Kaieteur News

Monday February 18, 2019

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Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil will be made to stand cost for any oil spill - Energy Dept. Head By Kiana Wilburg Should there be an oil spill in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil will have to stand the cost for it, says Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. He was at the time, responding to questions from Kaieteur News on the financial wherewithal of ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to cover an eventuality such as an oil spill. Dr. Bynoe said, “First of all, oil spills are to be handled by the main contractor which is Exxon. They are the operator and they will have to adhere to the Environmental Act and they will be on the hook for the cost for any oil spill.” Kaieteur News then reminded that Guyana signed its contract with Exxon’s subsidiary, the very company which is being tied to all environmental documents for the Stabroek Block. To this Dr. Bynoe said, “Well I am not

aware of that.” While the Energy Department Head holds the view about ExxonMobil, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, told this newspaper that he is not convinced that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary has the financial means to cover the possibility of an oil spill in the Stabroek Block. He told Kaieteur News this factor is a major issue which must be addressed be-

ance. I made the statement before that this has to be addressed and that is what we are working through right now…” The EPA Head then stressed 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

“Oil spills are to be handled by the main contractor which is Exxon.They are the operator and they will have to adhere to the Environmental Act and they will be on the hook for the cost for any oil spill...”- Dr. Mark Bynoe fore the operator gets its permit for the Liza Phase Two Project. Dr. Adams had said, “The big issue is covering liability if there is a spill…And I have to be comfortable that they are properly covered by insur-

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

Mother of boys in Muslim scholar rape case reportedly offered $6M to drop matter Even as the time draws near for the Muslim Scholar, Neezam Ali, who has been accused of raping nine boys to face his trial in the High Court, the mother of three of the victims is reportedly facing yet another obstacle in relation to the case. The woman has said she is now being offered money to come to a settlement in the matter. This past week, she recalled that a man, who is known to her, tried to convince her to accept $6 million. However, the single mother said that she was not the least bit tempted to accept the offer. She instead described the offer as disrespectful. “I cannot accept any amount of money because it would be disrespectful to my boys especially now that the trial I’ve been a calling for is about to come up. This (Muslim) brother, whom I know for all these years, turned up at my house uninvited to persuade me to take money, it scared me so I had to make a report to the police.” The woman hopes that the police will apprehend the suspect and charge him accordingly. “I‘ve waited years for this case to be tried. I will not do anything to jeopardize the case at this point. All I need

Neezam Ali is justice for my sons, “she added, noting that her sons are now teenagers. “The police have launched their investigation and I hope they are able to arrest this man because I am fearful for my life,” the woman added Some, seven years ago, Ali, an Islamic Scholar was charged for the alleged raped of nine boys, who took Quran and Arabic lessons from him. The virtual complainants allege that Ali had penetrative anal intercourse with them while they were minors. The incident allegedly took place as the boys were attending classes at an East Coast Demerara Masjid. The Muslim Scholar of 268 Section ‘C’ 5 South Turkeyen

had previously undergone a Preliminary Inquiry before Magistrate Moore on several counts of sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust. Ali was committed to stand trial in the High Court in 2013. However, in 2017, the matter was sent back to the Magistrates’ Court based on directive of the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP). It was reported that the medical reports and birth certificates, of the nine boys involved in the case had allegedly disappeared. In addition to remitting the matter to Magistrate Alex Moore to re-open the paper committals, the DPP also issued a directive to the Guyana Police Force to obtain certified copies of the original documents. Kaieteur News understands that those files have since been reconstructed and currently before the Magistrate’s Court. Ali had been committed to stand trial in the High Court by Magistrate Alex Moore in 2013. Ali was placed on $1,300,000 bail after his appearance before the Court. The allegations of abuse first came to light when the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) received an anonymous tip and officials (Continued on page 19)

a limited liability corporation. It is a new corporation formed for this project and they have zero 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 they 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.” Kaieteur News then reminded that 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 experts about how we can retract it and fix it. I was not there for Liza One. So I am considering retracting it 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

Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe asked if EEPGL has enough assets to cover a spill, Moe did not confirm or deny, much less 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; Exxon would 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 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 literatures that the choice of parties to any agreement 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.”

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 18, 2019

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Guyana of old is gone forever Guyana is not in a very safe neighbourhood any longer. And though it does not help, this is neither in degree nor scale related to anything connected to the increasing hysteria surrounding upcoming national elections. Too many developments are occurring outside of its control, and with some real big people involved, with bigger visions in mind, and building capacity to be the biggest influencers and referees in the region. In sum, the most fearsome heavyweights around, and ones with which not to meddle. There was Guyana going along and minding its own business. It was an endless succession of hazy lazy days of perpetual summer, almost like days at the beach; and with that comes immaturity and irresponsibility, along with a dogged resistance to growing up. That was the long yesterday; today is here and with jarring shocks. What are this country’s main businesses? There was the involuntary export of its intellectual capital; there was the traditional racial discord that was and is found musical to the ears and hearts of the great mass of the populace; there was the climactic warmth of the equatorial sun, followed by the manmade heat brought about by imported, then transshipped addictive commodities; there was a certain kind of economy, a way-station and sanctuary (but now to a lesser extent) for money of a certain kind, and neither of the Laparkan nor Western Union variety to furnish momentary solace. Except for the continuing and intensifying love-hate racial history and culture, now immovable reality, that languid, laidback, and lowdown Guyana of yore is gone. Forever. Whether liked or not, it can be kissed goodbye. At least through a nostalgic smack on both cheeks; though not quite yet a long lingering meeting of lips harmoniously fused. Now there are too many loud-voiced, sharp-eyed, and heavily-muscled newcomers. They are from external regions, with foreign political cultures and foreign objectives. It is an illustrious band of self-proclaimed, selfauthenticated warriors, a gathering of heroes, superheroes, according to them. They range from the surreal to the sinister, and are all beginning to congregate around the Northeastern tip of South America for the believed financial, political, and superpower rewards. They are worth a serious examination. There is the leader who is all about bluster and fluster; he is the epitome of the caustic and erratic, which is trumpeted as incomparable trump cards. The adversary from the East is cold and calculating; a skilled nerveless gambler: equipped with patience, powerful determination, and a panoramic outlook. He is ambitious. Then right here, next to Guyana stands this tempting and weak target, which happens to be a covetous neighbour. The new Guyana, of confirmed wealth and still much more unmeasured promise, is not only in the centre, but attracts its own share of calculations and strategic valuations. Guyanese, who take a wide-lens worldview, should now understand and appreciate much more, the experiences and traumas of Mexico and Cuba. Both of those countries found themselves in a bad place and with the lamentable histories of bad neighbours. They had land and wealth; they had to get the right thinking quickly and humiliatingly; or prepare for the worst. Remember Mexico under Santa Anna? Think of how much territory was lost; and the wealth that went with that loss. Guyanese should identify with those concerns and apprehensions (hopefully, not result). For this race-plagued society is also a mineral-infested one. It is not a feared country, even if it were to be unified; that encourages many wolves, including many local ones, for the imagined feastings. Matters are all about them, and to hell with those who happen to be in the vicinity; or in the middle. It is just the luck of the draw; of disputed cartography; of mineral discovery and strange, ugly money. All of that should bring even less comfort to thinking, watchful Guyanese citizens; the ones who really care about this land and its destiny.

GECOM is frustrating democracy DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has a sordid history. It was a tool in the hands of the PNC in rigging elections in the pre1992 days. One of the deals brokered by the Carter Centre in the early 1990’s was to make GECOM independent. That was done in the way the Commission was composed. The formula, three Commissioners appointed by the President in his own judgment. Three others through the recommendations of the Leader of the Opposition. The Chairperson to come from a consensus mechanism whereby the President would choose a person from a list presented to him by the Leader of the Opposition. GECOM was also made into a Constitutional body in May 2000 to ensure that elections could be held whenever required and in a professional manner. That arrangement worked well and gave us free and fair elections from 1992-2011. The behaviour of GECOM today is very

disturbing. This body, given powers by our constitution, has done nothing to discharge its responsibility since the passing of the noconfidence motion on December 21, 2018. By its actions it is sabotaging the will of the people and objectively imposing an undemocratic regime on the Guyanese people. This statement is not made lightly. I am convinced that GECOM is ready and can conduct elections in less than ninety days. That body has been set-up to deal with situations as we have now. In a previous article I had pointed out that since 2005 GECOM has been doing continuous registration. I also know of persons who died and their names were removed from the list. This is a continuous process. This was happening up to very recently. Moreover, immediately after the no-confidence motion Ms. Yolanda Ward, Public Relations Officer, Guyana Elections Commission, assured the nation that GECOM was ready to conduct elections to

the highest standards. On December 27, 2018 in an interview with the Chronicle Ms. Ward was quoted as saying; “with this no-confidence motion, it means once a date is set, it will be held (the elections) … it is our constitutional mandate to conduct the General and Regional Elections and Local Government Elections (LGEs) … so whether it is in the 90 days then it is GECOM responsibility to conduct elections …” In the same article she is further quoted to have said; “…what the law says GECOM has to do we will have to follow, it is conducted within the confines of the law … our guiding principle will be what it is rooted in Chapter 103 … critical will be the timeline which we will use to guide us to ensure we stay within the specific timeline…” She is also reported to have told the Guyana Times on the same date; “… If that is the decision then we will have to ensure that those elections are held as required …” Ms. Ward is not alone in

her views that the elections could be held within the time stipulated by the Constitution. The United Nations team that was here last year at the request of GECOM on a scoping exercise implied the same. True it did not say so specifically because this situation caused by the “no-confidence” motion did not yet arise. However, in their recommendations they made no reference to any need for a new house to house registration. Clearly, then, the talk about new house to house registration is only an excuse to extend the life of this regime. It is a red herring. What is even more disturbing is that GECOM appears to be changing its position as the PNC led APNU-AFC positions changes. Recall that both the President and Prime Minister made statements saying that they would respect the Constitution. It was in the same time that Ms. Ward made her bold assertions. Now that they, by their Continued on page 6

A phantom is running for the highest office DEAR EDITOR, Guyana has just staked out another dubious first. It has a phantom running for the highest office in the land. If at this early and hysterical stage of the game the candidate has all but faded into the inconsequential, then what does that say about what would prevail if he were to? From all appearances, the candidate has no opinions, no positions, no words and no attitudes on any matter of substance. I must disagree with those who detect something of a cerebral nature at work here (was not there in the first place) through reclusive ruminations. Rather I chalk that up to media shyness. Still, it is strange. For this was a person, who could be loud and boisterous; one who is not to be mistaken for a shrinking violet. Too much violet to shrink I would guess. But this is the essence of what all (for emphasis -all) Guyanese had feared. A possible plastic president exuding all the ambience and cheering glow of plaster of Paris. I feel sorry for the forlorn fellow; yes, I have reached a mellow state. It cannot be easy to be put on the public stage and then yanked around like some mindless, helpless poodle for all the world to gawk. Apologies are due to poodles.

Yet, I gather that the man does have a thought or two; settling for one is a better idea and in the interest of being conservative. I am trying to figure out a way to examine the mind of something that was inconceivable and which now has retreated to the realm of the unimaginable, as well as that of the inanimate. A start has to be made someplace, so here is that good old college try from someone who knows a gift horse when he sees one. A cart horse would have done better in this poodle and pony show (there I go again). But I digress. On the economy, I think it is going to be something that sounds like this from this political mastermind: a free enterprise system, where there are absolutely no restrictions on commercial activity. In other words, there is no product, no party, no practice that is considered illegal; and with no role for the state, including the collection of taxes, or any application of cumbersome rules and regulations. Not worth the trouble; for corroboration, check with the incumbents. And that would be regardless of who says otherwise, domestic or foreign. But there is one responsibility of the government that cannot be taken lightly, which is to

facilitate the shielding of such kinds of businesses from outside scrutiny and interference. After all, government has to do something; and that is both the model of good governance, and the essence of capitalist culture, as taught in the schools attended. What was that again? And by the way: where? On the issue of oil, I already hear the following, which is still to be said: Might be better to share it with those neighbours; that way everybody wins. Well, at least the socialist world comes out ahead for a change, while the mentor in Moscow is kept in the circle and happy. Environmental spills are not seen as a problem, there is always the Plan B of City Hall running to the rescue; and that troublesome matters about contracts, PSA, and all the rest are better left untouched for now. Always better to let sleeping dogs remain close to their bones. So far, so good. And now comes a real toughie: race relations. Guyana is going to be comforted by what it hears: there is no problem there. Never was; never will be. Just the mutterings of a few misguided agitators. The party has always been about harmony, unity, and serenity. Its record speaks. The big boss is in charge of that department

and he is an expert at throwing in sweeteners and following orders. Instructions come down from the leader, and there should be no doubt as to who is the real big man in this setup. Everywhere appalled and enthralled Guyanese citizens look and listen. This is the 21st century circus and spectacle, of the one-eyed leading the two-headed in the best imitation of the threelegged. Even the fabulous Greeks of Homeric fantasies fail to compare with the exotica that is Guyanese politics. Machiavelli is made to look like Moses. If Guyanese had any doubts about what they are in for (really in for), they should take a long moment and examine the local political stage. There is but a single actor: he is everywhere and pronounces on every subject. This is a one-man party and one-man campaign; might be a one-man election, too. There is no longer the pretense of a candidate. Were all elections like that farce! What was always found to be inconceivable has now shrunk to the invisible. It is a great place to be, this Guyana. I am revisiting that CCJ ruling, and it becomes clear who is the real candidate. So much for term limits and the constitution and courts. Sincerely, G.H.K. Lall

Monday February 18, 2019

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There are Sittlington is destroying SOCU’s reputation actions of Sam Sittlington’s of ever returning to power. DEAR EDITOR, nothing short of harmful to inconsistencies in Mr Editor, I believe SOCU. His actions are a clear The Coalition recent allegations in the press is clearly under that are distinctly and Sittlington’s actions since his demonstration of a vicious money transfer services Government an intense attack from a deliberately destructive to the dismissal by the UK attack on the Coalition

DEAR EDITOR, This letter comes to you in support of Tony Vieira’s letter, Money transfer services fleecing poor Guyanese, which appeared in your February 15, 2019 issue. Tony’s concerns as it relates to the shortchanging of the Guyana dollar by the international money exchange entities should not be rationalized as common business practice. His commentary and observations that poor people end up shortchanged should not be couched as loss recovery. A cursory visit to one of the exchange sites reveals that sending the same amount of money to countries around the world raises more questions. A better explanation is needed because the numbers suggest inconsistencies not only in the fee structure but also, and most importantly, in the payout. The appearance that some senders get to keep more of their money and some recipients receive less of their payout should be questioned. Should the poor suffer what they must? For example, sending $600(USD) from the US to Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, and Trinidad will cost the sender an additional fee of $51(USD), while to Jamaica this fee is $23.99(USD). However, this fee will be $15(USD) to Colombia; $26(USD) to China; $5(USD) to France; and $5(USD) to Germany. There is no fee charged for India and the Philippines. While there may be an argument for money laundering and payment for such services, the inconsistency between

countries flagged by the US Department of State does not support such a position. For the payouts, in Barbados, the exchange rate is equal to the bank rate. However, in Dominica, Grenada, Mexico, and India the rate of loss is less than 1% between the money exchange entity and the corresponding central bank rate. In Mexico and the Philippines, the recipient would lose around 1% and in Guyana that loss comes to 3% while in Trinidad and Jamaica they lose 4%. In Botswana, the loss is 8%. My dear Editor, clearly some senders keep more of their money, and some recipients receive less of their money. The argument that rates are fixed by the head office, agents are paid a percentage, and money to pay for tougher anti-money laundering regulations seems necessary but insufficient. What happens between sender and receiver needs to be understood. Perhaps this is what researchers call the Black Box Effect? Should we wonder why the rich remain rich and the poor receive less? Thinking through the issues. L. A. C. Archer

corrupt cabal that is intent on dismantling SOCU and any chances it had to deliver evidence of financial criminal and corrupt activity of massive proportions. Clearly the evidence has the corrupt cabal very worried and desperate to prevent disclosure of the evidence at whatever price or actions necessary. It is within this context that it is important to understand the malicious

reputation of SOCU and extremely harmful to any successes SOCU may have had in the hundreds of matters it is presently investigating including including 19 charges against the PPP Presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, charges against Anil Nandlall, Pradoville lands, GRDB multimillion US dollars cases - matters that could have been harmful to the PPP’s chances

government has been nothing short of utter disrespect and contempt for the Coalition Government and people of Guyana. He would have never contemplated doing the same in the UK or anywhere for that matter. His behaviour clearly reflects the nature and character of the man and it is only reasonable to question Sittlington’s motives for such destructive behaviour that is

Government (not just SOCU) and it is not rocket science to surmise that he has joined Opposition forces in their so far successful mission to destroy SOCU. One is left to wonder why the government is woefully allowing them to get away with it. Progressive and decent minded Guyanese are utterly disgusted. Peter Narine Toronto, Canada

The Hypocrisy of Freddie Kissoon DEAR EDITOR, It required patience, Freddie, but I am overwhelmingly disappointed of this ‘mercenary’ other self-emergence. I understand the many that desire the serf-hood status of that particular constituency of the APNU-AFC to remain outside of any aspect of an economic re-emergence, due from that tremendous historical contribution paid by a lineage past. To that effect, the fulfilment of that historical disenfranchisement now rests with the crusade of legitimising and hero propping of Charrandass Persaud’s act in parliament. In your article on Wednesday February 06, 2019 in Kaieteur News you mentioned my reference to Charrandass Persaud’s tainted no confidence motion as an act of bribery. Yes I did and you are not a foolish person whether for the obvious political polarisation or reasons driven by business dictate that the media keep this issue alive is irrelevant. My conclusion is based on the following: 1-Charrandass is a habitual gambler and loser,[ Chronicle January 4,2019]. He is a gambling addict. I have had some exposure to addictive persons; it is not a casual condition. 2- Charrandass had problems that had placed him in conflict with the law. According to Ryan Crawford he was supposed to be charged that said day; Sunday, January 13,

2019 Kaieteur News 3- He admits to being in an arrangement to handle US$1M in gold to secret buyers. Now that raises eyebrows. We all know that gold is collateral for all types of nether world transactions. Then the rules of parliament that were broken, due to his deceptions according to his own party, but most of all the obvious above nothing , below nothing, expected of anything entourage who were in place to escort their pawn. 4- The police force of this country did tell the nation that it was investigating Charrandass Persaud for bribery and Gold smuggling (Chronicle January 19, 2019. How can any thinking citizen paying attention seek to justify the Charrandass fiasco as a legal act? The circumstantial evidence points to a man in a psychological and economical quagmire, vulnerable and available for a way out. The entourage defines the nature of that event. I don’t have ready access to having my views published as some do, but like many in the public arena, we know the facades, the posture and knowledge pretence that our most decadent social citizens hide behind. I am not a political writer. That category of scribes have Continued on page 6

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It is time we stand up to the foreign companies DEAR EDITOR, As is my daily custom I’ve been up just after 4am filling up on K. News. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, one of the finest newspapers in Guyana and the Caribbean bar none. After reading the statement made by Dr. Vincent Adams about his stance over not issuing a permit to the Exxon Mobil’s subsidiary Esso and Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) until they can produce evidence to address and contain any future oil spills, (that is always a possibility in this industry, my words) I was heartened by this statement and would only hope that finally a Guyanese is growing enough backbone to hold these foreign companies’ feet to the proverbial fire by demanding that they adhere to industry best practices. And just as important, respect our laws and by extension our citizens employed by them to extract OUR resources. I would like to believe there is still time remaining to ensure that ExxonMobil is not allowed to become another Rusal. This Russian Company is “off the chain”, according to young people when it comes to blatantly disrespecting our Government our constitution/ laws and by extension our people as a whole not just their Guyanese workers. Can anyone envisage any company North American, British or from any part of the world, doing what these (thugs) are doing to our people with impunity in Putin’s Russia? Not while that midget dictator is in charge, I dare say! So the question is, notwithstanding the fact that we do not have a dictatorship here,” Why are we allowing them to get away with their exploitation and blatant disrespect of our people?” The country is in very troubling times as a result of the NCM and other concerns, a perfect opportunity for exploitation by heartless disrespectful MORANS like Rusal. This must stop and

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

only Guyanese can bring this to an end. We have displayed a timid subservient attitude to this and other foreign companies for way too long. I’ve lived in America for nearly 40 years worked in the U.S Civil Service, private industry and finally with an Agency licenced to the NYC Child Protection Services. I can vouch for what I’m about to state. These people, North Americans, Europeans and others view peoples of color (Brown and Black) for the most part as lesser that. Allow me to qualify that statement by saying, that this is not the case across the board. Fortunately they are not all like that, just too many. This mind set accompanies them when they are in countries such as ours. They look down on so called third world peoples where their major focus is to make more money than God, fill up on our liquor and exploit our females. Despite our trying times, constitutionally, the government of the day and future governments MUST put a stop to this glaring disrespect and violation of our Laws, labor and others these investors MUST know that we will, as a country, respect their rights to invest with an eye to profits but not at the expense of our peoples rights and privileges as citizens of Guyana. Could foreign workers in America pull guns on security personnel doing their jobs? This has happened on our shores! It is my hope that despite our immediate concerns our administration will firmly stand on the side of the Rusal workers and those in other industries. I call on Guyanese from all walks of life to SUPPORT these workers and send a clear message that we will not allow you to come into our country and do as you damn well please without paying a price. Amazon learned that lesson in L.I.C New York just recently. Stand UP! GET UP GUYANESE! You know the song. Respectfully Claudeston G. Massiah

City Council needs a PR Department DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to respond to the misleading article that was published in the Friday January 15, 2019 edition of your Newspapers captioned “Why does M&CC need a P.R Department?’’ Mr. Editor, I wish to briefly clarify some information that has the propensity to mislead the public. The Georgetown Mayor and City Council has a Public Relations Division not a Department. The PR, Division is a subsection of the Town

Clerk’s Department. This section of the Town Clerk’s Department was formed out of a need to give express to the projects of Council. The formation of this unit is legitimate since it is consistent with the Municipal and District Council Act Chapter 28:01 section 301(10), which states ; “that the City Council has the authority to establish, erect, maintain and carry on information centers and enquiry bureau”. In accordance with its mandate

the Council is obliged to advertise and give publicity to the attractions of the Municipality. This means that there must be a section within the Council which will cater for the communication needs of both the city and its administrators. The Public Relations Division was established several years ago during Mayoralty of the Ms. Mavis Benn, J.P because of a felt need. The PR Division creates that nexus between the City Council and its

various publics. At its initial formation the work was just confined to the dissemination of information using Public Relations tools. The work of the Division now includes community relations, health and environmental education, research and analysis, special programme planning. It is obvious that there is a need for a PR section in the Mayor and City Council to boast the work of the Council. Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer

“An Investigation needs to be done at the ER Burrowes School of Art” The Honourable David A. Granger, President of the Republic of Guyana 16/2/2019 Dear President Granger, I am seeking your intervention on having an investigation done on a state-owned educational institution. All other possible avenues have been channeled but to no avail. Autocracy, victiminisation and discrimination have been the trend at this institution for a number of years against Staff and students both present and past. The situation is being encouraged by the relevant authority. Complaints were made through written form and by persons who presented themselves yet nothing concrete has been done to alleviate such except verbal warning to the individual. Hence often times those who complain to the higher

authorities are seen as persons who ‘rock the boat’. The Administrator behaves as if the ER Burrowes School of Art is a “bona fide” property who makes and breaks rules contrary to the Public Service Ministry rules. The Administrator’s attitude towards staff, students and the general public are repugnant and is in the habit of superseding. Staff members are arbitrarily stripped of their duties and responsibilities. A failure to deliver in the positive growth and development of the institution is evident. D u e t o t h e a d m i n i s t r a t o r ’s u n p r o f e s s i o n a l , micromanagement and mediocre attitude staff members would have quit, took transfers and students abandon classes, high level of absenteeism or do not return to continue their studies. Mr. President I am grateful for your early and effective intervention on this matter. A complainant

The Hypocrisy of Freddie Kissoon From page 5 always had the repugnance of ‘mercenary’ attached to their names. I am aware enough to know that the APNU-AFC represents the majority of Guyanese whom they owe the responsibility to address the ugly reality of this situation, the reality that is veiled from media debates but

not from the suspicions of perceived ordinary folk, the harbingers of lawlessness, greed, murder and bigotry who now call to heed the constitution that they trampled on mere years ago. It is impossible, Freddie, to make the mundane majestic. Charrandass is not the material of heroes, as his entourage were not the

references of solid citizens. Next you mentioned my connection to the Ethnic Relations Commission; you know I was elected to that commission by the AfroGuyanese constituency groups, and I must remind you that many of the creatures identified and publicly representing the Charrandass fiasco are all

GECOM is frustrating democracy From page 4 actions, seem to have moved away from that position they are doing all they can to frustrate the process. GECOM, in concert, has moved away from its position. Now they have been avoiding the holding of meetings and also joining with the PNC led APNU-AFC in their efforts to hang on to power. It is sabotaging the people’s will. I am of the firm view that GECOM can hold the elections in time. Indeed, the time that they had to conduct the 2015 elections was also three months (90 days) and it was done. These situations were anticipated and laws made to put them into effect. The same Article that Ms. Ward referred to is explicit on it. Article 103(5) states that GECOM has the power to reduce the time for certain transaction, if need be. For instance, the time for nomination day can be reduced so too is the time for “Claims and Objections”. Therefore, it is clear that GECOM’s secretariat seems to be facilitating the PNC-led regime to frustrate the will of the Guyanese people. Once more, GECOM is subjugating itself to the dictates of the PNC/APNU regime. This is a throwback to the PNC dictatorial days.

I believe that it is criminal to deliberately act in a manner that subverts the constitution. There should be serious consequences for this offence. GECOM’s senior officers must be held responsible for this sabotage. I wonder if the leadership of the Government and GECOM are aware of the dangers in which they are placing all the people of our country. The Head of State is a historian, but he seems to have learnt little from the history of rigged elections in Guyana. He seems not to care that his administration is presiding over a process of the subversion of our Constitution. Actions as these inevitably lead to damaging the economy and condemning masses of people to a life of poverty and misery. Instead of returning to the sordid period of undemocratic government we should be putting that era behind us. We must move forward. The only way to do so is to respect our constitution and hold free and fair elections now. There is still time for GECOM to redeem themselves. Donald Ramotar Former President

known to have always stood on the opposing side of the interests of that constituency by their actions or economic inactions, political pursuits and cultural interferences. You also know that I have had a career spanning [19822019] 37 years in the media, as writer and illustrator, both fiction and nonfiction, columnist and letter writer and cartoonist. One of the more serious aspects of the ERC is also to promote discourse on the known but to shy away from ‘hidden agendas’. So unless you can point to my promoting racism, hatred and public hysteria, separate the ERC from my career as media activist and commentator. I know where my responsibilities rest. I am also a cultural activist; you grew up in a creolised ward of Georgetown, so you know the term ‘Fat-Fowl’. This term applies to bribing women for affection. Also you or some female relative offering up themselves to obtain a job or some material gain. Fat Fowl is a term of contempt of reproach and insult, never a compliment. It also applies to the Charrandass incident, the origins of that air of contempt I will explain in a following letter. Barrington Braithwaite

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Charges for bus driver, passenger caught on video assaulting cop the bus. Soon after, the driver who was seated in the minibus started shouting “You gone get transfer. You gotta get transfer. Man carry yuh ---- man. I sure after today you would never get one sk#*t to tell me again because you gon see next time. He then shouted ‘get yuh sk#*t man, crossing dag y’all low life. Me ain’t get one sk#*t to give yuh. Yuh hungry watch yuh $#@&***ing mouth how it white." This matter is being investigated by the police.

The traffic rank and minibus driver as persons intervened Two men, who were caught on video attacking a policeman are expected to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts today on several charges. The traffic rank, Constable Samuels who received minor injuries, was assaulted shortly after 16:00 hrs on February 13, while attempting to arrest a minibus driver at the corner of Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown. According to information, the on-duty rank observed the minibus driver proceeding along Robb Street. He attempted to intercept the bus to arrest the driver who is wanted by the police for allegedly obstructing traffic. But after he stopped the bus, the driver exited and assaulted the rank. He was then joined by a passenger who also as-

saulted the cop. Eyewitnesses intervened and took the minibus driver to a nearby store to calm him down, but he subsequently fled. The matter was reported, an investigation was carried out and charges were instituted against the minibus driver and the passenger. Days after, another video circulated on social media showed a driver attached to a security firm verbally abusing another traffic rank. In the video the traffic rank is observed writing something in a note pad, after stopping

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

PAGE 7

The security service driver who verbally abused the traffic rank

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 18, 2019

Chinese Govt. to finance new Bertram Collins College Headquarters On the heels of multiple loan and grant arrangements made available to Guyana from the People’s Republic of China, Guyana is set to receive yet another loan from the Chinese government. It will come in the form of a US$10M grant to finance a state-of-the-art centre for the housing of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service. Senior director of the college told Kaieteur News that China offered to finance as well as build the new headquarters at Ogle, where the college currently controls 29 acres of land. “The government has been able to secure a grant of US$10M to build a brand new, modern, state-of-the-art college and that’s from the Chinese government,” an offer which was made last year. “The attrition rate in the public service is very high. There may be need for more than 60 people at the end of the year.” Paul said that, because of the great demand for skilled public servants, the headquarters will need to produce thousands in a very short time. Paul said that the Chinese government has already had engineers, surveyors and other experts studying the area, who have already done soil-testing and other exams to determine the viability of

BCCPS current Lecture Hall such a construction on the land. “We have sent up the proposal to them, detailing all the things that we want,” including a lecture room, canteen, gym, study areas for syndicates, etc., the Director noted. A design for the project is currently in the works. “Things are moving a little slowly,” Paul said, “but it’s moving.” The Bertram Collins College of the Public Service is currently teaching its third batch of students. The college is the brain-child of President David Granger following years of criticism of the public service for poor customer service. 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.

BCCPS current Administrative Building

Fiscal elements for Petroleum Law being worked out Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe says that he has no difficulty with the recommendation of the international community on the need to insert as many fiscal elements into the primary legislation as opposed to leaving them to fall victim to negotiations. Dr. Bynoe noted, however, that the elements which will go into the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act are still being worked out, since a licensing round of offshore blocks is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020. He said that the licensing round is likely to be subjected to an open bid process. And for this competitive bidding process, Dr. Bynoe noted that some terms would have to be left on the table

- Dr. Bynoe

Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe for the companies to put forward the best bid. He listed one of these fiscal elements to be royalty. The official said that the licensing round would be for Block C which is known as “an ultra-deep” area. Dr. Bynoe noted however, that he would not want to go forward with the licensing round with Guyana’s old laws. He insisted that the principle Act, being the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, needs to be reviewed,

with the necessary amendments passed by the National Assembly this year. He said that he has every intention to lobby for this. Furthermore, Dr. Bynoe revealed that his Department is slated to complete a gap analysis of existing legislation. He said that this gap analysis and the reviewed principle Act will set a strong foundation of transparency and accountability for the licensing round that would follow. He said, too, that it will allow for the Department to draft any replacement or supplementary law that it might need for the sector. In the meantime, the Energy Department Head said that he is working towards conducting a multi-client seismic survey for data packages to encourage greater interest in the continental shelf zone. He said that this survey will be subjected to a tendering process. (KIANA WILBURG)

Monday February 18, 2019

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Kaieteur News

The Rise and Fall of a Hero After his non-eventful appearance at the book launch, he became more desperate. It had been two months since he had arrived back home but he was still to make any inroads into the upper social circles of the society. He decided that the next approach would be to get some introductions to the crème of the society. This, he presumed, had to be done through contacts, something that he knew was quite pronounced in New York from whence he had come. The only thing is that he hardly knew anyone who knew anyone of significance. The family with whom he was staying knew no one of importance. The rest of persons that he knew were in a similar predicament. He soon met a dead end with this approach. One day he heard about a cocktail at which a number of prominent persons were to attend. He decided then and there that he too should be in attendance. He calculated that if he dressed his best, if he wore a jacket and tie he would gain admission easily since he would fit into the crowd. On the appointed evening, he took a cab and arrived at the hall where the cocktail was being held. He walked confidently to the entrance where there were ushers greeting invitees. He kept his eyes ahead and strode right past all of them. When he heard no protests he hesitated but then continued walking. The next thing he was in a large room in which there were hundreds of guests. He felt slightly intimidated but stood his ground. No one however looked in his direction. He felt alone and lost. Then he noticed a bar at the end of the room and decided that he should get a drink. He began to move in that direction. As he was halfway there, he felt someone come up next to him, then he heard a voice. He turned around and

noticed a large security officer standing next to him. The officer said, “Do you mind showing me your invitation.” He was momentarily lost for words, then he gathered himself and in loud voice, loud enough for persons nearby to hear he replied, “How presumptuous of you. Don’t you know who I am?” The officer replied, “No sir, I do not know who you are. But if you give me your name, I will check the invitation list to verify that you should be here.” “I will do no such thing,” he replied. Leave me along.” “I am afraid that is not possible sir,” said the officer. “This is an invitation only affair and if you do not have an invitation you will have to leave.” “Or what?” he said sternly “Or I will have to remove you sir,” said the officer. Persons were beginning to stare. He decided to call the man’s bluff. “I dare you. The American ambassador will hear of this.” Within seconds he was thrown out of the hall. He picked himself up grumbled and walked away in abject humiliation. As he was making his way to catch a cab, he noticed a boy selling a newspaper. Then the idea struck him that perhaps he should try writing a few letters to the newspaper. He would be read and taken seriously. Then he did not have to worry about being thrown out of parties, he would be welcome to all that he attended because he would be famous. The next day he took out his writing pad and began to write furiously. When he was finished with the first letter, he was quite pleased. He mailed it off to the newspaper. The next few days he checked the newspaper but to his utter disappointment the letter never appeared. In fact none of the letters that he subsequently wrote were ever published.

One day he decided to take things into his own hands. He went to see the editor. He entered the man’s office and inquired of the secretary whether he could meet with the editor. She took his name, asked about the nature of his visit and disappeared behind a door, returning very quickly to indicate that the editor was busy and could not speak with him, but wished to encourage him to continue sending his letters. He left disconsolate. As he was on his way home, he wandered into a protest demonstration. A man on seeing him pushed a placard into his hands. He looked at the placard and at the man and did not know what to do. It had happened so suddenly. He stood his ground trying to figure out what had happened. Just then a vehicle with rough looking thugs came up. The rest of the protestors scattered. He still stood there not knowing what all the confusion was about. One of the thugs approached him menacingly. The thug raised a stick to lash him. Instinctively he lifted the placard. The next thing he knew he was in hospital. When he came to his senses he saw a large group of smiling persons beside his bed. He asked what had happened. They showed him the newspapers of the day. On the front page was a picture of him, holding his placard, with blood streaming down his face. The headlines read, “ Brave leader stands alone against goons.” He read on. “Yesterday, one man decided to stand up to the thugs hired to break up an industrial demonstration. One man decided that he would not yield to intimidation. He refused to leave the picket line. While he was badly beaten by the thugs, and is still unconscious in hospital, his bravery has inspired hundreds of workers throughout the country to go on strike against industrial

exploitation. “The strike has virtually crippled the country. In the meantime prayer vigils are being held all over the country for the recovery of the brave man who defied the thugs” He was now a working class hero. He had found his rightful place, fighting for the downtrodden and exploited workers. When he left the hospital thousands of persons were there to meet him. The newspapers were also there. The editor who was too busy to see him was there too. He

introduced himself and said that the newspaper would be running all the letters that he had sent. He felt good. The crowd lifted him on their shoulders and took him back to the protest line where he shook hands before asking to be excused. There was aloud roar when he left. He felt like a King. The next day a few of his letters appeared in the newspaper. He had forgotten about their contents until he saw them in print. They were in support of the big business, the very big business that had sent goons to break up

the protest demonstration. He was no longer a hero. The very persons who the day before were hailing his heroics were angry with him. Thank goodness, he thought that they did not know where he lived. The family he was staying with was however not taking any chances. They asked him to leave. It was time to leave, to go back to his insignificant life in New York.

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 12

The Millenial Perspective

On Colourism and Beauty \When I was in primary school, there was a girl who I heard some Indo-Guyanese boys call the ugliest girl in school. She didn’t have many friends, and she’d get teased a lot, about how dark her skin was. At the time, I called it racism, but I wasn’t quite sure that was the correct term. I started to explore the concept that, maybe, racism was not as one-dimensional as the difference between black and white. Race is a social construct determined by ancestry, hair type, colour of eyes and skin, stature and other physical attributes. Racism occurs when there is a system of disadvantage based on those racial differences. Colourism, however, occurs when the discrimination is based on complexion. Though it intersects with racism, it’s not the same. I grew up around a lot of darker Indo-Guyanese people who were discriminated against just for being dark; heard stories of mothers telling their sons not to court darker girls, and vice versa. For some reason, some people think that their skin is dirty or impure just because it is dark. These communities continue to replicate a long history of segregation from their ancestral home in South Asia, where studies have found that social structure, defined by the caste system, correlates

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kemol King with skin pigmentation. In Afro-Guyanese communities, colourism is rampant as well. There are Black Guyanese who are rightfully passionate about anti-black racism, but turn around and belittle others for being darker. It’s common for them to favour someone with a little “colour”. A descriptor that I’ve heard way too much to describe very dark Black people is “black and ugly”, as if blackness and ugliness are interchangeable or synonymous. There is even a culture built around putting “red” women on a pedestal. When a Black person rises to fame or to “the top of their game”, it is often heralded as the destruction of a structural barrier against Black people. However, the people who don’t value the need for intersectionality in activism and advocacy often ignore the fact that light-skinned

Black people breaking a structural barrier doesn’t necessarily make it easier for all Black people. Darker Black Celebrities like Viola Davis have often spoken about their experiences being exponentially more difficult than their lighter counterparts. Davis had said, in an interview, “If you are darker than a paper bag, then you are not sexy, you are not a woman’. She was, at the time, talking about society’s perception of dark Black people. She said that dark-brown actresses are usually typecast as demeaning characters in society. Even in Bollywood, we see that the casting of dark-skinned South Asians in major roles is rare. They are usually cast as the helpers or servants. This is not just unfair to those specific actors. The consequences of such profiling are widespread and have an effect on darker people everywhere because the audiences of such entertainment are conditioned to see darkskinned people as lesser; less deserving and less capable, even if they don’t realize it. There is a terrible cognitive dissonance in Guyanese communities, where people are against racism (rightfully so) but perpetuate colourism. It goes to show how frighteningly much we have been conditioned to believe that (Continued on page 19)

From one old laptop to Two Brothers Technology Centre

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock hands over equipment to brothers Bernie and Joel Robertson Two years ago, Bernie Robertson and his brother Joel started a small printing business with just an old laptop and printer perched on a bucket in a corner in their Annai, Region 9 home. The youngsters had just completed training under Cohort One of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. Today, the Robertson brothers are the proud owners of ‘Two Brother Technology Centre,’ the first of its kind in the North Rupununi. They provide services including typing and printing, scanning, downloading and uploading, video and photo editing and other ICT services. On Friday, the centre was officially declared open with the enrollment of the first batch of students to be trained in Information Communication Technology (ICT). Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and HEYS Coordinator, Junior Williams witnessed the launch. Co-founder Bernie Robertson explained that the business commenced one week after the completion of the first cohort of the HEYS training programme. Determined to expand their business, the two brothers with help from Councillor Mike Williams approached the Small Business Bureau (SBB) for a grant of $300,000 and were successful. They then added two laptops and a printer to their facility. “As we started to develop and implement our ideas by creating new business activities, we were approached by many teachers, friends, families and students to develop a programme for information technology classes. Because this was missing in our community and in the hinterland communities of Guyana…a lot of these persons in the community didn’t have ac-

cess to these services and so we developed the programme,” Bernie said. After careful planning, the young men were able to apply for additional funding from the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), and now have ten computers that are powered by solar energy. They have also begun the construction of a building to house the business. “We were determined because after being trained in ICT under HEYS we always wanted to become more involved in this area… so, with this additional funding in hand we decided to commence the information technology classes for six months, three times per week, three hours per day at a very reasonable cost of $5000 per month,” Bernie further explained. The classes will commence tomorrow and will be held in the Village Community Centre building for the first month. Not only were the Robertson brothers able to meet a need within their village, but they also helped in reducing travel costs for many families who often had to travel for more than two hours to Lethem for the services they now provide. Bernie Roberson added, “We have seen many students and teachers struggle in getting technology services to their reach especially during CSEC term and before Grade Nine exams. But all of that is changing and Two Brothers Centre is playing a big part in this transformation.” Further, the centre provides homework assistance, promotes life skills, gender equality and character development through the use of technology services and skills learnt through the HEYS programme. Robertson expressed appreciation to the government

for implementing such a significant initiative for hinterland youths which he said served as a foundation for his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. On plans for the future, Robertson said that they will be working along with other agencies to be accredited, and will be introducing farmers to the internet to explore new technologies to improve their productivity. In his remarks, Minister Sydney Allicock said that the Coalition Government is committed to ensuring that education and training opportunities reach citizens all across Guyana, regardless of their location and the launch of the tech-centre is just one of the outcomes of that commitment. “We are obligated to bring education to you. That is why we initiated these training opportunities. We need computer technicians, teachers and engineers… failing to prepare is preparing to fail and what this group has done is to prepare themselves and I’m very proud and happy that this young group has taken the initiatives, because technology is what is needed today to move forward.” Minister Allicock also handed over an additional desktop computer and printer to the brothers. This will add to the 10 computers already secured. HEYS Coordinator, Junior Williams said that the programme has touched the lives of youths in 220 communities in all the 10 Administrative Regions, and thus far, 2,000 businesses have been established. The HEYS initiative, which was launched in 2015, is designed to give youths a second opportunity to empower themselves through entrepreneurship. The programme targeted some 4,000 youths in the hinterland.

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

‘Amazing’ recovery for Annandale hit-and-run survivor - after being bedridden, now walking and speaking

A bedridden Reaz Shaw, shortly after the accident Several weeks after he was rendered bedridden as a result of a hit and run accident that caused his friend’s demise, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, teen Reaz Shaw has made an amazing recovery. From lying motionless in bed, the lad is now walking and even speaking. His mother, Zahida Hussain and father, Yacoob Shaw reported that their son started showing signs of improvement over the past two weeks. He been attending physiotherapy classes at the Palms and began slowly making progress. “We are very happy that he coming to himself again. That is all we ever prayed for. We are grateful for all the people who supported and prayed for Reaz as well. His recovery is nothing short of a miracle. He started talking and is walking and he can ask for things now,” the elated parents related. The family had been struggling to care for their teenage son, who was left crippled in a hit-and-run accident which occurred last December. When this publication visited their home last month, Shaw’s parents related that almost every week, the household spends thousands

Reaz Shaw being assisted by his father Yacoob as he walks for the first time in weeks. of dollars on disposable pampers and other materials to care for the ailing boy. “It is not easy caring for him in this condition. I work in agriculture and I does have to leave my work sometimes to help my wife to tend to him, especially like if he needs to go to the hospital for checkups or therapy. So I am not working like I used to before.” “Just last week I took him to the hospital. We got to pay special transportation to take him to Georgetown Hospital,” the boy’s father had said. However since then, the parents have been receiving an outpouring of prayers and support from across the country. “We had people, we don’t even know reach out to us to show their support and for that we are very thankful. At least, I know my son can have a chance at a normal life again, “the relieved mother added. The accident occurred on December 9, 2018 as Shaw and his friend, 15-year-old,

SIX YEARS LATER…

Captains in Mazaruni River crash that left 10 dead listed for trial

DEAD: Deon Moses

DEAD: Keanu Amsterdam

DEAD: Zahir Baksh

The captains of the two boats that were involved in a collision on January 22, 2013 in the Mazaruni River, which left 10 persons dead, have been listed to go on trial for manslaughter. They will appear at the upcoming session of the Essequibo criminal assizes which opens tomorrow at the High Court in Essequibo. According to information published by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Devon Thomas, called ‘Beast’ and Cabesh Persaud, called ‘Dube,’ have

each been indicted on 10 counts of manslaughter, the crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or in circumstances not amounting to murder. Those that perished were Deon Moses, Ulrick Grimes, Christopher Ramnarine, Zahir Baksh, Brazilian National Francisco Olivera Alves, Kevon Ambrose, Keanu Amsterdam and his brother Ricky Bobb, Jermanie Calisto, and Jewan Seeram. It is alleged that on January 22, 2013, while being the captains of two travelling

speedboats, Thomas and Persaud, killed 10 occupants who had been on board the vessels in an incident that occurred at Crab Falls in the Mazaruni River. According to reports, Thomas, the captain of the vessel called ‘Matheran’ which was carrying 13 persons and Persaud, the captain of another vessel called ‘Dube’, carrying six passengers, were traversing at Crab Falls in the Mazaruni River, when the boats collided, resulting in the death of 10 persons.

Karcchan Khemraj were reportedly heading home from a nearby shop on a pedal cycle. A speeding white Toyota Hiace ‘Pitbull’ minibus struck them down from behind and continued on its journey without stopping. The teens who sustained severe injuries were picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Khemraj died while receiving medical attention. Shaw, on the other hand, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the medical facility. The sixteen-year-old had sustained severe head injuries due to the collision with the minibus. The damaged minibus was later found covered under a tarpaulin at the back of a bakery owned by a Chinese woman in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The windscreen was shattered, the number plates were missing, and the left side of the bus was damaged. The hit-and-run bus, which bears Registration number GWW 2140, is reportedly owned by Chinese national, C. Wen, who has a store at Lot 10 Vigilance, East Coast Demerara. The Chinese is said to have fled the jurisdiction, but left counterparts, who have since offered to compensate the parents of the deceased boy, with $1.9 M and $300,000 for funeral expenses. A sum, the family has so far rejected since they believe it is not acceptable, given their son’s horrific death. They have been considering a much higher offer. Meanwhile, police are yet to locate the suspect or lay any charges in relation to the accident.

PAGE 22

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Captured duo was hired to “rough up” Skeldon Chinese National 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. 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 Canter truck for hire, moving etc Tel#676-0455

New Gauge 42'’ normal corrugated pre-painted red roofing sheets 3x15ft, 2x25ft, 3x12ft, 2x17ft, 1x22ft. Contact#225-4106/643-0333 One 3 ton GSS series box up canter truck without engine, transferable. Tel#669-2290 Used Scaffolding. Contact Cell: 623-1615

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

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OFAC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822 VEHICLE FOR SALE One Toyota Tacoma 2010 Excellent Condition for sale #673-0852

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 #604-0883 LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561 PEN PAL Guyanese/Canadian male seeking female career oriented 24-28 in marriage. Tel# 682-3683

1 Toyota Tacoma 2007 Extra Cab, Manual $4.5M Tel#6733988 HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 LAND 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 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 One bedroom apartment Middle Rd La Penitence $40,000 monthly. Contact #614-7225 Furnished 2 bedroom apartment. Call: 216-2299/6721906 2 new 3 bedrooms semifurnished houses at Herstelling and Schnoord for $80,000. Call: 677-1975/6295401 for details PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657 3 storey commercial building. Location- Lot 1486 Plot B Herstelling (2 Bridge) EBD. Suitable for school/ apartments. Contact #6093777/686-0522 WANTED Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608 Wanted One (1) Mechanic to work in the interior. must have experience with Cummins engine. Tel#669-3162

Transported land 11.6 acres. Attractive live in waitressLot 15 public road. #2 Village Call: 327-0252/674-4665/649W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 3750 686-4818, 648-7109 Lorry Driver, must have lorry Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, licence, living between East Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Bank or West Coast #610Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, 9624/233-5255 Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 6869608 One skilled Bobcat operator. Must have 5 years’ House lot with foundation for experience. Call 609-0766, 265sale at Red Doom Canal #1. 3024 Price $4.8M. Call 644-8396 Tuschen Phase II $1.5M Tuschen Phase I $3.8M Transferable $2.5M $1.8M $1.4M Business spot $2M Providence $6M Call: 666-2326

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 One Welder, must know grill work. Call: 625-5763 VACANCY Receptionist 24-50 233 South Road, Lacytown #225-0198 Looking for someone suitable to manage a leading Auto Sale Tel#642-6859 Call Monday to Friday Between 8 am- 5 pm Male workers to work at Del Ice Company. Training provided. Call: 231-1408/6429191 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

- police sources A businessman from Skeldon, Berbice is under investigation for allegedly masterminding the attack on a Chinese businessman last Thursday. Kaieteur News was told by multiple police sources that the suspects who were captured shortly after the attack while attempting to flee back to Georgetown, where they are originally from, told investigators that the businessman hired them “to rough the Chinee man up”. Their intention, a police said, was not to rob but to merely instill fear in their victim. The men were allegedly promised a hefty sum after the job was done. There are reports that the alleged mastermind owed the Chinese national money. Although the suspects have implicated the businessman, they are reportedly declining to divulge the full details of the plot. Indications are that they

Live in or out domestic worker. Call from Monday-Saturday between 8:15-4:15PM 2237500 Hair stylist, Make-up artist, Facials, manicure, pedicure, body massage, gels and acrylic nails technicians #2250115 Wanted One general house help, must be good with kids. Location EBD Please call #6417586 General Domestic, Carpenter, Driver/Salesman Apply @ R. Sookraj & Sons 108 Regent Street Vacancy exist for porters. Apply Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Georgetown Sales Person @ Ark Enterprise/ The Container House. Apply in Person @ 17 Lombard Street, Knowlege of tools vital. Professional hairdresser specialized in streaking, coloring, ombre, cutting, for further information contact# 652-5800

Minibus driver for route 42 Bus #664-0802

Professional makeup artist must specialize in manicure, pedicure, facials, nails, for further information contact# 652-5800

One live-in Maid. Call: 6749114.

Bond Clerk needed. Must have Police Clearance. For more info. Call: 223-0090

VACANCY General Domestic, must know to cook & salesperson, Apply Keyfoood McDoom EBD

will be charged today at the 51 Magistrates Court. On Thursday at around 14:30 hrs during a police roadblock in front the Number 51 Police Station, police arrested a man who was driving a white Toyota Premio bearing licence plate number PSS 8991 and another male walking a short distance away. The man appeared to have exited PSS 8991 before reaching the roadblock to evade the police. However police were already on alert with information that two suspects in a white Toyota Premio had attacked a Chinese businessman. Prior to their arrest, they had staked out their target’s business place. Reports are that the men, one armed with a hammer entered the premises and struck the owner several times to his head and body with the hammer before escaping. Eyewitnesses contacted the police who set up roadblocks along the Corentyne and captured the men. The car was lodged at the Springlands Police Station. Blood stain was reportedly found on the shoes of the man that was arrested in the roadblock. Kaieteur News was told that one of the suspects stated that he borrowed the car from his employer in Georgetown.

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Venezuela’s Guaido calls for ‘million volunteers’ in aid standoff CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP) — Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido set a goal yesterday of enlisting a million volunteers within a week to confront a government blockade that has kept tons of humanitarian aid, most of it from the United States, from flowing into the country. Guaido has given February 23 — one month to the day after he proclaimed himself acting president — as the date for a showdown over the aid with the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Food supplies, hygiene kits and nutritional supplements have been stockpiled near the Venezuelan border in Cucuta, Colombia. Additional storage centres are supposed to open this week in Brazil and Curacao, a Dutch island off Venezuela’s northern Caribbean coast. “Our principal task is to reach a million volunteers by

February 23,” Guaido said in a message to the 600,000 supporters who have signed up so far for the push to bring aid in. He said the volunteers would gather at designated points, or participate on social media, but has kept to himself how he plans to overcome the obstacles put up by the Venezuelan military, on Maduro’s orders. Maduro, who denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis, dismisses the opposition moves as a “political show” and a cover for a US invasion. An imploding economy has driven an estimated 2.3 Venezuelans to migrate, while those who remain have been punished by hyperinflation that has put scarce food and medicine out of reach for many. At Guaido’s request, groups of volunteers were holding town hall-style meetings at various locations around the country to begin

People cross the Simon Bolivar International bridge from Cucuta, Colombia to San Antonio, Tachira, Venezuela. (AFP Photo/Luis ROBAYO) organizing for the February 23 event. “Venezuela is preparing for the humanitarian avalanche,” Guaido told about 4,000 supporters clad in white T-shirts and green scarves who gathered Saturday to sign up as volunteers. The throng included doctors, nurses and

Union confident of acquiring assets of oil refinery PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) says it remains “confident” that it would soon acquire the assets of the former state-owned oil refinery, PETROTRIN, whose operations were closed down by the government late last year. OWTU President General, Ancel Roget, told reporters that while there is a nondisclosure agreement which binds the union to confidentiality, it has satisfied all the relevant requirements including international financing, an international management team and international auditors to oversee the purchase. “We, the OWTU, are confident that we would have satisfied all of the requirements, international financing, international management team, international auditors to ensure that we acquire those assets. “Remember an offer was made. It has been accepted. I can assure you, in not too long from now, we will be putting out a statement relevant to that situation,” he added. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, told an energy conference here that the operations at the oil refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre, south of here, could resume by the second half of this year. Rowley said a request for proposals was currently being finalised while

Ancel Roget “expressions of interest” have been received from about 50 “interested parties”, including the OWTU. “It is projected that entire process of receiving, evaluating and selection of the successful bidder will be completed by the end of June 2019. This process could see the new holding company making a recommendation to Government by mid-year with this resulting in reopening of refining operations sometime later on, without taxpayer exposure. “This all depends entirely on what the interested parties propose to the government in the months ahead,” Rowley added. PETROTRIN, which shut its operations on November 30, last year sending home thousands of workers, after the government said it had been losing billions of dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16

cents) annually, has been replaced by three new entities, including Heritage Petroleum, which is projecting that crude oil production could be restored to pre-2018 levels at approximately 40,000 barrels daily through an extensive workover programme involving up to 18 work-over rigs on its land assets. Roget told reporters ahead of a meeting of the Joint Trade Union Movement (TTUM) on Friday that the “OWTU has stepped up to the plate and we have done all the necessary, satisfied all of those requirements, and we are confident that having done that, the only thing that will prevent us from getting that is – nothing.” But he said that there were still several outstanding issues regarding PETROTRIN, including negotiations and the improper application of severance pay. Roget told reporters that most of those issues are either “before the court or on its way to the court”.

students. Without revealing details that could jeopardize the operation, Guaido said volunteer brigades will travel in a bus caravan to entry points for the aid. Coromoto Crespo, 58, told AFP he volunteered because of the urgent need for supplies. “To find medicines requires a miracle. I need tablets for high blood pressure, and what I find, I can’t pay for,” Crespo said. “One of my relatives died because of a lack of antibiotics.” US Senator Marco Rubio, meanwhile, announced on Twitter Sunday that he was traveling to Colombia for a first-hand look at the aid operation in Cucuta. Three US military cargo planes delivered several dozen more tons (tonnes) of food assistance to Cucuta on Saturday. Another US aircraft is due in Curacao from Miami

tomorrow, and a collection centre for Brazilian aid will open today on the border, Guaido’s team said. Saturday’s shipment was accompanied by a delegation led by Mark Green, head of the US Agency for International Development. The aid “will come in, yes oh yes, by land and sea,” Guaido said. On Friday, Maduro instructed his army to prepare a “special deployment plan” for the 2,200-kilometre (1,370mile) border with Colombia. He said he would examine “what new forces” might be needed to keep the frontier “inviolable.” Maduro has poured scorn on the aid, spurning it as “crumbs” and “rotten and contaminated food” while blaming shortages of food and medicine on US sanctions. He said six million families had benefited from subsidized food boxes and he claimed to have bought 933

tons of medicines and medical supplies from China, Cuba and Russia, his main international allies. “We paid for it with our own money because we’re beggars to no one,” Maduro said. On another front, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza confirmed having held two meetings with special US envoy Elliott Abrams. Arreaza, who travelled to New York on February 13, said he held the talks with Abrams at the request of the State Department. He declined to comment on the substance of their discussions. Guaido repeated his call on Venezuela’s military — whose support for Maduro has been crucial — to let the aid pass. “You have, in your hands, the possibility of fighting alongside the people who are suffering the same shortages you are,” Guaido said in a tweet addressed to soldiers.

Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Wolves and Palace ease into FA Cup quarter-finals

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ivan Cavaleiro celebrates scoring their first goal. (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley) LONDON (Reuters) Wolverhampton Wanderers’ impressive season continued as they moved into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with Ivan Cavaleiro’s first-half goal sealing a 1-0 victory at Championship (second-tier) club Bristol City yesterday. Portuguese Cavaleiro slotted home clinically in the 28th minute after great work by Matt Doherty and it was enough for Wolves to reach the last eight for the first time since 2003. After a mass exodus of Premier League clubs in the

previous two rounds, Wolves continued a good weekend for the big boys which saw Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Watford and Crystal Palace all send lowerleague opposition packing. Palace were far too good yesterday for third-tier Doncaster Rovers, with firsthalf goals by Jeffrey Schlupp and Max Meyer securing a 20 win to send Roy Hodgson’s side into the last eight for only the second time in 24 years. Schlupp ran through to fire home in the eighth minute and Meyer’s effort on the

Kaepernick’s lawyer... From page 31 were prepared to participate in the upcoming trial in pursuit of both truth and justice for what we believe the NFL and its clubs did to them. “We are glad that Eric has earned a job and a new contract, and we continue to hope that Colin gets his opportunity as well.” Kaepernick filed his grievance in October 2017, alleging collusion by NFL owners to keep him out of the league, as he remained unsigned as a free agent through the fall after opting out of a contract with the San Francisco 49ers that spring. A number of owners, executives, coaches and other figures have been deposed as part of the grievance, and a motion by the NFL to have the grievance dismissed was denied in August. Reid, who was the first player to join Kaepernick in 2016 with the 49ers by kneeling during the national anthem in protest, filed his own collusion case against the NFL in May 2018. It appears the two grievances were combined into a joint case, but it’s unclear when that occurred. Reid became a free agent in March 2018 and remained unsigned until mid-September, when the Carolina Panthers brought him in after an injury to safety Da’Norris Searcy. With his one-year deal expiring after the season, Reid signed a three-year extension for a reported $22 million with Carolina last week. The 31-year-old Kaepernick remains unsigned, having not played a game since the 2016 regular-season finale. He led the 49ers to a Super Bowl XLVII appearance after the 2012 season. (Field Level Media)

stroke of halftime deflated the hosts who had hoped for a first-ever run to the last eight. In the day’s other fifthround tie, Swansea City recovered from a halftime deficit at home to fellow Championship outfit Brentford to win 4-1 at the Liberty Stadium. Bersant Celina’s free kick rebounded off the post and in off keeper Luke Daniel to level it up before a wonderful solo goal by Daniel James put the Welsh club ahead. With Brentford down to 10 men after a red card for Ezri Konsa, Celina made it 3-1 and George Byers added a late fourth goal to seal a second successive quarter-final appearance for the Swans. DARK HORSES Comfortably placed in the Premier League and with Liverpool’s scalp in the FA

Cup already, Wolves have emerged as dark horses to go all the way this season. In the first half at Bristol City they certainly had the look of a side who fancy their chances. Doherty was a constant menace for the Bristol defence and he was unlucky not to score when his shot hit the woodwork after a flowing move down the right. It was his trickery that opened up the home defence again before his cut back picked out Cavaleiro to fire home. The second half was a different story as City, sixth in the second tier, improved dramatically and forced Wolves keeper John Ruddy into several sharp saves. Substitute Matty Taylor was twice denied and in stoppage time, with City throwing the kitchen sink at Wolves, Ruddy reacted well to stop opposite number Frank Fielding equalising after he had gone up for a corner. “I’m very happy, it was very tough, but I’m happy for fans and it was a moment of joy,” said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who has guided his team to seventh on their top-flight return. “In the first half they gave us space but then they changed it and they are a tough team.” Only seven of the 16 teams to reach the fifth round were from the Premier League but with Chelsea hosting Manchester United on Monday in a repeat of last season’s final, six of the teams in the last eight will be from the top flight.

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Monfils overcomes Wawrinka to lift Rotterdam title

France’s Gael Monfils celebrates winning the Rotterdam Open with the trophy. (REUTERS/Eva Plevier) (Reuters) - France’s Gael Monfils overcame a determined Stan Wawrinka to win the Rotterdam Open 6-3 1-6 6-2 on Saturday, lifting his first title since January 2018. In the first Rotterdam final between two unseeded players since 2008, Monfils raced past his Swiss opponent to convert two break points on his way to sealing the opening set in 36 minutes. Three-times Grand Slam champion Wawrinka, who was playing his first final since undergoing two knee surgeries in 2017, fought back to clinch the second set but struggled to keep up with Monfils in longer rallies during the decider. Despite winning his opening game to love, Wawrinka was broken by Monfils in the third game, while the Frenchman also maintained his service rhythm to dictate play in the final set. Monfils, the 2016 Rotterdam runner-up, converted another breakpoint to go 5-2 ahead before he served out the match for his eighth career ATP title. World number 33 Monfils, who reached the Sofia Open semi-finals last week, credited his practice partner Wawrinka for his resurgence, having lost just twice in 11 matches this season. “You know this win is part of him,” said Monfils, who last won an ATP title at the 2018 Qatar Open. “We’ve been practicing a lot, we’ve been talking a lot. “... Sorry I beat you in the final. I hope we can have many more battles.”

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Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Centuries from Root and Roy steer England to easy win

Naomi Osaka says she was unwilling to sacrifice her happiness after split from coach

Joe Root topscored for England with 114. BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Joe Root and Jason Roy both slammed centuries to lead England to a comprehensive 171-run victory over a UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI at the 3W’s Oval here yesterday. Root smashed 114 and Roy made 110 before retiring hurt, as England amassed a whooping 371 for seven from their 50 overs after losing the toss and being sent in to bat. The home side never mounted a serious threat in pursuit of a mammoth total, eventually folding for 200 in 43.5 overs, with three English

bowlers each ending with two wickets. The visitors got off to a dream start with Roy and Jonny Bairstow adding 129 runs for the first wicket in just 19 overs, before Khesan Ottley eventually got the breakthrough for UWI when he bowled Bairstow for 46. His dismissal brought Root to the crease and together with Roy they maintained England’s speedy start, with the two scoring at eight runs an over during a second wicket partnership of 57 in seven overs. It eventually came to an end when Roy retired hurt. He faced 82 balls and struck 15 boundaries and one six. Root though continued the assault, smashing four sixes and 11 boundaries in his 81-ball innings. He was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over. None of the Vice

Chancellor’s XI bowlers was spared during England’s run spree with Ottley being the most successful, ending with 2-64 from his seven overs. Adil Rashid (2-21), Chris Woakes (2-28) and Mark Wood (2-35), then ran through the middle and lower order to reduce the home side to 152 for six. Nichola Kirton was the top scorer for the Chancellor’s XI with 37, while Kyle Corbin and Amir Jangoo each scored 35. Scores: ENGLAND 371 for seven in 50 overs (Joe Root 114, Jason Roy 110 retired hurt, Jonny Bairstow 46, Moeen Ali 24; Khesan Ottley 2-64). UWI VICE CHANCELLOR’s XI 200 in 43.5 overs (Nicholas Kirton 37, Kyle Corbin 35, Amir Jangoo 35, Keron Cottoy 25; Adil Rashid 2-21, Chris Woakes 2-28, Mark Wood 235).

Naomi Osaka started working with Sascha Bajin (left) at the start of 2018. (Reuters) BBC Sport - World number one Naomi Osaka says she was not willing to “sacrifice” her happiness following her surprise split from coach Sascha Bajin last week. Osaka split with Bajin 16 days after winning the Australian Open, which sealed back-to-back major titles after she won her first at the 2018 US Open. “If I’m not waking up happy to practise and happy to be around the people I’m around, this is my life,” Osaka said. “I’m not going to sacrifice that just to keep a person around.” Japan’s Osaka, 21, had worked with Bajin for just over a year when she announced the split on Twitter.

Bajin, the 2018 WTA coach of the year, is a former hitting partner of Grand Slam champions Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Caroline Wozniacki. Under him, Osaka rose from world number 72 at the start of 2018 to the summit of the rankings little over a year later. No reason was given for the split at the time, but Osaka says issues with the German had been “brewing” at January’s Australian Open. “I think some people could see that if they saw how we interacted,” she told reporters at the WTA event in Dubai. “I’m not going to say anything bad about him because, of course, I’m really grateful for all the things he’s

done. “During the Australian Open, I was just trying to tell myself to get through it. I’m not sure, but I think you guys noticed.” Osaka said she hopes to have a new coach in place by the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which starts on 4 March. “[The most important thing for me is] just to have a positive mindset,” Osaka said. “I don’t want someone that’s in the box saying negative stuff. That would be the worst. “Yeah, someone that’s kind of direct, not afraid to say things to my face. I’d rather someone say it directly to me than go around my back. That’s one of the biggest things.”

Monday February 18, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tournament

Arjoon crowned King after beating Pollard in Final The finals of the Bounty Farm Ltd. Handicap Tournament concluded yesterday at the Georgetown Club with Alex Arjoon being crowned King. Nicholas Verwey came out on top of Category A, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal took the Open Plate title, and Mohryan Baksh was the Category A winner. Nail biting matches wowed the crowd that was treated to outstanding play from the finalists. Top player Arjoon (-22) showed why he is ranked number 1, as he defeated Regan Pollard (-14), in an exciting final match. Using a variety of the shots in his repertoire, Arjoon moved easily around the court and worked the talented Pollard through 2 games. Moving quickly to level out his negative points, Arjoon calmly returned the hard hitting Pollards shots. His superior play proved too much for Pollard, who could only earn 6 points in each game, as Arjoon reigned supreme in a 15/6, 15/6 victory. Show stopper of the day was the Category A match between Nicholas Verwey (-8) and Michael Alphonso (-10). The level of play between these two youngsters was incredible as they rallied to every corner of the court in a display of precision play. Verwey, who has improved at an incredible rate over the last few months, hunted every ball the skilful Alphonso played. Alphonso, on form, quickly closed the 2 point deficit of his handicap and dominated early in the game. Verwey pulled himself back up to even out but Alphonso’s experience and expertise carried him through to take the first game 15/13. In the second game the battle continued as Verwey pulled out in

Wayne Melville from Bounty Farm presents Nicholas Verwey his Trophy yesterday. front to a 14/ 11 advantage. Alphonso refused to give up and fought his way to 14/14 before Verwey closed the second game down. Emotions were high as the third game had spectators on the edge of their seats. A determined Verwey came out strong and secured an early lead. After some of the longest rallies of the tournament, Verwey was ahead 6/2 and earned another string of 6 points. Both players were visibly exhausted but refused to back off as Alphonso pushed to catch up with 3 of his own. At 14/6, it seemed

Alphonso couldn’t hold on any longer but he made a final bid and worked for another 4 points to reach 10/14. Verwey held his patience before finishing the match in sheer style with a perfectly executed nick for a 13/15, 15/14, 15/10 triumph. In the open plate, junior player Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (3) secured his win against Ian Mekdeci (5) with precision drops, good lengths and deception. He closed his point deficit early and dominated the two games despite Mekdeci getting some great balls past him to die in the back of the court. Ince-Carvalhal earned the

plate title with a 15/11, 15/11 win. Mohryan Baksh (-3) took the Category A title after defeating Louis DaSilva (7) in another entertaining game with long rallies and good placement. Baksh is also coming up in the ranks as he overcame a 10 point disadvantage to claim his spot in the winner’s line up. The longstanding support of Bounty Farm Ltd of Guyana’s Squash is instrumental in the development of the sport in Guyana and the Association would like to express their gratitude for the sponsorship of this tournament and all of their contributions. Results: Open Category Winner Alex Arjoon Second Place Regan Pollard Third Place Deje Dias Open Category Plate Winner Samuel Ince-Carvalhal Second Place Ian Mekdeci Third Place Jonathan Antczak Category A Winner Nicholas Verwey Second Place Michael Alphonso Third Place Abosaide Cadogan Category A Plate Winner Mohryan Baksh Second Place Louis Dasilva Third Place Ethan Jonas Open Alex Arjoon (-22) Regan Pollard (-14) 15/6, 15/6 Open Plate Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (3) beat Ian Mekdeci (5) 15/11, 15/11 Jonathan Antczak (6) beat Medhi Ramdhani (8) 10/15, 15/9, 15/ 13 Category A Nicholas Verwey (-8) beat Michael Alphonso (-10) 13/15, 15/ 14. 15/10 Abosaide Cadogan (-4) beat

Alex Arjoon was crowned King in the Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tourney at the GT Club yesterday. Kirsten Gomes (-4) 15/12, 15/14 Category A Plate Mohryan Baksh (-3) beat Louis DaSilva (7) 15/13, 15/13 Ethan Jonas (-4) beat Aishani Persaud (11) 15/11, 15/12

Thompson, McPherson capture gold at indoor meet

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson waits to find out that she won the women’s 60m final at the Indoor athletics Grand Prix at Arena Birmingham in Birmingham on February 16, 2019. (Photo: AFP) BIRMINGHAM, England (CMC) — Double Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson continued her rehabilitation from an Achilles injury by winning the 60 metres, while compatriot Stephenie Ann McPherson

won gold in the 400 metres at the Muller Indoor Grand Prix here Saturday. The 26-year-old Jamaican sensation sprinted to victory in a time of 7.13 seconds, her fastest time over the distance since 2017. In a three-way photo-finish, British sprinter and former World Youth 100m champion Asha Phillips, was second in 7.14 seconds, while Marie-Josee Ta Lou of Cote de’Ivoire took third in 7.15. Two other Jamaicans were also in the race. Ramona Burchell, who made the final in the event at the World Indoor Championships last year was fifth in 7.21 and Gayon Evans, the Commonwealth Games 100m bronze medallist, was seventh in a time of 7.28. McPherson was also in winner’s row, capturing the women’s quarter mile in 52. 24 seconds Britain’s Eilidh Doyle was second in 52.43 while Lisanne De Witte of the Netherlands came third in 52.61 seconds. Another Jamaican in Tajay Gayle claimed silver by leaping to a personal best in the men’s long jump with 8.10 metres. His effort was only bettered by Cuban star jumper, Juan Miguel Echevarria, who produced a jump of 8.21 metres on his final attempt to grab the first position.

Jamaica’s Stephenie Ann Mcpherson (3L) competes to win the women’s 400m final at the Indoor athletics Grand Prix at Arena Birmingham in Birmingham on February 16, 2019. (Photo: AFP)

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Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Georgetown Turf Club Pre-Mash Horse Race Meet

Chris Gayle: West Indies batsman Irish Boy gallops to feature win; to retire after 2019 World Cup 16-year-old Jockey Kellman impresses BBC Sport - West Indies batsman Chris Gayle will retire from one-day international cricket after this summer’s World Cup. The left-hander, 39, has scored 9,727 ODI runs - second only to the legendary Brian Lara among West Indians - in 284 matches since his debut in 1999. Gayle said: “I’m looking to draw the line or should I say cut the string - let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand.” The World Cup will be held in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July. Gayle is in the West Indies squad to face England in a five-match one-day series starting on Wednesday in Barbados. Asked if he might also end his ODI career as a World Cup winner, he said: “Absolutely, the youngsters owe it to me. “They have to do that for me and try and get me the trophy. But I’ll be looking to put my input in as well.” “It is a big year for me. I hope 2019 can finish for me on a great note.”

Junior Accountant of I Bet Supreme Ms Cindy Craig hands over the 1st place trophy to Owner of Feature Race winner Haresh Boy, Abdool Hanif. The Georgetown Turf Club (GTC) Race Course at Mocha Arcadia was alight with action yesterday when the entity brought off its PreMashramani Horse Race Meet which was witnessed by a few hundred spectators. Six exciting races (all contested over five-furlongs) permeated the afternoon’s proceedings which the fans, supporters enjoyed. The feature event for K/ Class Horses sponsored by Carib Beer was won by Irish Boy piloted by Guyana’s #1 Jockey, Colin Ross, taking the runner-up position was Something Special. Event #5 was spectacularly won by 16 yearold Jockey Quinton Kellman atop Early Bird which is owned

by Sayaud Sakur of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. Settling for second was Rosanna which was piloted by Colin Ross. Event #4 was taken by Quick Kiss with Lord Gift and Rushell bracing the finishing line together and were declared joint second place finishers. In other results, Up Front, Poor People Money and Roseanna ended one two three in race #3; Something Special was too good for Doctor Switch in event #2 while the day’s opening race was taken by Quick Kiss ahead of Princess Natehaj. President of the Georgetown Turf Club, Michael Sims expressed thanks to all the Horse

Owners, Jockey’s and other officials whose combined efforts ensured that the event was a resounding success. Sims also thanked his Secretary, Compton Sancho for his lucid commentary of the races which kept the fans informed with every gallop. The president was very grateful for the corporate support received for the event and made special mention of Ansa McAl under its Carib and 592 Beers, Supreme Ventures Enterprise Inc., I BET Supreme, Goodwood Racing Service, Kanhai Electrical (Regent Street), Chico of Kenrick Auto Sales, Builders Lumber Yard, Pet Shop and Jumbo Jet Auto Sales.

Owner of Early Bird, winner of Race 5, Sayaud Sakur collects his prize from Ms Shazeema Amin with handlers and Jockey, 16-year-old Quinton Kellman savoring the moment.

Gayle has made 23 ODI centuries, and his 215 against Zimbabwe in 2015 is the fourthhighest score in history. He is one of only six men to have scored an ODI double hundred. A part-time off-spinner, he has also taken 165 ODI wickets at 35.33 apiece. He was part of the West Indies team that won the Champions Trophy in England in 2004. Gayle has played 103 Tests for West Indies, but in recent years has focused on limited-overs matches, both internationally and in domestic Twenty20 competitions. He will continue to be available for T20s, and he said is is keen to play in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s inaugural 100-ball competition in 2020. “I guess England should invite me over. Then I’ll explode the tournament and say ‘thank you guys; bring in a youngster now’,” he said. “I’ll set the trend for you like I did in all tournaments around the world. Fingers crossed, we’ll see what happens.”

Kasatkina, Muguruza record nervy wins in Dubai (Reuters) - Russia’s Daria Kasatkina roared back from a break down in the deciding set to beat Polish qualifier Magdalena Frech 6-3 3-6 6-4 in the opening round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships yesterday. Before arriving in Dubai, 11th seed Kasatkina had lost all four of the matches she had contested this season and on Sunday struggled for the majority of the match against Frech, who was playing only her second top 20 opponent. Trailing 3-0 in the final set, Kasatkina struggled to land her shots and eventually finished with a whopping 61 unforced errors. But the Moscow Open champion continued to back her aggressive approach and was rewarded when two consecutive forehands found the baseline to hand her a break in the seventh game. Three backhand winners helped her fend off a break point at 4-4 before a string of powerful forehand ensured she claimed the final five games of the match to book a place in the second round. Former world number one Garbine Muguruza was also forced to work hard for her 46 6-3 6-3 victory over Dayana Yastremska, recording her first win in three meetings with the Ukrainian teenager. Muguruza put together a clinical performance, clinching eight out of 11 break points opportunities against Yastremska, who is the only teenager in the current top 50 at number 34. The Spaniard will face China’s Zheng Saisai in the second round.

Daria Kasatkina of Russia in action against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia. (REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin)

Poland’s Magdalena Frech in action. (Action Images via Reuters Peter Cziborra)

Monday February 18, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Milo schools’ football tournament

CWSS makes commanding start

Kaepernick’s lawyer predicts NFL return Now that Colin Kaepernick has settled his collusion grievances with the NFL, the next step is getting him back in the league, his lawyer said Saturday night. Attorney Mark Geragos told CNN that Kaepernick “absolutely wants to play” and made a pretty bold prediction about when that might happen. “I think you’re going to see ... within the next two weeks that somebody is going to step up and do the right thing, and you want me to predict who?” Geragos asked, per ESPN. “Besides the Panthers, it would not surprise me if Bob Kraft makes a move.” Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, is among the founders of an organization launched last

month to seek criminal justice reform. The settlement of the grievance filed by Kaepernick and Eric Reid was announced in a joint statement released by their attorneys and the league on Friday. “For the past several months, counsel for Mr. Kaepernick and Mr. Reid have engaged in an ongoing dialog with representatives of the NFL,” the statement reads. “As a result of those discussions, the parties have decided to resolve the pending grievances. The resolution of this matter is subject to a confidentiality agreement so there will be no further comment by any party.” According to Yahoo Sports, the final hearing in the players’ joint collusion case

against the NFL was scheduled for later this month. Yahoo added that sources previously said Kaepernick would only withdraw his grievance for a lucrative settlement. The NFL Players Association released a statement supporting the resolution. “Today, we were informed by the NFL of the settlement of the Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid collusion cases,” the statement reads. “We are not privy to the details of the settlement, but support the decision by the players and their counsel. We continuously supported Colin and Eric from the start of their protests, participated with their lawyers throughout their legal proceedings and Continued on page 27

From left, CWSS’ Tyrese Lewis, Randy Pickering, George Stephen and Andre Mayers. In any school football tournament that Linden’s C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r Secondary School (CWSS) has entered in recent years, the team has always been pegged to be one of the favourites, following their successes in the Digicel nationwide knockout tournament. And, this year, it seems nothing much has changed and the school made a dramatic entrance into this year’s Milo round-robin/ knockout tournament with a dominating 7-0 victory against St. John’s College yesterday at the Ministry

of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue. Spearheading the rout was Andre Mayers, who scored a hat-trick with three quick fire, first half goals in the 41st, 42nd and 45th minutes. The other goal came off the heels of Randy Pickering, Keron Sharpe, Wayne Wilson and Hiram Gilkes; all who scored one each. Meanwhile, also in the winners row yesterday afternoon were Friendship Secondary and Vergenoegen Secondary. Vergenoegen breezed

past Tutorial High 3-0 in the featured clash with three different goal scorers. Riveldo Smith in the 16th minute, Chris Snith in the 40th and Ray Adams in the 44th. Friendship defeated Ann’s Grove 2-0. Dornel McLennon (37th) and Shane Sharpe (57th) accounted for the winners’ goals. The tournament which is being supported by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) through the theme, “Stop gender based violence”, will conclude in April with six matches each weekend.

Former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick appears as a face of Nike Inc advertisement pictured on top of a building in San Francisco, California, U.S. September 5, 2018. (REUTERS/Alexandria Sage)

Round robin play in this weekend’s Milo Schools’ football tournament.

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Monday February 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

GuyanaNRA Smallbore Section shoots off 2019 Tang (Senior) and Satya with .22 Pistol competition Michael Dayaram (Junior) tops rivals The Smallbore Section of the Guyana National Rifle Association shot off its calendar events for this year on Saturday last with a .22 Pistol competition at the Tactical Service Unit Range, Eve Leary. Emerging as the best shots in the senior and junior categories were Michael Tang and Satya Dayaram. Tang accumulated 195 points along with 14 VBulls to win a close contest from Chad Melville, who tallied 193 points and 11 VBulls; third was Surujbali Persaud with 191 points and 8 VBulls. Dayaram was well ahead of his challenge as he tallied 181 points and 5 VBulls, Vivian Crandon followed in second place with 167 points and 2 Vs, while the third place was occupied by Royland Fraser with 164 points and 4 Vs. Competitors shot from 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15m distances.

GuyanaNRA Smallbore Section .22 Pistol top performers display their medals won from last Saturday’s season opening competition.

Pybus wants West Indies to maintain focus

Richard Pybus wants the West Indies to execute their plans in the upcoming ODI series against England. BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Fresh off a historic Test series win over England, interim West Indies head coach Richard Pybus wants the home side to execute their plans in the upcoming five-match OneDay International series. The Windies recently defeated England 2-1 to capture the Wisden Trophy for the first time in over a decade. The two sides will meet at Kensington Oval on Wednesday for the first match of the ODI series. Pybus said morale was high among the team and the players were eagerly looking forward to the challenge. “Morale is great. We’re coming off the back of a Test series win and we’ve still got a couple players travelling back into the squad and we’re looking forward to them arriving, but the guys are very keen to take on England.

“I was delighted with the outcome of Test series. I would have loved it to be 3-0, but the loss of Jason [Holder] and then Keemo [Paul] with a quad pull, that set us back in the Test match, but I thought the guys stood up very, very well,” Pybus said. “We have clear plans, but great planning doesn’t mean you’re going to execute, so all credit to Jason and the players, they were absolutely superb. They showed tremendous commitment and discipline and they spoke about what they wanted to deliver and they really did. Taking that into the series now we will be getting this ODI squad together doing the same planning.” The West Indies had to make three changes due to injuries to key players and will also have to do without the services of Shannon Gabriel for the first four ODIs

due to his suspension. However, Pybus said he expected the new faces to step up to the plate if called upon. “We’re pretty good. Both squads have had a lot of cricket so our lads have a few aches and pains that we are working through but I think we’re pretty good,” the head coach said. “Carlos is back in the squad so it’s great to have him coming in. Obviously, he’s a wonderful cricketer and coming back into the squad in Barbados is always great because it’s his favourite ground. Chris Gayle is back into the squad as well, so he brings his formidable expertise and experience…Ashley and Devendra as well, so we’ve got a few chaps coming in so we’re really looking forward to getting the squad together.” Pybus said the series would serve as the last warmup for the home side ahead of the World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July. “What an opportunity for us to play. We are on the wrong end of the table, so playing a world ranked side which has been sighted as favourites for the World Cup, it’s not only a good challenge for us it’s a good litmus test for us to test where we’re at…” Pybus said.

American Nelly Korda wins Women’s Australian Open Golf in Adelaide BBC Sport - American Nelly Korda continued her family’s remarkable success in Australia by winning the Women’s Australian Open Golf title in Adelaide. Korda finished on 17 under par, two clear of South Korea’s Ko Jin-young. Korda is the daughter of former tennis player Petr Korda who won the 1998 Australian Open men’s singles title. Her sister Jessica also won the golf Australian Open in 2012, while her brother Sebastian won the tennis junior singles title last year. The 20-year-old took a three-shot lead into the final round at The Grange and shot a five-under-par 67 to win. England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff finished in a tie for eighth on nine under. ‘Dad called to say you’re part of the Korda Slam now’ Korda was born six months after her father won the Australian Open in Melbourne, the Czech’s only Grand Slam title. At the start of the week she said she felt “so left out” when her family discussed their Australian titles and when she completed her own victory she celebrated with her father’s trademark scissor kick. “I’m finally a part of the club,” Korda said. “I mean this win was really special for my family. “I think there’s something in the air here, we love coming

Nelly and Jessica Korda are the first pair of sisters to win the Women’s Australian Open. (Getty Images)

Petr Korda reached a career-high ranking of number two in the world in 1998. (Getty Images) down under. “I just got off the phone with my dad and he said,

‘Well, congratulations, you’re part of the Korda Slam now’.”