Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

Rusal is an insulting company

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orkers have rights; fundamental rights; sacred rights, as enshrined in the constitution and labour laws of this country. And yet here it is that another company, a foreign company, first slaps them in the face, and then sticks a finger in their eye, as if to add insult to injury. The government has a myriad of issues to deal with at this time; but this is one problem that it cannot-and must not-allow to go unaddressed. And addressed it must be in the most urgent and unflinching manner. Rusal, in the bauxite sector, offers its workers a meagre one percent increase, in and of itself an incredible, and flagrantly demeaning, gesture; one that reeks of disdain and dismissal for whatever reaction this would provoke on the part of workers. Yes, it is a struggling sector that is in need of serious foreign investment funds, and which an underdeveloped country such as Guyana readily embraces. But not at any price; not without the rules of engagement in labour disagreements being laid out upfront; not without specific protocols to be identified and followed, when disagreements deteriorate into disputes, and then impasse. This is to prevent the rancour and hostility that is a usual, but an undesired, byproduct of escalating workermanagement tensions. The Guyana Trade Union Recognition and Certification Act provides for the rules of engagement with the recognized workers’ representatives when circumstances so demand. Rusal, from all indications and reports, did act unilaterally. The company did so through its decision to IMPOSE that one percent pay increase. It is clear that Rusal proceeded outside of the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement and acted in a manner that can only be described as very aggressive AND IN BAD FAITH. It was if the unmistakable intention was to seize the opportunity to stick it to the striking workers, and to make sure that the hard message registers. A one percent offer in any sector to any group of workers in any part of the world would, and should be, interpreted as intended to send an outrageous and sureto-enrage message: take it or leave. Refuse at peril. Object and it is curtains. Take action and it is over. And that is exactly what transpired in the aftermath of that degrading 1% offer. Workers’ reaction was swift; Rusal’s reaction was equally swift and undeniably ruthless. It has to be wondered whether, in some manner, the company did not operate on a premediated basis. It is understood that within a few short hours after the workers took action, there was a communication to vacate the premises. Now this is more than the worksite involved. Some of the striking workers live on the premises, so the consequences of their strike action involve at the very least two basic things. Those are the ability to feed their families, and to provide shelter for them. In one fell swoop, Rusal has taken bread out of the mouth of the Guyanese worker while, at the same time, removed the roof from over his family’s head. This is unacceptable today and under this current administration. This was unacceptable when it occurred in that same sector in 2009, but under a different government. Nothing was done then; it is hoped that something of substance will be done today. Government after government seems to be either not interested enough, or caring enough, or involved enough. The stance has to be, this palpable disrespect has to stop. It must start with how companies, such as Rusal, are made to act responsibly through holding their feet to the fire. Eyes are on this government to determine its reaction.

Sunday February 10, 2019

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Will the mushrooming of new political parties break the backbone of ethnic voting? DEAR EDITOR, What will be the impact on the national landscape with the mushrooming of several new political parties in recent weeks? Will this development break decades of ethnic voting and weaken the dominance of the traditional Indian based People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Black People’s National Congress (PNC)? These new parties will undoubtedly begin to change the historical voting pattern in Guyana, partly because of the new demographics - the emergence of a significant number of young voters in recent years. Today, the voting population has shifted significantly and includes young, educated and vibrant thinkers. Not many are sugar workers

and farmers. In fact, large numbers are educated, but unemployed. Others are pursuing promising careers in the private sector. The major parties have disappointed them in their quest for social and economic mobility. Even the emergence of the Alliance For Change with all its lofty promises has failed to deliver the goods sought by this young group. And it is this group that is likely to break the backbone of racial voting and support a party with a modern development programme in which the young can benefit. At least three of the new parties launched have reflected relatively young leaders and include members from major racial categories. In their embryonic stage, there is no evidence of any intent at ra-

cial politics. Many young voters will certainly be attracted to them based on common aspirations. However, the location from which they have been sprung is particularly significant. The Liberty and Justice Party is likely to clinch most of the Amerindian votes, which have traditionally been scored by the PPP. The Amerindians in particular have long been a marginal group and will obviously support one who can identify with their culture. Another, The Democratic National Congress), sprouted from Berbice, a traditional stronghold of the PPP will likely take away thousands of votes from the PPP. With the urban based , A New and United Guyana, which includes Ralph Ramkarran , the PNC will simi-

larly be weakened. The result will be a serious splitting of the votes with no major party able to form a Government. Votes won at the last elections (APNU 207,200 - 33 seats. PPP 202,694 -32 seats) reveal very slim margins for both political groupings. A few thousand votes taken away from either equation can make a major difference and further dent the traditional parties. The strength of the two major parties has been considerably weakened over the years. The working class claim of the PPP and its subtle practice of “apangatt” (vote for your race) politics has been eroding slowly since the poor Indian sugar workers and rice farmers have not only become smarter politically but have (Continued on page 7)

Sunday February 10, 2019

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Why is APNU+AFC so secretive about the EXXON $US18M?

JAGDEO IS PLAYING THE MEDIA LIKE AN OLD FIDDLE

DEAR EDITOR, Several weeks ago, I asked where is the $30B the government, through SPU/NICIL, took on behalf of GUYSUCO? To this day, no one in Government is providing answers to the people. Now I am asking again, where is the US$18M EXXON bonus money? These enormous sums of money, amounts that exceed the total amount paid to the entire public service as salaries and benefits for an entire year, have become State Secrets. People ask these questions not because they are prying into other people’s business, but because it is their right to want to know about their assets. While people are still waiting to hear an answer for the $30B GUYSUCO loan, they also want answers for the US$18M EXXON money. Why is APNU+AFC so secretive about the EXXON US$18M? Where is the money? How has it been spent, if any has been spent? The stewardship of the US$18M EXXON money has been illegal from the start and is in total violations of all the relevant laws of Guyana. As the Leader of the Opposition, Bharat Jagdeo, reminded people, the money was not accounted for in the 2017, 2018 and the 2019 Budgets, as required by law. Political malfeasance is a horrendous indiscretion by any government, but the unaccountability and non-transparency with which the US$18M EXXON money has been handled is totally illegal; breaching all the laws of Guyana. SARA and SOCU have become complicit in the breaches because neither of them see it fit and proper to be even a little inquisitive. APNU+AFC kept the

EXXON contract a secret for almost two years. They received US$18M from EXXON and hid it in a secret account at the Bank of Guyana. Later, the Minister of Finance claimed the money was in a secret account in a secret foreign bank. As the Opposition and civic society demanded answers and demanded transparency, Raphael Trotman dug in and claimed the contract had to be kept secret because of national security. When the secret bank account with the US$18M was exposed, Trotman led the denial and even had the President denied, even when the truth was staring every Guyanese citizen. It turned out to be a secret in plain sight. The contract was then released, as APNU+AFC succumbed to the intense political and civic pressure. We have now known the details of the contract for almost two years; we know there was an EXXON payment of US$18M since 2016. We do not know where the money is and if any has been used. Trotman now admits hiding the contract and the payment was wrong. Now that the successful No-Confidence Motion of Parliament has forced APNU+AFC into, Ministers who for almost four years, since May 2015, were too busy to visit and discourse with the people have found time to do so. They are suddenly regretting many things that they know were corruption, mismanagement and incompetence, not because of any genuine epiphany, but in a continued effort to fool people. Trotman still insist they were correct because of

national security reasons. Yet for almost two years now, since they were forced to release the contract and concede that they received the money, he cannot show us what national security was compromised. More importantly, he still refuses to tell the nation about the location of the US$18M. The Guyanese people want to know. The parliament demanded answers. People have gone to court for answers. Mr. Jordan, Mr. Trotman, Mr. Greenidge come clean and account for the $US18M. President Granger, you have a duty to let the Guyanese people know what happened to the $US18 EXXON money. The nation does not need admission and regrets; the nation wants a simple, plain answer. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy February 14, 2019

DEAR SIR, The former President of the Republic of Guyana, now opposition leader of the PPP political party, should be congratulated for taking a page out of the President of the United States playbook. Publicity is the game, and he is playing the private (independent) media like an old fiddle. Of course, not to anyone’s surprise, the media is enjoying riding the rhythm. No matter how absurd, inappropriate, derogatory, blatant lies, threats, or negative suggestions, uttered by Jagdeo, it’s all taken in stride by the independent media under the guise called publicity, which really means putting our boy out front. Every ridiculous statement by Jagdeo is plastered on the pages of the independent media. If the Guyanese popula-

tion doesn’t believe that the media has a dog in this fight then they are overtly mistaken. What is unfortunate, however, is the media claim to being independent, but their political coverage doesn’t show independence. Independent as an adjective, states clearly “freedom from control, not subjected to anyone’s authority” and as noun, “an independent person or body.” The political dog whistles that emanate from the media show who they are clearly and which side they are on. When Jagdeo makes his ridiculous comments like “we gon take back we country,” the only rebuttal comes from a few letter writers, which makes Jagdeo’s statement acceptable. The scribes who ply their trade daily and those of the weekend type are mum. We

sometimes read about the abject failure of the PPP twentythree year reign, but never a line about the accomplishments or achievements of the coalition’s three years in existence, which has made life easier for scores of persons. The commentary on the coalition by all the scribes and voluntarily contributors in the media is what they should have done, and what they have not done. The coalition as a group and their ministers individually are lambasted daily by the independent (private) media and all of their ills collectively are put out front and centre. They are of course people who are not worthy of guiding this country. Only if you are daft, you will not see the media game. One scribe opines that “the PPP continues to dominate the news,” and he is right, (Continued on page 7)

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Mr. Persaud cannot deliberately disregard his serious ethical responsibility DEAR EDITOR, Permit me some space, please, if you may, to offer a brief clarificatory comment on some ONLINE responses to my letter published in the 12th February, 2019, ONLINE EDITION OF THE GUYANA CHRONICLE, and captioned, ‘ THE SPEAKER AND THE CHIEFJUSTICE FAILED TO APPRECIATETHE PREEMINENCE AND PREPONDERANCE OF ARTICLE 156 (3). To fully appreciate the impacting import of Article 156 (3) on Mr. Charrandass Persaud’s vote [what I call his ‘purporting to vote’], one needs to fully grasp the significance of the implication of Article 160 (1) (a) (b) (c) — but more especially so to 160(2) (a) — on the question of the validity of Mr. Persaud’s act of casting his vote in support of the opposition Party’s motion. (1) The electors who ensured Mr. Persaud’s Party got 33 seats in the National Assembly casted their votes with the expectation, naturally, that Mr. Persaud would faithfully represent their interests, through the Party for which those electors voted [Article 160]. (2) Mr. Persaud swore to an oath to faithfully perform that obligation to the said prov i s i o n . (3) The electors expected that if Mr. Persaud should at any time be impelled to serve the interests of another Party, he would take the necessary

steps,, as set out in 156 (3). (4) Elected Member, Charrandass Persaud, failed to honour the trust placed in him by the electors, and the oath he took to honour the relevant requirements of Article 156. What, then, is the remedy? (1) Outside of the Constitution, the Supreme Law, there are ethical laws, including Principles of Equity, which constrain one from benefitting from his own wrongdoing to the person from whom he/she would have gained the benefit. (2) Apart from that, Mr. Persaud cannot deliberately disregard, out of hand, with impunity, his serious ethical responsibility and solemn promise / commitment, his failure to honour, which has redounded to the mortal detriment to his promisees’s interests. His benefit from his unclean hand should not, indeed, cannot, stand. The Law will not allow itself be made such an ass of [sounds far better, indeed, than ‘of which to be made such an ass’, as per Winston Churchill’s famous contribution to the advancement of the English Language]. (3) In other words, he had either determined to deceive the electorate and the Party on whose list he had allowed his name to be placed, or else, at some later time, he had premeditated to totally disregard the clear, plain, easily understood, entrenchment

procedural implicity of Article 156– ignorance of which, was, of course, no excuse at all, nor could such ignorance, in the circumstances, be pleaded or easily or justifiably claimed. It was Henry De Vere Stacpoole, way back in 1918, in chapter 29 of his The Man Who Lost Himself:, said, “ I’m not one of those who think the Law is an ass, no, there’s a great deal of common sense in the Law of England”. He ought to have done that which was morally, ethically, responsibly and legally [it is a strict legal procedural constitutional requirement of all intendees of defection] incumbent upon him, as an intending defectee. Or else, he ought to have heard, speaking back to him in English legalese “I am not really an ass, you know. As you can hear, I can speak, and speak good legal English, too. So, I refuse to let you lead me to that dark, dirty, prohibited place to which you seem to want to”. (4) Article 160 [(1) (a) (b) and (c) and 160 (2) (a) and (b)] eminently outlines the fundamental nature of the Party List to the candidate and to the electing public. A commitment, a compact, is made, under this Provision, between the electors and the candidate, with the expectation that the candidate shall earnestly and honestly support the electors’ political, economic and other such interests, on behalf of the electors, at any authorized fora, chief of which is the

Has anything changed? DEAR EDITOR, Statements made by President Granger at the opening of the PNC office at Vreed-enHoop two weeks ago, clearly indicates his contempt of the provisions of the Constitution and the ruling of High Court Chief Justice, Roxane George. When the Head of State took the Oath of Office four years ago he swore to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the country. In declaring ‘I was elected for five years’ and will not leave office until then is a clear violation of the Constitution. The President has shot himself in the foot and such remarks embrace the attributes of his late political idol in his dictatorship reign. It is superfluous to add that Article 106 (7) of the Constitution clearly states that the elected government can be removed by a no confidence vote and that Elections must be held within 90 days. The President has accepted this, in his swearing in, and now his legal squadron is challenging the validity of the Article to determine whether or not 33 votes are required for a noconfidence to pass. This cross current is nothing new to Guyana’s political climate where arrogance and power flaunting from both major Parties have become quite normal. At the meeting, President Granger declared, ‘…You will see the transformation, the change in every community, the change in every region, the change in every village...’ This is reminiscent of the late Forbes Burnham’s program of “Feed, Clothe and House the Nation by 1976.” Years after the colossal failure of this apparition and other policies of the Burnham’s regime, this generation of leaders from both parties have also had several failed policies

that have cost the nation hundreds of millions of dollars. The construction of D’Urban Park Stadium, the renovation of Cheddi Jagan Airport, the Drug Bond scandal, the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the white elephant Skeldon sugar factory, Enmore Packaging Plant and the shady arrangements for the Marriot Hotel, the Berbice Bridge and the 14 irrigation pumps from India, some of which did not arrive but were paid for.And if these scandals/failures were not enough, consider this: President Granger told the crowd that he has not dissolved Parliament yet. ‘Irfaan Ali and Bharat Jagdeo cannot make me leave office because I was elected for 5 years…’ And the crowd cheered in the same bizarre manner to what was recited in 1976 by the late Forbes Burnham to a large gathering at the National Park. (Sugar workers were fighting for their regular bonuses at Christmas). “Why because of some white boy born 2000 years ago, we have to pay Christmas bonus to a certain type of people? Do you think these sugar workers- these former Bookers people, should get any Christmas bonus?” And while the crowd chanted NO, NO... many did not realize a simple fact: That they would not receive any Christmas bonus either. In regards to respecting the Constitution, moving the country forward and accounting for state monies, successive governments have failed the accountability test. Not much has changed in Guyana by the two main parties over the last 50 years. As the saying goes, the more things change the more they remain the same. Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine New York

National Assembly. Without that overpowering condition, there would have been no need for Article 156. (5) Each elector’s vote at the polls is the binding contract signed between the elector and the candidate, and that contract is endorsed and managed by the Party List’s Representative and the Speaker. It is a solemn Trust relationship, which can only be broken, to the peril of the Candidate, unless and until the Speaker or the electors’ Representative, rescinds that pact. He cannot break it otherwise. He could not be bound by contract to defend one Party against another, whilst deliberately sabotaging that interest, in favour of the other Party, and displaying such utter disregard for those norms, in the presence of a whole body of witnesses. In such a scenario, were one not absolutely convinced of the Speaker’s unquestionable integrity, one could be lulled into thinking – it is such a charming temptation — that his endorsing such chicanery, unwittingly or not, seemed to be active collaboration with the Member, to undercut and undermine the intent and purport of a fundamental Constitutional Provision, Article 156. The act of endorsing the Member’s breach of good faith towards, and trusteeship

of, the electors’ vote, was, to say the least, a grave and an unfortunate faux pas, (6) Had the Member written , as required, and was still allowed to vote, notwithstanding, then, and only then, were his vote to be taken as validly cast, because he would have given due notice of his intention, and still permitted by his Party and the Speaker, to vote as he did. In the absence of such a letter a clear requirement- acceptance of his vote as valid, might seem, to the suspecting mind, be tantamount to a conspiratorial or collusionary act to defraud the electors of their vote, and casting it for the other side, permission and authority for which they never gave, nor intended to give, in the trusteeship arrangement with Candidate / Member Charrandass Persaud. (7) Extrapolating a portion of Justice Saunders’ approving opinion in the CCJ’s decision on the ‘Presidential Third Term’ case, would, it seems to me, be appropriate and instructive here, in re-enforcing the inevitable connectivity between and amongst certain Articles [in this review, Articles 156 and 160. In that case, Articles 1, 9 and 90]. Justice Saunders held that “…that submission [that is, inthe CCJ case] avoided any evaluation of the character of the amendments to Article 90

and therefore elevated form over substance. It specifically equates measures that lead to democratic decay with measures that strengthen democracy. It invites the court to disregard historical and surrounding context when assessing a possible violation of the normative statements contained in Articles 1 and 9 [highlights mine].” In this No-Confidence matter, form was, indeed, elevated above substance, and there was a total disregard for historical and surrounding contexts, in assessing the normative statements of Articles 156 and 160. (8) All Attorneys-atlaw know that there was a time when ethical and other extralegal considerations had no bearing on what the strict law demanded. That has long since changed. It is now absolutely necessary for those and ‘historical and surrounding contexts’ and the balancing of ‘substance’ with ‘form’ to be intentionally considered and applied. Adjudication on the ‘form’ of 156 cannot be soundly made without regard to its influencing and impactive environmental substance, Article 16.0, which gives essence and context to that form. I rest my case. G.F. Alert (Rev.) Fitz Alert

Cleaning the trenches, dumping mud and grass on the roadways DEAR EDITOR, First somebody get “a vaps” and decided to clean the trench in Church Street. Maybe Mash is coming, or the new Council wants to show that they are working. The crews come under cover of darkness, leaving grass and slush in their wake on the roadway, seriously narrowing the carriageway and causing a road hazard, as the grass could not be seen at night and the road surface became slick like oil. No doubt content with their handiwork, the contractors next swung into action on Vlissengen Road. Just when you think it was safe to go back in the water, yuh lie!! They start again, this time on Carifesta Avenue. More bush strewn on the roadway, narrowing a carriageway already narrowed by the median erected throughout the length of the roadway. Again, creating a traffic hazard when night falls, and you can’t make out the bush on the roadway. Worse, along the East Coast Highway, another crew left small piles of mud, not grass, on the right side of the fast lane heading westward, next to the median! So why is it that our administrators can’t think things through properly? The contract to clean the trenches should have included a clause to the effect that the bush, once removed from the trenches, must be loaded onto trucks and carried away to some open space for dumping. If the contractor did not have vehicles, could have subcontracted that task or bid for the contract as a joint venture with a transport company. The lawyer who drafted that contract and all who were responsible for its approval should be tarred and feathered in Stabroek Market Square at high noon, for causing this colossal mess and endangering lives!

And why the silo approach to the management of our dear Garden City? Who is responsible for cleaning the trenches (actually, for maintaining the trenches in a clean state on a regular basis?). The M&CC? Well, His Worship the Pandit knows a thing or two about cleaning up - don’t know if his political advisor advises him on such things as well - and he had a good photo op recently, but somebody should enlighten him on the concept of division of labour. Didn’t it occur to these rocket scientists that they were solving one problem, the filthy clogged trenches, by creating another, the dirty roadway littered with grass and silt, with apparent wanton abandon for the traffic hazard they were creating? They are just as bad as those who drop the oversize speed bumps on us, without warning, and without reflective warning paint or signage. And what about the Ministry of Public Works, Road Engineer’s Department, and the Police Traffic Department? Don’t they have a stake in this? Or do they just drive past, slow down, watch and observe the grass and silt, shake their heads and keep getting up? And that’s it! Vision is a hell of a thing and some things are predictable. Are city management, the road works people and the traffic department waiting for the crisis that will descend upon the East Coast when Movietowne opens, or are they going to widen UG road now? That road right now can’t take the traffic at peak times from UG, Cyril Potter College, CARICOM, Giftland and the Convention Centre, and it seems as if Movietowne might have a rear access road leading into UG Road! Respectfully, Road user

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur M@ilbox Jagdeo is playing the... From page 5 he further states, “that the coalition has lost the sympathy of the independent media.” Sympathy? What is he talking about? There was never any sympathy “or truth” addressed to the coalition at any time. He needs to tell the reading public when was the last time that anything positive was written about the coalition by any scribe barring one in the independent media. In all of his writings, this scribe has never given the coalition a good word. With friends like that, who needs enemies. He patronized Dr. Jagan in an article on April 1, 2017, which was pathetic and helpless. Now here he is again doing his patronizing - BS; he is suggesting that, “Since Mr. Granger is African Guyanese (Eureka)”, I feel strongly that the PM slot should go to an Indian Guyanese woman.” Why not an Amerindian, or Chinese or Indian man, or an African Guyanese woman? It must be remembered that this scribe has been given the good negro seal by his fellow scribe who wrote “that when he is talking to his Indian friends, he tells them that this person can be trusted.” For all intents and purposes, this scribe writing for the independent media, where he does not get paid, doesn’t know which side of the fence to come down on. Someone needs to pull him aside and tell him that his slip is showing. Regards Milton Bruce

Will the mushrooming... From page 4 also sought salvation elsewhere. It has benefitted from captive electorate at the polls by using a socialist ideology for working class liberation, which remains an illusion. With the emergence of the PNC, the racial composition of each of these major parties became even more distinct. Indeed, their deliberate strategy to colour the parties both at the executive level and at the base failed to break the entrenched racial voting patterns over the years. While in power, both the PPP and PNC pursued policies and projects and cultivate employment practices to benefit their traditional followers while giving token attention to those of the other racial groups. The programmes and practices of these administrations have well been documented. While we are again heading for another shaky coalition, we must remember the comments of Trinidad and Tobago veteran politician Dr. Roodal Moonilal who noted that a lesson that should be learned from the Guyana experience is that makeshift and knee-jerk coalitions with a single purpose objective are short lived particularly when given razor-slim majorities. The PNC and PPP must be in a panic mode. Yours respectfully Dhanraj Bhagwandin

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Ms. Sherronie James’ mentoring has played a big part in the success of many of us DEAR EDITOR, It seems that Sam Sittlington has now fully embraced the ways of some Guyanese big people. Sittlington made a gallant attempt at besmirching the integrity of his former colleague, Ms. Sherronie James. Mr. Sittlington has fallen on his own sharpened sword. I got to know Ms. James for just over a year now when I participated in a Business Leadership mentoring programme, she undertook at her own expense to support youngsters like me from deprived areas such as Sophia and Albouystown. These opportunities are rare and meant the world to us as few successful people ever take the time to give us the encouragement and support that is critical to our development. Ms. James undertook this community activity in her own time using her own resources and the knowledge and encouragement she passed on has made a big difference to the success of many of our business ventures. She used the social commentary in the music to which we in the so-called ghettos listen, to capture our attention and to impart novel and innovative ways in our approach to business. In my experience with Ms. James, she is one of the most

humble but very intelligent, professional and enlightened persons I have ever met. She understood our struggles and won the admiration of many of us. Her mentoring and guidance has played a big part in the success my own business and those of many of my friends. She used her own money to support and sponsor many of our activities when none was coming from other quarters. None of us knew where she worked or what she did until some quarters in the political divide attempted to destroy her on social media in the last few weeks. Editor, young people of Guyana are fed up with the way some of our political parties operate. We are no longer of the mindset of the 1960s and 1970s. This nonsense by big people of attempting to destroy innocent people’s lives and reputations must stop. Sam Sittlington of all people should know that you do not throw bricks at glass houses when he is living in one. Mr. Sittlington should pack his bags and return to the UK. Yours sincerely, Davon Thomas Proud Youth from Sophia

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Exxon’s subsidiary has insufficient assets to cover spills …No Liza Two Permit until this is fixed-EPA Head By Kiana Wilburg Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, is not convinced that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has the financial wherewithal to cover the possibility of an oil spill in the Stabroek Block. This factor, he told Kaieteur News, is a major issue which must be addressed for the operator to get its per-

mit for the Liza Phase Two Project. Dr. Adams said, “The big issue is covering liability if there is a spill…And I have to be comfortable that they are properly covered by insurance. I made the statement before that this has to be addressed and that is what we are working through right now.” The EPA Head said that the company being held liable for spills via a contract with Guyana is EEPGL and not its

parent company, ExxonMobil which is worth over US$250B. “EEPGL doesn’t have any assets,” Dr. Adams added. Kaieteur News then asked the EPA Head if the Agency has any document from ExxonMobil, which states that it will cover the costs for any spill that is caused by its subsidiary. Dr. Adams answered in the negative. Dr. Adams said, “EEPGL is a limited liability corporation. It is a new corporation formed for this project and it has zero

EEPGL’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe assets. There is nothing in any documentation about ExxonMobil (handling oil spill costs) and that is the big problem.” He added, “If something happens and EEPGL doesn’t have the assets to take care of it, all the company probably got to do is declare bankruptcy and Exxon is not liable unless it is written someplace and that is why insurance is so important.” This predicament also taints the first permit granted to EEPGL for Liza Phase One. Dr. Adams acknowledge that this is indeed so. However, he is engaging legal advice on the matter. He said, “I was talking with legal people about how we can retract it and fix it. I was not there for Liza One. So I am considering retracting it

EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams

and fixing it.” This publication also contacted EEPGL’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe, on the matter yesterday afternoon via email. Moe was asked to say if the EPA has brought to her company’s attention, the issues it has about liability for an oil spill being with EEPGL instead of ExxonMobil. Moe said, “We continue to work with the EPA on the Liza Phase Two permit. We have and will continue to address any questions as the permit progresses through the process.” When Kaieteur News asked if EEPGL has enough assets to cover a spill, Moe did not confirm or deny. Neither did she give any specifics about her company’s assets in this regard.

Her only response was, “We are committed to safe and environmentally responsible operations. Leveraging our industry leading expertise and safety systems, we make prevention of any such oil spill our first priority.” The Senior Director was also asked to say if ExxonMobil offered the government any formal assurance which states that should its subsidiary, EEPGL, be unable to cover the cost of an oil spill, would Exxon pick up the bill. All Moe would say on this front is, “We have the technical, operational and financial capability to respond to any scenario.” DEMAND GUARANTEES Governments of oil producing nations should always (Continued on page 78)

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Minister takes control of local organs as Commission shuts doors - move a show of authoritarianism - Nandlall

Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall The State, more particularly the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, will have control over the local authorities given that the Local Government Commission, (LGC) effectively shut its doors, this week. The commissioners were sworn in on October 23, 2017 to have oversight over the local government systems and provide for the autonomy of the systems. However, from all appearances, the work of the commission has been stymied by lack of funding. The economic starvation

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan of the LGC is now being described as the brazen authoritarianism being displayed by the Government. Commenting on the issue, former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said the refusal to release money to the Local GovernmentCommission,(LGC) is but yet another manifestation of this authoritarianism. In his commentary, Nandlall noted that the Local Government Commission is established by Article 78 (A) of the Guyana Constitution (Continued on page 80)

Dem boys seh ...

Exxon pull a three card trick pun Soulja Bai and Guyana Guyana full of confidence tricksters and foreigners come and join de numbers. Exxon is one of dem. De people shouldn’t watch Exxon wid two eyes. You got to watch dem wid de two eyes wha de Creatah give yuh plus some oddas that you have to borrow. Dem come to Guyana and sign a contract wid de Govt fuh de oil. That was de first robbery that face de people of this country. De contract isn’t worth de paper it write pun. That contract decide how much penny Guyana will get from de oil that Exxon bring up. But before it can bring up oil, all companies must have insurance. That is to pay compensation in case anything happen like for instance, one of dem drill break in a well and oil start to spill out. This is wheh Exxon con Guyana again. Exxon set up a company in Guyana. It get two odda company to join and Soulja Bai feel he and Guyana was well protected, that dem had a good deal. Is when de World Bank come to inspect, dem find out that de company that Exxon set up in Guyana to pump oil don’t have money to pay fuh two kakabelly. All this time Soulja Bai and Guyana think dem was dealing wid Exxon. Dem didn’t know dem was dealing wid Exxon shadow. Dem boys sehe if there is to be an oil spill is not only Guyana gun suffer. Trinidad, Barbados, Venezuela and piece of Brazil will suffer. The scampish game that Exxon pull pun Guyana is nutten but a three-card trick. Guyana think it see money in Exxon bankbook not realizing it looking at de shadow company that have no assets. Dem boys seh is like de boss man start a new business odda than de Waterfalls paper. He name ee two watchman and two cleaners as de directors of this new company. Anything go wrang in de new company, and people decide to mek a claim or a settlement, dem will find out that is four people who barely struggling to pay dem rent and put food pun de table are de bosses. In a nutshell that is de three card trick Exxon trying to pull pun Guyana. Talk half and thank de Creatah we spot it before any spill.

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The Local Government Commission, (LGC) effectively shutting its doors, this week.

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Rusal orders kitchen to stop cooking for workers -key meeting tomorrow to find solutions to stalemate

A few of the other workers.

Bauxite workers of Rusal, in Upper Berbice, Region Ten, are digging in their heels, and refusing to budge in the second day of standoff against management over an arbitrary one percent increase. Yesterday, in a situation that is escalating, Rusal’s management ordered that its kitchen staff not cook for the mines workers. In defiance, the workers started to cook for themselves. The Russian-owned com-

buses to remove them yesterday after protests about an arbitrary one percent increase in salary. Yesterday, workers met with union leader, Lincoln Lewis, at the Aroaima staff sports club where it was announced that a meeting is set tomorrow at the Ministry of Social Protection. It will involve union officials, government and Rusal management. “We are not going anywhere and this decision to not cook for the staffers is an indication what we as citizens have to deal with,” a spokesperson for the workers said yesterday. It was explained that Lewis told workers that Government is supporting them and they should stand their ground. In a video released yesterday, workers were seen out-

three times a day. In another video, workers were seen talking to a “Mr. Saul”, said to be representing management. He informed them that there were buses available to take them home. However, he was rebuffed by the angry workers who questioned why management took the arbitrary decision to increase salaries by one percent without informing workers. ”Saul” told them that management does not consider Friday’s downing of tools as strike actions. It is only a strike when management is informed, he said. However, workers promptly told him that they were not informed of the arbitrary increase. On Friday, scores of bauxite workers downed tools at the Kurubuka mining area

Union leader, Lincoln Lewis with a few staffers yesterday at Aroaima, Upper Berbice, Region 10.

pany on Friday ordered local staffers from the Kurubuka mine site and reportedly sent

side the staff club cooking soup for 150 persons. They said they will have to cook

Rusal workers being forced to cook for themselves after the company ordered its kitchen staff to stand down.

and were later written to management of the Russian company that work has been cancelled.They were told to leave the premises. The situation threatened to get ugly.“We are not leaving this place. We are going to the ex-pats area tomorrow (Saturday) 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.The first shift of equipment workers numbering 40 downed their tools first. 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 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.The workers were (Continued on page 13)

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Sunday February 17, 2019

‘A child is so innocent’: Candlelight vigil held for killed 11-year-old girl C

ommunity mem bers left griefstricken by the death of an 11-year-old Brampton, Ontario girl gathered at a park near the child’s school to light candles, lay flowers and show support for the girl’s family at a vigil Saturday evening. About 200 people gathered at Meadowvale Village Green Park in neighbouring Mississauga at 6 p.m., most of them holding candles to place at a growing memorial

for Riya Rajkumar, who was found dead in her father’s basement apartment on her birthday this week, www.cbc.ca reported yesterday. Some of Riya’s family members attended the vigil, but did not address the crowd. The group held a moment of silence and, as more people arrived and the sky grew darker, the display of candles grew in front of a pile of flowers and teddy bears.

A woman who knows Riya’s mother planned the candlelight vigil. Amrita Naipaul posted details about the event on her social media accounts. “Many people have messaged asking how you can help Riya’s family during this tragic time. As a community, this loss has been felt by all,” she wrote on Instagram and Facebook. “There are so many people who have been hurting from this angel’s loss, and no one

needs our prayer and love more than Riya’s family at this time,” she continued. In an interview on Saturday before the vigil, Naipaul said she spoke briefly with Riya’s mother on the phone on Friday evening. “I just wanted to make sure out of respect that she was aware of what we were trying to do before we made any arrangements or made any plans,” she told CBC News Network. “She’s actually the one

Killer father: Roopesh ‘Ravi’ Rajkumar with daughter, Riya, who he is said to have killed. who suggested that we do it nearby the school,” Naipaul explained, referring to Meadowvale Village Public School, where Riya was a Grade 5 student. Naipaul said she has heard from people across Canada, and even from some who live outside the country. “There have been many strangers who’ve reached out to me and said, ‘If you get a chance to talk to [Riya’s mother], just let her know that she’s very loved, and she has so much support,’” she continued. Naipaul planned to collect donations at the vigil that will be used to help pay for Riya’s funeral. A separate online fund established by the group Neighbourhood Watch Brampton has already raised some $21,000 for Riya’s family. “I think everybody kind of shares the same sentiment that a child is so innocent and so pure, and a parent is supposed to — especially a father — is supposed to be protective of their child. And to think about what that child went through is just hard for everyone,” she said. Rajkumar will also be remembered at a formal memo-

rial on Tuesday night in Brampton, the city about 30 kilometres northwest of Toronto. Brampton Counsel, Rowena Santos is helping to organize the vigil, which is set to take place at Garden Square from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. “Our community is grieving the tragic death of Riya Rajkumar and this is a time to come together in solidarity and remember and honour a young life,” said a notice posted to the city’s website. “All members of the public are welcome to attend.” Riya’s father, Roopesh Rajkumar, is facing a charge of first-degree murder in her death. Rajkumar, 41, picked his daughter up at a Mississauga gas station on Thursday afternoon to take her out for her birthday. When he did not return the young girl to her mother at an agreed upon time later that evening, she went to Peel Regional Police for help. An Amber Alert was eventually issued around 11 p.m. that night, and was cancelled about an hour later after officers found Riya’s body at an address in Brampton where her father resided. (Continued on page 77)

Sunday February 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Suspect says handyman killed during Rusal orders kitchen to stop cooking .... fight over female drinking partner One of three detained men has said that Samatta Point victim, Rohan Persaud, was slain during a fight over a woman, but claimed he had no idea how the 53-year-old sustained his injury. Police said that the suspect admitted to fighting with Persaud shortly before the labourer’s demise. It is alleged that Persaud confronted the suspect after learning that a woman who they drank with was also having sexual relationships with his friends. His body was found on a track at Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday.“He (the suspect) said they drank and then they had a fight, and he doesn’t know where the knife came from,” a source said. A Guyanese who recently returned from Venezuela was said to be among the suspects, who were last seen in the victim’s company. Police believe that Persaud, also known as ‘Ravi’ and ‘Kanhai,’ of Samatta Point, was slain between 01:00hr and 06:30hrs on Wednesday at Back Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara. The body bore a wound to the lower

From page 10 backed by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union. According to the union, on Friday, the situation is an 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 noses of successive governments, BCGI has been engaged in a series of violation of the law and transgressing of the workers’ rights. “GB&GWU had earlier informed Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, of the industrial

Murdered: Rohan ‘Ravi’ Persaud abdomen. Neighbours of Back Street, Grove Housing Scheme, said that Persaud was seen around 18.00 hrs on Tuesday drinking with two men at a nearby culvert.

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.” According to the bauxite union, workers of BCGI have been suffering since under the previous government and continue to suffer under the current. “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. Rusal has almost 500 workers with the majority of them from Linden and Berbice.

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Magistrate dismisses charge against robbery accused after cop fails to show up in court

A City Magistrate on Friday was forced to dismiss a case against a former prison escapee charged for robbery with violence after one of the witnesses, a police rank, failed to show up in court to testify. This move by Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, comes after the police rank, who was supposed to swear to the accuracy of the charge and its particulars, was not present in court when the matter was called. When the matter was first called, the court orderly went outside the courtroom and summoned the rank thrice. No one answered to the name. The court Prosecutor then asked the Magistrate to defer the matter for a few minutes so that he could make contact with the police rank. After a few minutes, the orderly called out the name for the officer again, but got no response nor did anyone show up. Another prosecutor, Sanj Singh, then begged the Magistrate for a few more minutes to make contact with the rank. But by then, it was too late, a visibly upset Magistrate Daly stated, “Why must the court wait for the police? This matter will be struck out. The police ranks are over doing it. Every time a matter is called, they are never in court. Why must the court wait on the police? They should be waiting in court for when the matter is called.” The Magistrate then warned that whenever a situation like this arises, she will dismiss the matter. Meanwhile, the defendant, Winston Long was seated in the prisoner’s dock waiting for the magistrate to read the charge to him. It was not read. The charge stated that on February 12 at High Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of others, he robbed Sherlock Cummings of a cellular phone valued $6,000, one chain valued $10,000 and $3,000 cash, and at the same time made use of personal violence against the victim. According to information, on the day in question, the victim was walking along Parliament Building, when he was confronted by Long and others who robbed him of the ar-

Long was said to have been positively identified by his professed victims. The court also heard that Long was released from prison in March 2017 after serving a one-year term of imprisonment for escaping from the Lusignan Prison back in July 2017. Long was among three prisoners who pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody during their arraignment at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court. He had made an appearance before Magistrate Peter Hugh be-

Winston Long ticles mentioned in the charge. They then made good their escape. An investigation was carried out and Long was arrested for the offence. Last year, Long was in court to face charges of robbery under arms. He had appeared before Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman who remanded him to prison. The allegation against him had stated that on August 27, 2018, at High Street, Werken-Rust, while being in the company of others and armed with a cutlass, he robbed Arif Wahab of a cellular phone valued $75,000. The second charge stated that on August 27, last, at High Street, Werk-en-Rust, while being in the company of others and armed with a cutlass, he robbed Krishna Seenarine of $4,000. The court heard that on the day in question, the victims claimed that as they were walking away from their business place, Long approached them holding a cutlass and demanded that they hand over their valuables. Long allegedly then told them to run, while he made good his escape. The victims later reported the matter to the police, triggering an investigation, which resulted in Long’s arrest. While at the station,

Minibus operators’ code of conduct officially launched

With the objective to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of public transportation in Guyana, the Ministry of Business, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana National Road Safety Council and the United Minibus Union, on Thursday, launched a code of conduct for minibus operators and other personnel. President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews, had announced that the code will address issues of consumer concern. “The issues that we are addressing in the code of conduct deals with consumer affairs, so it will be supported by the Consumers Act and there some other concerns, which can be dealt with by the police. So, these operators can be charged and prosecuted based on the breaches they commit.” “At present, some drivers have already begun wearing their uniforms. We are only in the testing stages.” The Ministry of Business had released an infomercial outlining the operating

guidelines in moving to implement a Code of Conduct for minibus operators. The Ministry, in an information video posted on its Facebook page, highlighted several guidelines that minibus operators and other associated personnel must abide by, before noting that the full document would be published on its website at a later date. Among those mentioned in the Ministry’s Public Service announcement were the prohibition of loud and offensive music, proper display of fare structure in the minibus, and prohibition of offensive language. Overloading, speeding, loud and vulgar music and harassment of any form is also prohibited. These issues had seen an increase in outcries for a code of conduct by which these operators ought to conform. Addressing those gathered for the official launch, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin said it is necessary as a government to facilitate a collaborative ap-

proach with the aim to tidy up the transportation sector. “Deep down inside, we all know the minibus sector has not been performing optimally. Hence, the drafting, the signing, publishing and the dissemination of the code of conduct is only the first step in a very long process, the process of reforming a sector,” Minister Gaskin said. Traffic Chief, Lyndon Alves, said the initiative is a step in the right direction and highlighted the fact through the implementation of the code of conduct; persons who will be entering the sector for the first time will receive the necessary training from the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department. “There is a section in the Code of Conduct that allows for training. The Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department will train those persons involved in operating minibuses, especially those persons who will be entering for the first time into the field.”

fore whom he pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced. The massive jailbreak was discovered around 07:00hrs on July 24, 2017, when prison wardens, carrying out a routine count, determined that 13 prisoners were unaccounted for. Further checks revealed that a tunnel was dug and tracks were found leading towards the Lusignan Backlands. A massive Joint Services Operations codenamed ‘Clean Sweep’ was intensified to recapture the men.

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

No dual citizen will return to parliament on PPP benches - Jagdeo “We will uphold the law,” said Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, when asked about the dual citizens who are currently parliamentarians. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has three Members of Parliament who are dual citizens, he said. These are Gail Teixeira who is a Canadian citizen; Adrian Annamayah and Odinga Lumumba who are

American citizens. On Thursday, Jagdeo said that the PPP has no intentions of returning to the National Assembly for “business as usual.” However, he said that if there is need to return for the handling of issues relating to the holding of elections, those who want to hold on to their dual citizenship will be recalled and replaced. Jagdeo told the media that

the party has not yet decided on who would be the three replacements but said that such matters can be discussed quickly and decisions can be made in no time. Teixeira has already signaled her intention to give up her Canadian citizenship. The government also harbours duel citizens but none of them has indicated any willingness to give up their citizenship.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon holds American citizenship and so does Minister of Health Volda Lawrence. Carl Greenidge and Rupert Roopnaraine are also dual citizens. They are citizens of the United Kingdom. Recently, Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire ruled that it was unconstitutional for a person with dual citizenship to sit in the National Assembly.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Electrician charged for fraud

A 41-year-old electrical contractor was slapped with a fraud charge after he allegedly converted a sum of $120,000 that was supposed to be used to purchase materials for a job into his own use and benefit. Marlon Perreira who hails from the East Coast of Demerara made an appearance on Friday before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It was alleged that on May 22, 2018 at Georgetown, the accused being entrusted with the sum of $120,000 by Debra Luke so that he can purchase two Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) monitors and four cameras; he fraudulently con-

verted the sum to his own use and benefit. Perreira entered a not guilty plea after the charge was read out to him. The facts of the charge presented by police prosecutor Sanj Singh indicated that the two parties are known to each other. The victim hired Perreira to conduct an installation of security cameras at her business entity. The accused recommended that Luke purchase the articles mentioned in the charge and as a result, she handed over the sum on the day in question. After that day, Luke never saw the defendant again nor did he try making contact with her. On December 3, 2018, the

victim went to the home of Perreira where she confronted him. The accused reportedly told her that ‘I did what I had to do’ and ended the conversation. A report was made to Cove and John police station, which saw the defendant being contacted and told of the allegation. He was cautioned, arrested and taken into police custody. Further investigation was carried out and the charge was made out against the accused for the offence. Prosecutor Singh had no objections to bail being granted therefore, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly granted bail to the tune of $50,000. The matter was adjourned until March 8, 2019.

Sunday February 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Upgrade for Old Kara Kara, computers to be added

T

he Youth Centre in Old Kara Kara, in the mining town of Linden will soon be rehabilitated as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs partners with the Region Ten Democratic Council (RDC). This will ensure youth are gainfully engaged in a conducive atmosphere that will ultimately benefit the community. Several Ministers of the Government, including Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, over the weekend visited the Region for an outreach. Teams visited several areas to listen to and address the needs of residents. Minister Garrido-Lowe led a team to Old Kara Kara, where she took the opportunity to listen to the concerns of residents in an effort to having them addressed. Residents identified what they would like to see rehabilitated and a number of amenities added to the facility, among them, installing lights, replacing a section of the inner walls and roof and upgrade to the walkway. While visiting the facility, the Minister was able to assess the needs and together with the Regional Democratic Council will ensure those needs are met at the earliest possible time. She noted, “We as a Government care for our young people; therefore, I will make available a Computer Training Kit to you our young people, where you can learn to use the computer properly. You will also be able to print, scan, photocopy and whatever else you want to do”. The Minister added, “You are the leaders of tomorrow, and we will do our best to educate you by building your capacity so that you will be able to be capable leaders of tomorrow.” A library would also be established at the facility and the youths have expressed delight at hearing this. They are eagerly awaiting the transformation of the centre. A mother of two said she would be happy when the centre is fully operational since her children who are presently attending secondary school, will be able to complete their assignments using the computers. Minister Garrido-Lowe also took the opportunity to visit an elderly woman who is in need of a wheelchair, and the Minister said the wheelchair will be delivered shortly. The Minister also promised to bring training to the women folk, which will assist them in improving their skills so that they will be able to

venture into a lucrative income generating business of their choosing. One resident requested the acquisition of some chickens so that she can maximize opportunities in the poultry industry. Minister GarridoLowe assured her that immediate contact will be made with the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) so that her request will be met. She was also advised that she will receive assistance in acquiring a chicken pen and all the amenities so as to ensure the birds are properly housed. Persons continue to benefit from the GLDA’s Black Giant Poultry Programme (dualpurpose chicken), which commenced in early 2017. Also accompanying the team was a renowned athlete and FIFA Trained Referee in Lawrence Griffith, who also engaged the youth and will be returning shortly to provide training. Minister Garrido-Lowe also took the opportunity to share the success stories that are taking place nationwide. There is a welcomed transformation for Guyana and Guyanese. Reflecting on the recent presentation on Budget 2019, the Minister also took the opportunity to refresh in the minds of residents a presentation made by Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie AdamsYearwood who stated that those who cannot see that transformation must be suffering from a “sad state of

glaucoma”. Among the transformational initiatives are restoring Georgetown to the “Garden City” it once was instead of the “Garbage City”. Guyanese have got so accustomed to seeing significantly increasing Old Age pension, which is currently $20,500, public assistance increased to $9,000, and scholarships not only for coastlanders, but also for Hinterland residents. In 2018 alone, 31 persons from the Hinterland received full scholarships to attend the University of Guyana. Residents were also updated on projects being executed by the Ministry throughout the hinterland. Similar initiatives can be realized in their community once there is commitment towards positive change, which will significantly improve the ambience which currently exist, Minister Lowe said. Bauxite mining is one of the main economic activities in the town of Linden, which has a population of approximately 40,000. Since taking office in 2015, the Government has embarked on creating other alternative means of income generation. Through the Office of the First Lady, hundreds of youth were trained and continue to receive training in the field of information technology.

M i speaking n MMinister to residents

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 17, 2019

Shippers appealing $3.8M fine each, in haulage fee case The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) says it is moving to appeal a recent decision by a regulator slap members with a multimillion-dollar fine. The fines pertains to what the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) says were an unfair introduction of haulage fees. CCAC announced that it has ordered the shippers to withdraw the fees, which were introduced mid-last year. Each company was fined $3.8M. According to the SAG, it is disappointed by the recent decision made by the Commission concerning the recent implementation of container handling fees by five of its members who are also terminal operators. “These container handling fees were implemented as a measure to recover legitimate costs of inspection and monitoring of containers and cargo, especially to ensure compliance with the international regulations required for

an international port certified by the International Ships and Port Security Code (2004).” According to the SAG, the decision handed down and circulated in the media does not accurately portray the intention of the association and its members, as it gives an impression that there was some collusion with intent to create artificially inflated prices. “The CCAC’s ruling is not consistent with the facts and the SAG is engaging legal counsel with the intention of filing an appeal.” CCAC said last week it has ruled unanimously against the association in a price fixing case in a complaint filed against the body by businessman Mahindranauth Jaikarran. Jaikarran is said to be the owner of JD Transport Services. He provides haulage service for containers from terminals operated by the members of the SAG. Jaikarran, in his 2017 complaint to the CCAC, accused the SAG of

engaging in anti-competitive behaviour by agreeing to collude to fix rates for the haulage of containers. The intentions of SAG were to disrupt the natural market flow to its advantage, Jaikaran argued in his complaint. The SAG members involved in the issue included Muneshwer’s Ltd, Demerara Shipping Ltd, John Fernandes Ltd, Guyana National Industrial Company Inc. and Guyana National Shipping Corporation. The matter was heard by the Commission, chaired by Ronald Burch-Smith, Commissioners Rosalie Roberston, S.C. and Pradeepa Bholanath. Evidence was provided by both the SAG and Jaikarran. According to the Commission, evidence presented showed that the terminal operators imposed handling fees for the private haulers, which is not charged by the SAG members, which gives them “a price (Continued on page 71)

Local shippers have announced that they are appealing multi-million dollars fines they were slapped with last week.

Sunday February 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---

The sub-text to what we are witnessing is our Ethnic Dynamics \Guyana is not a mature democracy. After more than 50 years of independence, we have not reached the point where our political, partisan and ideological disagreements and conflicts are played out within the context of the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and protection of civil rights and liberties. While factors such as the hyper authoritarian instincts of leaders thrown up by the political culture, the personalization of power and the paramountcy of the political party are key to that outcome, it is our ethnic competition that ultimately stands in the way democratic maturity. It is not that democratic instincts do not exist in our political culture, but ultimately it is the authoritarian instinct that always wins. In Guyana, democracy cannot be construed outside of our ethnic dynamics. Some observers have blamed the PNC ‘s authoritarian regime 1964-92 on Forbes Burnham’s authoritarian approach to the management of power. While I agree that that was a factor in the outcome, I think even more pivotal was the ethnic dynamics, which we inherited from the long

period of colonial domination. I believe Burnham and the PNC made a definite decision to opt for a praxis of electoral fraud to protect African Guyanese from permanent domination. Since electoral fraud and democratic governance cannot co-exist, authoritarianism was inevitable. The natural resistance to that authoritarianism was then played out against the backdrop of the very logic of anti-democracy. It meant that instead of breaking down the authoritarian state and culture of colonialism, we ended up consolidating them. The Walter Rodney-WPA intervention challenged that praxis in a very serious way. For almost two decades, starting with the Eusi KwayanaMoses Bhagwan ASCRIAIPRA intervention in the early 1970s through the Rodney period and the decade following Rodney’s assassination, the democratic instinct was most prevalent. That democratic instinct prevailed because Rodney and the WPA were able to subdue the ethnic fears and insecurities of the two major ethnic groups and channel their common energies into a larger multi-ethnic resistance movement. But with the return

of free elections, the lid on the ethnic fears and insecurities was blown off and the authoritarian instinct returned with a vengeance. The ethnic groups returned to their ethnic enclaves and the RodneyWPA intervention came to an end. It was against that background that the PPP came to power in 1992. The party won the election and begun to govern with the blessings of even Indian Guyanese who had left the party and embraced the Rodney-WPA intervention and others who had embraced the PNC regime as a matter of survival. Not unexpectedly, the PPP saw its principal objective in government in ethnic terms. From all indications, the party made a deliberate decision to empower Indian Guyanese materially and symbolically as a form of protection against future domination. Unlike the PNC, the PPP didn’t have to opt for electoral fraud, but it embarked on a praxis of overt ethnic domination. This included weakening of African Guyanese institutions and areas of the political economy and the state where they dominated, in addition to massive transfer of state resources into pri-

The Baccoo Speaks These are interesting times. Rumours are flying fast and furious to the extent that people are beginning to believe some of them. The architects of the rumours know what they are doing but they do not know the consequences. One rumour would actually spark violence in a small community. The situation is going to scare some other people. ** Once more the fires are

with us. Another home is going to be destroyed east of the city. Again electricity

woes would be blamed, but the truth is that the wiring in the home would be faulty. There would be no casualties but the loss would be horrendous. ** The rivers would once more claim a life, this time in a mining community. A group would be out raiding a claim when disaster would strike. One of the raiders would be trapped by a collapsed wall.

vate hands of mainly Indian Guyanese. Invariably, the State was merged with the growing criminal networks. The Indian Guyanese community, most of whom did not benefit directly from the transfer of State resources, backed the PPP, because they saw it as protecting their ethnic interests. Since ethnic domination and criminalization of the State cannot co-exist with democratic governance, authoritarianism was inevitable. Instead of breaking down the authoritarian State and political culture inherited from the PNC, the PPP consolidated and enhanced them. By the time the PPP left office in 2015, it had transformed Guyana into an EthnoAuthoritarian State. Enter the Coalition Government. It was the first government of its type. Unlike the PNC-UF coalition of 1964-68, this was a pre-election partnership of three established parties and three others not so established. But the leadership of the PNC, to my mind, made a deliberate decision to govern as a PNC government. APNU was demobilized to mute WPA’s influence, and the presidency was superimposed on the Coalition to mute the AFC. This party dominance has been a deliberate decision to ensure that ultimate power resides in the hands of African Guyanese leaders within the Coalition. It is no secret that the gov-

ernment has not performed well in the last three and a half years. To my mind, the undermining of the Coalition mentioned above, narrow decision-making, hyper-elitism and visionless leadership, have been the major contributing factors. Since the passage of the No Confidence Motion, the government has defied all attempts to get it to demit office. From the judicial review of the vote, to the calls for new voter registration by GECOM, the delaying tactics are hardly masked. But what the media and other commentators are avowing is the ethnic question. The African Guyanese community, which only a few months ago severely rebuked the government at the Local Government Elections, is now squarely behind the government actions—they want the government to remain in place. The vote by Charrandass Persaud has reignited anti-Indian suspicions among African Guyanese and the realization that the same pre-2015 PPP leadership could return to power appears to have hardened the ethnic feelings. The not so-hidden message to African Guyanese is that they are being cheated out of power. The estranged base is now reunited with the leadership. It is against that background that the government’s stubborn cling to power must be seen. It seems to me then, that the impasse needs a political

Dr David Hinds solution. To behave as though this is a case of a government subverting democracy is to miss the essence of the problem. If the government bows out without resistance, it would have a hard time convincing its base to go to the polls when elections are held. The longer it holds out, the longer time it gets to mend fences with the base. What is at stake here is which ethnic group would symbolically and materially be in control of the common oil wealth. For its part, the PPP is eager to prove that those Indian Guyanese who voted for the Coalition in 2015 are now back where they belong; that the signals from the LGE are real. The sub-text to what we are witnessing is the ethnic dynamics just below the surface. More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

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Kaieteur News

The corpse in the strange blue car By Michael Jordan

No one saw when the blue car., PEE 587, entered Eighth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, on the night of Friday, May 16, 2008. But there it was the next day, parked on the roadway facing west; windows wound up, the doors locked. Some just gave it a cursory glance and went about their business. But when no one came to claim the mysterious vehicle, other residents suspected that mischief was afoot and called the police. The cops from the Golden Grove Police Station arrived at around 06:30 hrs. They eventually managed to open the car doors and pop the trunk. That was when the case turned quickly from suspected car theft to one of cold-blooded m u r d e r . Trussed up inside the trunk was the body of a middle-aged man of Indian ancestry. He was fully clothed, but his shoes were missing. Someone had wrapped strips of bicycle tubing and duct tape around his mouth and nost r i l s . It was later ascertained that the victim had suffered a fractured larynx and had suffoc a t e d . Detectives recovered $40, a wrist watch, a camera, a national identification card and other documents from the b o d y . At around 10:30 hrs, while the detectives were still scouring the area, a man who identified

Sunday February 17, 2019

Police discovered Persaud’s body in the trunk of this car

himself as Ganesh Persaud arrived at the scene. He was allowed past the police cordon to view the body. The man took one look at the corpse and burst into tears. He identified the victim as his brother, 52-year-old Ganga Persaud, a resident of Nineteenth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme. Persaud had lived in the United States but returned to Guyana four years prior. His children still resided in the U.S., while Persaud lived with his reputed wife and her small son in Diamond Housing Scheme. The brother told the police that he last saw his older sibling alive at around 14:00 hrs on Friday, May 16, 2008, at an Eccles fishing complex. He re-

Murdered: Ganga Persaud called buying a quantity of ‘wire-rope’ for his sibling. Ganga Persaud reportedly then went home, but, according to his reputed wife, went out again at around 17:00 hrs that day. According to this report,

the remigrant had informed his wife that he was going to a popular liquor restaurant in Kitty.He allegedly called her at around 22:00 hrs that same day to say that he was in the vicinity of the Agricola Public Road and was on his way home. That was the last contact she allegedly had with him. Detectives were told that at around 05:00 hrs the following day, Ganga Persaud’s reputed wife contacted her brother-in-law and his wife by telephone and informed them that Persaud had not returned. Shortly after, Persaud’s spouse allegedly called again and said that the police had located her spouse’s car, but had not found him.They were eventually informed that his body had been found. At first glance, the case appeared to be one of robbery and murder. But the detectives

sensed that this was not the motive. Because the car was facing west, some of the detectives felt that Persaud had not driven from Georgetown into Diamond Housing Scheme. They believed, rather, that Persaud was murdered close to his home in Nineteenth Street. They surmised that the killer or killers then drove Persaud’s car, with the corpse inside, to Eighth Street. And a possible motive soon began to emerge… MURDER FOR GAIN? I arrived at the Grove Police Station just as police were preparing to take statements from the murdered man’s relatives. A young woman, accompanied by a little boy, was standing in the compound. Someone informed me that the woman was Ganga Persaud’s reputed wife, so I decided to speak with her.I was somewhat taken aback when she gave me an enigmatic smile and said: “I know you, you spoke to me before about a robbery story.” Before I could question her further, she was escorted into the police station. The woman and two male relatives were subsequently detained. Intrigued by the woman’s statement, I went through my computer files and discovered that I had not only spoken to Ganga Persaud’s reputed wife before, but had also interviewed Ganga Persaud himself four years ago… Back in October 2004, I had rushed to Diamond Housing Scheme after being tipped off about an armed robbery. The victim turned out to be Ganga Persaud, a remigrant. Persaud told me that two gunmen had invaded his home in Nineteenth Street, in broad daylight. At the time, a female associate and a toddler were the

only persons at home. According to Persaud, the woman alleged that two men with handguns had tied her to a grill door and threatened to kill the toddler. She also claimed that she was forced to direct the ‘bandits’ to a wardrobe containing some US$900, $100,000 in local currency and a quantity of jewellery, which belonged to Persaud. But in 2006, Persaud contacted me and said that he subsequently learned that the same woman had deposited about $200,000 in a city bank shortly after the heist. He said that the female associate was unable to explain how she acquired the money. Persaud also said that some of the jewellery that the ‘gunmen’ had allegedly stolen eventually turned up in his house. The woman was reportedly placed on $75,000 bail after being charged with simple larceny. However, the accused reportedly fled the jurisdiction shortly after. However, the woman reportedly returned to the area, and she and Persaud allegedly resumed their relationship. Detectives, I learned, were working on the theory that a woman, possibly with the assistance of others, had murdered Persaud at or near his home. But leaving no stone unturned, the investigators searched Persaud’s home for rubber tubing and duct tape that were similar to those that were used to suffocate him. They found none. The detectives also kept Persaud’s reputed wife and two male relatives in custody for two days. However, they were eventually released. No one else was ever arrested and from all appearances, the murder of Ganga Persaud has been relegated to the ‘unsolved cases’ file. Ganga Persaud’s relatives are convinced that they know the identity of at least one of the k i l l e r s . Meanwhile, I am left to wonder about the meaning behind a woman’s enigmatic smile… If you have any information on this case or other unusual incident, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. You can also reach us on telephone numbers: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8473, or 2258491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan on his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com.

Sunday February 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

The reason for the shooting of Dr. O’Toole and the bomb threats

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didn’t use “reason” in the plural deliber ately. There is one fundamental cultural, sociological and psychological reason why Dr. O’ Toole was shot and some schools endured bomb threats. First, the man, Brian O’Toole. It is virtually incredible that someone would want to kill Dr. O’Toole. This is a gentleman whose students adore him. He is a fine educator and a nice human being. I have known Dr. O’ Toole for a number of years now and in the countless conversations we had, the impression is plainly visible – a positive, thinking, concerned human. A few months ago, Dr. O’Toole called me to ask me to resume my academic career. He wanted me to teach in the Masters programme in journalism at the School of the Nations University will soon be introducing. I liked Dr. O’Toole too much to have said yes. So I lied to him. I told him I have a full plate, which was not true. I thought my high profile as a political activist in a dangerous country like Guyana would cause power holders to target his university (PPP, PNC and AFC power-drunk Leviathans do not play – ask David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis). The person who shot Dr. O’Toole has not been arrested, neither the person who made the threat to the schools (there has been an arrest for the scare at UG). Will there be more? there was a mass shooting at one of the schools in the US, President Obama candidly told the American people that sadly there will be more such incidents. There have been many since Obama demitted office. Guyana will see more nihilistic violence, because this is a tragically broken down country where there is no leader or figure that has risen above the routine insanities, and that the nation looks up to him/her for guidance . This country is being moved by social and political leaders who don’t have strong moral authority and display decisive, transformative leadership. In every dimension of its existence, meaning of life in this country is vanishing, and people do not have a sense of belonging and a sense of humanity. The current generation has no knowledge of what values this country rests on. And who is this current generation? They are very young

people. Almost seventy percent of Guyana’s population is below age 35. Almost half of the citizenry is at the age of 25. When you have such a young population and they see the unfairness in the justice system; the social sadism inherent in class-divided Guyana; the purchase of anyone and everyone by big money; the perverted exploitation of working class employees; the cruel unconcern and brutal insensitivities of ruling politicians and other types of leaders; the exception from prosecution by people with status and wealth, the failure to get redress for painful wrongs perpetuated by bureaucrats, police officials, magistrates, businessmen, power-holders, these young people become alienated and angry. They will vent their feeling on the bank teller, not the Bank of Guyana and the Ministry of Finance. They will direct their anger at the police constable, not those in charge of the magistrates. They will hurt a school teacher because they are mad with how the system, not the school teacher, treats them. Just a modicum of examples of what a shambolic, nihilistic, wasteland Guyana has become will not fill several columns, much less one article. Trevor Benn, the head of Lands and Surveys comes to mind. Three days ago, we had a conversation and he said, “Freddie, I want you to quote me”. Trevor said when his agency, armed with legal authority, stops wealthy people from taking over the government reserves and building on them or hijacking state lands for themselves, a day after his officials issue a stop order, the defiance continues, because money has been passed and his agency cannot do a damn thing about it. Three years ago, Guyana was the suicide capital of the world. The academics that write on suicide in Guyana are jok-

ers, and I had to chastise one such academic from Holland a few years ago. Young people cannot cope with the breakdown of this country and its failed nature. They do not have the experience to provide psychological cushion for them-

selves. I wonder if the desperate, angst-driven young people had read Nietzsche, they would have been more optimistic. Nietzsche wrote that the Übermensch is coming to save total civilization. I believe that. But my criti-

cism of Nietzsche is that he didn’t invest the Übermensch with rational thinking. The Übermensch will come, but he will distinguish which country he will save and which he will ignore. I know which one he will not save.

Frederick Kissoon

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 17, 2019

THE FACTS ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION There are many Guyanese in Guyana and in the Diaspora who are very concerned about what is currently happening in our country. They want to know what the government’s position is, and some persons still do not quite understand the whole situation, and what it means for the future of our country. Please let us clarify for you. CHIEF JUSTICE’S RULING On January 31, 2019 the Chief Justice presented her ruling on the Government’s application to the court to settle the legality of the No Confidence vote which was taken in Parliament on December 21, 2018. Her ruling was not in keeping with the Government’s position on what constitutes a majority vote, among other matters. Nevertheless, the Government of Guyana fully respects the Chief Justice’s decisions even though we disagree. The Attorney General has now applied to the court for Orders to ‘stay’ (hold off) the enforcement of the constitu-

tional motion. This ‘stay’ will allow President David Granger and all of the Government’s Ministers to continue their work in office. APPEAL PROCESS Guyana’s judicial system allows most litigants to appeal the lower courts’ decisions, so the Government has filed an appeal in the higher Court of Appeal, and we now await the verdict of that court. If the Appellate Court overrules the CJ’s ruling, then we will retain the status quo, and national elections will become due in 2020 as it was when the Coalition came to office in 2015. If the Appeal Court agrees with the Chief Justice’s ruling, then the Government intends to take the case to the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is Guyana’s final court of appeal. When the CCJ rules, then and only then, will the matter be finally settled. If the CCJ rules that the vote on December 21 was not valid, then, again, the status quo remains and national elections become due in 2020 as the Constitution stipulates. If the CCJ rules that the no-confidence

vote was valid then elections would have to be called when GECOM is prepared to hold elections. GECOM’s PREPAREDNESS Elections, whether national or regional, cost several billion dollars and to tell the truth, the 2019 budget did not cater for elections. Monies are allocated to GECOM to carry out house-to-house Registration, which has to be done this year, because the list, which was used in 2015 expires on April 30, 2019. We know for a fact that the names of thousands of people who died after May 2015 are on that voters’ list. Also, the names of thousands of young people who turned 18 since 2015 would not be on the list, as well as the names of families that have come back to live in Guyana. Then there are the people who migrated permanently since 2015. All resident Guyanese have to be registered to vote. If not, the Government could be taken to court for denying eligible voters their right to vote. This is known as ‘voter suppression’ and it is un-

democratic. HOUSE-TO-HOUSE REGISTRATION House-to-house registration for a population of our size, in a country as thinly spread out as ours, generally takes about six months. In 2014, a year before the Coalition Government came into office, GECOM had said clearly that it needs at least six months to prepare for any elections, scheduled or unscheduled. Now you see why elections cannot be held in March 2019. NEED FOR OPPOSITION TO ACT RESPONSIBLY If the CCJ were to rule that the vote was validly passed on December 21, then it would be incumbent upon the Opposition to act responsibly and agree to allow GECOM to adequately prepare for elections. If they refuse, they would be holding this country to ransom. GUYANA CANNOT BE LEADERLESS How can we live in a country with no government, no President? How would medicines be bought and distrib-

uted to the hospitals and health centres across the nation? What would happen to sick people, and how will our schools function? Our children have Caribbean exams to write in May/June, what would happen to those usually well planned and smoothly run examinations? Guyanese children could be disqualified by CXC. And how would public servants be paid? In fact, how would the Parliamentarians be paid, or the Opposition members, or any party’s supporters who work in the public service? THE CONSTITUTION IS CLEAR The absence of a sitting Government means anarchy and crime and lost lives! It would be irresponsible and a betrayal of the people who voted it into office if the Government were to stand down. The constitution is clear. It says that article 106 (6) notwithstanding, the government shall remain in place until another government is elected by the people. This Coalition government

is confident that its record of action and progress will allow it to be re-elected. CONSTITUTIONALLY LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT The Opposition’s irresponsible shouting about the government having to resign is being done to score cheap political points. It is part of their usual basket of tricks. Please do not be fooled by their campaign of misinformation. They have done it many times before. You didn’t listen in 2014-15, so please don’t listen now. Your government remains properly and constitutionally in office while GECOM prepares for elections, and while we wait for the courts to decide. In the meantime, your Government also expects you to help us to keep the peace and stability while we manage the affairs of state. Please resist any attempts to create panic and anxiety in your communities. These are the facts and we hope that they have provided you with a better understanding of the situation.

Sunday February 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

My column

Screaming loudly and grabbing attention while ignoring history

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ndoubtedly, the opposition is win ning the media war against the government. Supporters are using social media to such good effect that anything posted suddenly becomes fact. Supposedly, intelligent people are falling for the contents of the post. Just Friday, I got a call from a woman who was so disgruntled that she found fault with just about everything that the government has done or has not done. The roads in the new Diamond Housing Scheme are deplorable. The condition is being blamed on the government. But that is small potatoes to the reason she called. The conversation began with a criticism of Kaieteur News for not publishing something that “is all over the media.” This “something” is that the sons of two government Ministers were arrested for shooting Brian O’Toole. I had not heard that report. I said to the woman that Mr. O’Toole had claimed that there was only one shooter, whom he identified. The woman told me that there was a car nearby waiting for the shooter and that the Ministers’ sons were in that car to aid the escape. This was never reported; no one had CCTV footage of the shooting, but this lady came up with this bit of information that had remained hidden ever since the shooting. What was worse was the fact that the police were covering up the entire episode. For what it was worth, I turned to my reporter investigating the shooting to demand that he get the information on the two sons arrested. Not surprisingly, he said that there were no such arrests. I was still skeptical. I scoured the established media and the various radio stations for this bit of information. There was no such information. But such was this woman’s dislike for the government that the entire structure, once it remained in office, would scrape so many things under the carpet. I was at pains to remind her that there were people in the opposition in every corner of the government, and that nothing would remain a secret. She agreed, yet there was a ‘but’. Another frightening bit of information from the woman was that the military was under the control of the government and therefore would not stage a coup. There has never been one in the history of the country. Not even in the worst days of the previous administration did the army ever contemplate taking control of the

government. Of interest was the fact that this woman saw the arrest of the young woman for causing public terror as a case in point to discredit the opposition, especially when there was no charge against the sons of the two Ministers. Comments by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo about a constitutional crisis have also taken root. It is as though everything that has happened is new. I read a letter by Sherod Duncan in yesterday’s issue of Kaieteur News. Not remarkably, he happened to capture so many things that happened during the tenure of the previous government. 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 pro-

viso: 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. Indeed, nothing untoward ever happened until now, according to the opposition. Duncan continued, “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 then President Bharrat 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”. Ralph Ramkarran, who is now vocal about an illegal government, made some interesting comments in the wake of the crises. “(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, law-

ful and binding. (3) And all acts and things done by the above until the president is sworn in are valid, lawful and binding.” And Justice Claudette Singh concurred. “”I have no jurisdiction to order the President or the government to demit office.” The people who were at the centre of the issues dating back to 1997 are suddenly seeking to ramp up discontent. And this is frightening; so frightening that a man said to

me yesterday, “I lived through the 50s and the 60s. I don’t want those days to come back. I want to live the few years I have left in peace. This threat to the peace of the country is not doing anybody any good”. I concur. Sadly, people who were not here when those episodes happened are the most gullible, because they refuse to research recent history. And for its part, the absence of comments from the government is not helping the

Adam Harris situation. It is indeed true. The one who screams the loudest grabs the attention. But he who keeps screaming would get hoarse and eventually silent.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 17, 2019

Unity is a vital prerequisite to a better life for all

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n his maiden address to the 11th Parliament on June 10th 2015, President David Granger said; “your government acknowledges the democratically-expressed will of the people of this great country as expressed in the results of the recent general and regional elections. We are guided by a ‘One Nation’ policy that will bring enormous benefits to Guyana. We envisage the elimination of one-party domination of the government; the enhancement of local, municipal and parliamentary democracy; the elimination of ethnic insecurity; the expansion of economic enterprise; the enrichment of cultural life and the deepening of national consciousness.” From its inception, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has been committed to national unity. In fact, achievement of that elusive

goal is the primary reason that A Partnership for National Unity was launched in July 2011; National Unity is part of APNU’s name. APNU’s stated vision continues to be, “The creation of a Guyana in which her citizens can live productive lives free from the ravages of poverty, are secure in their homes and in their communities, and are able to enjoy the benefits of political, social and cultural liberation.” For that vision to be realised, national unity is essential. So, what is national unity, why do we need such cohesion, and how may we begin to achieve it? Today, we will address those questions. APNU interprets the concept of unity as one which is all-encompassing in scope; beginning with a firm commitment by individual Guyanese, and extending into neighbourhoods, communities, regions, and finally the

whole country. APNU views the quest for national unity not only as an initiative of political leaders, but rather, an objective to which all Guyanese should strive. Certainly, the Coalition, having been built on a philosophy of inclusionary democracy, will do everything possible at the governmental level, but realistically, each citizen must be committed to that goal before it can be actualised. Again, unity is a vital prerequisite to a better life for all. Why is this so? Because, in the absence of unity, we as a people will get nowhere. In the absence of cohesion, we will all be so busy fighting with each other, that progress and development will be impossible. As a result of historical realities of which we are all aware, we live in a country of diverse cultures. Unfortunately, as a consequence of

that, there are some self-serving, greedy, power-hungry politicians who use the fact of our diversity to try to divide us. We have seen how those unscrupulous, unprincipled people do everything that they can to drive wedges between neighbours, and create quarrels among friends. And they do it because they have nothing good to offer Guyanese, so, in order to gain political power – and access to the people’s resources – they try to divide us with their poisonous messages in order to establish a support base. If those toxic political opportunists get their way, Guyanese will continue to suffer, even as those politicians live in the lap of luxury, paid for with stolen resources, which rightfully belong to the people. On the other hand, APNU has a different vision for Guyana. The Coalition has a vision of a united people. The noted American poet Mattie Stepanek wrote, “Unity is strength . . . when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” The Coalition shares that conviction. The administration sees a future where together, we can work to build a country of which we can all be proud. Where our children can be well educated, and grow into productive, successful adults. A future where our senior citizens are treated with the respect and deference that they deserve. And if they need

healthcare, it should be readily available to them, as it should be for all Guyanese, regardless of where they live. But, some may ask, how is this possible in a country where there are so many different cultures? Unlike those poisonous politicians, the men and women of APNU view things very differently. Where the selfish seekers of high office see diversity as a weakness to be exploited for their personal enrichment, the leaders of the coalition see a wealth of rich culture, a reservoir of vast knowledge, and a plethora of time-tested traditions. In other words, APNU believes that because we come from different backgrounds and cultures, we can be stronger, because we may all bring different ideas to the table. President David Granger, recognising this, said that he is of the firm view that the different ethnic and religious groups in Guyana need to develop a greater understanding of each other, so as to fully appreciate the richness of the nation’s diversity and strength of the country as a whole. His Excellency was, at that time, speaking at the Prana Pratistha or consecration ceremony of a 4.5 metre-tall ‘murti’ (statue) of the Hindu God, Lord Hanuman at the Blairmont Mandir. He said too, “We cannot be strong if we are ignorant. We cannot be strong if we misunderstand each other, but through understanding we will be better able to combine

our energies and our strengths and ensure that our children live in an age of enlightenment rather than an age of darkness.” His Excellency, in making the point that understanding and knowledge of our diversity is indeed our strength, pointed the way to the beginning of the path towards national unity. APNU acknowledges that the path may not be straight and smooth, we accept that the road to unity will be strewn with challenges and littered with obstacles – including hindrances created by those so-called leaders who peddle hate and division. The coalition, though, stands by the conviction that unity equal good, and division equal evil. As such, we know that through our individual and collective efforts; by means of the power of our determination, strength of will, and oneness of purpose, good will triumph over evil. In the struggle to reach the noble goal that will translate to benefits for all Guyanese, each tier of government – local, regional, and central – have roles to play. Those roles include practicing inclusionary democracy, fostering the empowerment of citizens, and leading by example. Equally importantly, individual citizens have responsibilities too, including rejecting any attempts by anyone to divide us, working to better understand each other, and overcoming our own prejudices.

Sunday February 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Bronchiolitis: A common condition that puts your baby at risk By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

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ronchiolitis is swelling and mu cus (cold) buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchioles). It is usually due to a viral infection and affects up to 20% of infants, especially during the flu season. The mucus build-up blocks some of the breathing passages causing difficulty breathing. While it is often self-limiting, if left untreated, bronchiolitis can cause serious life-threatening consequences. Today, we will highlight pertinent signs and symptoms that you should look for in your child that may suggest bronchiolitis. WHAT CAUSES BRONCHIOLITIS? Bronchiolitis usually affects children under the age of 2, with a peak age of 3 to 6 months. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause. More than half of all infants are exposed to this virus by their first birthday. Other viruses that can cause bronchiolitis include: · Adenovirus · Influenza · Parainfluenza The virus is spread to infants by coming into direct contact with nose and throat fluids of someone who has the illness. This can happen when another child or an adult who has a virus: · nSneezes or coughs nearby and tiny droplets in the air are then breathed in by the infant · Touches toys or other objects that are then touched by the infant Bronchiolitis occurs more often in during the flu season and rainy periods in Guyana. It is a very common reason for infants to be hospitalized during these periods. WHATARE SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHIOLITIS? Some children have few or mild symptoms. Bronchiolitis begins as a mild upper respiratory infection. Within 2 to 3 days, the child develops more breathing problems, including wheezing and a cough. Symptoms include: · Bluish skin due to lack of oxygen - emergency treatment

is needed · Breathing difficulty including wheezing and shortness of breath · Cough · Fatigue · Fever · Muscles around the ribs sink in as the child tries to breathe in (called intercostal retractions) · Infant’s nostrils get wide when breathing · Rapid breathing HOW IS BRONCHIOLITIS DIAGNOSED? Your doctor will examine your child to look and listen for signs of bronchiolitis. They may hear wheezing and crackling sounds in the lungs when they listen with their stethoscope. This is usually a good indicator for bronchiolitis. Sometimes, they may order the following tests to help confirm their diagnosis of bronchiolitis: · Blood gases · Chest x-ray · Culture of a sample of nasal fluid to determine the virus causing the disease. HOW IS BRONCHIOLITIS TREATED? The main focus of treatment is to relieve symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and wheezing. Some children may need to stay in the hospital if their breathing problems do not improve after being observed in the clinic or emergency room. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections. Medicines that treat viruses may be used to treat very ill children. The following measures can be taken at home to help your child: · Have your child drink plenty of fluids. Breast milk or formula is fine for children younger than 12 months. Electrolyte drinks, such as Pedialyte, are also okay for infants. · Have your child breathe moist (wet) air to help loosen sticky mucus. Use a humidifier to moisten the air. · Give your child saline nose drops. Then use a nasal suction bulb to help relieve a stuffy nose. · Be sure your child gets plenty of rest. Do not allow anyone to smoke in the house, car, or anywhere near your child. Children who are having trouble breathing may need to stay in the hospital. There, treatment may in-

clude oxygen therapy and fluids given through a vein. WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK LIKE FOR BRONCHIOLITIS? Breathing often gets better by the third day and symptoms mostly clear within a week. In rare cases, pneumonia or more severe breathing problems develop. Some children may have problems with wheezing or asthma as they get older.

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT A DOCTOR? Visit a doctor or the emergency room if your child: · Becomes extremely tired · Has bluish colour in the skin, nails, or lips · Starts breathing very fast · Has a cold that suddenly worsens · Has difficulty breathing · Has nostril flarings or chest retractions when trying

to breathe Most cases of bronchiolitis cannot be prevented, because the viruses that cause the infection are common in the environment. Careful hand washing, especially around infants, can help prevent the spread of viruses. So your best bet is to practice good hygiene if you acquire the flu virus. This may prevent you from spreading it to an infant

Dr Zulfikar Bux who unlike you can develop bronchiolitis from the virus.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 17, 2019

SUNDAY Guyana can dictate airfare expenses of oil operators- Oil Consultants There has been mounting concern over the airfare bill ExxonMobil is racking up; a bill which the nation will have to pay when the oil giant claims it in cost recovery. But several oil and gas consultants are saying that Guyana’s authorities can put an end to this practice. They posit that the government can stipulate what airfare expenses the oil operator is to incur or even outright refuse to pay what is not deemed to be reasonable. Oil Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal explained during an interview with Kaieteur News that in cost recovery, the oil operator can claim for money it spent on a number of things, one of which includes airfares. He contended, however, that the country can regulate anything that has to do with cost recovery. Dr. Mangal said, “Guyana can dictate anything with cost recovery because the objective is to ensure that costs being claimed are reasonable. The country can refuse to pay for costs it deems unreasonable.” The consultant then pointed to instances where countries refused to pay costs claimed by oil companies. He also stated, “We can recall some ministers saying Exxon should not be audited and Exxon would never inflate costs. Christopher Ram and I said the opposite, and called for audits. “But the issue with these airfares is the tip of the iceberg; Exxon is probably defrauding Guyana of US$100’s of millions via cost recovery, in addition to the billions being taken with the unfair contract.” Dr. Mangal who worked as a Petroleum Advisor to the President also made comments on the matter via his Facebook Page. Responding to a question sent to him, he said that there is no need for Guyana to do away with Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) to bring an end to cost recovery woes. He said, “Many countries have PSAs. The problem is the government’s refusal to manage the contract. The problem is the government’s refusal to lift a finger to protect Guyana’s interests under the contract. GRA to seek criminal prosecution for all employees involved in bribery -Statia The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is dedicated

to continuously strengthening its anticorruption stance. One of the ways it intends to do this, is by seeking criminal prosecution against any employee who is found in acts of bribery or other forms of serious misconduct. This was recently noted by GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. The tax chief said, “GRA is committed to continuously strengthening its anticorruption programme and has outlined specific measures as part of its strategic plan. These measures include adopting an anti-corruption strategy designed to place emphasis on addressing specific risks in the organization.” The Chartered Accountant added, “Secondly, continued emphasis will be placed on conducting investigations of an employee’s misconduct and ensuring appropriate disciplinary actions are taken. Those actions include seeking criminal prosecution for serious criminal misconduct such as bribery.” The Commissioner General had also said that the Special Investigative Unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority is part of the entity’s plan to fight internal acts of corruption or collusion that may lead to billions of dollars in revenue leakages. The Commissioner General asserted that among the duties of the Unit will be the vetting of shortlisted applicants prior to their employment with the revenue authority. In a previous interview with Kaieteur News, Statia had also explained that such

a department is absolutely necessary for the Authority, as it seeks to restore the confidence of the public in the entity as well as improve its day to day operations. Statia had said, too, that he is interested in accountability and transparency, and it is in this light that he will be seeking to not only catch those taxpayers trying to cheat the system but even those officials within GRA who may be working along with them. MONDAY Given Exxon’s success in Stabroek Block…TT Energy Chamber lobbies for development of deepwater expertise to service Guyana, other nations Trinidadian energy stakeholders are currently counting the many ways that they can take advantage of opportunities that will arise from Guyana’s promising oil sector, which features ExxonMobil’s 12 significant discoveries in the Stabroek Block. One of the ways it envisions servicing Guyana, and even its domestic needs, is by developing deepwater expertise. Just a few days ago, Chairman of Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Chamber, Eugene Tiah, lobbied for his country to head in this direction. He was at the time speaking at the recently concluded Energy Conference and Trade show of Trinidad and Tobago. The three-day event was held at the Hyatt Hotel and was also organized by TT’s Energy Chamber, a not for profit,

independent, a-political membership organization representative of the major petrochemical companies there. The Chairman said, “While we focus on those new opportunities in renewables and efficiency, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the opportunities on our doorstep with new hydrocarbon developments. We are seeing a very encouraging deepwater exploration campaign underway in Trinidad, led by BHP, but nothing quite matching the enormous success of Exxon in neighbouring Guyana. “Trinidad has the potential to develop a much more robust energy services sector, including developing deepwater expertise, by playing the role as a hub for the regional energy services industry, providing expertise and capacity to French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Barbados, Grenada and potentially offshore Venezuela.” He added that this should be a focus of national development and an important element in an overall export diversification thrust. GECOM CEO given go-ahead to start preparing for elections – PPP Commissioners At a press conference on February 8, 2019, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield told the media that he has not been given the go ahead from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to prepare the

Secretariat for the holding of General and Regional Elections. But those who sit on the Commission in representation of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) are saying that this is not the case. PPP/C Commissioners, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn hosted a press conference on Friday afternoon to respond to statements made by Lowenfield the morning. There, Gunraj said that Lowenfield was given the go ahead to operationalize the GECOM machinery ever since a meeting that was held last Tuesday. “The CEO was given the go ahead to prepare… (Preparation) includes request for financing from the Ministry of Finance. So to hear today that he said that he was not given the go ahead is a little perplexing to me.” Further, Gunraj said that while the GECOM secretariat indeed requires a mandate from the Commission to go ahead with elections preparation, “there are some things that the Secretariat does that do not necessarily require instruction of the commission; that being said, there have been delays for all the reasons stated.” Gunraj said that the green light was given by commissioners who represent both government and opposition. Gunraj said that this was after he told the CEO that there is no prejudice to be suffered if GECOM prepares for elections but none is held in the short term. “I pointed out that ink

does not spoil and there is no harm in preparing…even if election is not held in the constitutionally mandated period, it has to be held at some point. Therefore, there is no harm in preparing. Against this backdrop, everyone agreed and the go ahead was given.” PPP Commissioners are of the “terrifying” opinion that GECOM Secretariat, with Lowenfield at helm, is engaging in delaying tactics. Commissioner Benn said that this is part of a “broader strategy.” He said that GECOM Secretariat is “creating opportunities for bigger problems down the road.” Benn said that he is not sure whether GECOM is engaging in the delay tactic out of fear or if it is “simply deliberate, but I know they are delaying.” Govt. to construct second entrance to Diamond Housing Scheme – to access DDL lands for new road, market, car park Government has announced plans to build a second entrance to the Diamond Housing Scheme as part of the bigger expansion of the road network links between East Bank and East Coast. Currently, the Diamond and Grove new housing schemes are facing major congestion with only one main access road that is unable to cope with peak hour traffic. Police are being utilized to direct traffic during these peak hours but this does little to quell the daily frustration (Continued on page 33)

Sunday February 17, 2019

From page 32 on what is probably the busiest road in the country. Sunday, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, announced that Government has gotten rum giant, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), to access lands for a car park, market as well as a second entrance to Diamond. The land that is to be used is located between the current Guyana Oil Company service station and DDL’s distillery area. According to Patterson, in a Facebook post, this situation was because a planned project to build an entrance overpass at the current entrance near the mandir, had been stymied. The land needed to build the overpass is owned by a private business, the M and M Snackette. That transaction had happened under the previous government of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. The first phase of the project is out for tender for the construction of a taxi stand and market. The closing date for these tenders is March 12. There are plans to include a roundabout. The second phase will involve the construction of the extension of the road to First Avenue, Diamond, via the area north of the Guyoil station, The third phase, likely to be tendered in the third quarter of this year, is the extension of the existing roads to the East Coast –

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East Bank Bypass. TUESDAY Guyana will reject all unreasonable, unjustifiable costs by oil companies Govt.’s Petroleum Advisor If oil companies rack up costs which are exorbitant and unjustifiable, Guyana will not be paying for it. This assertion was made, Monday, by Petroleum Advisor to the Government, Matthew Wilks. During a press conference which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency, Monday, Wilks said that the power of the government is in cost recovery audits. He said that this is the case whether it is for the controversial US$900M precontract costs and any costs going forward. The Petroleum Advisor said that he noted concerns in the media regarding certain costs being incurred by operators. Wilks said, “Let me just put it very bluntly, if anyone tries to charge costs which are unwarranted or not benchmarked to norms, or are excessive, the Department will reject them. That is the purpose of cost recovery audits. It is not merely to sign off on costs. It is to say no under the right circumstances. So ‘no’ will be said when we look at costs.” The Petroleum Advisor continued, “That is the whole purpose of getting qualified companies who have experience in auditing, who have benchmarking capabilities. It is such that they can look at the costs and

President of the UGSSA, Jewel Thomas, during the picketing exercise

they can benchmark them. They can tell the government if the cost is excessive or in the right order.” He added, “If anything is excessive and there is no good reason for it being done, it will be disallowed and that is a risk to any operator. If an operator spends too much or gold plates or doesn’t seek cost efficiency, it might be spending its own money and not the government’s because we will disallow it, pure and simple!” Greenidge’s continued role in int’l matters, national security is “troubling”- Ram In keeping with the constitution and the recent ruling of Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, dual citizens are not to hold any ministerial post or even sit as part of the National Assembly. Attorney at Law, Christopher Ram has noted that the constitution is being violated by both government and opposition. But he said that the most worrying violator on this matter is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge. Ram said that President Granger and his Government have “no intention of honouring the Constitution which they swore to uphold. I hold this view because of his refusal to revoke the appointment of Ministers Carl Greenidge, Joseph Harmon, Rupert Roopnaraine and Dominic Gaskin, all admitted violators of Article 155 who are therefore ineligible for appointment as VicePresident or Ministers.” “Mr. Greenidge’s is particularly troubling since he continues to lead Guyana’s engagement in some major international initiatives, some with security implications.” The Attorney noted that the conflict extends to the ministers’ places in the National Assembly in which they cannot continue to sit. Ram said that this reality makes it hard to contemplate any sitting of the National Assembly to extend the election date. Alliance For Change (AFC) had said that Minister Dominic Gaskin did not violate Article 155 of the Constitution as he did not pledge allegiance to another country. He was born in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, Ram thinks that Harmon, Greenidge and Gaskin should be removed from the National Assembly. He said that that “will leave people like (Minister Ronald) Bulkan and (Khemraj) Ramjattan as leading frontbenchers on the Government side while (Opposition parliamentarians) Gail Teixeira,

and possibly (Odinga) Lumumba and Anamayah of the PPP/C will also have to go.” Ram said that for President Granger to remove the violators of article 155 “would require a demonstration of strong leadership which has so far been missing, thus making unlikely an early parliamentary vote to extend the National Assembly beyond March 21.” Female UG bomb threat suspect remanded Citing public safety, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Monday remanded a 25-yearold student of the University of Guyana (UG) to prison, after it was alleged that she mad e several bomb threat to the tertiary education institution. The woman, Sheneza Dianne Jaffarally, 25, a sales consultant at Yellow Guyana, and of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Jaffarally was charged under the telecommunication Act. She pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on February 5, last, at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, she sent by means of a public telecommunication system, for the purpose of causing needless anxiety to the staff and students of the University of Guyana, a message which she knows to be false. She was represented by Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat who in an application to secure bail told the court that the young woman has an unblemished record. The lawyer stated that her client vehemently denied the allegation when it was put to her by the police. The lawyer

said that police are alleging that her client called the university via phone and made bomb threats. The lawyer added that a document was shown to her client while she was in custody. That document, Rahamat said, appeared to be a print out of phone records for a cell phone similar to that of her client’s. However, the lawyer said that the document was unsigned, unstamped and had no letterhead and appeared to be something generated from a computer. Other than that, the lawyer said there is absolutely no evidence to show that her client ever made any calls, or threats to the university. She added that from the time of her client’s arrest, she has fully cooperated with the investigations. She added that the police even went to her Cummings Lodge home and removed all her electronic documents. WEDNESDAY Granger’s continued hold on power… Guyana being pushed towards its worst constitutional crisis – Ram By holding on to power, President David Granger is “pushing Guyana towards the worst constitutional crisis in its history”. This is the view of Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram. Ram said that President Granger continues to ignore Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, which imposes on the Government the primary duty to hold elections within ninety days from the pass a g e o f t h e N o Confidence Motion. He said that this is despite the Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire’s pronouncement that the Cabinet and President automatically resigned on the passage of the no-

confidence motion. The Attorney-at-law then pointed out that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Administration and its Executive are fully aware that election should be held in 90 days unless the timeline is extended by a two-thirds majority. Yet, GECOM is not operating accordingly. “But this in no way takes President Granger and the APNU+AFC off the hook,” said Ram. Ram said that the Constitution provides for the eventuality where the Government and the President fail to comply with Article 106 (7). Ram said, “President Granger seems to have argued that the country cannot be without a President, since there must be a Head of State and Commander of the Armed Forces. I submit that if the President thinks he can be the beneficiary of his G o v e r n m e n t ’s own obstinacy and the illegality, he is deluding himself. “ The Lawyer continued, “His Attorney General needs to advise him of Article 95 ‘Vacancy in the Office of the President’ and Article 197A ‘Defence and security.’” Ram explained that Article 95, which provides the order of precedence when there is no President, lists the next in line as the Prime Minister, followed by an elected member of the National Assembly elected by the Cabinet, and next by the Chancellor. He said that since legally—upon the passage of a no-confidence—there i s n o P r esident, Prime Minister or any Cabinet to elect any person, “the poisoned chalice falls on the (Continued on page 34)

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From page 33 Chancellor. The functions of Chancellor are then passed to another Judge as per Article 127 (2).” UG’s financial management questioned by lecturers, staff – calls made for independent audit The financial management of the University of Guyana, (UG) is being brought into question by several lecturers and employees attached to the institution. So dire are the concerns over UG’s spending, that employees staged a picketing exercise in calls for an independent audit of the books. During a picketing exercise on Monday at the Turkeyen Campus, members and executives of University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) told the media of their concerns. “UG is spending monies which are not accounted for. The University is paying for accommodation, food and travel of experts, but fails to provide proof of how the monies are expended or whether these persons are actual experts. “We believe that there is some level of misappropriation as it relates to the finances and we want to see some scrutiny. So, instead of wasting monies on lavish dinner parties, talks, lectures, first class flights, and high-priced hotels, we believe that the University could divert some of the funds to address the inhumane conditions, staff and students are subjected to work under,” a staffer attached to the university stated President of the UGSSA, Jewel Thomas told members of the media that the funds could be plugged into an area that is most needed. She pointed to a need of developing the teaching

Kaieteur News

space. “We need adequate furniture and teaching materials. Instead, we are seeing expenditure in areas that we don’t consider a priority,” UGSSA President said. She noted too that the call for this audit has stemmed from the inability of the University to provide an increase in teachers’ salaries beyond three and four per cent, because the University “cannot afford it”. “The response came saying that they really don’t have any more money for 2018 [to pay] wages and salaries, but they would sit and negotiate the other things, i.e. the uniform allowances, etc.,” Thomas highlighted. Shipping companies slapped with $$$M fines over unfair haulage fees The country’s competition regulator has slapped fines on a number of shipping companies for alleged price fixing. According to the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), it has ruled unanimously against the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) in a price fixing case in a complaint filed against the body by businessman Mahindranauth Jaikarran. Jaikarran is said to be the owner of JD Transport Services. He provides haulage service for containers from terminals operated by the members of the SAG. Jaikarran, in his 2017 complaint to the CCAC, accused the SAG of engaging in anti-competitive behaviour by agreeing to collude to fix rates for the haulage of containers from terminals operated by its membership. The intentions of SAG were to disrupt the natural market flow to its advantage, Jaikaran argued in his

Petroleum Advisor to Govt., Matthew Wilks

complaint. The SAG members involved in the issue included Muneshwers Ltd, Demerara Shipping Ltd, John Fernandes Ltd, Guyana National Industrial Company Inc. and Guyana National Shipping Corporation. The matter was heard by the Commission, chaired by Ronald Burch-Smith, Commissioners Rosalie Roberston, S.C. and Pradeepa Bholanath. Evidence was provided by both the SAG and Jaikarran. According to the Commission, evidence presented showed that the terminal operators imposed handling fees for the private haulers which is not charged by the SAG members, which gives them “a price advantage vis-à-vis the private hauler, to the extent of the handling fees”. The Commission, in its findings, stated that “we are satisfied that the 15th July decision of the Shipping Association, and adopted by the five terminal operators, was an agreement within the meaning of Section 20 of the Consumer Affairs Act. It distorted a competitive environment among terminals for services provided by them to consumers generally, that is, to the shipping lines and agents, importers of goods and any person or entity which had the option to exercise choice or influence where their goods were shipped.” THURSDAY Govt. Advisor says… Ring-fencing and Tax avoidance issues fixed in new PSA template Tight ring fencing provisions and mechanisms to address tax avoidance by oil companies are just some of the critical features in the nation’s new template for Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). This is according to Petroleum Advisor to Government, Matthew Wilks. With rigid ring-fencing arrangements in place, the government will be protected from paying for costs associated with one well being carried over to another. In Guyana’s PSA with ExxonMobil for example, there are no ring-fencing provisions. This means that costs from one well in Liza Phase One, whether productive or not, can be carried over to the Liza Two Project. In short, the nation can pay for costs several times over. The new template will also put Guyana in a better position to mitigate the loss of revenue from transfer

Sunday February 17, 2019

Five of the biggest shipping companies have been fined for price-fixing, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission. pricing by oil companies. Wilks also said that the new template has more favourable terms for Guyana. At press conference on Monday, he said, “I think there is generally a tightening up that will go on in the PSAs which will give the government more opportunities to have a say as the exploration proceeds through exploration…to production.” He said, too, that there would be a variant of the Stabilization clause in future PSAs as well as the categorization of what costs can be deemed recoverable and non-recoverable by the contractor. The Petroleum Advisor said that royalty was not touched as it would be negotiable in ‘future bidding rounds. A report that was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and prepared by Oil and Gas Consultant, Anthony Paul, had called on the government of Guyana to have future oil deals subjected to strict ring fencing provisions. Paul in the UNDP report notes that Guyana must guard against this in future contracts. The Local Content Expert also notes that the government must require where there is no prior commitment, a new model licence, asserting that it will be subject to new laws and regulations. He said that government must require signature bonuses, retain equity in all new licences, and seek early or aggressive relinquishment clauses. US State Department to assist in strengthening National Oil Spill Plan The US State Department will be assisting Guyana in strengthening its national oil spill plan. This was recently announced by Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark

Bynoe. At a press conference on Monday, Dr. Bynoe said that his Department has been working with the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) and the US State Department on the issue. He said that CDC head, Colonel Craig, related that there is need for a more robust risk assessment framework to inform the plan and the nation’s coast guards are being engaged on this front. The Energy Department Head said, “Clearly, oil spill needs to be everybody’s business inclusive of the oil operators. So it is not just how we would react to a spill but the first point s tarts with the operators and their subcontractors. So the idea is to place on them, the onus to ensure they are doing everything within their mandate to reduce the possibility of any such spill.” During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News recently, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams had said that the plan will be ready by mid-2019. Dr. Adams noted that the EPA had a chance to review the draft plan and several comments were returned to the Civil Defense Commission for consideration. Dr. Adams described the Oil Spill Contingency Plan as “a work in progress” while noting that it needs a lot of details. The Environmental Engineer is also of the opinion that a proper risk assessment will be needed for the plan. He said that the risk assessment will identify the areas that are most vulnerable to an oil spill and the far reaching effects of such an eventuality. The EPA Head said that the CDC may wish to hire someone to do the assessment since it is a technical area and the document will be a most

important one for Guyana’s oil sector. The Inter-American Development (IDB) is just one of the many voices which called for there to be a national oil spill contingency plan in place before oil production commences in 2020. GPL system hacked, ransom demanded There is confirmation that the systems of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) came under a cyber attack last week. From disclosures, too, demands were made to the state-owned company for payments to release control of the systems but GPL refused to buckle. As of Wednesday, the Ebilling site allowed persons to log in but the account information remained down. Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon, admitted that “an incident” had occurred but GPL’s backup had kicked in. Last week, the collections system was down for a while, he said. Asked specifically to confirm reports that a ransom was last week made, Gordon said, “Let me not be that specific but there was something that would have led to that.” GPL is reportedly using a Chinese built fibre-optic cable network for some of its system. There have been concerns about the technology of Huawei, a Chinese communication giant that has been doing work around the globe. It is under the microscope now.It is unclear whether Huawei’s equipment, including that cable, is part of the GPL systems. What is known is that a Chinese fibre optic cable has been linking GPL’s operations. According to (Continued on page 35)

Sunday February 17, 2019

From page 34 Director of GPL’s Information Technology Department, Vijay Datadin, said last week, there was a “bit of a problem. Some systems were down due t o precautionary actions,” he said. There was some trouble on part of the systems and to protect the integrity, GPL’s IT team isolated parts of it and have been working to bring them back online. According to Datadin, there are indeed growing cyber threats that are emerging, but GPL has been looking at the situation and taking advice, even working with government teams. FRIDAY No Confidence motion and related issues… PPP wants Carter Center to highlight blatant disregard for rule of law in Guyana The People’s Progressive Party is looking to the Carter Center to spread “facts” on the international stage about the state of affairs in Guyana. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo said this Thursday at his weekly presser. He said that the Carter Center recently met with his party. “I told them things similar to what I said at the press conferences. We spoke about the consequences of a March 19 deadline being passed; about the government, same old government group that President Carter met when he came to Guyana in the pre1992 era. They just dusted off themselves a bit and put on modern clothes,” said Jagdeo.The politician indicated that he told the Carter Center that government players continue to show no respect for the law and constitution, “especially when it comes to hanging on to office or perks. They are revealing themselves to all Guyanese, including APNU supporters, who are just tired

of the charade…We told the Carter Center about everything, how tired the people are in this country”. Jagdeo said that the Carter Center officials told the PPP that they are in Guyana on a “fact finding mission and we served them up with some facts. I hope they will disseminate it widely so that the world will see the true nature of the beast that we have called the government; this geriatric cabal.” Jagdeo said that he had no qualms in telling the Carter Center about the “geriatric, useless cabal.” He said, “I made it clear what the circumstances are. I know they have met with the government…I do not know what they were told, but we expect that the fact that they would have gathered here will show a clear pattern of the behaviour of APNU. The violation of the Constitution and an unwillingness to respect the laws of Guyana, and that will make its way to, not just the Carter Center, but to other international organizations that they have a reach with.” Also, Jagdeo said that the PPP hopes that the United States Government will be given a copy of the Carter Center report. Donor activity for oil sector being coordinated to prevent duplication – Energy Head Dr. Bynoe The Energy Department is continuing its efforts to coordinate all petroleum sector donor activity from the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico. Head of the Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe explained earlier this week that this is being done to ensure focused, cost effective and efficient support without duplication.Dr. Bynoe noted that support for both the Department of Energy and sister institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Revenue

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs

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GPL came under a cyber attck recently, officials have confirmed. Authority, the Audit Office of Guyana, the Civil Defence Commission and the Ministry of Social Protection is ongoing. Further to this, Dr. Bynoe said that through the Finance Ministry, significant loans have been agreed and/or being finalized with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank for institutional strengthening and governance for the Oil and Gas sector. He said that these loans are to address much needed support for the sector and to allow for more effective management. Last year June, the World Bank approved a US$35 million Development Policy Credit to Guyana. This sum is expected to support Guyana’s efforts to strengthen financial sector development and fiscal management to better prepare the country to benefit from its newly discovered oil and gas reserves and transform its oil wealth into human capital. While currently nearly one in four people in Guyana live in poverty, experts

estimate that GDP will surge when commercial production of newly-discovered oil and gas begins. In response, the government has embarked on a series of reforms to diversify the economy and turn oil windfalls into human development and sustainable growth in the long term. “Guyana is making important strides to promote financial resilience and improve fiscal management, and has embarked on a broad-based reform programme,” said Tahseen Sayed, World Bank’s Country Director for the Caribbean when the loan was signed. “These reforms will be key to building a strong economy that is underpinned by a strategic management of public resources for the benefit of the Guyanese people.” MoneyGram, Western Union exchange rates not necessarily unfair – Central Bank Governor There has been a growing

State Minister, Joseph Harmon

debate and focused attention in recent years over the operations of banks and cambios with respect to the exchange rates for foreign currency. There is some attention now, too, on how two of the country’s biggest money transfer services are conducting their business. However, Central Bank says it may not necessarily be that Western Union and MoneyGram are exploiting the situation. The two money transfers came under the spotlight this week after Tony Vieira, a commentator, raised questions about the rates. In a Letter to the Editor, Vieira said that he found out that Western Union exchanged US dollars for Guyana dollars at the rate of $202.1675 to 1 US dollar, but at a commercial bank he got $210. He questioned whether it was okay that Western Union (WU) and MoneyGram (MG) offer a lesser exchange rate than that “authorized by our Cambio system and commercial banks? Don’t we [BOG- Bank of Guyana] regulate them at all? I believe that we established some time ago that as much as 300 million US dollars is being sent to Guyanese from the US, Canada and the UK annually to relatives here, in which case if the exchange rate of G$210 is used that amounts to 63 billion Guyana dollars, but WU is paying 202.1675 to 1 US$, which means that they are fleecing the poor Guyanese people who are being supported by their relatives abroad to the tune of 2.35 billion dollars [63 billion- 60.65 billion]”. He also pointed to the huge spread between the

exchange rate for other entities which is between $201 and $214. This contrasts with the spread at the banks which is $210 and $216. According to Vieira, it is a fact that both Western Union and MoneyGram have to be licensed to operate here, which makes them accountable.“WU and MG should be allowed their service fees since they are entitled to it, but they should not be allowed to manipulate the exchange rate in this manner…” Contacted Thursday, Governor of Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga, said that both entities had been called in sometime back, as part of the regulator ’s routine business. SATURDAY Elections matters not enough to force National Assembly sitting–Harmon The 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, on Friday. 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 (Continued on page 36)

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From page 36 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. Harmon only 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. On Friday afternoon, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, was asked whether Government has ever called a

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sitting of the House for just two or three matters. Isaacs said he could answer in the affirmative. The Clerk said, “There 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.” He did note, however, that nothing in the Standing Orders stops the Government from calling a sitting on just two matters. Ministerial Plenary meeting with all powers of Cabinet 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 NoConfidence Motion is passed. Instead, it is holding a Ministerial Plenary. But this very body still has all the powers of Cabinet. This was announced Friday by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a press conference 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

Sunday February 17, 2019

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 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.”

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Report finds…

Child sex abusers use food, threats to lure victims Sexual offending requires the offender to use charm and manipulation in order to lure a victim into a sexual relationship. While many

view giving food to a child as a kind gesture, there are those who use this to lure children and teens into sexual abuse. This was highlighted in a

recently released report by Child Link Guyana titled, Cries in the Dark-Child Sex Abuse in Guyana Today. Under the heading, ‘How abusers gain

compliance and enforce secrecy’, the report examined how abusers maintained sexual access to children and teens over time.

According to the report, in order to preserve their reputations, abusers pressure children to submit to repeated abuse and secrecy and that a wide range of tactics were reported by victims of child sex abuse. “Sometimes abusers gave children gifts such as money, marijuana, food, chocolate, ice cream, clothes, or privileges such as getting their own way. Sometimes the abusers gave money and gifts to the child’s mother or other family members to gain access to the child,” the report says. The report pointed out that all abusers threatened the children implicitly, by demonstrating their power in a variety of ways, and that some children reported that abusers also issued specific threats to make them comply with the abuse or keep it secret. Some of them reported that abusers threatened to kill their mother and also threatened to kill them. One child admitted, “I was crying and screaming and he (abuser) raised his voice and said, “Shut your f&*%ing mouth before I kill you’.” Others reported that abusers threatened to put them out and “threatened to take his hands and a big knife and dig out my inside.” Another reported, “My stepfather threatened to make the family unhappy”, while another said, “He said if I talk, he will tell people I have AIDS.” According to the report, “Often the abusers gained compliance and secrecy by manipulating their young victims. One abuser told his

seven-year-old victim that she liked his actions and that no one would believe her if she told them. Abusers also told victims that they would get into trouble or get a beating and their parents would be angry if they disclosed.” It continued, “Some victims reported manipulation by abusers that made them feel “special” and like his “girlfriend” even when there was a difference in age of ten or more years. Family, friends, community members, older peers at school, and even family members used the boyfriend/girlfriend approach to gain children’s compliance. Some children reported that they did feel like the abuser’s girlfriend, because they had become intimate, or had developed feelings for the person, or because she believed she loved him, or because he was nicer to her than most other people.” However, the reported highlighted that some teens reported that they knew they were not the abuser’s girlfriend, because he was already married to, or dating another family member. One victim stated, “He is a big man (continued on page 40)

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Child sex abusers use food, threats to lure victims From page 38 and I am a little girl. Plus he’s got his wife, my aunt.” Moreover, the report says that it is important to note that children who are afraid of a beating are unlikely to tell their parents about abuse, because they are afraid they will be further punished. Also, it noted that children who feel loved, appreciated and well cared-for at home may be less likely to succumb to an abuser’s seduction attempts. Apart from the abovementioned gifts, threats and manipulation, children said they kept their abuse a secret because they feared the abuser, fear of being punished by a supportive mother or father, and because they thought the abuse was their fault. Additionally, others related that they kept it a secret because they were afraid others would not believe them, scared others in the family and community would look at them differently and because “It felt good and I was scared of him.” Nevertheless, the report said that others revealed their motivations for disclosing the abuse, and how others responded to this. A teen who was abused several times by her stepfather from age eight said, “I got tired of what he was doing to me and plus he was still beating my mother.” Another said, “My teacher forced me to tell about the abuse.” “One girl who was raped by her 75-year-old grandfather told her grandmother, stepmother, aunt and father on the same day. One teen said she told her mother who did not

believe her, and so she told her teacher who she is not sure believed her. She said she disclosed it because of the health and family life education topics in school,” the report stated. Cries in the Dark-Child Sex Abuse in Guyana Today is based on a study of the first 338 reports of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) received by the Child Advocacy Centres (CACs) operated by ChildLinK in Guyana, as well as research interviews with teenage CSA victims and their supportive caretakers. Among other things, it was noted in the report that many children reported abuse by more than one offender. Forty-two percent of the abusers were non-family members who were known to their victims, such as community members, family friends, or service providers and professionals such as teachers, pastors, or bus conductors. Only one of the abusers mentioned in the 338 reports was a woman. According to the report, in 2014, there were 3,883 reported cases of child abuse to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), 628 (16%) were child sexual abuse cases. In 2017, the CPA report reflected a total of 4,179 cases of abuse with 841 (20%) of those cases being child sexual abuse. In a period of three years (2014-2017) there was an increase of 5% of reported child sexual abuse cases, the report says. At the end of June 2018, CPA recorded 481 cases of sexual abuse against children.

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Govt., Opposition and citizens should pay heed... (From page 43) day, they would be fired. A circular was subsequently issued, on the same day, advising that the mines and maintenance department would be closed, and workers should leave the premises. The Union advised the Labour Department of the new development and was invited to a meeting, along with the management, tomorrow - i.e. Monday, February 18th. It will be left to be seen whether BCGI’s management, that has been contemptuous of our laws and workers/ citizens, will attend the meeting. If they fail to do so, the workers, the trade union community and society will take note of the action(s) the subject minister and ministry would employ to ensure the dignity and respect for the Laws of Guyana and Guyanese. We are in an election season, and this will probably be the most highly contested.

United Nations Resident Representative Mikiko Tanaka, at a recent address, reminds us that “SDG [Sustainable Development Goal] 16 recognises that building peaceful, just and inclusive societies that provide equal access to justice and that are based on respect for human rights, including the rights of development, requires effective rule of law and good governance on all levels, and are transparent, effective and accountable to institutions.” She went on further to note that voting citizens, both young and old, and male and female, should inform themselves of issues that affect their lives in the wider society, as well as what they should expect and demand from political parties as it relates to shaping the future of the country. Government, Opposition and citizens are urged to pay heed.

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Nine to compete in Banks GEMS Theatre Productions to Chutney Finals today host KFC Link Show next month Nine contestants in the Chutney Song competition are moving forward to the finals after they went head-to-head with at the Bath Settlement Centre Ground in Region 5, on Sunday last. Among the victorious, includes the lone female contender, Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” who emerged from an original group of 12. Convenor Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud said while the contestants “laid it bare” for this round, those going forward will be saving the best for the finals. She noted the creativity and initiative taken by the contestants in the use of props and back up dancers. She stressed that though three have been eliminated, it will be a difficult task for the judges since the contestants demonstrated great stage presence and received huge crowd participation. Boodhoo-Persaud also reminded persons to come out and support the Chutney finals and also participate in the Duck Curry competition. “It is not just about the chutney competition and entertainment, we want to involve the community as well and the implementation of this [duck curry] competition is a great

Reigning Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh one, and I am looking forward to seeing a large crowd, much larger than previous years,” she added. Those set to advance are Hamesh Rhyna called ‘Entertainer V Star’ with his song ‘My dreams’, Christopher Ramphal with his song ‘Sundar Larki’, Sasnaayan Hitnarayan, also called “Prince HTN” with his song ‘Love and Unity’, Arijit Singh with this ‘Ring on the lukanee’, Pooran Seeraj, a former Chutney Monarch with his song ‘GT Ladki’, Chandarpaul Nathoo with his ‘Mash 49’, Deonarine

Balkissoon, also called “Nishal B” with his ‘I Proud to be a Guyanese’, Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” with her song “Dulaha Dulahin” and Steven Ramphal with his song ‘Rang ke bare’.Finals for the Banks Chutney Monarch competition will be held on February 17 at the Anna Regina Community Centre. The Chutney Monarch will take home $1M, while the runner-up will receive $600,000, those in third and fourth place will receive $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.

Guyana’s most popular annual satirical review, the KFC Link Show 34, which has been entertaining Guyanese audiences by the thousands for the past 33 years, will be opening at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) from March 1 to 4. KFC Link Show 34 speaks to the current political and social situation along with political and topical personalities in a very funny and entertaining manner. Audiences can look forward to an evening of relaxation and lots of laughter. The production which premiered in November1981 has been thrilling audiences from Charity to Linden to Corriverton and New Amsterdam and between 1997-2001, in the USA and Canada over the years. The cast will comprise of both experienced actors and some promising newcomers. Link Show stalwarts like Sonia Yarde, Michael Ignatius, Mark Luke Edwards, Mark Kazim, Sean Thompson, Randy Critchlow, Simone

Persaud, Simone Dowding, Rajan Tiwari,Nirmala Narine, Paul and Sean Budnah will be joined by other seasoned actors like Sheron Cadogan, NathayaWhaul, Melika Edmonds, Nelan Benjamin,Makini Thompson, Troy Parboo, Raymond Persaud and newcomers on the scene will be Zoya Moore, Tamepha Rodney, Rovindra Persaud, Lee Leung, Joshua Persaud, Yohance Koama and Nalini Narishwarie Patrons are advised to be there early as the show starts promptly at 20.00hours (8.00p.m.). Security will be provided for vehicles. Patrons are also being asked to adhere to the NCC dress code. The KFC Link Show 34 is produced by GEMS Theatre Productions and The Theatre Company, directed by Ron Robinson. Tickets are $2000, $1200 and $1000 and are now on sale at the National Cultural Centre, KFC Mandela Avenue and Regent and King streets outlet.

Hits and Jams to host Sunrise Brunch Party February 23 Hits And Jams Entertainment presents an event like no other, the “Sunrise Brunch Party.” It is the ultimate crank up party for Mashramani 2019 which will be held on February 23 from 10am at the Everest Cricket Ground. Be sure to attend this one of a kind event where you will get to savour a variety of pastries, meat, pepper pot, salads, wraps, flavored ice teas, sangrias and mimosas complemented with the best lights, screens, tents, cabanas

and sounds.All inclusive brunch tickets cost $5000, while general tickets $2000 and are available at That Look Boutique. You can receive a free oriental stylish umbrella with every purchase of an all inclusive sunrise brunch ticket. This event is sponsored by Stag Beer, Eldorado Rum, Lipton Tea and Banks Beer. For more information contact 227-0580/ 2270992 or email communicationsofficerhj@gmail.com

Wine of the week… The B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon When wine enthusiasts Thomas Barton and Daniel Guestier joined forces to make their own creation, they had a vision: firmly establish the reputation of French wines around the world. And they did so effortlessly with the bold and gorgeously full-bodied taste of the B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, the duo was the first to offer the great French wines under one name. Their pioneering spirit, winemaking expertise, and passion remain in each bottle that is produced. Today, Laurent Prada, B&G’s Head Winemaker, and his team work daily in partnership with almost 50 winegrowers in Languedoc, Gascony, and Corsica to offer its followers a collection of highly distinctive modern varietal wines thanks to the use of innovative vinification techniques. Sourced from the Languedoc region where

the sunny Mediterranean climate produces rich and fruity wines, the B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has ripe black fruit aromas (blackcurrant, blackberry) with flattering toasty and spicy notes when agitated. It also round and smooth on the palate with velvety tannins that are sure to give you moments of ultimate satisfaction with every sip. There is even a long fruity aftertaste with notes of vanilla and licorice to look forward to. It is excellent for pairing with red meats, pasta, spicy dishes, and cheese. The B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon can be found at the Wine Vault located at the Marriott Hotel for $6800 VAT inclusive. You can also find it at the Hibiscus Restaurant, Nice Restaurant and Bar, Palm Court and other leading hotels and bars.

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How to Get Rid of Belly Fat in a Week You’re fed up with your belly fat, and you want it gone — now. Your abdomen didn’t

expand in one week, so you can’t expect it to slim down in that short time either. Use a

week to introduce measures to help you lose belly fat over time and reduce bloating. You

might feel a little lighter after seven days, but true loss of fat will take several weeks or

months. Belly fat is a metabolically active type of fat that sits deep inside the abdominal cavity. It surrounds internal organs and releases compounds that make you vulnerable to metabolic disturbances, heart disease and inflammation. Belly fat may be dangerous, but it’s also responsive to traditional weight-loss strategies of diet and exercise. One pound of fat equals 3,500 calories; thus, to lose a pound, you must consume 3,500 calories fewer than you burn. In a week, you can’t afford much more than a 3,500or 7,000-calorie deficit without severely depriving yourself of nutrients and solid food. This deficit means you’ll lose 1 or 2 pounds per week.

muscle, which helps boost your metabolism. The results of strength-training are gradual, however. One week of strength training won’t induce the changes in your body necessary to improve your metabolism, but over the long haul you’ll see improvements. Belly fat also responds to a lower-calorie diet that’s full of healthy, unprocessed foods. Go for lean protein, fresh produce and whole grains at meals. When you have just a week to lose as much as possible, ban all sweetened drinks — including soda and juice — bakery treats and ice cream. Also avoid refined grains, such as pizza and white bread, as well as alcohol. Keep your portion sizes to just 2 to 4 ounces for

Some people can lose more than two pounds in a week with a dedicated fitness program and serious dietary restrictions. The time and effort required to lose weight that quickly is grueling and usually unsustainable, though. Even if you can lose a notable amount of weight in a week, a lot of it will be water weight — not true belly fat. Weight you lose quickly is likely to be regained quickly too. Belly fat is usually the first weight lost when you start an exercise program, explains Rush University Medical Center. If you are new to exercise or coming back from a long hiatus, you can’t expect to hit the gym for hours at a time to burn off fat that first week. This only increases your risk of injury and burn out. Instead, build up to at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity cardio, such as swimming, jogging or hiking. A duration of 250 minutes per week will lead to more significant weight loss, explains the American College of Sports Medicine. This means 250 minutes a week for several weeks or months, though; you’re unlikely to see dramatic results after one week. Strength training is another critical component in belly fat loss. You can’t crunch your tummy away, but you can participate in a fullbody strength-training program that addresses all the major muscle groups. Do this at least twice a week to build

meats and other proteins and about 1/2 cup for grains. Over the long term, these dietary revisions help you drop belly fat. Resist the urge to use a diet that promises quick results. Often they don’t work, or they’re so restrictive you can’t handle them for more than a couple of days — let alone a week. If you do stick to the plan, you may very well see a drop in pounds — but it’s not from a substantial amount of fat; it’s mostly from water. A quick-fix diet teaches you nothing about sensible eating that will help you manage your belly fat and health forever. You’ll likely gain all the weight back as soon as you resume your normal eating habits. Although you can’t lose substantial fat in a week, you can jump start the weightloss process. Also make a few dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce bloating so your tummy feels flatter. Avoid over stuffing yourself at meals; eat small meals throughout the day. Chewing gum and drinking with a straw can cause excess air to gather in the digestive tract. Carbonated beverages, spicy foods, large servings of beans or cruciferous vegetables, dried fruits and fruit juice often induce gas and bloating. If you’re lactose intolerant, avoid dairy products to help reduce belly swelling; make sure you obtain important nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, from milk alternatives or other fortified foods. http://www.livestrong.com.

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Junior page POUR PAINTED POTS

White Wing: The Tale of the Doves and the Hunter

~ written by Vishnu Sharma One day long ago in India, a hunter came to a big tree. This tree was so big that its branches turned back down and went right into the ground again. Then new baby trees would grow up from those very spots. Have you ever seen such a thing? Trees that do that are called “banyan” trees. “Ah!” said the hunter when he saw that big banyan tree. “That looks just right for my net. I will catch a lot of birds today.” The hunter threw his net over the tree. The strings in the net sank down into the branches. You could not see the net any more. Then the clever hunter put grains of rice all over the leaves. The grains of rice were easy to see, even from far away. “Ah!” said the hunter when he saw that big banyan tree. “That tree is just right for my net.” Just then, White Wing, king of the doves, was flying

overhead with all of his doves flying behind him. He saw that banyan tree below. “Wow!” said White Wing, spinning around. “This must be our lucky day! Look at all the rice on that tree.” White Wing flew down to the banyan tree. The doves spun around behind him and followed him to the tree, too. But oh no! As soon as they all landed on the tree, each one was trapped in the net! Someone was glad to see this. “Well, well!” said the hunter. Look at all these doves! I will have myself a fine dinner.” Seeing him, the doves cried out, “It is over for us!” As soon as they landed, each one was trapped in the net. “Wait, wait!” said White Wing. “There is a way for us to get free. But we must act together.” “What can we do?” cried a dove. “The hunter is almost here!” “Alone, none of us can lift

this net,” said White Wing. “It's too big and heavy.” “We know, we know!” cried the doves. “But if we all fly up together at the same time,” said White Wing, “we can lift this net. We will fly it to the city, past these woods. I know a mouse that lives there. He is a dear friend, and I am sure he will help free us by chewing through the net.” “If we all fly up together at the same time, said White Wing, we can lift this net.” “Look, the hunter!” cried a dove. “Everyone,” yelled White Wing. “Now!” At once, all of the doves flew up. Together, they lifted the net right up out of the banyan tree. The hunter could not believe his eyes. All the birds he was going to have at dinner were flying up high into the sky – and they were taking his net with them! White Wing and the doves flew with the net over the woods and to the city. There, White Wing found his friend the mouse, and the mouse freed them, one and all.

The colors were so pretty dripping and swirling down the sides of the pots. There are so many moments

Materials: Plant pots Acrylic paint Tape

where I just wanted to freeze it and keep it that way, but you can't fight gravity!

F

irst we taped up

the holes on the

bottom of the pots

and started to pour the paint.It's really simple to achieve this swirly and marbled effect – just pour a bit of paint, and then keep adding new colors on top of the old ones until they drip off the edges and run down the sides of the pot.

The friendly cow, all red and white, I love with all my heart: She gives me cream with all her might, To eat with apple tart.

FUN WITH POETRY

The Cow

She wanders lowing here and there, And yet she cannot stray, All in the pleasant open air, The pleasant light of day; And blown by all the winds that pass And wet with all the showers, She walks among the meadow grass And eats the meadow flowers.

by Robert Louis Stevenson by Uncle Roy

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Sunday February 17, 2019

A Sense of Belonging will make your environment feel more comfortable

T

o help teenagers to develop this vital sense of belonging within an environment which is safe and leading them in the right direction, they will need to involve themselves in three areas:1. The creation of an accepting environment in which they are supported by their peers. This can be achieved by getting involved in organisations which are geared in providing some service to themselves and to others. As members of an organisation, all have the obligation to contribute towards achieving mutual understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all others. It must be remembered always that other persons have the same emotional needs as we have, and we must help them to satisfy these, which at the same time will work for us in the same way. Everyone must be treated as equals, even though some would be in positions of authority. Membership of a worthwhile organisation gives a sense of group pride and increases this feeling of belonging. Any time one feels a part of something larger than oneself, especially if one is doing his bit to keep it running, it enhances this sense and our personal worth. Social and emotional support is essential to the development of self-

confidence in every human being. For t h o s e adolescents in whose homes this support is lacking, because parents/relatives are emotionally distant, harshly critical, abusive or neglectful, then it is important that they get this brace from their peer in a healthy way. It may be necessary, if you have feelings of shame, loneliness or sadness, to look for pleasant and respectable friends, especially who have similar experiences and whom you can trust, and discuss your mutual problems 2. Make use of opportunities for social interaction. This may already be taken care of in carrying out your obligations towards an organisation, but you need to purposely make the time for strengthening the social relationships among your peers, keeping this within the bounds of proper conduct, and in an atmosphere of appreciation for each individual. 3 Develop supportive behaviour. While competition is useful in getting

the best out of us, if we are not in the top third of our group, we can be easily discouraged. What caters for everyone is cooperative behaviour which makes us willingly contribute to the common goals of our group and make ourselves available to be of service to others. This helps to develop our character by instilling a sense of social responsibility in contrast to only looking out for oneself. By taking the steps to help others to belong, we get the satisfaction which comes from being unselfish, and this serves to maintain this sense of belonging which is necessary for our personal development into a mature adult.

1

A lift is on the ground floor. There are four people in the lift including me. When the lift reaches first, floor, one person gets out and three people get in. The lift goes up to the second floor, 2 people get out 6 people get in. It then goes up to the next floor up, no-one gets out but 12 people get in. Halfway up to the next floor up the lift cable snaps, it crashes to the floor. Everyone else dies in the lift. How did I survive? 2

A man walks into a restaurant and the waiter says, “Good day, Admiral.� Why did the waiter call the man an Admiral?

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Remember and Be Grateful Remember the sun that gives us heat and light, And the beaming moon with its pleasant light; Remember the plants, birds and animals, How much they nourish and provide for us all; Remember the wind, ocean and the earth, That they make so many good things come forth; Remember your mother who struggled to give you form and breath, How she nourished you, prepared to do so until death; Remember your father who worked so hard to provide, And that he has always been by your side; Remember your gentle sisters and robust brothers, They love and help you more than all others; Remember your other relatives and friends, Who contribute to make your life good without end; Remember all the rest who have helped in some way, And continue to do so day by day; Remember the good times you have had, How they have made up for any times bad; Remember most of all your Almighty Lord, And be forever grateful and live by His word; Remember that gratitude is the greatest virtue, And express it always to make your life worthy and true.

Just as you need to feel comfortable in your environment, others need the same; do your best to help them to achieve this.

Solutions to last week’s MAZE MANIA

1. Follow the image.

3

I have no voice, yet I speak to you. I tell of all things in the world that people do.I have leaves, but I am not a tree. I have pages, but I am not a bride.I have a spine, but I am not a man.I have hinges, but I am not a door.I have told you all. I cannot tell you more.What am I? 4

A man pushes his car to a hotel and tells its owner that he is bankrupt. Why?

2. 18-5=13

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Sunday February 17, 2019

Dark circles under my eyes? How to get rid of dark circles There are a number of ways that people report they've eliminated or reduced the appearance of dark circles under their eyes. Everybody is different, so some of these remedies might not work for you. As with any treatment, it's always a good idea to review your plans with your doctor before testing them out on yourself. Sleep Fatigue and a lack of sleep can cause dark circles under your eyes. It can also make you look paler, which might make your dark circles appear darker. Make sure you're getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night and practicing good sleep hygiene. Elevation When you sleep, try extra pillows under your head to lessen the puffiness of fluid pooling in your lower eyelids. Cold Sometimes dilated blood vessels can darken the area under your eyes. A cold compress can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which may result in a lessening of the dark circles. Sun Reduce or eliminate sun exposure to your face. Moisturizers There are a number of over-the-counter moisturizers that might help you with the dark circles under your eyes. Many of them contain caffeine, vitamin E, aloe, hyaluronic acid, and/or retinol. Cucumber Proponents of natural healing suggest chilling thick slices of cucumbers and then placing the chilled slices on the dark circles for about 10 minutes. Then rinse the area with water. Repeat this treatment twice a day. Almond oil and vitamin E Natural healing advocates suggest mixing equal amounts of almond oil and vitamin E and then, just prior to bedtime, gently massaging the mixture into the dark circles. In the morning, wash the area with cold water. Repeat the process nightly until the dark circles disappear. Shop for almond oil. Vitamin K A 2015 study showed that placing a pad (which contained a mixture that included caffeine and vitamin K) under the eye resulted in a reduction in wrinkle depth and dark circles. Tea bags Natural healers suggest soaking two teabags — use caffeinated tea — in warm water and then chilling the bags in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Place a bag on each eye. After five minutes, remove the teabags and rinse the area with cold water.

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH

Kaieteur News

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Sunday February 17, 2019

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Tender out for Lethem Airport Lethem has been earmarked as the next major transport hub in the country, and according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the money has already been allocated for the project. Speaking at a public meeting at the Amerindian Hostel in Lethem, Region Nine on Friday evening, Minister Patterson said the facility will bear similarity to the Eugene Correia International Airport at Ogle. “US$4M [$834M] has been allocated to bring Lethem up-to-standard,” noted Minister Patterson. The upgrade will include a new runway, new terminal and indoor facilities. Minister Patterson says

these developments are in keeping with what is required for an international hub, as the airport already caters to regular domestic and international flights on a daily basis. “In the next month, public consultation will start for this project.” The Public Infrastructure Minister joined Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; and Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry for a public meeting with residents of Lethem. The ministers are part of the 19-member contingent of Government ministers and officials on an outreach in Region Nine.

Two answer to violent robbery charges E o n Vy p h u i s a n d Marlon Goodridge found themselves before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday to answer to their individual charges of robbery with violence. In the case of Vyphuis, it was alleged that on February 12, 2019 at Hunter Street, Albouystown Georgetown, while being armed with a ‘jooker’, robbed Jillian Alfred of articles amounting to $26,000. He entered a not guilty plea and was denied bail after the magistrate upheld the submission made by police prosecutor Christopher Morris. Morris stated that the victim is still hospitalized because during the course of the robbery, Vyphuis

allegedly stabbed her. For Goodridge, it was alleged that on December 2, 2018 at Croal Street, Georgetown while in the company of others, he robbed William Anthony Gomes of one Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued at $60,000 using personal violence on the said victim. The 39-year-old from Lot 104 Sophia also denied the allegation after it was read to him. Goodridge was lucky enough to be granted bail in the sum of $40,000 under the condition that he report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Brickdam Police Station every Monday pending the outcome of his matter. Both men are to return on March 8, 2019 for their next court appearance.

Shippers appealing $3.8M fine each, in... From page 18 advantage vis-à-vis the private hauler, to the extent of the handling fees”. The Commission, in its findings, stated that “we are satisfied that the 15th July decision of the Shipping Association, and adopted by the five terminal operators, was an agreement within the meaning of Section 20 of the Consumer Affairs Act. “It distorted a competitive environment among terminals for services provided by them to consumers generally, that is, to the shipping lines and agents, importers of goods and any person or entity, which had the option to exercise choice or influence where their goods were shipped.”

The commission also said that the private haulers had little choice in this matter, but by imposing the agreed rate on them in a concerted manner, the decision distorted competition and gave the shipping association an unfair and unlawfully implemented advantage. According to the commission, price fixing is a conspiracy between business competitors to set their prices to buy or sell goods or services at a certain price point. “This benefits all businesses or individuals that are on the same side of the market involved in the conspiracy, as the prices are either set high, stabilized, discounted or fixed,” the commission explained.

The Lethem Airstrip area (Delano Williams photo)

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Man allegedly stabs girlfriend during argument

E

on Layne was on Friday arraigned before a city magistrate and was granted bail for a charge in which he allegedly stabbed his girlfriend during an argument they had. Layne denied the charge, which alleged that on January 30, 2019 at King Street, Albouystown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Samantha Harris. At the time, he appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The accused was represented by Attorney-at-law George Thompson who informed the court that Layne is 21 years old. He added that Layne resides at the same location where the incident took place and he is unemployed. According to the attorney, the two parties had a heated argument and during the process, the victim hit his client with a Corona bottle, which subsequently broke. She continued to hit Layne and as a result, she may have received her injuries when he was trying to defend himself. Police prosecutor Richard Harris told the court that he lacked the medical report for the victim. However, he has photos showing the injuries to the back, neck and head of Harris. The prosecutor strongly objected to bail for the defendant because the police had a hard time finding him even though they knew where he lives and the place of work for family members. However, Magistrate Daly granted bail in the sum of $80,000 under the condition that he reports to the Ruimveldt Police Station every other Monday pending the outcome of the matter. He was instructed to return to court on March 1 next.

Appeal Court to hear stay... (From page 3) if the effect of the ruling of the Chief Justice is not stayed as prayed for herein.” According to Clarke, “I am advised by my Attorneys-atlaw and verily believe that the Conservatory order is necessary to preserve the status quo ante as the period for the hearing and determination of the matter may expire before that time prescribed in Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, which requires that the President and Government remain in office and hold elections within three months.” Clarke said, “That I will contend that the appeal has good prospects of success and the Honourable Court ought to grant a stay and a conservatory order in order to ensure that if the appeal is successful it is not rendered nugatory.” Clarke, in the affidavit, said that the Court of Appeal has held that it has jurisdiction to grant a stay of execution of a declaratory judgment in matters that would affect the public interest.

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Bandits break in Kaneville home, drives off with car Early Friday morning, two bandits broke into a Third Street, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara home and drove away with a red old model Raum bearing registration number PLL 9901 after holding one of the family members at gunpoint. The owner of the motorcar, Lucia Charles, stated, “This is the first time anybody ever broke into our house or tried to rob us.” It was reported that the family resides in a two-storey home, which houses 10 persons. On the day in question, between 03:45hrs and 4:00hrs, Charles’s brother-inlaw was asleep by himself in the lower flat when he was awakened by sounds of the door opening. He ventured out of his bed to investigate the sounds and was greeted by two men in the home. One who was armed with a gun instructed that he lay face down on the ground. According to the brotherin-law, the men were dressed

in all black and had their faces covered with bandannas. Their heads were also covered with a jersey. Charles mentioned, “Although there were valuable things they could have taken, the men specifically asked for the car keys for the two motor vehicles.” The brother-in-law denied having the keys for the vehicles; however, the men decided to search the house. After finding one of the car keys, one of the men went outside and drove the car out of the yard. The other man who was left guarding the brother-in-law ran out of the house when the vehicle was out of the yard. “These vehicles were

only bought last December, my parents heard when the vehicle was driving out of the yard but they thought my brother-in-law who usually works the car as a taxi was leaving to go and work,” Charles mentioned. Immediately after the incident, a police report was made to the Grove Police Station. Police ranks came, took statements and inspected the home. It was discovered that the front window of the lower flat was open and there were sandy footprints on the floor. Charles said, “Many persons have been complaining about frequent robberies in the community; just Thursday someone broke into my neighbour’s storage room.”

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Public Service College faces a diversity problem - Senior Director, Lawrence Paul In 2015, the Coalition Government entered office, and announced that one of its priorities would be the restructuring of the public service. For years, the public service has been criticised for poor customer service and a questionable recruitment. Overwhelmingly, the public service was seen as a mere starting point into the world of work. And like the police and army, it was overwhelming with AfroGuyanese. The Bertram Collins College of the Public Service was established at Ogle, where the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was once headquartered. It was intended to create a professional public servant. The college does not only provide training for current public servants, but also caters to school-leavers who are interested in pursuing a career there. However, the college has been struggling with ensuring diversity in its student base. The college has taken in over 160 students since its inception and, of that lot, 85 percent are Afro-Guyanese. The college’s Senior Director, Lawrence Paul, spoke of how the college has been dealing with its student body. The Bertram Collins College was established by President David Granger, following his outline of his vision for such an institution, as a college that would be the vehicle into the public service. Paul told Kaieteur News that a proper functioning public service is vital to the smooth functioning of the country. He said that for the executive government to function effectively,

institutions that provide services such as housing, education, healthcare, and law and order, should function effectively. Asked about the perception of a lack of diversity in the public service, Paul said “I can give you some figures.” He explained that the management of the college has already considered the issue of a lack of diversity. ”I am pretty happy that, in every batch, we are getting a reasonable mix.” He said that in the first batch, only 16 percent of the students were not AfroGuyanese, while, in the second and current batches, the percentages were 17 percent and 12 percent, respectively. He said that, in some situations, “It is very hard to determine one’s ethnicity, from a layman’s point of view.” However, he noted that the lack of diversity is a concern to the college. “Years ago, a commission was established to study, among other things, the racial imbalance in the disciplinary forces,” explained Paul. He said that the revelations of that commission found that Afro-Guyanese are much more likely to pursue such careers, than other race. He thinks it may be a similar situation for the public service and the college, as a person’s ethnicity may inform their culture, religion and way of life. When asked about the diversity of the staff of the college, he said that it is also something he is conscious of but “some people prefer this job to that job”. Paul noted that, though they are conscious of the ethnic make-up of the staff, the hiring process is very objective.

BCCPS Class of 2017

BCCPS Class of 2018

The college, according to Paul, has 31 staff members, nine external lecturers and four permanent lecturers. “When I advertise, I advertise months for staff. It is who applies, who passes the criteria – there are interviews and all of that – but people don’t like to work for public service money”. The students don’t allow ethnicity to influence how they relate to each other, he said. “They’re all Guyanese. They play games together, study together, and have everything together.”

Senior Director, Lawrence Paul

According to the official, the interest in public service has been high. Initially, for the first batch, over 500 persons applied. This was whittled down to about 60 students.

Paul told Kaieteur News that the advertisement programme is very rigorous, with advertisements being placed on a wide range of platforms. The college, he said, also makes a special effort to advertise in hinterland areas, so that Indigenous youth are also informed about the opportunities the college offers them. The entry requirements section of the College’s website states “Candidates for the Cadet Programme are selected on a competitive basis. Only those candidates who meet the requirements will be shortlisted and interviewed. The Candidates will be informed of the outcome of the result as soon as the selection process is finalized. Cadets may begin their placements only after

they have agreed to the terms and conditions of the Cadet Programme and complete the agreement.” Anyone, 17 to 21 years of

age with six CSEC subjects, including English A and Mathematics at Grades One or Two, is eligible for entry. (Continued on page 82)

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Kaieteur News

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

GNBS – RESPONSIBLE FOR QUANTITY, NOT QUALITY OF FUEL IN THE PETROLEUM SECTOR The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is empowered under the Weights and Measures Act of 1981 to check and verify the accuracy of bulk meters, fuel pumps and other measuring devices used in the petroleum sector. These verifications ensure that the quantities of fuel dispensed using these devices are within the acceptable tolerances. Hence, vehicle owners and other consumers can continually rely on the quantities of fuel provided to them during purchase. The Bureau continues to verify fuel pumpsat gas-stations countrywide, bulk storage tanks and meters and the

compartments of tanker wagons owned by the large fuel companies such as Sol, Rubis and GUYOIL. In addition, the compartments of a significant number of privately owned fuel tankers (trucks) were verified and inspected during the last few years to ensure accuracy and safety requirements are maintained based on the National Standard for Road Tanker Wagon. During the verification process, test measures are used to determine the accuracy of the petrol pumps, bulk meters and wagon compartments; that is, whether these measuring devices are under delivering, over delivering or are within the acceptable tol-

erances. For devices, which are inaccurate, the necessary adjustments are made and security seals are affixed to the adjusting mechanisms. This is to maintain the integrity of the verification process. If a subsequent check is conducted by Inspectors of the GNBS and the affixed seals are found to be tampered with or removed, the operators or owners can face prosecution. Further, if for one reason or another, a verified measuring device is not functioning properly, and cannot be verified immediately, the Inspector would seal the dispensing nuzzle to prevent further us-

age until its accuracy can be verified.The entire verification process is intended to protect both suppliers and consumers. When a pump is over delivering fuel, the station is selling at a financial loss. If a pump is under delivering, then drivers are being shortchanged. Similarly, fuel terminals also need to supply the correct quantities of fuel to petrol stations that are their customers so that they too can be satisfied.

The Bureau of Standards, therefore, serves as an effective interface between sellers and consumers, thus ensuring fair trade and business practices and ultimately, protection for all. Consumers are advised to make purchases in SI quantities such as litres and decalitres, and to check fuel pumps for the GNBS approval seals. The presence of an approval seal on a fuel pump indicates that the pump was

checked for the corresponding period. However, if as a consumer, you have doubts about the quantity of fuel you bought from a particular gas station, give the GNBS a call and the necessary actions will be taken to re-check the petrol meters at that station. For further information on this subject, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 2190065 or 219-0069 or visit the B u r e a u ’ s website:www.gnbsgy.org

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 FOR RENT

SERVICES

FOR SALE

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

Pure German Shepherd pups, Riumzeight Gardens WCD. #269-0671/688-1656

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

1 Recliner $35,000 1 Queen Size Bed $30,000 Tel#233-2182 New Gauge 42'’ normal corrugated pre-painted red roofing sheets 3x15ft, 2x25ft, 3x12ft, 2x17ft, 1x22ft. Contact#225-4106/643-0333

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Well secured two story bond, space located at Ketley St, Charlestown with light and water. Contact #664-0353 Two bedroom bottom flat in Festival City, Fully grilled, Car parking $80,000 Call: 616-7366

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

For short and long term rental. Breezy, private home. 3 Bedrooms, garage near supermarket & taxi. Newtown, Kitty. Call 226-7628, 682-4811

Wanted One (1) Mechanic to work in the interior. must have experience with Cummins engine. Tel#669-3162

Furnished 2 bedroom apartment. Call: 216-2299/6721906

Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750

One bedroom apartment Middle Rd La Penitence $40,000 monthly. Contact #614-7225

Lorry Driver, must have lorry licence, living between East Bank or West Coast #6109624/233-5255

Canter truck for hire, moving etc Tel#676-0455

One 2 bedroom apartment first bridge Diamond/Grove 3rd Avenue bottom flat $45,000 Phone#216-0146

Wanted, one skilled gasoline mechanic. Contact# 629-1290, 671-8122

HOUSE PLAN TO BE DRAWN OR ESTIMATES. CALL 216-0671/ 692-8464/ 622-0267

One bedroom apartment. Toilet and bath including light and water. Tel#638-2707

One skilled Bobcat operator. Must have 5 years’ experience. Call 609-0766, 2653024

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Gardening services: Landscaping, Pruning, Brush cutting, Garden maintenance & up keep #592-688-9596

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822

One 3 ton GSS series box up canter truck without engine, transferable. Tel#669-2290 Used Scaffolding. Contact Cell: 623-1615 Land (Bamia Highway) & used heavy duty machinery. Contact# Susan on 611-2113/ 642-3749/648-6309

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

Two bedroom apartment to rent in Parfaite Harmonie $30,000 per month. Tel#6256291 VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Totota Rav 4 L VVTI engine, fully loaded, excellent condition, PSS series $2.5M. Call: 618-1395

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Fabs Rental, Beterverwagting ECD Cars from $4000 #6040883

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 1 Toyota Bubble back Tundra 2005 Model GLL Series Brand new paint job $1.9M (Neg) Tel#693-0388 LEARN TO DRIVE

PEN PAL Guyanese/Canadian male seeking female career oriented 24-28 in marriage. Tel# 6823683

Well Furnished Pent House, Toilet and bath including light and water. Tel#638-2707

N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561

One 3-bedroom, bottom flat apartment at Mon Repos, main road. New fully grilled, tiled, screen windows. Contact# 638-8540 2 new 3 bedrooms semifurnished houses at Herstelling and Schnoord for $80,000. Call: 677-1975/6295401 for details HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 TOLET 2 bedroom house UG area, toilet-bath, No parking student or couple #654-9807 Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/Durban) Unfurnished, two bedroom $60,000 p/m. Furnished studio (for visitors) US$600 p/m 6779638/668-7687

Minibus driver for route 42 Bus #664-0802 One live-in Maid. Call: 6749114. 1 male cook to work in Interior $90,000 monthly. Experienced Land dredge worker #629-8280 One Welder, must know grill work. Call: 625-5763 We buy land in Herstelling, Farm, Eccles, Providence, Parfaite Harmonie www.paintingsron.com #6117223/656-0701 NOTICE Finest Oil Paintings in Guyana, Guyana’s #1 Artist www.paintingsron.com 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

Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, General Domestic, must know Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686to cook & salesperson, Apply 9608 Keyfoood McDoom EBD House lot with foundation for General Domestic with sale at Red Doom Canal #1. cooking experience for East Price $4.8M. Call 644-8396 Bank. #614-4358 Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 Cashiers, Porters, Cooks. minutes away from main road. Submit application to Survival Call: 261-2988/695-8215 supermarket, 16 Vlissengen Rd & Duncan St, Newtown 5 acre to lease, Coconout & other fruit trees on Demerara Sales Person @ Ark river. Call: 261-2988/695-8215 Enterprise/ The Container House. Apply in Person @ 17 Lombard Street, Knowlege of Tuschen Phase II $1.5M Tuschen Phase I $3.8M tools vital. Transferable $2.5M $1.8M Professional hairdresser $1.4M Business spot $2M specialized in streaking, Providence $6M Call: 666-2326 coloring, ombre, cutting, for further information contact# Transported lots in 652-5800 Ulverston Berbice. Private Professional makeup artist and gated community. Call must specialize in manicure, or Whatsapp 346-818-0822 pedicure, facials, nails, for further information contact# Transported Double Lot in 652-5800 Rose Hall. Opportunity for Bond Clerk needed. Must Duplex Apartments. Call or have Police Clearance. For Whatsapp #346-818-0822 more info. Call: 223-0090 VACANCY

Schnoord $4M Dairy $2.2M Sales/Delivery Clerks. Submit Parfaite $1.6M Farm $3.5M & application to Survival $3M www.paintingsron.com supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd #648-1635/651 & 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

Land for Sale 9 acres ( Public road) Harmony Hall Mahaicony ECD, Attractive Price. Contact Ray’s Realty#627-9685 One House Lot Paradise ECD $4.5M Contact Ray's Realty #627-9685

Live in or out domestic worker. Call from Monday-Saturday PROPERTY FOR SALE between 8:15-4:15PM 2237500 House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 Hair stylist, Make-up artist, bedrooms, 3 toilets and Facials, manicure, pedicure, bathrooms enclosed. body massage, gels and $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ acrylic nails technicians #225- 001447587233657 0115 Wanted One general house help, must be good with kids. Location EBD Please call #6417586

Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all amenties, huge yard, security. Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 660-3415/609-7766

General Domestic, Carpenter, Driver/Salesman Apply @ R. 6 bedrooms house on Sookraj & Sons 108 Regent transported double-lot, all Street amentities, private yard/ parking. Located in Vacancy exist for porters. Georgetown. Call: 660Apply Alabama Trading 65 3415,609-7766 Robb St, Bourda Georgetown 3 storey commercial building. Location- Lot 1486 Plot B Two Storey Property, Broad Herstelling (2 Bridge) EBD. for school/ Street, Georgetown. Prime Suitable apartments. Contact #609location for business. Call now Ray’s Realty #627-9685 3777/686-0522 PROPERTY FOR SALE

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

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‘A child is so innocent’: Candlelight vigil held for... From page 12 Rajkumar was arrested by provincial police around the same time while driving north on Highway 11 in Orillia, about 130 kilometres north of Brampton. Riya was remembered by her classmates and friends as having a vibrant personality and infectious smile. On Saturday, people continued to stop by the address where Riya was found. The residence is still taped off by police, and

officers were going door to door in the area speaking with neighbours. A small memorial of flowers and notes of condolences grew in a snowbank outside the home. Family members brought those flowers to Saturday night’s vigil. “It’s just so sad to hear — an 11-year-old. It could have been my daughter,” said Alexandra Casanova, who

brought her children with her so that they could “understand what happened.” Michael Bettencourt brought his adolescent son with him to pay his respects. “We are mourning her loss. She was such a young child, and we feel for the family and the community,” he said. “No child deserves this.”

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Sunday February 17, 2019

Exxon’s subsidiary has insufficient... First Lady participates in third annual From page 8 examine the assets of subsidiary companies signing onto an oil deal with them. It could mean the difference between having full coverage from the company for accidents and a country having to deal with the expense on its own. Considering this, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and transparency body, Revenue Watch, have urged in numerous literature that the choice of parties to any agree-

ment should be treated with extreme caution. In this regard, the Revenue Watch for example has often warned of the ticks of oil companies when it comes to signing agreements. The transparency body said, “Oil company partners in any deal with a host government will usually create a subsidiary to serve as party to the agreement. But this type of subsidiary will have limited or no assets of its own and it will not be able to rely on the financial

resources of the parent company to stand behind its commitments, especially in regard to damages resulting from environmental pollution.” Revenue Watch and the IMF have said therefore, that it is expected of host governments to “require a guarantee from the ultimate parent company of the subsidiary so that the host government has a reliable contractual counterparty with the resources to cover all potential liabilities.”

children’s cancer awareness walk

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, participated in the third annual children’s cancer awareness walk, organized by the Giving Hope Foundation. The walk was held, yesterday, in observance of International Childhood Cancer Day, which is celebrated on February 15.

Among those who participated in the annual walk were children diagnosed with cancer and other stakeholders including the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO) Guyana representative, Dr.William Adu-Krow.

Meanwhile, at a simple ceremony held at the conclusion of the walk, five children diagnosed with cancer were gifted hampers by the Giving Hope Foundation. The children were also presented with items by the Guyana Oil (Continued on page 79)

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

First Lady participates in third annual... From page 78 Corporation (GUYOIL) based on wishes made prior to the walk. The walk began at the Na-

tional Park’s Carifesta Avenue entrance and moved south into Camp Street, west into Cowan Street, Kingston and north into Main Street, after

which it concluded at the seawall bandstand. The cancer walk was also supported by the Ministry of Public Health.

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Sunday February 17, 2019

WPA overseas chapter threatens to leave APNU

The Working People’s Alliance Overseas chapter will leave the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition if there isn’t a new agreement for the party’s machinations, moving forward.

calls fell on deaf ears, the party’s press secretary Keith Branch said. He said that when the APNU executive branch held a meeting recently, the smaller parties were merely called and

share your own point of view and are prepared in effect to echo solutions you offer for creating reconciliation, peace, and harmony.” While the original agreement saw all parties commit-

The WPA’s Overseas Associates issued a statement demanding the new agreement on the grounds that the agency of the smaller parties in the coalition is not respected. APNU, WPA notes, has been operating as though it is a single entity, instead of a coalition of parties, and that that singularity operates as though it is the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). Though the WPA has made attempts to participate in the leadership of the coalition on several occasions, the

told what the agenda would be, and that the launching of the elections committee was done with less than 48 hours notice; a “clear indication of a continuation of this fait accompli”.Branch stated that the 2018 Local Government Elections are testimonials to the sidelining of the constituents, and that the smaller parties are treated as mere appendages of the PNCR. The statement noted remarks made by WPA co-leader Dr. Clive Thomas in 2011: “In life as in politics, it is clearly easier to work with those who

ting to regular meetings, that commitment has not been honoured. The WPAOA will leave the coalition unless a new agreement is arranged, to actively employ the participation of all constituents as equal partners. The coalition consists of the Guyana Action Party, the Justice for All Party, the National Front Alliance, the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Working People’s Alliance. The WPA has criticized the PNCR’s handling of the coalition since its inception, as it is convinced that the PNCR is dictatorial.

Minister takes control of local... from page 9 and approved unanimously by the Parliament. It is empowered to carry out statutory duties, roles and functions. Nandlall stressed that the fiscal autonomy is therefore an indispensable component of the LGC’s overarching independence. “An examination of both the genesis and the nature of the functional responsibilities of this Commission drive one to the inescapable conclusion that it is an independent body that is statutorily and constitutionally autonomous. “One of its functions is to ensure that the Minister with responsibility for Local Government does not exceed or abuse his authority and mandate. “If this Commission becomes beholden to this Ministry for its financial sustenance then it loses its independence absolutely.” This Commission, by the express language of the Local Government Commission Act, is empowered to manage its own finances as approved by the National Assembly. The Ministry of Local Government has no legal authority whatsoever to manage or exercise any supervisory role over the financial affairs of this Commission. “Any attempt to do so constitutes a naked interference with the functioning of an independent Constitutional Commission.” This past week, the LGC closed its doors, with officials

of the commission telling reporters that entity was forced to do so since it cannot access funds to pay its staff and bills. Prior to the closure of the commission, representatives of the agency including former Local Government Minister, Norman Whittaker, condemned the action to with hold the funds. He noted that the LGC is being treated as a subvention agency and is required inter alia, to write to the Ministry for releases to meet approved expenditures. According to Whittaker, the issue not only stymies the work of the LGC but also denies Commission staff the benefits to which they are entitled and which is provided for in the Commission‘s Act. Whittaker cited sections 22, 23, 24 of the Local Government Commission Act 2013, which allows the Commission to, inter alia, (a) employ necessary staff and to determine their remuneration and “other terms and Conditions of employment (b) determine its “own annual budget” for submission to the Minister of Finance and approval of the National Assembly…” Despite the legal contentions, Minister Bulkan told Kaieteur News that accountability is of paramount importance when it comes to State funds.He noted that concerns over the LGC spending developed after it was revealed that payments for the staff ex-

ceeded the levels approved by the Ministry of Finance at average of 58-150 percent. “Should the Commission continue to pay that level of emolument; the 2019, budget will not be enough to cover all current expenditure up to December 31, 2019. This would be in violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.” He has been demanding accountability from the Local Government Commission, (LGC) as it relates to expenditures of its 2019 budget. Bulkan commented on the LGC‘s budgetary expenditure following reports that the staff of the LGC have not yet been paid their January salaries. “That request was made three weeks ago. The Commission is yet to respond. We have to make sure that the commission is able to meet operational costs. The payroll for 2019 is approximately $113M or 91 percent of the Commission‘s annual budget. The Commission is required to submit a cash flow and work programme within 2019 but has not complied with the request.” “Should the Ministry counter sign to the payroll without this , it will be a breach of the fiscal Management and accountability Act of 2003, Section 30 (1)and the Finance Secretary Circular No.1 (A) dated January 2019 Section 2.3.1,” Bulkan added.

Sunday February 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Public Service College faces a diversity problem - Senior Director... From page 74 He said that there are a series of benefits afforded to students o f t h e c o l l e g e , including transportation, meals, a monthly stipend of $50,000, study tours throughout Guyana, individual laptops, and accommodation for persons from remote areas. The programme has a classroom c o m p o n e n t a n d p r o v ision for work attachment. Its duration is for a period of one year. The students also face examinations and continuous assessments throughout the year. At the end of the training programme,

successful cadets will be eligible for appointments within the Public Service and the wider Public Sector. However, Paul noted that the college has no control over the hiring process after the students have graduated from the college. He said that successful graduands, which are 99-100 percent of each batch, are placed on Level Three of the public service staff structure. Paul, who has experience in the army, said that the body had sought to address the same race issue.

Sunday February 17, 2019

Reliance boy drowns on Valentine’s Day The parents and siblings of the now dead boy in front of their Reliance home, Essequibo home.

Last Valentine’s Day turned bitter for an Essequibo couple after the body of their twoyear-old son, Ricardo Jaigobin, was fished out of a trench just outside their Reliance home. Based on reports, the child was last seen at his grandparent’s home on last Thursday morning, just hours before he went missing. The boy’s grandfather was reportedly in the garden, when he wandered off and fell into a main drainage trench, which runs parallel to the sea wall dam, located outside his grandfather’s home. The reliance sea defence dam is an area on the Essequibo Coast that is prone to squatting. When this publication visited the area yesterday, it was observed that the grandparent’s residence was not fenced. It was also observed that the couple lives less than 50 meters apart from the grandparents. When his mother, Shevanie Persaud, spoke with this publication yesterday she explained, “The morning he come and he said he going by he grandfather… I see that he reach ova, so me deh inside doing meh work. “When me come ova, me ask he grandfather where he deh, and they said he mussy gone home. Me call for he; me hear he na answer so me come back and we start search.”

Dead: Ricardo Jaigobin Shevanie said that after searching for some time, a passerby assumed that her son might have fallen overboard. The passerby then jumped into the trench and after searching under water for a while, the boy’s body was discovered and brought back to the surface. The boy was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.This publication understands that Shevanie shares four other children with her husband Mookash Jaigobin. The body of the dead child is at the Suddie Funeral Home awaiting a postmortem examination.

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GCC beat GCA select XI in U-17 fixture

The victorious GCC team with their hardware and members of the GCA.

GCC Clubs dominate... Sunday February 17, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A surge of passion could dominate your day unless you find an outlet for it, Aries. Romantic passion is high, so an intimate evening with a lover is a good idea. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A romantic evening at home with your partner could bring you two closer together, Taurus. Your emotions are intense right now. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Information received from far away could compel you to learn more about the subject, Gemini. You might be inspired to use your new knowledge in a project that includes a partner. CANCER(June21–July22) Money matters may be advanced through using your intuition and inner power today, Cancer. You might have a hunch that your idea for making extra money might just work. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A surge of inner power could make you feel like you can move mountains, Leo. If you've been contemplating actions that others believe impossible, this is the day to get them going. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Memories from your distant past could resurface t o d a y, Vi rg o . Yo u m a y wonder why you're suddenly thinking about them, but they probably represent a release of old emotional hang-ups that have been holding you back.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today represents a new beginning in many ways. An old friend could reappear in your life and bring up memories that are both pleasant and disconcerting. Don't worry too much about this. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Emotions could be running high, Scorpio. Someone in your entourage may have a problem with an authority figure and political issues could come up. You're likely to feel especially powerful now. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Heightened mental powers might make you spend a lot of time reading or doing research of some kind, Sagittarius. Your curiosity is especially sharp right now. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your intuition might increase today to the point where you feel like you could deduce the thoughts and motives of people you've never met before. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You should be feeling especially passionate now, Aquarius, especially regarding partnerships. Romantic partnerships definitely call for an evening alone together. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you haven't been feeling like yourself lately, Pisces, a surge of inner power could push you over the top and make you feel strong and healthy again.

From page 84 week as GCC Vintage edged them 3-2. A brace from Lennox Carrol was cushioned by a decisive strike from player/ coach Phillip Fernandes during the win for Vintage. Shakeem Fausette scored both of SHC goals. Meanwhile, in the second men’s first division clash, hattricks from Meshach Sargeant and Kevin Spencer were pivotal in Bounty GCC’s 8-0 mauling of the national developmental squad, Supernova. Mark Sargeant and Alan Fernandes scored one each to take Bounty’s final tally to eight goals. The tournament continues this afternoon at SSC ground with three more matches.

Jayden Campbelle... From page 87 and Romeo left 17 not out. Georgetown won by 9 wickets. Versus East Coast on Wednesday, they made a 39 opening partnership out of ECD 93 before Romeo was out for 10. Jayden went on to make 29. Versus East Bank Demerara they made an 80run opening partnership wiping off the total of 79 without loss. Jayden Cambelle was undefeated on 35 and Romeo Deonarain 26 not out.

Host Georgetown Cricket Club U17 defeat e d a Georgetown Cricket Association select U17 team in a 50-over fixture played yesterday. The game was organised to facilitate the presentation ceremony of the GCA Friends of Cricket U17 tournament which was won by GCC. Batting first, GCA Select U17 were bowled out for 92 with Jeffrey Blair scoring 27, I. Nanan 15, Marlon Sole 11 and O. Giddings 10. Zachary Jodah claimed 3-25, Yohance Angoy 2-9 and S. Basdeo 2-23. GCC responded with 93-2 in 23 overs. Mavindra Dindyal stuck five fours in scoring 47 not out, while R. Phillips made 10.

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GUMDAC Annual Open Doubles Tournament 2019 concludes...

Ladies Finalists From page 86 Beharry defeated Mahender Sharma & Manoj Sharma:21-19,27-29,11-21 Men Doubles Finals: Easa Sanichara & Jamal Shamsudeen defeated Vikash Mootoo & Matthew Beharry: 21-13, 21-11 Ladies Doubles Finals: Nina Ramdeholl & Kayle Anthon defeated Kaya Boswick & Sasha Paramanand: 21-18,2022, 21-19 The GBA would like to thank Mr. Darrell Carpenay for running off yet again the first tournament in the Year for the 7th year in succession. We would also like to thank Troy Cadogan of Ansa Mcal Trading for the light refreshments for the participants.

OVERALL RESULTS: MEN DOUBLES: 1st-Priyanna Ramdhan & Avinash Odit 2nd-Jonathan Mangrs & Ronald Chang Yuen 3rd-Darrell Carpenay & Avian Rodrigues 3rd-Akili Haynes & Tyrese Jeffrey Ladies Doubles: 1st-Priyanna Ramdhani & Pricilla Moore 2nd-Ayanna Watson & Chritina Kumar 3rd-Roseann Bulkan & Anna Perreira 3rd-Jayde Dasila & Stephaine Sajar Ladies Doubles Consolotion Rounds: 1st-Nina Ramdeholl & Kalie Anthon 2nd-Kaya Boswick & Sacha Permanand Men Doubles Consolation Rounds: 1st-Easa Sanichara & Jamal Shamsudeen 2nd-Matthew Beharry & Vikash Mootoo

GCA’s NBS 40-over 2nd division Cricket

Everest school UG with 10-wkt win to top zone In scorching heat yesterday, host Everest schooled the University of Guyana (UG) with a 10-wicket win in their final preliminary round game to finish on top of their zone. Maybe the lyrics of Movado’s dancehall hit Beat and Teach were in the Everest players mind as the Camp Road unit devastated the scholars with a brutal unbroken 97-run opening stand after UG opted to bat on a slow track and were bowled for 96 in 24 overs. Only Suresh, who hit three boundaries in an unbeaten knock and shared in a 24 last wicket stand with Devon Paul (2) before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Javed Rasheed as it showed that whatever the Students were reading in their library it surly was not left-arm spin. Rasheed finished with 316, while Rolex Payne (3-27) and former Guyana U-19 offspinner Richie Looknauth (238) combined to befuddle the UG batsmen as only Linden Austin and Ershad Ali, with 12 each reached double figures. When Everest began their reply, in-form left-hander Dwayne Adams launched a brutal attack on the bowlers to gallop to 53 with six fours and two explosive sixes which landed like bombs to give the UG students quite a scare.

Dwayne Adams (left) & Renaldo Renee shared in an unbroken 96-run partnership for Everest yesterday.

Rolex Payne & Javed Rasheed took 3 wickets each against UG yesterday. The right-handed Renee played the supporting role and was unbeaten on 35 decorated with four fours when the one-sided contest was done and dusted in 13.5 overs.Everest, MYO, GCC and Police have qualified for

the semi-finals. UG will hope to put up a much better against Malteenoes when the two sides clash at DCC from 11:00hrs today in the last preliminary round. (Sean Devers)

Farfan & Mendes/Woodpecker Products 1st Div. hockey leagues

GCC Clubs dominate yesterday’s play

GBTI’s hat-trick scorer, Marzana Fiedtkou (on the ball) being tracked by Hikers’ Nicole Eastman.

Men’s Finalists

Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) hockey teams were in their usual devastating form as play continued in the Farfan & Mendes Men’s and Woodpecker Products Women’s First Division Outdoor Hockey Leagues yesterday at the Saint

Stanislaus College (SSC) ground on Carifesta Avenue. In the first game of the day, which was contested in the women’s division, GBTI GCC dispelled Woodpecker Hikers with a commanding 9-1 victory. Sonya Jardine banged in four goals, while

Marzana Fiedtkou assisted with a hat-trick in the emphatic victory for GBTI GCC. In the men’s division, Saints Hockey Club (SHC) were unable to continue their winning form from last (Continued on page 83)

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Kaieteur News

Milo Schools’ football tourney

Golden Grove and Cummings Lodge begin campaign on a high

A Uitvlugt player sets himself to control a lofted pass during his team’s 2-1 loss to Cummings’ Lodge yesterday at MOE ground Round one play continued in the group round-robin stage of the seventh Milo Schools’ football tournament yesterday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue. Three matches were played with the opener being a four-goal drawn clash, while Cummings Lodge edged Uitvlugt 2-1 in the feature encounter after

Golden Grove have secured a comfortable 2-0 win over St. Cuthbert’s Mission. Scoring for Cumming’s Lodge in their win were Keion Harmer (10th minute) and Simon Ifill in the 56th before a 68th minute strike from Mickel Mckend gave the West Demerara side a consolation. Charlestown and Tucville played the 2-2 draw. On the score sheet for Charlestown

were Isaiah Moore (18th) and Dante Sookram (38th). However, Charlestown couldn’t hold on to their impressive 2-0 lead in the first half and Dwayne Jones (39th) and an own goal in the 52nd minute ensured Tucville left the match with a valuable point. East Coast’s Golden Grove Secondary made light work of St. Cuthbert’s

Play between Cumming’s Lodge and Uitvlugt (right) yesterday in the Milo Schools’ football tourney. Mission to win 2-0, scoring one goal in each half. Jeffrey Charles (32nd) opened the scoring in the first half before Andrew Sathwell (64th) added some cushion to the 2/17/2019 12:00 hrs 13:45 hrs 15:30 hrs

score. The tournament, which is being supported by the Ministry Of Public Health (MOPH) through the theme, “Stop gender based

violence”, continues this afternoon with three more matches, please see fixtures below. (Calvin Chapman photos and story)

Round Robin Round 1 Day 4 Ministry of Education Ground Friendship Secondary v/s Ann’s Grove Christianburg Secondary v/s St John’s College Vergenoegen Secondary v/s Tutorial Secondary

Match # 10 11 12

Karate classes commence in Wakenaam

Participants going through their paces under Sensei Eudoxie.

Youths on the island of Wakenaam are now benefitting from karate classes which is being conducted by Sensei Roland Eudoxie. The classes which commenced last Saturday are being held at the Essequibo Islands Secondary School in Sans Souci. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, instructor Eudoxie said he is pleased with the response from the youths on the island. He added that Wakenaam is an ideal place to start the programme in the region and they hope to expand to the other islands in the near future.Eudoxie, who is the chief instructor of the Korean International Martial Arts Guyana, informed that the programme is being held in collaboration with the ‘Give Another Chance Foundation’ which is a charitable organisation, adding that one of its objectives is to reach out to youths outside of Georgetown. Eudoxie stressed that these classes will help to maintain discipline and produce well rounded individuals.He spoke on the importance of self defence and is also urging the parents to get involved. The classes, which are being held every Saturday, have some 28 participants so far.

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Patrick Forde Memorial C/Ships set for tonight at Gymnasium - T&T’s Middleweight Champ Prince to fight Guyana’s Amsterdam - Video clips of Forde’s fight to be shown tonight By Sean Devers The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has collaborated with Alford McDonald to stage the Second Annual Patrick Ford Memorial Boxing Tournament tonight at the National Gymnasium in what is anticipated be an exciting night of fistic fury from 19:00hrs. President of Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle informed that the tournament kick starts the GBA’s International Events for 2019 and will have 15 bouts. Tonight’s Card should have seen St Lucia’s Middleweight Champion Arthur Langalier fighting Caribbean Middleweight Champion, Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam. Ninvalle, however, informed that the St Lucian got cut over his left eye in training and was informed by the doctor that he will need to rest so unfortunately he will not be able to come to Guyana. “Trinidad and Tobago’s Middleweight Champion Aaron Prince, who fought in last year’s CBC, has replaced Langalier and will now oppose Amsterdam,” informed Ninvalle.

Guyana’s 19-year-old 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games Silver Medallist and Caribbean Bantamweight Champion 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. Last year’s tournament included three Countries; Guyana, Suriname and St Lucia with the host Nation emerging as Champions. This year’s the tournament was set to include four teams but St Lucia was forced to pull out. “Each year we want to make this tournament bigger and we hope to have it for decades. But as it gets bigger so too will be cost of staging it and we thank the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Tower Suits for their sponsorship support,” said the GBA Head. Ninvalle informed that T&T’steam of five boxers and their support staff should have arrived in Guyana last night, while the Suriname’s four boxers have been in Guyana yesterday afternoon since they travelled overland from Guyana’s Dutch neighbour to the East. All the teams will be here in time for the Weigh-in which

(From L-R) Referee Coach James Beckles, C’bean Bantamweight Champ Keevin Allicock, GBA President Steve Ninvalle, Alford McDonald and C’bean Middleweight Champ Desmond Amsterdam at yesterday’s launching of tonight’s Patrick Forde tourney. takes place this morning at 07:00hrs at the National Gymnasium. Co-Promoter McDonald, a former Boxer, wants this to be an annual tournament and called for support from the public to come out in their numbers. “I was trying to get Mexico and Puerto Rico to come for this year but because of the Government ‘shut down’ Puerto Rico could not come. We want to make the standard higher so as to get

our boxers ready to not only Bronze Medals but also silver and gold,” McDonald said. Boxer Mike Parris is Guyana’s lone Olympic Medallist having won Bronze in the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. McDonald says that from next year the tournament will be held on a Saturday, leaving Sunday free for all of the Boxers to spend the day at the Splashmin’s Resort on the Linden Highway. Ninvalle wants to

continue Guyana’s dominance at Regional level and the focus is on the under16s. “We had 12 Under-16 Cards for last year and for 2019 our first Card was an Under-16 Card last month,” said Ninvalle, who added that with the quality of boxers on show tonight he would beg anyone to come. “If you don’t come to the Gymnasium tonight to be a part of top class Regional Amateur Boxing then it’s your

loss,” Ninvalle concluded. Forde, who died at age 55 in Brooklyn, New York in 2011, fought Salvador Sanchez for the WBC featherweight championship of the world in 1980 and was the first Guyanese to fight for a world title before he fought his last professional bout in 1987. Video clips of Forde’s fights will be shown on a big screen tonight and Admission to stands is $1,000, while entry to Ringside seats cost $2,000.

GUMDAC Annual Open Doubles Tournament 2019 concludes The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) Annual GUMDAC Open Doubles Tournament was played off at the National Gymnasium on Friday last in both the Men & Ladies Doubles categories. Caribbean Champion Priyanna Ramdhani, who was allowed the play in the Men division due to lack of adequate competition in the Ladies event, teamed up with Avinash Odit in the Men’s Doubles to defeat last year champions Jonathan Mangra & Ronald Chang Yuen in a thrilling three setter. Priyanna then team up with Prisilla Moore in the Ladies Doubles to win Ladies Doubles by defeating Ayanna Watson & Christina Kumar. The Results are as Follows: Men Doubles Quarter-Finals: Tyrese Jeffrey & Akili Haynes defeated Easa Sanichara & Jamal Shamsudeen:21-9, 21-17 Darrell Carpenay & Avian Rodrigues defeated Manoj Sharma & Mahender Sharma: 21-5, 21-4 Ronald Chang Yuen & Jonathan Mangra defeated Damien Waithe & Shimron Lewis:21-6, 21-3 Priyanna Ramdhani & Avinash Odit defeated Vikash Mootoo & Matthew Beharry: 21-8, 21-7 Men Doubles Semi-Finals: Ronald Chang Yuen &

The outstanding Badminton performers of the GUMDAC Open tourney. Jonnathan Mangra defeated Akili Haynes & Tyrese Jeffrey:21-18, 2022, 22-20 Priyanna Ramdhani & Avinash Odit defeated Darrell Carpenay & Avian Rodrigues: 21-15, 21-13 Men Doubles Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani & Avinash Odit defeated Ronald Chang Yuen

& Jonathan Mangra: 21-19, 13-21, 2220 Ladies Doubles Quarter-Finals: Jayde DaSilva & Stephanie Sajar defeated Kaya Boswick & Sacha Parmanand: 21-11, 21-12 Roseann Bulkan & Anna Perreira defeated Nina Ramdeholl & Kylie Anthon: 21-6, 21-9

Ladies Doubles Semi Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani & Pricilla Moore defeated Jayde DaSilva & Stephanie Sajar: 21-5, 21-8 Ayanna Watson & Christina Kumar defeated Roseann Bulkan & Anna Perreira: 21-12, 21-18 Ladies Doubles Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani & Pricilla

Moore defeated Ayanna Watson & Christina: 21-8, 21-11 CONSOLATION ROUNDS: Men Doubles Semi-Finals: Easa Sanichara & Jamal Shamsudeen defeated Damien Waite & Shimron Lewis: 21-10, 21-6 Vikash Mootoo & Matthew (Continued on page 84)

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GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National U-15 2017/2018 Finals

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Brothers United break stranglehold FC Eagles thump Santos to lift of Showstoppers to win zone title inaugural National Championship; -Ballers Empire finishes third Rising Stars end 3rd By Franklin Wilson Goals either side of play in the sixth and final match of the day backed up by brilliant goalkeeping from FC Eagles’ Nickel White, propelled the West Demerara Football Association team to victory and championship honours in the Finals of the inaugural GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National Under-15 Inter Association Tournament. Playing at the GFF Training Facility in brilliant sunshine on a breezy day, it was a day that the West Demerara champions sailed to three wins to keep an unblemished record as they created history in the process of lifting the championship. The win over Santos Football Club, the Georgetown Football Association Intra Association winners was well put together by the young Eagles; respective free kicks from Jomaley Kellman in the 18th minute and Captain Romel Medas in the 33rd minute erased all hopes Santos had conjured up of lifting the championship. Eagles dominated their rivals who were frustrated by the level of resistance the champions put up which was further strengthened or complemented with the excellence and good judgment of White between the uprights. Eagles had earlier in the day put away Tabatinga FC of the Rupununi Football Association, 3-0 thanks to goals from Kellman (7th, 12th) and Francis Persaud in the 16th minute. Their second match against Bartica’s Rising Stars ended 2-0 in the Eagles

FC Eagles Captain Romel Medas receives the winner’s trophy from Pele Alumni’s John Yates. favour, compliments of a Telbert Baptiste second half double. Santos, who were riding high from their winning of Cluster 1 which had featured BV Triumph United and Corriverton Lynx and their two wins yesterday against Tabatinga and Rising Stars, could not muster the energy to make it past the final hurdle. They were pushed to the hilt by Rising Stars and came back late to tie the game at 11 before going on to win via kicks from the penalty mark. Clevon Murray had handed Rising Stars the lead on 15 minutes but Santos responded in the 27th minute through Carlos Agard. Santos went on to win the match 4-2 from the spot. In their clash with Tabatinga, Santos had won handsomely, 4-1, led by goals from Rahlil Gittens in the 1st minute, Darren Niles (23rd), Kevin Mullin (31st) and

Miguel Stoll in the 34th minute. Tabatinga netted their consolation goal in the 39th minute off the boot of Travis Grimmond. The other match of the day saw Rising Stars romping to victory over Tabatinga via kicks from the penalty mark 4-3 after the two sides had played out a 0-0 stalemate in regulation time. All matches yesterday were played for 40 minutes, two equal halves of 20 minutes with a 10 minute half time rest period. The champions were rewarded with replica trophies and the championship trophy which was presented by Pele Alumni Representative and former Pele Football Club President, John Yates. Medals were presented to Santos FC. Golden Jaguars Head Coach Michael Johnson and GFF Technical Director, Ian Greenwood also assisted with the presentation of medals and trophies.

Jayden Campbelle and Romeo Deonarain turn in impressive opening stands Two youngsters have been turning in eye catching performances on the cricket field, mainly gaining recognition for their impressive batting performance in the recent DCB Inter Association Under-15 cricket. Versus West Demerara last Tuesday, they a made 58 opening partnership out of West Dem score of 64 all out. Jayden was dismissed for 27 (Continued on page 83)

Jayden Cambelle and Romeo Deonarain at Everest.

Former national striker Andrew Murray’s clinically struck penalty left the large turnout of Showstoppers fans in disbelief and heartbroken as they saw their favourite team three year reign come to an end Friday night, at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac. Playing in the final of this year’s West Demerara / East Bank Demerara Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition, the visitors stunned a capacity crowd, that many felt was the biggest turnout in the Zone’s history, first being able to hold the champions to a goalless stalemate in regulation and then beat them in the penalty shootout 1-0. Just as predicted, Brothers United employed a defensive strategy with Murray the lone striker upfront, instigating a counter attacking ploy whenever Showstoppers lost possession of the ball and it seemed to frustrate the usually ice cool Showstoppers side. The normally potent strike force of Marvin Josiah, Stephon Jupiter and Trayon Bobb were kept at bay by sturdy defending and a threatening counter attack led mainly by the skilful Murray.

It was not to say that Showstoppers did not have a few chances, but they came largely from long range as the last stop of United stood firm in repelling the offensive forays of the champs. The few opportunities that Murray and Co. had were also close shaves as the two teams executed their strategies to perfection, but the final whistle came with none able to penetrate the defence and a penalty shootout was the next order of the night. After misses by both teams, Murray would become the lone hero of the exciting encounter when he buried his effort right down the middle to send his band of supporters in wild celebrations as they finally managed to break the stranglehold of Showstoppers, rightly regarded as the most complete team on the West Side. They also ensured that history would not be achieved against them since Showstoppers were attempting to become the first team in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition to win four consecutive titles. Among those in attendance was Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste,

GT Beer Brand Manager Jeoff Clement and sponsor Colours Boutique representative Robson Brotherson. Earlier, Ballers Empire outclassed Up Top Bosses, romping to a comfortable 3-0 win to claim third place, while West Side Ballers squeezed past ESPN 2-1 take home the Plate final and $60,000. Brothers United received $500,000 and the winning trophy, while second, third and fourth placed finishers carted off $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies. Attention now switches to the next leg which will be held in the Ancient County of Berbice on March 8, 9 and the final set for the 16th. Complete Results Guinness Goal-[GG]-2 Goals Final Brothers United-0 vs Showstoppers-0 Brothers United won 1-0 on penalty kicks 3rd Place Up-Top-Bosses-0 vs Ballers Empire-3 Collin McCalmon-[GG]28th Quincy DosSantos-7th Plate Final ESPN-1 vs West Side Ballers-2 West Side Scorer Dwayne St. Kitts-[GG]28th ESPN Scorer Tefon Daly-8th

“2-Sharp” Allen is fifth Guyanese World Boxing Champion Guyana born, Brooklyn based, world rated Super Middleweight boxer, Lennox “2 Sharp” Allen (22-0, 14KOs) beat American Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (28-2, 14KOs) on Friday by unanimous at the Grand Casino Hinckley in Minnesota, USA, for the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Middleweight Title. Allen is Guyana’s 5th male World champion. The undefeated rising star was waiting a long time for this opportunity to become Guyana’s 5th World Champion and delivered the goods as promised as he overcame his opponent on all the judges’ score cards. Allen’s team had already planned a victory celebration in New York which was set for yesterday and a homecoming motorcade in Guyana shortly.

Lennox Allen displays his belt after beating American Derrick Webster to claim the vacant WBA Gold Super Middleweight title.

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Kaieteur News

Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tournament

Arjune remains unbeaten with victory over DaSilva The Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tournament at the Georgetown Club entered its fourth night and included hard fought matches between number one seed Alex Arjune (-16) who defeated former Junior Caribbean champion Damian DaSilva 15-9, 15-4 and 26year-old Ashley Khalil who lost to Regan Pollard (-8)1512, 15-14. In category ‘A’, Kirsten Gomes (-4) and much improved Lucas Jonas (-3) produced an epic match before Gomes won 15/12, 15/ 4. 15/11, while Nicholas Verwey (-8) beat Demetrius DeAbreu (-4) 15/10, 15/5. Arjune, who had to score 31 points to beat DaSilva, began with nice rallies and matched the extremely fit looking Arjune shot for shot in the opening game to score nine points as the left-handed pair played high intensity Squash.However, in the second game DaSilva ran out of gas due to the long rallies and the fact that more points are scored than in games without Handicaps. The exhausted DaSilva did not even try the reach the ball when Arjune played three consecutive clinical drops shots and must have been as relieved as he was disappointed when Arjune won match point to end the gruelling battle. Regan Pollard (-14) once again showed his expertise against fighter Ashley Khalil (-0). Both players showed excellent retrieval skills as they battled through long rallies. Khalil almost took the second game but succumbed 15/14, with Pollard finishing off 15/12, 15/14. Khalil, who captured Guyana’s lone medal in this year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games in

Number one seed Alex Arjune (left) beat an exhausted Damian DaSilva in Friday Night’s action. the doubles squash event last year in Colombia when she teamed up with Taylor Fernandes, played with plenty of energy but many times gifted Pollard easy points which she should have won. The match was entertaining and punctuated with long rallies but Khalil paid the ultimate price for a slew of unforced errors to lose the contest. In the Gomes against Jonas scrap, each point was well earned as Jonas dominated the T, while Gomes used her athletic prowess to cover the remainder of the court to retrieve his precise straight drives and deep cross courts. After impressive rallies, Gomes closed out the three game match in a close third game to win 15/12, 15/4. 15/ 11. In the Open Plate Wayne Alphonso (11) and Tony Farnum (10) entertained a good size gathering with a spirited performance. Farnum took an early lead in the first game but Alphonso ran each ball down to earn his share of

Demetrius DeAbreu (left) battles Nicholas Verwey.

points. The 65-year-old Farnum held on to take the game 15/ 11. The second game was full of thrills, close calls and good shots and reached a close climax of 14 all before Farnum finished the match in two straight games; 15/11, 15 14. The semi-finals were scheduled for yesterday, while the finals are set for today. Open results: Regan Pollard (-8) beat Ashley Khalil (-0) 15/12, 15/ 14 Alex Arjoon (-16) beat Damien DaSilva (-0) 15/9, 15/ 4 Adam Alves (5) beat Kevin Gouveia (11) 15/6, 15/9 Steven Xavier (-10) beat Adam Alves (5) 15/11, 15/13 Deje Dias (-10) beat Ingram Edwards (8) 15/13, 15/ 9 Open Plate results: Medhi Ramdhani (8) beat Tian Edwards (13) 15/7, 15/7 Lydia Fraser (10) beat Reagan Rodrigues (10) 15/6, 15/5. Tony Farnum (10) beat Wayne Alphonso (11) 15/11,

Kirsten Gomes (left) was tested by Lucas Jonas before she prevailed. (Sean Devers photos) 15/14 Category A Michael Alphonso (-10) beat Zachary Persaud (7) 15/ 12, 15/12 Kirsten Gomes (-4) beat Lucas Jonas (-3) 15/12, 15/4. 15/11 Abosaide Cadogan (-4)

beat Lajuan Munroe (10) 15/ 11, 15/13 Nicholas Verwey (-8) beat Demetrius DeAbreu (-4) 15/ 10, 15/5 Category A Plate Mohryan Baksh (-3) beat Joshua Verwey (11) 15/12, 15/ 11

Brenno DaSilva (13) beat Gianni Carpenter (-6) 15/13, 13/15, 15/5 Louis DaSilva (7) beat Teija Edwards (11) 15/8, 15/5 Aishani Persaud (11) beat Arvin Seelall (12)) 12/15, 15/ 8, 15/11 (Sean Devers)

Guyana-based Golden Jaguars play West Dem FA select 11 in training match

Action in the match between the Golden Jaguars and a West Demerara Select team. The Guyana-based Golden Jaguars had their first training match against a West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Select 11 on Friday last as preparations intensify for Guyana’s finals qualifier of the Concacaf Nations League match against Belize on March 23 in Guyana. The match, held at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre, Providence, was the first in a series against Regional Member Associations (RMA) teams to aid the selection process and match readiness of the squad. In a post-match comment, Golden Jaguars’ Head Coach Michael Johnson said he was satisfied with the performance of the team: “Today’s game was good preparation. It was a tough opposition, particularly in the second half. We just kept going away but it was great to see the players over the course of 90 minutes in a competitive fixture against a combined WDFA side. I thought we moved

the ball really well and created lots of opportunities in the first half especially. Sheldon Holder was a threat, Trayon Bobb with speed on the outside was good and I think Leoorin (Lovell) took up some good positions in the middle of the park.” “All in all, it was a really good exercise to see the players for 90 minutes on the surface,” said Johnson. “I’ve got to see players I have not seen previous to this training camp. So, it was one of success and it has given me a lot of food to take home.” Guyana play Belize on March 23 in Guyana in a must-win encounter for Guyana to gain a chance at qualifying for the Concacaf Gold Cup. The Concacaf Gold Cup is the region’s official national team championship and features clubs from Central and North America and the Caribbean. A victory against Belize will give Guyana its first chance at this prestigious biennial event.

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 17, 2019

PAGE 89

Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tournament

Four players advance to Open ‘Plate’ Semis

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t was a quiet afternoon at the Georgetown club on yesterday afternoon as quarter-finals for the plates were played. First up were Ian Mekdeci (5) and Lydia Fraser (10). Fraser started off in good form to win the first game 15/11, but Mekdeci warmed up in the second to dominate a 15/9 win. In his stride now, Mekdeci comfortably earned 9 straight points in the 3rd, before Fraser managed to win back the serve, but she was unable to hold on and Mekdeci powered home to a 15/8 match game;

securing his place in the Open Plate semifinals which was scheduled for last Evening. Also moving on to the Open Plate Semis were Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (3) who defeated Tony Farnum (10) 15/8, 15/8; Medhi Ramdhani (8), who bested Dane Pereira (10) 15/10, 15/13; and Jonathan Antczak (6) who got a walkover. In the only Category A plate match, Ethen Jonas (-4) beat Brenno DaSilva (13) 15/14, 15/13. Last night’s matches will decide who qualifies for today’s finals.

67 entries registered for Triple Crown first leg - Organisers hint major surprise for feature race

Junior ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohammed In exactly one week, the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown’s first leg will gallop off at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Port Mourant, Berbice, and according to chairman of the organising committee, Nasrudeen ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohamed Jr., the constantly increasing list of entries has reached to 67. In an invited comment with this publication, Mohamed disclosed that the track is in good condition for next Sunday’s race meet and turfites can expect to be fully entertained with some of the overseas horses having already arrived in Guyana. Mohamed further disclosed that fans are in for a treat with a few surprise entries in the feature race.

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Over $20million in cash and prizes will be up grabs over the three legs of the Triple Crown event with the second leg slated for March 24th at the Rising Sun, while the grand finale will be on Easter Sunday, April 21, at Port Mourant Turf Club. The feature race at the first leg will attract a total prize purse amounting to almost $2million with the winner of that C Class and lower race pocketing $1million. The winner of the threeyear-old Guyana bred race will pocket $400,000, the F Class winner; $350,000, H Class; $300,000, I Class; $250,000, J class; $230,000, K Class; $220,000, L Class; $200,000, L Class and lower; $140,000.

Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (left), Medhi Ramdhani (right) & Ian Mekdeci were in winner’s row in the afternoon sessions yesterday.

t r o Sp Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Brothers United break stranglehold of Showstoppers to win zone title -Ballers Empire finishes third

“2-Sharp” Allen is fifth Guyanese World Boxing Champion Patrick Forde Memorial C/Ships set for tonight at Gymnasium - T&T’s Middleweight Champ Prince to fight Guyana’s Amsterdam - Video clips of Forde’s fight to be shown tonight

67 entries registered for Triple Crown first leg - Organisers hint major surprise for feature race

Farfan & Mendes/Woodpecker Products 1st Div. hockey leagues

Brothers United collect their prize after winning the final from Banks DIH’s Lee Baptiste.

GCC Clubs dominate yesterday’s play

GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National U-15 2017/2018 Finals

FC Eagles thump Santos to lift inaugural National Championship; Rising Stars end 3rd

The FC Eagles players and Coaches are joined by Pele Alumni John Yates (2nd right), GFF TD Ian Greenwood (right), Golden Jaguars Head Coach Michael Johnson (2nd left) and GFF Competitions Director, Rev. Ian Alves in celebration following the presentation. 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.