life's experiences and with his new BMW X1, Mr. Fernandes can attest to this.

The comfort and ease he

is experiencing has no doubt made this time in his life a little more satisfying, relaxed and secure.

He will continue trusting in the power of prayer in all aspects of his life, including the continuous protection and safety of his family as they travel in the new car.

He said that the vehicle is

Noel Fernandes

spacious and comfortable.

Though he is still learning about its operations, travelling has become much easier. As rewarding and comforting as owning the new car is, he remains the same quiet and unpretentious person he was before.

He is grateful that GTT created such an opportunity.

He admires the company's commitment to serving the Guyanese people. “You have earned the respect and appreciation as a good corporate citizen,�

Fernandes stated.

The feelings of joy and contentment will perhaps never dwindle, and he is certainly enjoying every moment a new BMW X1 provides.

Fallen Heroes Foundation continues to assist affected families

T

he Guyana Police Force's Fallen H e r o e s Foundation yesterday donated just under G$800,000 to the families of police officers who died in the line of duty.

Accepting the donation were Enola Pantlitz, Nehena Bollers, Rizpah Cosbert, Triola Elias, Abina La Rose, Adesia Johnson, Carleen Mickle, Neola Persaud and Roxanne Gilkes.

Pastor Raphael Massiah, President of the Foundation, said over the past two and a half years, the organisation has managed to raise significant sums that were utilised for the purpose of providing for the affected families.

Donations from the members of the Guyana Police Force to the Hero's Foundation have enabled them to raise a significant amount that will be donated to bring assistance to the affected families.

The police commissioner, Leslie James, said the Guyana Police Force remains fully committed to the affected families and that each month similar handing over ceremonies are held to bring assistance to those who suffered the loss of their loved ones.

Members of the Fallen Heroes Inc and the beneficiaries.

Pastor Raphael Massiah said the foundation is aiming to bring desktop computers very soon to each of the affected families.

It was brought to the foundations attention that children of the deceased are struggling to access education and materials to help them study.

One young lady from Linden leaves her home before 6 am to travel to the city for school and then travels back to Linden often times getting home later than

6 pm. She then struggles to access the internet and computer to complete her academic assignments.

She is forced to use internet cafes and is faced by all kinds of elements all while trying to complete her day's assignments.

The President of the foundation said they have taken it upon themselves to provide desktop computers to each of the affected families.

These computers are expected to be handed over very soon.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday February 16, 2019

Stage set for Today's Children's Costume and Float Parade - Banks DIH is the Main sponsor

T

he stage is now set for the nation's children to take to the traditional route today for the National Children's Mashramani Costume and Float Parade.

Through a worthy collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and Banks DIH on Thursday, Banks DIH via its Public Relations Manager, Mr. Troy Peters, pledged$2.7M sponsorship of the event. As the main sponsor yet again, Banks DIH is ensuring that the participants remain hydrated with rainforest water and Malta in addition to snacks such as Triskit biscuits, cookies and Demico Ice-Cream.

Today, approximately 2,500 learners are scheduled to take to the streets in a kaleidoscopic costume showcase of fun and frolic.

Banks DIH's Public Relations official Mr. Peters announced, “Banks DIH remains committed to all things Guyanese from the cradle upwards. Mashramani is we own; we are Guyanese and we are 100 percent involved as part of our corporate social responsibility and we are in Banks Country.”

Nicolette Henry, the Minister of Education, in expressing gratitude to Banks DIH for is continued support of the Children's Road Parade being a success, said that Banks DIH has been a resolute partner in education and their continued contributions are valued where the Ministry would have benefitted first-hand from the collaborations.”

“This is the time of year when we are celebrating after hard work and the children's Mashramani

Costume and Float Parade is better off having benefitted from the partnership, support and collaborations from all sponsors including Banks DIH, which has been a stalwart.

“Be advised that every dollar spent in education is well spent, so your investment is in the right place and I look forward to continued long lasting collaboration with Banks DIH in other areas beyond art.”

Ms. Lorraine Barker-King, Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, dubbed the costume and float parade, one of the high points of the Children's Mashramani activities. As part of making the event a success, the Ministry through her unit always looks forward to sponsorship from corporate entities and to date Banks DIH has never failed to deliver.

Ms. Barker- King noted too that the Ministry of Education is an advocate for a balanced curriculum towards producing rounded individuals and as such, “the children's mash programme is an extension that promotes the expressive arts through a national event, which provides an opportunity for the display of budding talents at the school level”.

The event will be hosted under the National theme 'Celebrate 49 with victory in MindRediscovering Eldorado'.

However, for the Children's Road Parade, the theme is further subdivided into several categories.

At the Nursery level, the bands will celebrate Guyana's flora and fauna, the primary bands will celebrate Guyana's folklore while

Minister of Education, Dr. the Hon. Nicolette Henry collects the sponsorship cheque from Banks DIH via its Public Relations Manager Mr. Troy Peters as Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Ms. Lorraine Barker-King and Ms. Torrington, Officer of the Unit of Allied Arts (Ministry of Education photo) the secondary bands will celebrate technologies and other children's organizations will celebrate Guyana's industries.

For the regional presentations, the focus will be on the celebration of the many towns while the individuals are allowed to choose from any of the aforementioned subject areas.

“We know that the sponsors stand to gain immensely from this activity through brand awareness and mileage," said Ms. BarkerKing.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education has also afforded sponsorship for several schools to participate in the road parade and will also be providing accommodation and meals for students from Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine while meals will be provided for Regions Five, Six and Ten. E ff o r t s h a v e a l s o b e e n undertaken by the Ministry of Education towards the improvement of the quality of parade output to make same bigger

and better.

Further Ms. Barker-King noted that the Children's Mashramani programme is aimed at promoting the expressive arts through a national event to encourage schools, educators, parents and the community at large to work together in a creative and artistic atmosphere, cohesively.

The event also provides an opportunity for the display of talents by students and to foster a sense of pride in our national identity.

Cuban sentenced to prison for break and enter

O

ne of the Cuban nationals who appeared on January 29, 2019 for breaking into two variety stores and stealing a quantity of items returned to court yesterday and opted to change his plea of not guilty.

Daniar Pelaez, Jose Gorerva and Junior Infante had appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in the

Georgetown Magistrates' Courts and pleaded not guilty to the two charges made out against them.

With the aid of an interpreter, this time around Pelaez admitted to the charges.

The accused stated, “I want to change my plea; they have nothing to do with this.”

The first charge alleged that

between January 22, and January 23, 2019, the accused broke and entered Stretch Mi Dollar Variety Store, and stole 10 tablets, five cell phones and $75,000 cash totalling to $280,000.

After the charge was read to him Pelaez stated, “I only steal three tablets not 10; but I am guilty of the act.”

It is further alleged that between the same dates, Pelaez broke and entered Inshant Variety Store, and stole a quantity of items, including cash, to the total value of $146,000.

For this charge, the defendant stated that these are things he does not know about however, he would still plead guilty to the charge. As a result of his statement, the magistrate held out that she will not accept his plea and Pelaez is to go on trial to prove otherwise.

According to the facts presented in court by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris on the day in question about 1:00 hrs, police acting on information went to Robb Street and saw Gorerva and Infante standing in front of the two stores,

which are located next to each other.

The police ranks then questioned the men who were unable to give a justifiable answer about their presence there. The owners of the two stores were later summoned.

When the owner of Inshant Variety Store opened his store, Pelaez was found hiding inside.

Police ranks conducted a search on his person and a bag filled with the articles mentioned in the charge was found in his possession.

Meanwhile, when the Stretch Mi Dollar Variety Store was opened the place was ransacked and a quantity of items missing.

Pelaez was arrested and taken to Brickdam Police Station where he was charged for the present offence.

The recovered articles were lodged by the police.

The accused was sentenced to nine months in prison while the others are to remain on remand pending the outcome of their trail.

They will return to court on March 8, 2019.

Convicted: Daniar Pelaez

Saturday February 16, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

UG administration calls for speedy resolution to industrial standoff The University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

Even as it advocates for a speedy resolution in the interest of all concerned, particularly its primary stakeholders – the students, the University of Guyana [UG] administration has maintained that it does not have the fiscal space to meet the demands of the Unions for a 10 and nine percent salary increases for 2018 with respect to support [UB] and academic [UA] staffers.

The administration has also stated that while it is willing to have its financial position be examined by any competent and independent arbiter with a view to pronouncing on the data presented, this will only reflect the financial statements that were presented to the unions.

“The administration is ultimately concerned that our students should suffer and that the unions are being urged to act responsibly as we seek to mutually resolve the current impasse in an amicable responsible manner.”The administration’s disclosure comes on the heels of reports which suggest that the unions – the University of Guyana Workers Union [UGWU] and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association [UGSSA] –are convinced that the Labour Department of the Social Protection Ministry is lacking in its impartiality.

The unions which picketed the university’s Turkeyen campus during the past week are also calling for an audit of the institution’s financial situation.

But according to the administration, due to the current industrial climate at the Turkeyen Campus, it is essential to provide a brief overview on the relations between the Workers’ Unions and the University Administration in the past few months in order to clarify what is being dubbed as misinformation in the public domain. According to the administration, at its meeting on November 14, 2018, the Finance and General Purposes Committee [F&GPC] of the institution, considered and approved a proposal from the Administration for salary adjustments.

These adjustments were in respect to UA and UB Staff for fiscal year 2018 at rates of three and four percents respectively, acting on the basis of what was financially affordable.

“It must also be noted that an adjustment in base salary also triggers a 20 percent increase in housing allowance,” the administration outlined even as it noted that payments were made in December 2018, retroactive to January 1, 2018 and on a tax free basis.

However, it was noted

that when this approval was given, the UGWU’s representative participated in the deliberations of the Committee and voted in favour of the Administration’s proposal.

Of importance, the decision was made “without prejudice to any further negotiations between the Unions and the Administration.”

Subsequent to this decision, it was revealed that the leadership of both Unions objected to the decision of the F&GPC and called the adjustments an “imposition”, while requesting that the matter be referred to the University Council for its consideration. At a Special Meeting of the Council held on December 20, 2018, the decision of the F&GPC was endorsed and approved by the Council. It was further agreed at the Council that the Administration and Unions should immediately recommence negotiations, mindful that the ViceChancellor had extended an earlier invitation to the Unions. The meeting, which had been set before the Council meeting, was held on December 18, 2018, and the parties agreed to formalise an agenda with timelines aimed at moving the process of negotiations forward.

It was also agreed that “...should there be any impasse on any agreed item

that this would be referred to the Chief Labour Officer whose final decision will be respected by all.”

However, on January 31, 2019, the Administration said that it formally responded to a proposal dated January 11, 2019 for salary adjustments for UA and UB Staff at the rates of 10 percent and nine percent, respectively for 2018.

In keeping with the request of the Unions, the administration submitted the Financial Statement of the Income and Expenditure for period January 1 to December 31, 2018. Further, as there were some Liabilities as at December 31, 2018, the administration said, “out of a committed desire for

transparency, provided the Unions’ Leadership with the Net Cash Position after Liabilities as of December 31, 2018.”

In view of the Statements provided to the unions, the administration said that it advised that the university is not in a financial position to meet the 10 and nine percent increases. In response to the unions’ proposal, the administration gave a commitment to immediately commence negotiations for 2019 and to mutually agree on adjustments that are both affordable and sustainable.

“In their response of February 4, 2019 to the Administration’s letter of January 31, 2019, the Unions

conveyed their rejection of the final offer of three percent and four percent, respectively.

The administration also reaffirmed the desire and willingness to negotiate on all other matters raised in the February 4, 2019 letter from the unions,” the administration stated. It was further recommended that the matter be referred to the Ministry of Labour for conciliation as was mutually agreed to on December 18, 2018. The Administration subsequently advised the Department of Labour of the desire to have the matter bought to conciliation.

The Department of Labour, (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 22

Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

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WANTED Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Wanted experience hire car drivers and dispatchers at Ramada Princess Hotel Tel: 616-5419, 265-7076 Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt.

Tel#686-9608 Wanted One (1) Mechanic to work in the interior. must have experience with Cummins engine. Tel#669-3162 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750 Lorry Driver, must have lorry licence, living between East Bank or West Coast #6109624/233-5255 Wanted, one skilled gasoline mechanic. Contact# 629-1290, 671-8122 One skilled Bobcat operator.

Must have 5 years’ experience. Call 609-0766, 2653024 Minibus driver for route 42 Bus #664-0802 One live-in Maid. Call: 6749114.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Totota Rav 4 L VVTI engine, fully loaded, excellent condition, PSS series $2.5M. Call: 618-1395

House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657

One Toyota Tacoma 2010 Excellent Condition for sale #673-0852 Nissan Laurel Executive antique car, Nissan Pathfinder 4-door Jeep.

Superb condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#660-3415/609-7766 1 Toyota Tacoma 2007 Extra Cab, Manual $4.5M Tel#6733988 PEN PAL Guyanese/Canadian male seeking female career oriented 24-28 in marriage. Tel# 6823683 PROPERTY FOR SALE 6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amentities, private yard/ parking.

Located in Georgetown. Call: 6603415,609-7766

Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all amenties, huge yard, security.

Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 660-3415/609-7766 2 Storey Building @ Prime location in Georgetown. Ideal for business & residence. 89 Robb Street, Bourda. #44-208737-1598/ 225-8427/264-1130 Property for sale, 32 James St, Albouystown. #682-8236

VACANCY Scooter Driver (Business).

Call: 223-5282/223-6006.

Georgetown applicants preferred. Background checks will be completed.

General Domestic, must know to cook & salesperson, Apply Keyfoood McDoom EBD General Domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358 Person to assemble bicycle.

Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda One waitress & cook needed.

Apply in person at the coffee bean 133 Church Street #2232222 Cashiers, Porters, Cooks.

Submit application to Survival supermarket, 16 Vlissengen Rd & Duncan St, Newtown Sales Person @ Ark Enterprise/ The Container House. Apply in Person @ 17 Lombard Street, Knowlege of tools vital.

Professional hairdresser specialized in streaking, coloring, ombre, cutting, for further information contact# 652-5800 Professional makeup artist must specialize in manicure, pedicure, facials, nails, for further information contact# 652-5800 Bond Clerk needed. Must have Police Clearance. For more info. Call: 223-0090 Sales/Delivery Clerks. Submit application to Survival supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd & Duncan St Newtown Counter attendants, Please apply to Dian’s Deli Barr & Alexander St, Kitty Contact #225-3700 Office clerk senior/junior.

CXC english/mathematics, computer knowledge. 2237500 Live in or out domestic worker.

Call from Monday-Saturday between 8:15-4:15PM 2237500

VACANCY Receptionist 24-50 233 South Road, Lacytown #225-0198 Looking for someone suitable to manage a leading Auto Sale Tel#642-6859 Call Monday to Friday Between 8 am- 5 pm Vacancy for maid in Kitty.

Contact 223-5897

Male workers to work at Del Ice Company. Training provided. Call: 231-1408/6429191 Hair stylist, Make-up artist, Facials, manicure, pedicure, body massage, gels and acrylic nails technicians #2250115

From page 9 Belgrave, $2.1M worth in phone credit, by falsely pretending the credit was for Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence.He was released on $100,000 bail. Police Prosecutor, Sanj Singh, stated that the victim who is a businessman was contacted by someone who claimed to be Minister Lawrence. That individual requested of the victim to provide $2.1M in GTT phone credit for the Health Ministry.

The court heard the victim was communicating with persons who claimed to be the Minister who made arrangements for him to supply credit to the Ministry.

After some time, the victim went into the Ministry to inquire about his payment and there he learnt that the Minister was never involved in such agreement to provide her Ministry with phone credit.Ali was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment in 2015, after being found guilty of fleecing several unsuspecting females, including an elderly women and two school girls, of hundreds of thousands dollars’ worth in jewellery and electronic gadgets.

He was slapped with three counts of simple larceny and two counts of fraudulent conversion charges.

Two years later, while incarcerated, Ali defrauded three persons by impersonating First Lady, Sandra Granger, by falsely pretending that he was in a position to grant them scholarships.

He was sentenced to six months on each of the three charges, after changing his ‘not guilty’ plea to ‘guilty’ during the trial. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on February 21.

UG administration ...

From 21 according to the administration, invited both parties to a conciliation meeting on February 12, 2019.

At the meeting, it was noted, that the Chief Labour Officer advised that in the absence of a signed Collective Labour Agreement between the University and the Unions, the provision of Labour Act Cap 98:01 Section 4 was being triggered to conciliate the matter.

The parties were further advised that once conciliation commences Industrial Action should immediately cease. In response to the guidance provided by the Department of Labour, the unions pointed out that they were neither prepared for, nor amenable to conciliation and would explore other avenues in seeking a resolution to this matter, the administration added.

Saturday February 16, 2019

Drug running teen changes plea, jailed A teenager who was caught with a quantity of drugs in a motorcar on December 3, last, and had pleaded not guilty, changed his plea yesterday and was sentenced to three years in jail.Delroy Paul, 18, of Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice, was handed the sentence by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, when he appeared before him in the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, West Coast Berbice.

The case for the Prosecution as presented by Prosecutor Corporal Racquel Mars, was that on the day in question, the teen was the lone passenger in motorcar HC 7904, which was heading towards Georgetown.

He was in the front passenger seat when they were stopped by police who were manning a roadblock on the Weldaad Public Road. Upon searching the car, the police noticed a camouflage bag on the floor of the vehicle between Delroy’s feet. The bag when retrieved by ranks and checked, was found to contain five transparent plastic parcels with what appeared to be leaves, seeds and stems of the marijuana plant.

Delroy was arrested and taken into custody where the suspected narcotic was tested and weighed and found to be 2047grams of marijuana.

Delroy, who is well known to the authorities and was recently released from prison, was subsequently charged.

Turkey urges U.S. to put its weight behind Khashoggi investigation

A demonstrator holds a poster with a picture of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi outside the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul, Turkey October 25, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal -/File Photo ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged the United States yesterday to put its weight behind the investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and not to set the matter aside because of its ties with Riyadh.Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by a team of Saudi operatives on Oct. 2, provoking international revulsion.

“The CIA has not yet put its full weight behind this issue ... The United States needs to put its presence, its weight here,” Erdogan told broadcaster A Haber in an interview. He added that Khashoggi should not be “cast aside” due to Washington’s bilateral ties with the kingdom.

The CIA has assessed it was likely the crown prince ordered the killing. Riyadh denies the prince had any involvement.President Donald Trump has cited weapons sales to Saudi Arabia as an important source of U.S. jobs and has stood by the crown prince. He is also reluctant to disturb the strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia.

U.S. lawmakers have pushed for more. Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. Senate asked the Trump administration on Thursday to tell them more about Khashoggi’s death, days after a missed deadline for a detailed report on the killing prompted an angry bipartisan backlash.Erdogan also said that Turkey was determined to take the investigation to an international court, adding that Ankara would deliver all documents and information regarding the case to the authorities that would carry out the trial.A U.N.-led inquiry into Khashoggi’s murder said earlier this month that evidence pointed to a brutal crime “planned and perpetrated” by Saudi officials. After making numerous contradictory statements about Khashoggi’s fate, Riyadh said he had been killed and his body dismembered when negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 16, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Tensions flare in Region 10…

Rusal workers refuse 1% percent increase; management orders them to leave

S

cores of bauxite workers for Russian-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), yesterday downed tools protesting a one percent pay increase that they say was arbitrarily decided.

By last evening, the workers, from the mining department and mobile equipment were ordered by management to leave the premises.

However, the workers, almost 100 of them from the mining department and workshop are standing their ground.The situation is threatening to get ugly.

“We are not leaving this place. We are going to the expats area tomorrow and we are not leaving. They told us that Government ‘okayed’ a one percent increase and that is it. Our working conditions are beyond belief and this government is dragging its foot,” a spokesman for the workers said yesterday.

He explained that workers saw increases of pay in their salaries and queried, and were told it was a one percent increase.

“Rusal and its local operation, BCGI, who has

hired us, are refusing to recognize our union. They can come here and do what they want and no Government is telling them anything. We have become second class citizens in our own country.”

The first shift of equipment workers numbering 40 downed their tools yesterday.

Management met with them in the mine site area and ordered them to return to work or face a cease of operations.

The workshop crew too joined in the protests actions and by yesterday afternoon, the company wrote them, saying that there are no options by closing the mines.

The affected workers included the mining, mobile equipment operators, and maintenance crews.

They were told that all work have been brought to a stop until further notice.

“All affected workers are asked to leave the premises of the company with immediate effect.”

The workers were backed by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.

According to the union, the situation is an

Defiant workers yesterday after they parked the trucks embarrassment to all Guyanese.

“The workers’ protest was responded to by management at a meeting held where they were brutally told that they will be fired if they do not return to work within the day, that they can seek redress wherever they want, and to hell with the government. The operations at the mines and maintenance departments have come to a halt.”

The union said that Article 147(2) of the Constitution of Guyana protects the right to strike.

The union said that since December 2009, under the

Indi Beharry, who became a household name, has died Died: Inderjeet Beharry

One of the executives of the iconic Edward B Beharry Group, whose name became synonymous with a brand of curry powder, has died.

Inderjeet Beharry, known more popularly as ‘Indi’, was 78.

According to President David Granger in a statement yesterday, he is saddened at the passing of the prominent businessman.

Beharry is the son of Guyanese business magnate, the late Edward Beharry of

the Edward B. Beharry Group of Companies.

The company, known in its early days for Chico bubblegum, Indi Special Madras curry powder and chowmein line, has diversified its holdings, acquiring the Toyota dealership rights, and entering banking, buying up and establishing the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry. It has acquired c o n trolling in Sterling Products, famous for its ice

creams and soap powder.

According to the Government statement, in 2016, President Granger conferred Beharry with the insignia of the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH), the country’s third highest National Award.

“President Granger expresses sympathy to his wife, Mrs. Shazeeda Beharry, his children Suresh, Anil and Praharshanie and his other relatives, colleagues and friends.”

BCGI management warns staffers yesterday to get back to work noses of successive governments, BCGI has been engaged in a series of violation of the law and transgressing of the workers’ rights.

“The management continues to refuse to treat with the recognised union of the workers’ choice, the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU).

“GB&GWU had earlier informed Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, of the industrial action taken by the aggrieved and deprived workers. The Union stands in solidarity with these workers in the exercise of their basic right and for the upholding of their attendant rights.”

It called for all Guyanese to understand the struggles faced by these workers, to empathise with them, and to lend support.

“GB&GWU calls on the international community for its solidarity. The continued violation of BCGI workers threatens multiple family units and the entire communities within which they reside. The threat to one is a threat to all; and injustice here is an injustice everywhere.”

According to the bauxite union, workers of BCGI have

been suffering since under the previous government and continue to suffer under the current.

“How many more have to suffer, how many families and children have to suffer? As Guyanese, citizens of the world, one and all will have to face the reality now.

GB&GWU calls on the Government and Opposition to intervene immediately and stop this violation of the Guyana Constitution and the Rule of Law and the transgressing of the workers’ right by a foreign sovereign power.”

The union noted that in this period of political division and external tension with neighbouring Venezuela, which is facilitating a growing presence of Russia in its

ongoing pursuit of geopolitical relevance, is management’s new threats and intensified violation, a strategy that must be paid attention to. ”More so, in the context of a heated upcoming election and the exploitation of our oil and gas resources, this matter is no longer a simple labour issue. There seems to be a hidden agenda with potentially dangerous consequences that both the Government and Opposition should take immediate action on. This is about a nation’s sovereignty and national interest, the respect for worldwide comity.”

In 2009, more than 50 striking workers were sacked

by BCGI. That matter has never been resolved.

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Kaieteur News

Halep outlasts Svitolina in Doha thriller, faces Mertens in final

Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates winning her Semi Final match against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. (REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari)

(Reuters) - Top seed Simona Halep came back from 4-1 down in the deciding set to beat Elina Svitolina 6-3 3-6 6-4 in the Qatar Open semifinal yesterday, marking her first victory over the Ukrainian in nearly two years.

Halep made an aggressive start and claimed an early break with a scorching backhand winner to set the tone for the evening.

The Romanian clinched the opening set before WTA Finals champion Svitolina upped her aggression from the baseline to snatch a break for 2-1 lead in the second set.

After bagging the second set, Svitolina claimed an early break again in the final set, while also frustrating her opponent with her relentless court coverage.

Seeking another break of

Saturday February 16, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might feel especially playful today, Aries. You can expect to feel a great deal of love and affection from others. Be aware that you will have a strong tendency to indulge in food and drink TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) The bizarre nature of the day may leave you feeling a bit bewildered, Taurus. Don't sweat it. Focus on your romantic nature and incredibly nurturing heart.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You will be in an especially affectionate and loving mood today, Gemini. Your romantic nature is heightened and your nurturing qualities are strong. You're extra sensitive and receptive.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Annoyances of daily life may rub you the wrong way today, Cancer. Other people's strong opinions and odd quirks may be difficult to swallow.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Be open and honest about your feelings toward others today, Leo. Your receptive nature should be ready.

Take a break and let others come to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your heart beats extra strong today, Virgo, but it may not seem like anyone knows it but you. You may feel like you aren't really fitting in with the energy of the day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a fantastic day for you, Libra. Join close friends and share a night on the town and fine meal. This is a chance to begin a new cycle of romance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your warm, sensitive nature is perfectly suited to today's aspects, Scorpio. Your emotional energy is strongly tied to your heart, and you will find that there's a longing to be close to others.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will enjoy a great deal of affection from others today, Sagittarius. You radiate an air of love and beauty.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your heart may be especially sensitive today, Capricorn.

You may feel a bit vulnerable. Your romantic nature is particularly strong, so treat yourself to a pampered evening.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) All aspects of love and romance will go especially well today, Aquarius. You might take this opportunity to make a bold move toward the object of your affection.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) All aspects of love and romance will go especially well today, Aquarius. You might take this opportunity to make a bold move toward the object of your affection. . Try something unconventional.

serve to close out the match, Svitolina came out on top in several high-octane rallies during an eight-minute sixth game and held three break points for a 5-1 lead in the final set.

But Halep summoned her powers of recovery to fend off all three points and went on to clinch five straight games en route a remarkable victory.

Halep last defeated Svitolina in the 2017 French Open quarter-finals, and since then had not won a set in their following three encounters.

The 2014 Doha champion was pleased to set the record straight to move into her first final of the season.

“I’m happy because I didn’t give up... The two finals that I played against her in Rome I gave up and I was not ready to fight,” said Halep, who will face unseeded Belgian Elise Mertens in Saturday’s final.

Caster Semenya: South African...

From page 28 with naturally high testosterone levels would have to race against men or change events unless they took medication to reduce it.

Athletes who wanted to compete in those events must take medication for six months, then maintain a lower testosterone level.

The rules were intended to be brought in on 1 November last year, but were delayed until 26 March after the legal challenge from Semenya and ASA. The IAAF denied a report on Thursday that lawyers would argue athletes like Semenya should be classified as male.

Speaking in June, Semenya called the ruling “unfair”, adding: “I just want to run naturally, the way I was born.”

As an 18-year-old, she was asked to take a gender test but no results have officially been made public.

The case will be heard from 18-22 February, with an outcome expected by 29 March.

“Now I change that, and it makes me happier, because I showed myself that I’m able to do that.”

“The mental part is really important... but definitely today I was stronger physically as well, because against Svitolina (it) is never easy to win a match. She’s very strong on the legs.”

Mertens scored her second top 10 victory of the week as she battled past threetimes Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber 6-4 2-6 6-1.

Mertens, who defeated fifth seed Kiki Bertens in the quarter-final, has failed to win a set against Halep in her previous two meetings — both on clay last year.

Ferrari unveil new Formula One car...

From page 28 and transparency will flourish.”

Ferrari were far from serene under Arrivabene, adopting something of a siege mentality with the media often shut out and insiders talking of a climate of fear at Maranello.

Binotto said there were a lot of positives to take from 2018 but the new car was a step up.

“We simply tried to raise the bar, raise the level, tried to be as extreme as we could,” he added. “Certainly we tried to push very hard, being innovative. The roll hoop is very narrow and very slim. The bodywork from the back, very slim.

“In terms of engine installation, power unit installation, packaging, a lot of effort has been done and I think the final shape is the result of all these efforts.”

Testing starts in Spain on Monday with the first race in Australia on March 17.

PAGE 28

Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

Ex-Windies star Bishop defends suspended Gabriel, says education a better option (Reuters) The punishment handed Shannon Gabriel for a gay slur directed at Joe Root was a little harsh, says former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop, who at the same time acknowledged the fast bowler erred in his choice of words directed at the England captain.

Gabriel was suspended for the West Indies’ four upcoming one day internationals by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after his verbal altercation with Root during the third test in St. Lucia on Monday.

The bowler said to Root: “Why are you smiling at me?

Do you like boys?”

To which Root replied: “Don’t use that as an insult, there is nothing wrong with being gay.”

Root’s reply has been widely praised, and Gabriel has since apologised. Bishop

has no doubt it was a sincere apology.

“I find the punishment a little on the harsh side,” Bishop said in a telephone interview with Reuters.

“I know Shannon. He is a good, good guy.

“The question he posed, in the current cultural climate, he should not have said it, and down the road he will realise you can’t say something like that because it could be perceived as a bias against a certain group.”

As a player, Bishop took 161 wickets in 43 tests at an average of 24.27 between 1989-98.

Now a widely respected television commentator in the Caribbean, the Trinidadian acknowledged that players had to be mindful that what not so long ago might have been passed off as a typical piece of on-field sledging was no longer fair game.

Bishop says that instead of suspending Gabriel, greater benefit would have been achieved had officials had a quiet talk to educate and sensitize the player, along the lines of: “Look, we see you may not have meant great harm, but many of our players and stakeholders and people make their life choices to live by their own philosophy and that’s their right.

“We feel it’s not what we want to be seen or heard and prefer more sensitivity towards others.”

Bishop hopes the poorlychosen remark does not blight Gabriel’s reputation.

“I will stand by his side and say he is not the demon person some have made him to be,” he said of Gabriel.

“One scenario should not define who he is growing into as a person.”

Ferrari unveil new Formula One car for new era

The new Ferrari Formula One SF90 which was unveiled at Maranello (AFP Photo/Handout) (Reuters) - Ferrari turned a page on their recent past yesterday as they unveiled the Formula One car designed to end an era of Mercedes domination and shatter Lewis Hamilton’s dreams of a sixth championship this season.

The sport’s oldest and most successful team, who last won a title more than a decade ago and finished runners-up last year, presented the SF90 with plenty of fanfare at their Maranello factory.

“I’m looking forward to this year. I think the team is on the right path and hopefully we can continue improving,” four times world champion Sebastian Vettel, winner of five races in 2018, assured the audience.

The German has a new

team mate in Charles Leclerc, replacing 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen, and a new principal following the departure of Maurizio Arrivabene and appointment of Mattia Binotto.

“I’m extremely excited to start this new adventure,” said Leclerc. “It’s a dream since childhood. I’ve always been looking at the red cars, hoping to be one day in this car, so it’s a very emotional day for me.”

Ferrari chief executive Louis Camilleri said Raikkonen, now at Alfa Romeo, and Arrivabene would always be part of Ferrari’s history but made clear the team was entering a new era.

Noting that Ferrari had enjoyed their best season in

10 years, he said they had still fallen short of their objectives in a setback that was “never easy to swallow.

“I can assure you that we look ahead with strong commitment and determination,” he added.

Camilleri said Vettel was as hungry as ever, and Leclerc a youngster with a great future.

He hailed Binotto as a “team player, decisive, talented and determined to make a huge difference at all levels.” “Despite all the obvious pressure that exists, the atmosphere in the team from top to bottom will be one in which serenity will prevail,” said Camilleri. “It is a precondition to a tightly-knit team where creativity, talent (Continued on page 27)

NBA roundup: Davis injured in Pelicans’ win

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Nerlens Noel (3) defends during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports) Jrue Holiday and Julius Randle combined for 65 points to lead host New Orleans to a 131-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, but the Pelicans lost All-Star forward Anthony Davis to a shoulder injury.Davis missed the second half, finishing with 14 points and four rebounds in 15 minutes. It wasn’t immediately known whether the injury would keep Davis out of the All-Star Game on Sunday in Charlotte, N.C. Randle had 33 points and 11 rebounds, and Holiday added 32 points. E’Twaun Moore scored 15 points and Jahlil Okafor had 12 as New Orleans bounced back from two straight losses.

Russell Westbrook extended his NBA record by producing an 11th consecutive triple-double,

finishing with 44 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the Thunder, who had won four straight and 11 of 12. Paul George added 28 points, and Nerlens Noel had 22.

Knicks 106, Hawks 91 Dennis Smith Jr. scored 19 points as New York put an emphatic end to its 18-game losing streak by winning at Atlanta.

New York had not won since Jan. 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers. During the streak, the Knicks had dropped six games on the road and 12 at home. The 18-game skid was a franchise record for a single season.

The Knicks also got 14 points from ex-Hawk John Jenkins, who was only playing his second game with the club, plus 14 points and nine rebounds from Kadeem

Allen. Dewayne Dedmon led the Hawks with 21 points while Trae Young and Kent Bazemore each scored 16.

Young added 11 assists.

Magic 127, Hornets 89 All-Star Nikola Vucevic compiled 17 points and 11 rebounds for his 41st doubledouble of the season as Orlando beat visiting Charlotte for its fifth consecutive victory.

The Magic snapped a 13game losing streak to the Hornets that dated to the 2015-16 season. They were in control throughout, racing to a 15-point lead after one quarter and leading by 35 at halftime. Their biggest lead in the second half was 40.

Terrence Ross led the Magic with 21 points. Malik Monk was the top scorer for the Hornets with 15 points.

(Field Level Media)

Caster Semenya: South African government calls on world to fight against IAAF rule BBC Sport - Caster Semenya has been “targeted”, says South Africa’s sports minister, who called a proposed IAAF rule a human rights violation.

Olympic 800m champion Semenya, 28, is challenging athletics’ governing body over its bid to restrict the levels of testosterone in female runners.The case will begin on Monday at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

“The world once declared apartheid a crime against human rights,” Thokozile Xasa said.“We once more call the world to stand with us as we fight what we believe is a gross violation of human rights.”

Apartheid was a system of racial segregation imposed by a minority white

ruling group in South Africa from 1948 to 1991.Xasa said yesterday that “far more was at stake” than the right to participate in sport.

“Women’s bodies, their very identity, their privacy and sense of safety and belonging in the world, are being questioned,” she said.

“Our history as a nation was in the main based on the defence of our people against their human rights violation - that all humans are created equal.“This is a gross violation of internationally accepted standards of human rights law.”Athletics South Africa also gave world champion Semenya its “unqualified support”.What does the rule mean?The proposed IAAF rule would apply to women who race in track events from 400m up to the mile.Under the ruling, female athletes (Continued on page 27)

Saturday February 16, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

England, India tours set to boost CWI after financially ‘horrible’ 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Cricket West Indies is bracing for a huge financial windfall from the ongoing England tour and the upcoming home series against India, as the cashstrapped organisation hopes to make up for a disastrous 2018 when they lost an estimated US$20 million.

According to chief executive, Johnny Grave, CWI is expected to rake in about US$20 million this year, allowing the governing body to at least break even, and more importantly continue to fund its extensive age group programmes.

England concluded their three-Test series against West Indies earlier this week and will now turn their attention to the limited overs phase, which comprises five OneDay Internationals and three Twenty20s.

The tour is England’s first full one of the Caribbean in a decade and with world

number one-ranked India scheduled to play two Tests, three ODIs and three T20s between July and August, Grave said 2019 would be “massive” for CWI’s revenues.

“It (England tour) is always important but this year more than ever because of the fact last year was such a bad year for us financially,” Grave said.

“Playing Sri Lanka at home and Bangladesh at home, the contract that we have with our our TV crew … probably 50 per cent of our revenue comes from TV, and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the worst value within that deal. So to have got through last year … was tough.”

He continued: “Last year was financially horrible and therefore this year with England and India coming after the World Cup, will be a record year for the West Indies.

“England is always

England fans take in the opening Test at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown last month. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

important but certainly after the 2018 season we had where we probably had the lowest revenue we’ve had for decades, to suddenly be able to jump into this means that

Bascome named as Bermuda’s new national coach...

From page 31 Board (BCB), said earlier the board could no longer afford to bring in a foreign coach.

Smith, who made the announcement on Thursday, said the board’s executive had unanimously supported the recomm e n d a t i o n o f t h e high-performance committee to appoint Bascome.

“Herbie has devoted his life to our great sport and brings great passion and experience to the role,” Smith said.

Bascome replaces another former Bermuda national team player, Clay Smith, who withdrew his services last October after his three-year contract expired. Smith had taken over the post from fellow Bermudian Arnold Manders.

Bermuda cricket has

been in the doldrums internationally since Trinidadian Gus Logie – who had Bascome as his assistant – led the island to the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

It hit a new low last year when the country, along with Vanuatu, were relegated to the ICC’s World Cricket League Division Five after finishing bottom of a Division Four tournament in Malaysia.

Bascome’s initial task is to prepare the Bermuda squad for the ICC Americas Region T20 World Cup qualifying tournament, which Bermuda will host from August 15 to 25.

The double elimination tournament will also involve Canada, the United States and Cayman Islands,

with the top two countries advancing to the Global Qualifier in November, ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity that the board has given me to lead o u r c o u n t r y ’s n a t i o n a l cricket team,” Bascome said.

“I have been fortunate to have had outstanding experience as assistant coach to Gus Logie when we were a Division One team.

“I am fully committed to moving our cricket back towards those high-performance levels, starting with a strong showing in August in the T20.

“I encourage players to commit to playing for our country and restoring pride at the national senior level.”

we’ll come out the end of this year with a kind of par score which is good from a business point of view.”

In recent years, England have undertaken single format tours of the Caribbean.

In 2017, they played only ODIs, in 2015 they travelled for a three-Test series only, while the 2014 tour comprised ODIs and T20s.

The ongoing tour began with a near sold-out opening Test at Kensington Oval here on January 23 and wraps on March 10 with the final T20I in St Kitts, marking six weeks of high profile cricket for the Caribbean.

“This year is massive. To have an England tour of this size looking ahead for the next five years is unprecedented,” Grave explained.

“To get them in all three formats … three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and three T20s, then to have the World Cup in England where we’ve obviously won twice, and then to host India at home and be the first game we’re playing in this new Test championship … it’s a massive amount of cricket for us.

“It’s a big year of cricket, big year financially and by the end of it we’ll be back on an even keel and looking ahead to the next phase which is a new ODI league, new Test championship and for us a new TV deal.”

But the Englishman also struck a note of caution, warning that CWI also needed to exercise prudence going forward, especially with

the commercial structure heavily reliant on high profile home tours.

“It is important we make massive profits this year because of the losses last year so whilst there is lots of money flowing from this England tour and lots more to come against India, we’ve got to run a really conservative year to make sure we can repay the debt from last year,” he noted.

“We don’t sit on massive reserves which from a business planning point of view, is not ideal. We do want to grow reserves to help manage the peaks and troughs because we don’t really control England, India and when those tours come so you want to be able to ride those bumps in revenue.”

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Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

Guyanese Badminton Star Narayan Ramdhani battles in the ACAC Championships - Hopes to make it to Canadian Nationals The sport of badminton has been part of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) landscape since 1965-66.

Several schools have come-and-gone since then and the sport even took a brief hiatus from 2012-2014.

ACAC Archives will show that the Red Deer College Kings/Queens won nine ACAC badminton team banners, while the Mount Royal Cougars claimed 10.

Red Deer no longer has a badminton programme, while Mount Royal moved up to U Sports a few years ago.

But the King and Queen of the provincial hardwood remains the NAIT Ooks, with 15 team titles including an eight-year run.

With four schools participating at the 2018-2019 ACAC Badminton Championships February 1617, 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta and hosted by the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder, will the Ooks still dominate or will Concordia steal some of the Thunder?

Or will The Kings

Narayan Ramdhani University Eagles break the gold medal jinx and the Old College Broncos add to their two top podium finishes from past years?

The Kings University Eagles Eagles head coach Naeem Haque said: “We need to get some stronger players. Last year I had a mixed team that went to provincials and nationals and they are not back. I have a new whole team.

But I have one guy, Narayan R a m d h a n i ( 1 s t y e a r, Business, Georgetown, Guyana / Marian Academy) who has done really well in the ACAC. I am pretty sure

he will be going to nationals.

He has only lost one match this year and that was at Olds and he was pretty sick then.

He is 3-1 in men’s singles.

Things are looking up for us.”

NAIT Ooks Of the possibility of making it nine ACAC Badminton titles in-a-row, Ooks head coach Sinead Cheah informed: “You know it is going to be harder this year as Concordia has some very strong players on their team. We will still try to do our best and hopefully outsmart them in a few ways.”

“For the sport overall, it is positive to have competition between schools, so they can get in there and have their time to shine. We know it would be hard to let it (ACAC team title) go, but we will have to put up more of a fight this year than in previous years.”

“Jeffrey Ko (5th year, Denturist Technology) is definitely a favourite for any or all events and he has definitely propelled our program forward.

“Eyota Kwan (2nd year,

Chemical Technology) is definitely one of our stronger girls and she is a former ACAC winner.”

Ko and Kwan are defending ACAC and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) mixed doubles champions.

Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder “In terms of the team event, it is going to be really, really close. With the format best-of-seven, you have to win four-of-the-seven matches and we are prepared.

Plus, with us hosting, I think we have a good shot at winning it for the first time in a long time and there should be some really cool matches,”

said head coach Kevin Mac Alpine.

“With Desmond Wang (2nd, Bachelor of Science, Edmonton, Alberta) and Takeisha Wang (4th year, Bachelor of Science, Edmonton, Alberta), both won men’s and women’s singles at nationals...any time you have them on the team, that is a perk and we have a solid core around them. We are a well-balanced team.”

Olds College Broncos “For the provincials to get into a gold medal or medals we will be looking to our men’s doubles of Colton Geier (1st year, Heavy Equipment Tech, Two Hills, Alberta) and Alexander Boulier (1st year,

Sports Management, Red Deer, Alberta),” stated head coach Mary Smith. “They need to have consistency, doubles rotation and focus.

Mixed doubles will be our second focus with Kacie Peever (2nd year, Land Reclamation & Remediation, Fort St. John, British Columbia) and her partner depends on how men’s doubles go. So, it will be either Colton Geier or Luther Jerke (2nd year, Turfgrass Management, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan).”

All games will be played at Ralph King Athletic Centre.

(Reporting by ACAC Sports Writer Curtis J. Phillips)

Patrick Forde Memorial Boxing Championships

St Lucia’s Langalier out due to cut over left eye in training - T&T’s Prince will now fight Amsterdam

GBA President Steve Ninvalle.

By Sean Devers The much anticipated match-up between St Lucia’s Arthur Langalier and Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam which was set to headline tomorrow’s second annual Patrick Ford memorial tournament at the National Gymnasium will no longer take place due to a cut sustained by the St Lucian.

“Mr Arthur Langalier got cut over his left eye in training on Wednesday night and we were waiting today (yesterday) to get a report on the cut. He was informed by the doctor that he will need a little bit of rest so unfortunately he will not be able to come to Guyana to fight the Beast on Sunday,” informed the St Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) President David ‘Shakes’ Christopher.

St Lucia Arthur Langalier is out due to cut over eye in training.

When Langalier and Amsterdam last fought in the final of the Caribbean Boxing Championships (CBC) last year in Guyana, the St Lucian would have given Amsterdam his toughest time in the ring; giving him the only 8-count he got throughout the Championships.

“Hopefully we will be finishing the mission (return fight) something soon,” added Christopher, who apologised for the boxer’s unavailability due to the unfortunate injury and wished the GBA well with their Championships.

“I know many fans were looking forward to their rematch but there is nothing anyone can do about such things. But Trinidad and Tobago’s Middleweight Champion Aaron Prince has replaced Langalier and will

now oppose Amsterdam,” informed President of Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle.

Ninvalle said the cut sustained by Langalier and his subsequent pulling out of the Championships was unfortunate and the GBA wished him a speedy recovery.

Guyana’s 19-year-old 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games Silver Medallist Keevin Allicock, will face-off with Trinidad & Tobago’s Justin Parris in the main supporting bout in what is anticipated to be a sizzling hot 56 kgs Elite affair.

The GBA’s first International Card for 2019 will have 15 bouts with the first one starting at 19:00hrs and admission to stands is $1,000, while entry to Ringside seats cost $2,000.

Saturday February 16, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Guyana among 35 MA’s to compete for regional title and - 2019 Concacaf Under-17 Championship 4 spots at FIFA U-17 WC Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) yesterday announced the host venue and dates for the 2019 Concacaf Under-17 Championship.

The redesigned competition will be the largest Concacaf Under-17 tournament ever.

The men’s World Cup qualifying competition, to be hosted at the IMG Academy campus in Bradenton, Florida, will be disputed in three rounds. The first-round qualifiers will take place March 16-24 and April 1-9, while the Final Championship – group stage and knockout stage, will take place May 116.

“We are very excited to announce the expansion and redesign of the 2019 Concacaf Under-17 Championship,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio.

“This new format will fuel the growth of football in the region, by allowing all our members to compete at a higher level, while maximizing the opportunities for young players to gain valuable experience on and off the field.”

Unlike the previous format, which included regional qualifiers in the Caribbean and Central America and one final Championship, the new

Coach Sampson Gilbert was at the helm of the last Guyana U-17 team seen training here at the GDF Ground in June of 2016. centralized competition will ensure that all participating teams have an opportunity to play more top-level football matches in a single location.

The competition will kick off on March 16, with the qualifiers. For this initial stage, the lowest-ranked 19 teams, based on the Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Ranking as of May 2017, will be divided into four groups. After roundrobin play, the top finisher in each group will advance to the knockout stage of the final competition.

The Final Championship will begin with a group stage, in which the top-ranked 16

participating teams, based on the Concacaf Men’s Under17 Ranking as of May 2017, will be divided into four groups. After round-robin play, the top three finishers in each of the groups will join the winners of Groups A, B, C and D from the qualifiers in the round of 16.

The knockout stage of the competition - round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final - will be played in its entirety in a single match elimination format, with the semifinalists automatically qualifying for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru.

The participating Member

NSC/Magnum Mash Cup

Must win scenario sets up exciting evening -Champs Bent Street, Sparta in race to qualify Just when you thought that the excitement witnessed in the three previous rounds of the preliminary phase could not be duplicated, tonight’s matchups in this year’s National Sports Commission (NSC)/ Magnum Mash Cup which is being played, at the National Gymnasium is set up nicely to surpass every round that came before.

A number of the traditional ‘big’ teams are on the brink of elimination and they will have to secure victories to guarantee qualification for the round of 16 stage.

Among them are Sparta Boss, defending champions Bent Street, Leopold Street, Albouystown, North East La Penitence, Broad Street and OL Skool Ballers.

Reigning champs Bent Street after a slow start looked impressive in their last showing against Avocado Ballers even though they narrowly won 2-1, but everyone could see that they were beginning to gel.

They face Kingston in their final encounter and judging from their last display should be able to gain the necessary points for progression.

Sparta Boss opened with a comfortable win, but was held to a draw in their next game and even though they sit second in the group,

they go up against leaders North Ruimveldt in the final encounter of the night which should keep the fans present until the end.

Also facing elimination is Albouystown and their clash against a tough Ansa McAl unit could be a crowd pleasing affair, while the openings encounter that features Rhythm Ballers versus Linden’s Silver Bullets is the perfect matchup to ignite the anticipated night of gripping action.

Up for grabs is $600,000 for the winning team, while second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Among the other sponsors on board are: Trophy Stall, Insurance Brokers Guyana Inc. and Nigel Hinds.

Tonight’s fixtures: Rhythm Ballers vs Silver Bullets Ansa McAl vs Albouystown North East La Penitence vs BV-B Stabroek Ballers vs California Square Ol Skool Ballers vs Broad Street Avocado Ballers vs Melanie Leopold Street vs Agricola Bent Street vs Kingston Future Stars vs Buxton Diamond Sparta Boss vs North Ruimveldt

Associations for the 2019 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship are (in alphabetical order): Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,

Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, United States and US Virgin Islands.

An official draw to sort the participating teams into the groups for the qualifying stage and group stage of the final competition will take

place next Tuesday at the Concacaf Headquarters in Miami. Fans will be able to follow all the action through Concacaf.com.

In the previous edition of the Concacaf Men’s Under17 Championship played in Panama in 2017, Mexico won its third straight title and seventh overall, with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over the United States in the final.

DCB 2019 Under-15 Inter Association

Georgetown emerge winner of the 2019 tourney In the final round of the DCB 2019 Under-15 Inter Association Cricket tournament, the Georgetown duo Johan Campbell and Romero Deonarine humbled East Bank Demerara to secure the title, while East Coast Demerara gained a consolation win over West Demerara.

Georgetown vs.

East Bank Demerara Over at Everest, Georgetown won the toss and elected to field, putting East Bank in a spot of bother against the penetrative bowling of Shaquan Walter. Walter eventually grabbed 3 for 1 from 2.4 overs. He gained valuable support fromAvinash Rajkumar and Krisna Singh who took 2 for 20 and 10 respectively, as East Bank folded for 78 off 29.4 overs. Batting for East Bank, national under-15 player, Mavindra Dindyal was the lone batter to score double figure, with 46.

In reply, Georgetown notched their way to victory off 22.3 overs, to finish on 80 without loss. Opening

batsmen Jodan Campbell and Romaro Deonarine made a humble 35 and 26 respectively. Georgetown won by a massive 10 wickets.

East Cast Demerara vs.

West Demerara In the other match at Georgetown Cricket Club ground, East Coast won the toss and elected to field, restricting the West Demerara team for a meagre 80 for 9 from their allotted 50 overs.

Rezekiel Renee was the lone batsman to score double figure, with 10. Bowling for East Coast, Nicholas Sheopersaud was the most destructive bowler grabbing 5 for 27, while Josh Alves claimed 2 for 9.

In reply, East Coast took a cautious approach towards achieving their target, reaching 81 for7 off 41.4 of their allotted 50 overs. At the end, Omari

Lallbachan was unbeaten on 26, while Nicolas Sheopersaud was not out on 4. Bowling for West Demerara, Sachin Balgobin was the most instrumental bowler grabbing 5 for 13, while good support came from Nityanand Mathura and Rezekeil Renee, who took one wicket a piece.

East Coast won by 3 wickets Georgetown’s unbeaten streak in the competition ensured that they lifted the DCB 2019 Under-15 InterAssociation title. On conclusion of the tournament, the Guyana Cricket Board was high in praise of coach, Orin Bailey, TDO Admin Assistant, Kavita Yadram and TDO, Colin Stuart for their strategic approach in ensuring that a highly talented and cohesive Georgetown team took to the field during the tournament.

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Saturday February 16, 2019

Kaieteur News

Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tourney

Top seeds begin campaign on night three

By Sean Devers The eagerly awaited top seeds beginning their campaign on Valentine’s night (Thursday) in the Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street and the pulsating exhibition of Squash did not disappoint the largest turnout of spectators present so far in cold and windy conditions.

Long rallies highlighted play in most of the matches involving the top seeded players as they fought from negative handicap scores to book places in the next round.

Number one seeded Alex Arjoon worked his way from a huge negative 22 points handicap against Ian Mekdeci, who began the game with five points to win in straight games.

But it was not as easy as it sounded as the skilful Arjune, sporting a red headband, had to score 37 points, while Mekdeci only need 10 to secure a win.

But against a quality competitor like Arjune, that was like trying to kill a hostile Lion with your bare hands and despite putting up spirited resistance an exhausted Mekdeci succumbed and lost the match 15/12, 15/11.

In the biggest gap in age, 26-old Ashley Khallil (-6) came up against the grey haired Tony Farnum w h o b e g a n t h e game needing just five points to upset the talented Khallil who dominated the first game with clinical drop shots; scoring 21 points, while Farnum failed to score any to register a 15-10.

But Khallil was short of her best form and despite her

26-year-old Ashley Khallil fought hard to beat Tony Farum who turns 65 this year.

Regan Pollard beat the fast improving Samuel Ince-Carvalhal. (Sean Devers photos) superior fitness and good use of the Court, Khallil, gave away some easy points and lost the second game 7-15.

Despite running out of gas, Farnum was able to score two points as Khallil secured a less than convincing victory 15-12.

In the encounter between Regan Pollard (-14) and the much improved youngster Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (3), the more experienced Pollard emerged victorious by a 15/ 14, 15/8 margin.

Ince-Carvalhal played hard, shot for shot in the first game and edged ahead early in the game, but the seasoned Pollard galloped home with 11 unanswered points to level the score at 13/13.

But although InceCarvalhal was on game ball at 14/13, Pollard came back to win15/14 before dominating the second game for a comfortable15-8 victory.

Dynamo Deje Dias (-10) gave a thrilling performance

Number 1 seed Alex Arjune defeated a tired looking Ian Mekdeci on night 3 action.

against Jonathan Antczak (6) in a three game battle. Antczak was on match ball in the second game, 14/8, when Dias did what he does best in almost impossible positions.

Patience, determination, will and skill kicked in as he pulled out crosscourt drop shots that cleared the tin by millimetres, and trickle boasts that left Antczak and the spectators speechless. After claiming the second game, Dias came out dominant in the 3rd and despite Antczak running down many of the balls he was only able to pick up 4 points ending in a 15/10 defeat. Dias was triumphant 11/15. 15/14, 15/10.

Steven Xavier (-10) took on David Fernandes (10) in a three game victory and Ingram Edwards (8) defeated new comer Wayne Alphonso (11) in two straight games.

Khalil and Damien DaSilva continued their winning streaks and advanced to the next round which was

scheduled for last night.

In Category ‘A’ the contenders for the plate stepped up after previous night’s defeats to make their bid for the consolation title.

Notable performances came from Louis DaSilva, Arvin Seelall, Abhinav Singh and Aishani Persaud.

Play for the both categories and the Open plate were set to continue last evening.

Open Category Ingram Edwards (8) beat Wayne Alphonso (11) 15/9, 15/7 Alex Arjoon (-22) beat Ian

Mekdeci (5) 15/12, 15/11 Damien Da Silva (-6) beat Taylor Fernandes (-6) 15/6, 15/ 13 Ashley Khalil (-6) beat Tony Farnum (10) 15/10, 7/15, 15/12 Deje Dias (-10) beat Jonathan Antczak (6) 11/15, 15/14, 15/10 Steven Xavier (-10) beat David Fernandes (10) 11/15, 15/13, 15/11 Regan Pollard (-14) beat Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (3) 15/ 14, 15/8 Category A Joshua Verwey (11) beat Beau Fernandes (11) 15/5, 15/

5 Ethan Jonas (-4) beat Dhiren Persaud (11) 15/13, 15/ 13 Aishani Persaud (11) beat Grant Fernandes (13) 15/12, 15/6 Mohryan Baksh (-3) beat Lucas Persaud (11) 15/11, 15/ 11 Louis Da Silva (7) beat Kaden Pynaendy (13) 15/10, 15/10 Teija Edwards (11) beat Matthew Daby (14) 15/11, 15/ 8 Arvin Seelall (12) beat Abhinav Singh (14) 13/15, 15/ 4, 15/7

GSCL Inc Republic Cup set for tomorrow at Everest The 2019 edition of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc Republic Cup will be contested tomorrow at the Everest Cricket Club starting at 09:00hrs.

The tournament, which is also being used as preparation by several local teams for the Florida Cup slated to be held from April 12-14, will be played in the Masters and Open categories. No entrance fee is required and trophies will be up for grabs.

Regal Masters, Fisherman Masters, Wellman Masters and President’s XI and HS Masters combined will battle for supremacy in the Masters segment. Following the opening games, the top two teams will battle in the final at 13:00hrs.

Regal Masters will be spearheaded by Mahendra Hardyal, David Harper, Mohendra Arjune, Eric Thomas, Eon Abel, Parsram Persaud, Tony Singh and Mahase Chunilall.

Fisherman Masters include Unnis Yusuf, Jagdesh Persaud, Zameer Zaman, Baldeo Persaud, Ramo Malone and Pooran Singh.

Wellman Masters will depend on the likes of Mike Singh, Latchman Kallicharran, Ramesh Deonarine, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Lloyd Ruplall and Wayne Jones, while The President’s XI/ HS Masters combined will include Richard Persaud, Mark Fung, Troy Lewis and Jai Ram. In the Open Category, Regal All star will battle a Select All star XI from 13:00hrs in the

Mahendra Hardyal lone fixture. Among the players set to feature in this match up are Fazal Rafiek, Eon Hooper, Amir Nizamudeen, Ricky Sergeant, Delroy Perreira and Sachin Ramsarran.

According to the organisers, Love Connections will provide added attraction for the fans, while there will also be a dance-off competition as part of the entity’s Republic Day celebration; persons wishing to enter can contact Rafman Ally on 622 1672.

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 16, 2019

Annual Forbes Burnham Three-Stage Memorial Cycle Road Race pedals off tomorrow The nation’s riders will be locked in battle from tomorrow when the first stage of the annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Cycle Road Race, organized by the Flying Stars Cycle Club and sponsored by the Burnham Foundation, starts in the Ancient County of Berbice.

Action will commence from 07:00hrs at Corriverton and proceed to Main Street, New Amsterdam for the finish. The second and third stages would be held on Sunday February 24.

Stage two will commence on the 24th from the Bauxite Mining town of Linden and proceeds to Homestretch Avenue in the City for the finish. The final stage would also be contested on the 24th commencing at 14:00hrs in the Capital City before heading to Belfield on the

Paul De Nobrega East Coast of Demerara and returning to the City for the finish.

Prizes would be awarded to the winners and other top performers in the Open, J u n i o r a n d Ve t e r a n categories.

The organizers will transport cyclists to the respective starting points in Berbice and Linden,

Paul Choo-wee-Nam tomorrow and the following Sunday. The bus will leave the Ministry of Cohesion, Main Street at 05:00hrs tomorrow and at 05:15hrs for Linden, on Sunday February 24th.

The Senior, Junior and Ve t e r a n d e f e n d i n g champions are Paul De Nobrega, Adealie Hodge and Paul Choo-wee-Nam.

Bascome named as Bermuda’s new national coach

Adealie Hodge

36

H A M I LT O N , Bermuda, CMC – Former Bermuda all-rounder Herbie Bascome has been named as the island’s new national cricket coach. Bascome, 54, has agreed an initial oneyear contract, starting the part-time post on March 1.

Three others applied for the job, but Lloyd Smith,

president of the cashtrapped Bermuda Cricket (Continued on page 29)

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t r o Sp

NSC/Magnum Mash Cup Part of the action in this year’s NSC/ Magnum Mash Cup.

Must win scenario sets up exciting evening - Champs Bent Street, Sparta in race to qualify

Captain Alvin Mohabir of Georgetown team collects the winning trophy from Ms Kavita Yadram of the Guyana Cricket Board.

DCB 2019 Under-15 Inter Association

Georgetown emerge winner of the 2019 tourney Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.