Kaieteur News

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Berbice police NEWS arrest 'AK-47' gang - guns, ammo, on way to robbery masks seized AIETEUR

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Tuesday Edition February 18, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 07

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 127,566

Implement ExxonMobil deal to the benefit of Guyanese - Chatham House Associate Fellow p.

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Fire destroys Govt.’s new asphalt plant has capacity Regent St Store to use tyres, plastic p.

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Firefighters at the scene yesterday

bags and bottles Alleged child rapist captured while applying for police clearance Jailer, jailed for smuggling ganja into prison Motorcyclist dead after Diamond - Pillion accident rider injured p.

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Finance Ministry says no oil money - Royalty to come at received in December the end of first quarter

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 18, 2020

PAID POLITICAL AD

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 18, 2020

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GNYC revives voter Implement ExxonMobil deal education campaign to the benefit of Guyanese - Chatham House Associate Fellow

A group of young people engaged in a recent INK IT UP! voter education face to face session

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sing a new hastag, # Ink It Up! The Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) has taken to social media and other platforms to urge young voters to cast their ballots at the Regional and General elections slated for March 2.

The campaign was launched earlier this month through partner with a number of organisations to

promote a civic and voter education to youth across Guyana.

President of GNYC, Quacy Grant told Kaieteur News that Ink It Up! is aimed at enhancing the participation of young people in the electoral process.

He explained that the voter education initiative is supported by the Guyana Elections Commission,

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(GECOM), USAID, the US Youth Action Network and the International Republican Institute.

“We are not using the traditional means such as television. Our campaign is through mainly our social media platforms such as Facebook.

And for instance, we are launching our voter education bus that will be mobile in different (continued on page 9)

Jailer, jailed for smuggling ganja into prison

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ine months after being charged f o r t h e possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, 23-year-old Cleon Webster, a Prison Officer of Golden Grove, West Coast Berbice was yesterday sentenced to serve three years imprisonment after Magistrate Rondell Weever found him guilty of the narcotic charge.

We b s t e r w h o w a s unrepresented was on trial in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Magistrate Weever.

Yesterday when the matter was called for ruling, Magistrate Weever noted that the prosecution proved every aspect of the matter and as such she found the defendant guilty of trying to smuggle the narcotics into the Camp Street jail, where he was station to execute his duties as a prison officer.

Webster had denied the charge which stated that on June 14, 2019, at Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had in his possession 120 grams of cannabis (ganja) for the purpose of

Jailed: Cleon Webster trafficking.

On the defendant's first court appearance in June 2019, the court learnt that the narcotics were found in the bag of the defendant.

According to the facts of the charge, upon entering the prison compound, everyone is subjected to a search, during the search that was being conducted on Webster,

the said narcotics were discovered in his bag and it was taped up.

The officer who conducted the search then burst open the tape and showed the defendant the narcotics, which he then replied that it belonged to his sister.

We b s t e r w a s t h e n arrested and charge.

he Stabroek Block Production S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) has been heavily criticised over the years for the its fiscal weaknesses such as the absence of ringfencing provisions and low government take, thereby leaving many observers to deem it as unfair for Guyana.

Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel, says that indeed there are a number of opinions out there on the deal, some of which say it is unfair while others say that it is in line with industry standards for frontier countries.

Be that as it may, the Petroleum Governance Expert told Kaieteur Radio on its programme, Guyana's Oil and You that she may be no fiscal expert but the deal is “confining” for Guyana.

Expounding on this note, Dr. Marcel said that one of the issues is that if government wants to set rules, laws and policies like those for local content, then it would have to work within certain parameters.

Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel “...As you start to produce, you need to put to paper, the rules by which the operator has to work and the contract is very confining, in the sense that it prevents Guyana from developing a local content policy that would have any implications on the commercial terms of the contract and a variety of t h i n g s l i k e that,” the Chatham House Associate Fellow said.

She said it is important at this stage for the government

to set the regulations for oversight of the environment, oil metering, valuation of the crude and local content “and be able to do so in the interest of Guyana and not to be hamstrung by that contract.”

Dr. Marcel said she is not sure how Guyana can resolve the foregoing but she stressed nonetheless that there needs to be a focus now on how one administers the contract and implement it in a way that protects the interest of the country.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 18, 2020

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

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

EDITORIAL

The ERC must soldier on It is a good thing, which could only be welcomed as an encouraging development: this public pledging to adhere to a code of conduct by all political groups officially cleared to participate in this unsettled and closely monitored elections season.

We take this a long step forward and say why not all the way past voting date and throughout whatever dispute (hopefully none) in the March 2nd aftermath.

We take the bit between the teeth and appeal to political contestants: let this not be just another media propaganda moment, not another piece of paper, like so many other pieces of paper, rendered worthless from the inception because of lack of interest and lack of any intentions to deliver on one’s own end of the public promise, come whatever provocation or circumstance that may.

And since this is elections in Guyana, it is not the limitation and condition of ‘circumstances that may’ provoke, but the troubling sense that - in view of an already agitated environment, and sharply divided voting blocs such circumstance menace.

As carried in sections of the media, the call is for all parties “to respect those aspects of its (Guyana’s) constitution which allow for political activity free from discrimination and intimidation.” That has a deep reach, and the concern is whether the animated and antagonistic groups can summon the discipline to conduct themselves and participate in a way that is unprecedented and refreshing.

We have heard of and reported on the higher profile instances, and recently there was the disturbing and regrettable development where individuals going about their work to provide much-needed services are prevented from doing so, and in a reportedly hostile manner.

This cannot continue to be accepted as the norm of modern elections in a Guyana that seeks to propel itself into the modern world. Or be dismissed nonchalantly that ‘these things do happen around this time.’ Whatever they are, and whomsoever commits them, these occurrences must not meet with approval, and should be condemned in the frankest and harshest terms.

It is a positive, therefore, to learn that the Ethnic Relations Commission has introduced a Rapid Response Unit to expedite the handling of “any complaints of bad behaviour on the elections campaign trail” (KN February 14). The Chairman of the ERC, Rev. John Smith said, at the code of conduct signing, that “We hope that the rapid response unit will be able to get to the source of the matter very quickly.” There can only be commendation for this step, within the limitations of the ERC’s mandate.

It is, however, recognised that, no matter the swiftness of the investigating, some damage would have been inflicted. For this is the era of uninterrupted social media access and its unrelenting mischiefs, and the many who live for just such mistakes are ready to spread and inflame.

After all, there is no better time to mass market rumour, exaggeration, and innuendo, through making political hay when the thoughtless and reckless is presented. They are found irresistible, when so much is at stake and with the understanding that this is how the world of Guyana turns and flourishes, with special application to two specific groups in the grand scheme of things.

For the reality is that this has application to only two of the 11 political groups contesting the March 2nd elections.

And those would be, as is well known around here, APNUAFC and the PPP. The others do not appear to possess the pitch and intensity incorporated in those two very meaningful words: “discrimination” and “intimidation”, they must be given the benefit of that doubt, based on public postures and public pronouncements since they emerged.

Even if any of the other nine groups were so passionately driven, they currently lack the numerical following and the dangerous fevers that plague the two political leviathans.

That alone renders them irrelevant and inconsequential in the discrimination and intimidation departments.

Nevertheless, the ERC must soldier on. The new parties can be a sanitising and sobering presence while the hope is for the major groups to comply fully with what was pledged.

Constitutional, electoral and parliamentary reforms are far more imperative now than they were in 2015 DEAR EDITOR, One of the few people in the PPP that I hold respect for is Anil Nandlall, primarily for the tenacity and high intelligence he displays on legal issues. I believe that within a better vehicle than Freedom House under Mr. Jagdeo, the former AG’s superior acumen on constitutional and other legal matters can be used for the good of the country.

It was therefore surprising to read a letter by Mr. Nandlall, ‘APNU+AFC failed completely on constitutional reform’ in which he takes the coalition to task for failing on its 2015 manifesto promise in this critical area.

Not that I disagree with him completely. Yes, this administration has not only failed miserably on its campaign promises on constitutional reform (CR), but given the power to take leadership on this issue as a government, it has in fact regressed.

The APNU Manifesto of 2011 had fairly solid rhetoric on what then leader of the opposition Brigadier David Granger claimed to be a vision for the good life for all Guyanese. Notably, one key objective was: “ U n d e r t a k i n g constitutional reform to remove the scope for abuses and excesses carried out with impunity by the Executive and by the President, in particular. Part of the solution lies in reform of the National Assembly to ensure checks on the majority in the Legislature

and on the Executive so that the interests of the nation as a whole and the interests of substantial minorities are taken into account.”

With regard to more direct representation of the people at the highest level of government, the manifesto promised ”a mixed system of elections, combining constituency representation with a small number of seats elected by proportional representation”.

The APNU+AFC manifesto of 2015 went even further, with the section on governance quoting in its opening paragraph that “The PPP has raped the Constitution by its abuse of presidential powers and ignoring of statutory obligations, including the appointment of Commissions and oversight bodies.

Constitutional, electoral and parliamentary reforms are imperative.”

What followed was a not comprehensive but still solid framework plan for CR, both directly and indirectly. In contrast, the only mention of constitutional reform President Granger has made on the campaign trail is his intention of the removal of the one check on hyperpresidential power that exists in the current constitution, the no confidence motion, the very thing he threatened former President Ramotar with in 2014, an action that triggered the elections that brought him to power.

The APNU+AFC’s manifesto commitment to CR this time around? Three simple, bullet points:

· Continue the Work of the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission · Continue the Allocation of Funding or Country-Wide, Community Consultations · Commit to Contributing to a Constitution, which Reflects the Will of the Wider Society, Countrywide.

Both President Granger and Former President Jagdeo have stated that the process of constitutional reform has to be approached “carefully” and that constitutional reform has to come after consultation with the people, and that their respective governments will implement that process in the next term.

Both have also hinted about the super majority needed for constitutional reform measures to be passed into law. Considering that both men should have a familiarity with the process going forward, the conclusion is that they are both being deliberately disingenuous on this issue.

Firstly, the responsibility for constitutional reform is not the purview of the executive branch of government – it is the responsibility of a Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission - as referenced in the coalition’s 2020 Manifesto and quoted above.

The problem, of course, is that them saying that they will “continue the work” of the Commission is logically impossible, considering that the Commission does not in fact exist. In July of 2017, the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission

(CRCC) Bill was read before Parliament by PM Nagamootoo, but it disappeared within a bipartisan select committee, just like the Copyright Bill of 2004, and a Campaign Finance Reform Bill slightly after that, if my memory serves me correctly.

If either President Granger or Jagdeo had read it, they should have known that provision for the very national consultation that they insist on coming before constitutional reform exists in the CRCC Bill; including the specific areas in each administrative region that consultation is to take place.

And if either of them had any genuine interest, they would have had the Bill debated and passed in Parliament three years ago.

Indeed, if the government were interested in keeping to its promise on constitutional reform, it could have used its simple majority of 33 (the 34 majority being only a later fiction) to pass the CRCC Bill, since it merely establishes the Commission that would direct the constitutional reform consultation process, and was not an aspect of constitutional reform in itself.

Mr. Nandlall notes that the Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR) was chaired by Williams. What he neglected to mention was the full membership of the SCCR: in addition to the Chair on the government’s side, there was Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan and Nicolette (Continued on page 6 )

The “incident” described and embellished in great detail by Freddie Kissoon just did not take place DEAR EDITOR, The piece in Monday’s (February 17) edition entitled “Business money, violence, hilarity at midnight outside the AFC office” written by Freddie Kissoon, must have been put together either in a flight of fancy or to interest Hollywood producers.

The “incident” described and embellished in great detail just did not take place.

I was very much present at the AFC office during the planting of a billboard and provided managerial oversight on behalf of the APNU+AFC. Workmen completed their task without incident, but under the watchful eyes of security and other bystanders at the office and then left incident-free.

As to the created details, our General Secretary and Minister of Public Infrastruc-

ture, David Patterson, was at the time in Atlanta, Georgia in United States of America attending an event, I am prepared to produce the entry/ exit ticket stubs.

Our Prime Ministerial candidate and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, was in Corriverton, Berbice attending a public meeting, which is widely circulated on social media.

Neither gentlemen could possibly have been present, as sensationally but erroneously stated.

Obviously, the good Freddie was misled by his informants or is a victim of his own fertile and overactive imagination.

In the interest of truth and fairness, we respectfully ask for a withdrawal and an appropriate apology to those who have been obviously slandered in this untruthful

article.

Yours sincerely, Leonard Craig, Deputy General SecretaryAlliance For Change EDITOR’S NOTE: It has, and always will be, this newspaper’s obligation to

present truth and fairness in publications to its faithful readers. Mr. Kissoon has been informed of the concerns expressed by Mr. Craig, and has indicated his willingness to appropriately address same in his next column.

HELP OUR VILLAGE DEAR EDITOR, I am writing this letter with the hope that urgent action will be taken.

On the Diamond Housing Scheme access road by Fifth Avenue, where the Digicel tower station is located, for some reason at the top of that tower, there are no signal lights working. Secondly, the open lots east - west are with fully overgrown bushes and trees. And thirdly, the drainage north and south is all clogged with bushes and trees growing inside.

My energy has finished as a result of talking with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, so I am now on my last lap asking the Ministry of Communities and Public Infrastructure to swiftly deal with the above matters, and let our village remain clean and safe.

Resident, Parmanand Ram

Tuesday February 18, 2020

What about the pensioners?

DEAR EDITOR, Now that the election season is in full swing and the parties are busy campaigning for our votes, I would like to highlight one area where I am not seeing or hearing much discussion on the plight of pensioners in this country. All you are hearing from the politicians is what they will be doing for education, infrastructure, health, IT, crime, public servants, police, army etc., but hardly anything for pensioners - and I am talking about both NIS and government old age pensioners.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying money should not be spent in these areas, but I am not hearing what plans they have for the pensioners, who are one of the most neglected groups of people in this country.

Recently, NIS gave a 2%

increase to pensioners who are at the minimum of the scale, which brings them now to $35,000 per month, while those who are above that received no increase.

So, if a pensioner is getting $36,000 per month, he gets no increase.

That’s not fair, something is not right.

People who are above the minimum, earn that by virtue of them having a higher number of contributions and higher salary at the time of retirement. And in any case, how can a pensioner survive on a $35,000 or even $40,000 pension per month, and taking into consideration those who are not getting the government old age pension as yet, how will they survive?

The same goes for the government old age pensioners who are getting $20,500

per month and are not receiving a pension from the NIS. These are the types of discussions that I was hoping to hear from our politicians, and their plans to alleviate the suffering of our pensioners. But alas, I guess the pensioners are not a priority for the politicians of this country, who are only interested in their votes and not their well being.

This is a wakeup call to all the politicians of this country.

Let us hear what plans you have to increase the NIS and government old age pension, using a portion of the coming oil wealth, so that our pensioners can also enjoy the good life. After all, the politicians are already enjoying the good life.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

PPP/C always has the vision to develop this country DEAR EDITOR, We as Guyanese are more equipped with a vast wealth of knowledge and should not fall prey to APNU/AFC’s story telling. Considering the statistical data at hand and development that has occurred under the PPP/ C, speaks purely to vision and leadership for this nation.Let us consider some aspects which are key drivers for the economic development and growth of Guyana, and these were on paper or implemented by visionaries, the PPP/C team. · The construction of a recognised branded hotel in Guyana, The Marriott. This would cater for oil and gas development along with increase in Tourism activities. · The expansion of the International Airport (CJIA).

This would cater for the increase in visitors both leisure and business. Think about Guyana being the air hub for South America. · The expansion of East Bank and East Coast Corridors. · The construction of a specialty hospital. This would have enhanced delivery of specialized health care and visitors’ confidence in such a facility. · Construction of a recreational Centre such as National Stadium, Facilities at Leonora, Turkeyen, etc. · Construction of a Conference Centre. Additionally, if we consider the plans for Hydroelectricity, the country would have benefited by now from a cheaper, cleaner and reliable source of electricity.

Finally, a positive move by the police DEAR EDITOR, It is heartening to see the police are finally taking a stance against persons who utilise their private cars for hire purposes in blatant breach of the vehicle licence (“Cops cracking down on ‘private hire car’ drivers” KN Feb 17).

This illegal practice has been allowed to fester for much too long, and it is to be noted some private cars are attached to taxi services. The owners of taxi services engaged in this malpractice should also be called to account.

Finally, a positive move by the police.

Shamshun Mohamed

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Kaieteur News

The “spin off” would have been an emerging manufacturing sector for Guyana, including creation of employment for all Guyanese.To the “gaff” from APNU/ AFC - they are boasting of job creation and establishment of factories as it relates to Agriculture sector. Can we have some quantitative data to support how many jobs were created? How many factories were built? Also, a budgetary allocation to a sector doesn’t represent development. Vision and plans are executed by leaders who have the competencies to manage these budgetary allocations prudently. These leaders are only found within the PPP/ C team.

Yours sincerely, Concerned Banker

Reinvigorated Community Policing ing, problems.

It has been stated that = Crime Reducing community residents are not

DEAR EDITOR, Recent newspaper reports indicate that as Guyana heads towards election, meanwhile safeguarding her oil spoil, behaviour eerily reminiscent of the crime wave era continues unabated.

At the risk of sounding almost hopelessly moronic, the question is again posed:”what is behind this upsurge in crime especially among the youths?” There is no denying that the youths hold aggressive attitudes and display extremely violent behaviours towards others.

Needless to say, we have run the gamut of blame from the sublime to the utterly ridiculous. Fingers (all ten), have been pointed. Additionally, so many people have proffered advice, solutions, panaceas, and yet the senseless attacks and killings continue. Yet the status remains unchanged, the wound continues to fester.

On November 24, 2017, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, joined with Community Policing Groups all across Guyana to observe 41 years of the patrol’s presence in communities. Established in 1976, under the late Commissioner of Police Henry Fraser, Community Policing was formerly known as Crime Prevention Committees, later evolving into what is known today as Community Policing Groups, which currently boasts of about 4,000-plus members.

It is at this point that the math becomes somewhat fuzzy. Pray tell, or at best educate or elucidate— With so

many supplementary eyes and arms of the law, to what is the crime increase and uncaught perpetrators attributable? By what means is the public made aware of the activities, successes, etc. of the various Community Policing Groups operating throughout the land? What set of measures, (hard data, community surveys etc.) are being used to assess the efficacy of the group?

On November 3, 2019, Commissioner of Police Leslie James welcomed 86 new constables into its ranks. The Guyana Police Force had hitherto on May 1, 2019 been boosted with 151 new officers.

The new recruits were trained in six courses at the Felix Austin Police College, Georgetown, the Felix Austin Police College, Adventure, Berbice, and the Richard Austin Police College, Essequibo Coast.

This combined total of graduates will be supplementary to the already existing 4,000 members of the CPG. Better translated or correctly spoken, would an increase in crime fighting personnel be equal to diminished crime?

Research the world over has shown that community policing is effective in reducing crime and increasing public safety. However, policing a community and talking to its residents is not nearly enough. A critical element of community policing is problem solving. The members of the group should also be proactive and creative not only in addressing, but in prevent-

enjoying harmonious relationships with the ranks. A pervading attitude of deep mistrust exists, and justifiably so, due to the proven behaviour of certain rogue members of the ranks. In no way is such an atmosphere conducive to the betterment of the community or the nation as a whole. Of course, this is applicable only to the specific community/communities where it exists. Building relationships that are cordial helps us all in the long run. Young people develop a positive image of the police, and police are safer when they are known and respected.

Another distinguishing feature of community policing is that it emphasizes pro-activity rather than just reactivity.

The focus on preventing crime would be solving problems by getting to the underlying root cause.

In the case of serious incidents such as a homicide or vehicular manslaughter— What part does the community policing group play, post incident? Is there collaborative work with the ranks?

(Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

What matters is what each party can do to make solid contributions to make our country better DEAR EDITOR, As we approach a very crucial moment in our history in Guyana, we have heard and continue to hear, from all of the political rivals. We can therefore gather a mental picture, therefore, what each will bring to bear; how each will manifest his/her party’s thrust in tomorrow’s Guyana; hence the word ‘manifesto’.

The manifestos are printed plans of what each party will do, or how each party will manifest itself in the hinterland, on the coast, in Linden, Corriverton, etc. I do wish each party the best of luck. But here’s what the burning question is: barring a tie, there will only be a sole winner, and in Guyana, the winner rarely ever gets the support of the other side(s), which is always brutal to nation building. It always results in a quandary. Nobody seems to want to grapple with what causes this in our body politic, purely because no one seems to want to cite the obvious: tribalism.

The syndrome of apathy normally steps in, in-fighting begins, callous reprisals from the ‘other’ side(s), as if neither of the manifestos did

Tuesday February 18, 2020

Kaieteur News

mean something to the whole construct of the development of our nation.

No politician should have such tunnel vision as to erroneously assume that only his/ her party can govern. That question is perhaps the general malaise that has been gripping our politicians for far too long. When this becomes the trajectory, the evil manifests when election results are published and scapegoats are instantly created.

But Guyana can ill afford any mayhem at anytime. Let us not fall prey to what others might be hoping for, to capitalise on our weaknesses, our divisions, thereby conquering us as a nation which is on the rise. There is evil outside our borders, and there is testimony that we can simply become party to our own national demise.

How much more, for example, could we have bargained for from multinationals had we reached out to each other? Had we trusted each other, had we become more accommodating? But no, we suffer from the ‘go it alone’ syndrome; or from the other side of the house, “you try deh” attitude. All we will

be doing is adding fuel to the proverbial burning down of Rome.Now, is representation made in each political party’s manifesto how they hope to aid in governance should his/ her party fail in the political contest? None. Why? Because each is launching its manifesto on the premise of being a winner, not a loser.

And when it loses, battle lines are drawn.

It must be mentioned, though, that Guyanese are in their silent ways praying for more supportive, constructive, mature politicians on all fronts, regardless who is the winner. The posturing as conquerors, as in tribal warfare, is not a good gesture; not in these enlightened days.

The cases in the far North and elsewhere, too, could be cited. If one party loses, it does not mean it cannot meaningfully participate in decision making for the good of the whole.

Personally it is in the opinion of this writer that whichever party wins or loses is not vitally important. What matters is what each party can do to make solid contributions to make our country better.

Joseph C. Atkinson

Constitutional, electoral and...

From page 4 Henry; on the opposition side, there was Priya Manickchand, Dr. Frank Anthony, Adrian Anamayah, and, well, Anil Nandlall. That committee as constituted met just, on average, once per year over the past five years.

APNU+AFC engaged in a curious bit of theatre from the beginning, the vesting of the responsibility for Constitutional Reform in the Office of the Prime Minister, a farce that they seem insisting on giving an encore performance of by promising that CR (honestly, this time, really) will be pushed through under a potential PM Ramjattan.

The proper mechanism for CR under the Constitution – something the President says he likes to stick to – is the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

When the PM’s office therefore initially commissioned the group led

by Nigel Hughes, the ambitiously but erroneously titled “Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform”, what was established was a constitutionally invalid mechanism, something Mr. Nandlall as a member of the Standing Committee failed to point out.

What retroactively validated the Steering Committee’s report is when it was accepted by the Standing Committee since it is only the latter, not the PM’s office, that has the constitutional purview to commission any plan of action on constitutional reform.

This farcical dance on constitutional reform is not new.

It has been ongoing for the past twenty years, ever since the CR measures of 2001. After a visit to Guyana in 2004 in which he engaged with both then President Jagdeo and then leader of the opposition, Robert Corbin, Jimmy Carter issued a statement in which he gave five points for moving the political process forward. Point 4 was, “The Standing Committee on Constitutional Review should be reactivated to implement proposals for substantive governance and election system reforms, drawing heavily on civilian participation.”

From that time to now, none of that was done,

despite bipartisan presence on the SCCR after subsequent elections in 2006, 2011, and 2015.

The failure on constitutional reform is therefore as much the PPP’s failure as it is APNU+AFC’s, a deliberate consensus that was noted in the report coming out of a UNDP Constitutional Assessment mission to Guyana in February of 2017.

Regarding the risks facing any genuine constitutional reform process, the report notes: ”…the governing coalition and PPP/C may both go along with the constitutional reform process, but in the end fail to adopt the most needed amendments.

As previously stated, both parties believe they stand to win the 2020 election. And both parties have historically enjoyed (i.e., failed to reform) the excessive executive powers under the 1980 Constitution. The 1999-2001 reform process resulted in numerous constitutional amendments – passed with bipartisan support – none of which addressed the infirmities related to executive power and unaccountable government.

The risk is that both parties might pay lip service to constitutional reform and adopt some amendments on the margins, but in the end fail to pass any of the most needed amendments, thereby maintaining the status quo.

As one interlocutor put it while describing both major parties’ view of constitutional reform; ‘If this process dies, no one cries.’”

Whatever the misinformation or mystique the two dinosaurs are placing on the constitutional reform process, the path forward is

very simple: 1. After elections, immediately constitute the Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform. The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) is ready to assume the chair of this committee.

2.The first order of business would be to review the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill, table it in Parliament and vote for its establishment.

This should be concurrent to any Appropriations Bill being placed before Parliament for the fiscal year 2020, ensuring that the Commission receives funding.

3.Establish the Commission and establish a multi-year plan for its operation ending in 2022 – no constitutional reform or review process has gone beyond three years in the past.

4. Hold elections under the new Constitution.

In fact, The Citizenship Initiative has gone even further in designing a proposed bicameral system of national government, and set out a timeline for elections under the new system, as can be seen online at https:// www.citizenship.gy/pillar-1/ bicameral-legislature/ These are Guyana’s most consequential elections since 1964.

Constitutional, electoral and parliamentary reforms are therefore far more imperative than they were in 2015.

The Guyanese people have a choice before them – continue to reward the lip service on this issue, or vote for a party with an actual plan on the constitutional reform process.

Yours truly, Ruel Johnson The Citizenship Initiative

Reinvigorated Community ...

From page 5 Does any communication take place within the community?

With the residents? Is social media used to humanize the public image of members of the community policing group?

It would be foolhardy at best to think that the crime rate would suddenly fall to jaw-dropping or eye-popping levels.

Implementing community policing is an incremental and longterm process. Political and community leaders must be regularly informed of the progress of community policing efforts to keep them interested and involved.

This cooperation is indispensable to deterring crime and revitalizing our neighborhoods Notwithstanding, the continued enlivened application of community policing techniques, firmly supported by the principles of ethical policing., would produce a noteworthy correlation between the collaborative relationship that will be fostered, and a palatable decline in crime.

Y. Sam

Tuesday February 18, 2020

Kaieteur News

Finance Ministry says no oil money -received Royalty to come at in December the end of first quarter

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he Ministry of F i n a n c e confirmed yesterday that Guyana received no revenues in the month of December for its oil resources since the production up to the end of that month was less than the standard cargo size of one million barrels.

This was explained in the Finance Ministry's first report on Petroleum Production and Revenues (RPPR).

In the document that it released yesterday, the Ministry explained that the Liza Destiny FPSO facility began producing oil on December 20, 2019.

Before the start of production, there was an onboard inventory of 21,592 barrels (BBL) of Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO).

This was the remaining fuel that was loaded to power the FPSO facility for the journey from Singapore and for the commissioning of subsea risers and

flowlines.

The report further noted that the production of oil was reported to be 427,282 BBL for December 2019, or 35,607 Barrels of Oil Per Day (BOPD).

Of the 427,282 BBL produced, the Finance Ministry said that a total of 3,202 BBL were used for facility fill, which includes the oil that remains in the various piping before the cargo tanks.

It is estimated that an additional 1,020 BBL will remain in the hose and piping between cargo tanks and the offloading hose point at the completion of the first lift.

Kaieteur News understands that during December 2019, no oil was lifted from Liza Destiny since the volume available for lifting, i.e. 163,673 BBL, was less than the standard cargo size of 1,000,000 BBL. Since no petroleum was sold in December 2019, all petroleum produced in that month was allocated to

profit oil, half of which the government will be entitled to plus the onboard inventory, which amounts to 92,633 BBL (i.e.

1/2*(142,081) + 21,592).

Since the government did not lift its December 2019 entitlement, the Finance Ministry said that this amount is credited to an (Over)/Under Lift account which keeps track of all barrels of crude owed to parties.

The combined entitlement of the Contractor at the end of December 2019 was 71,040 BBL. The Finance Ministry also said it should be noted that since government has elected to receive its two percent royalty in cash, this amount will be paid from the Contractor's share of profit oil.

As per Article 15.6 of the Petroleum Agreement for the Stabroek Block, the royalty cash payment for a calendar quarter will be made to government 30 days after the end of that quarter.

PAGE 07

Wife, who doused husband with hot oil, granted $500,000 bail, three-year bond

A

3 5 - y e a r- o l d w o m a n appeared before the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court yesterday before Magistrate Peter Hugh for an attempted murder charge committed on her husband at Garrison Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Sandy Thomas stood before the magistrate and listened to the charge read to her. She was not required to plead to the charge committed on her husband Devon Thomas, a Lecturer attached to the New A m s t e r d a m Te c h n i c a l Institute.

She was subsequently granted bail in the sum of $500,000 along with an order to not come within 100 feet of her husband for the next three years.

Thomas is set to return to court on February 20, 2020.

Devon Thomas, 38 of Garrison Road, NA, Berbice who is a lecturer at the New A m s t e r d a m Te c h n i c a l Institute was admitted with serious burns about his body

this angered the woman who retaliated by physically harming him.

Injured: Devon Thomas at the New Amsterdam Hospital after Sandy Thomas, his wife, splashed hot oil on him.

The incident stemmed from a series of arguments after the victim found out that Sandy was having an extra-marital affair with his best friend. Faced with the damning details of his wife's infidelity, Devon Thomas decided that he no longer wanted her and asked her to move out of their matrimonial home. He also opted to file for a divorce but

Granted bail: Sandy Thomas

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Motorcyclist dead after Diamond accident

O

ne person is now d e a d a n d another injured following a motorcycle accident Sunday evening on the Diamond Access Road, East Bank Demerara.

The dead man has been identified as 26-year-old Calwin Nichols of 407 4th Street, Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara while the pillion rider, 28-year-old Latoya Kowes of 273 3rd Street Kaneville, Grove is currently hospitalised in a critical condition.

A c c o r d i n g t o information received, Nichols and Kowes were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.

Kaieteur News understands that motorcycle CH 3342 being driven by Nichols was proceeding west along the southern carriageway reportedly at a fast rate while motorcar PNN 3622 driven by a 44year-old resident of Block 'X' Diamond Housing Scheme was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the road.

It was said that while in the vicinity of the M&M Snackette, Nichols lost control of his motorbike resulting in it skidding across the roadway.

The driver of the car

- Pillion rider injured

Fire destroys Regent Street business

A

fire of unknown o r i g i n completely gutted the Sachi General and Variety Store located on Regent Street in the capital city resulting in millions of dollars in losses.

According to reports received, the fire started around 2:30am yesterday.

No one was present in the three-storey building at the time. Fire Chief Marlon Gentle disclosed to Kaieteur News that the Fire Service received the call about the fire

Firefighters at the scene yesterday Dead: Calwin Nichols reportedly told police that when he observed from a short distance the dangerous action of the cyclist, he applied brakes resulting in the duo crashing into the right front wheel of the car.

As a result of the impact, both the cyclist and pillion rider received injuries.

They were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where the Nichols succumbed to his injuries whilst receiving medical

attention. Kowes was said to still be hospitalised up to press time.

A post-mortem examination conducted yesterday morning revealed that the cyclist died from multiple injuries.

The driver of the car was subjected to a breathalyzer test and alcohol was not found in his system. He is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Tuesday February 18, 2020

at around 3:00am, which prompted firefighters to rush to the scene in an attempt to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby businesses.

Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the blaze, and were still dousing pockets of fire in the building. When reporters visited the scene of the fire hours later, fire fighters were still present conducting their assessment.

Reports suggest that the fire started on the third floor of the building.

The owner of the

building, Ms. Pereira [only name given] was present at the scene but she declined to comment.

However, the owner of the Sachi Store, Ta Fen, explained that he received a call about the fire at around 2:30am. He said that when he rushed to the scene, the entire building was up in flames.

The building housed the Sachi Store, a cell phone repair shop and a jewellery store.

Investigations are ongoing.

Tuesday February 18, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Standing up for Guyana W

hen Exxon struck oil in 2015, it made this fact known to the government. The Coalition then in opposition knew about it and therefore when they came into office could not claim to be taken offguard.

Five years have elapsed since the discovery of oil and very little has been achieved in preparing for first oil. This is unacceptable preparation by the Coalition. From day one, they should have moved with greater alacrity.

First oil came on December 20 last year and Guyana had not yet found an agent to market its oil.

Hurried arrangements had to be made to find a marketing a g e n t . We k n o w t h e mistakes, which can happen when things are hurried.

A local content policy has now been developed.

This is after the Trinidadians and other foreigners have nailed most of the contracts, which were on offer to supply goods and services for the oil rigs operations.

The gate is being shut long after the horse has bolted.

The local content policy is not worth the paper on which it is printed unless it has the backing of local content legislation. That may take another five years.

Things were allowed to

drag on for too long. Guyana is now paying a heavy price for that lack of briskness in preparing for oil. Jan Mangal, in a bombshell interview with the Guyanese Critic, has pointed out some of the reasons he feels were responsible for the slothfulness.

But part of the reason too is the fact that Guyana had no experience in this type of industry. Many government officials were at sea as just where to start. To get around this, it was necessary to hire persons who had experience in helping countries, which were new to oil, to get started.

Guyana did hire someone with critical expertise and knowledge but from what is now being revealed, he faced resistance from within the government.

Therefore, Guyana finds itself neck deep in the present mess in which it is in.

For one, the contract that was signed represents the worst oil deal ever. No other country has been so outwitted as Guyana has been. But the oil companies knew that there will be no public protests over the oil agreement because the country is divided politically.

The supporters of the APNU+AFC know that Guyana got shredded during

the negotiations. An opinion poll conducted locally revealed that 80% of the population was displeased with the agreement.

But the supporters of the APNU+AFC are not going to be critical of the agreement because they feel that it will cause their government to lose popularity and it does not matter whether they have to eat salt and rice or get 'white mouth', most would rather starve than see their government out of power.

People understand what is going on. But people are making political calculations rather than objective decisions. They would rather have a government, which is being robbed blind but is one which they support rather than a government which they do not support but which might do better.

It also happens on the other side of the fence. When the PPP/C was in power, their supporters turned a blind eye to what was taking place under their government. They said nothing because, for them, this would strengthen the opposition.

Exxon knows this and will exploit it to the hilt.

Exxon is not unaware of the country's political and ethnic divisions. They would have

GNYC revives voter education campaign From page 3 parts of the country in the coming days leading up to elections.”

According to GNYC President, pop-up events are scheduled for various market places, bus parks and shopping malls, among other locations geared at attracting high volumes of youth.

He explained that the pop up events will feature games, mini-talks and mock polling stations to educate individuals on what happens on the day of elections and the voting process.

The Ink It Up! campaign also utilises radio as platforms to spread information on the voting process, roles and responsibilities, among other key non-partisan messages through visual, textual and audio forms.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e GNYC's Ink It Up! campaign includes a national training series for youth in hubs across all

administrative regions in collaboration with GECOM. Grant explained that the young people are trained to host voters' villages, which the council referred to as “informal and youthfriendly face-to-face voter education” in public spaces in a pop-up format.

Added to that, the GNYC' radio programme, Youth Talk Back Live (YTBL) is also a key platform in which the network can have a two-way dialogue with youth to both motivate and educate them.

GNYC has been an integral part of reaching the young demographic with voter education.

Civic and voter education is one means by which the network has been fostering an enabling environment for youth.

This is second voter education initiative by GNYC - a group especially focused on creating a strong network of youth people across the country.

Given its reach to nation's youth, Chairman Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh, spoke at the launch of the Ink It Up! campaign earlier this month, appealing to the young citizens to foster a peaceful elections process.

“You will do your utmost as youth leaders.

Go out there and enlighten the electorate and let them know what they should desist from and that is important that they exercise their ballot because that is their constitutional right.”

“They [citizens] have a right to vote for the person and party of their choice.

We are all grateful for this session and for having this exercise as we all know that at election time, tempers and atmosphere is charged [but] we know better and we should try to impart that into other members of the electorate,” she said.

done their political risk analysis and would have been aware, that despite what they presented in front of the government, the people would not protest in the streets.

It has been left to a handful of individuals to carry the fight for Guyana. It has been left to Glenn Lall, Christoper Ram, Ramon Gaskin, Nigel Hinds and Melinda Janki to lead the resistance against this obnoxious contract.

All of them should be

awarded national awards for what they have done and for standing up for Guyana. Yet, these persons will be treated as pariahs because they have dared been critical of the government's handling of the situation. And that is the tragedy of Guyana.

People should not delude themselves into believing that the forthcoming elections are about issues. If it were about issues, the APNU+AFC would not stand a chance.

Issues will not determine

the outcome of the elections.

Numbers will and those numbers are based on the same old tribal politics, which has consumed another generation of our young people.

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

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday February 18, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Johnson and Lam: The choice does not have to be PPP or PNC F

or those who claim that they are nationalist, are for workers' rights, a multiracial Guyana, against one–party domination, and want far-reaching, constitutional changes, the no-confidence story has exposed how old they are in their thinking, and that deep inside their Freudian soul, they support ethnic politics,

ethnic-dominated government and are nationalistic frauds.

This social activist is saying with pellucid forcefulness – there has to be one of two things after the March 2020 election – a displacement of the PNC or PPP by a third force that has a majority or has won the plurality. I don't believe even for a fleeting moment this

will happen. Guyana will have either a Granger presidency or an Ali victory.

The second possibility is a minority government of either PNC or PPP, with relentless demands by the third sector in parliament to force the minority government into societal accommodation, where policies and pursuits cannot be done as if they won a majority. There must be acceptance of budget inputs from other constituencies far and wide in Guyana.

There must be immediate constitutional dialogue with demands for changes that have to incorporate fundamental democratic directions. I can think of the immediate removal of the Carter formula, the urgent removal of the clause that prevents post-election coalition, the diminution of presidential powers.

There are those who have been around a long time, actively engaged in political

struggle, and since the noconfidence motion (NCM), they are now seeing Guyana as PPP versus PNC. No longer are they seeking power-sharing or an arrangement whereby we can have a system that does not allow for ethnic and political hegemony.

These people who have been around a long time have suddenly discovered that one of the two leviathans is preferable to the other.

S u d d e n l y, t h e e t h n i c oriented PPP is no longer steeped in old political culture. Suddenly the PNC is not ethnic-oriented and steeped in old political culture. Is it possible that we are witnessing the crystallisation of the Freudian mind in those over 55 years of age and now that the NCM made a dramatic entry, they have put their Freudian secrets on public display?

These old Freudian creatures have generated a philosophical need of an exigent nature for the younger generation to replace the PPP and the PNC, and their over-55 Freudian embracers.

Some in that generation have stepped forward.

Names like Ruel Johnson and Rhonda Lam on The Citizenship Initiative, Dr. Asha Kissoon (no relation) of The New Movement and the overwhelming number of

young politicians in the Liberal and Justice Party, Change Guyana, and ANUG. Did it come as a surprise to Guyanese that the public declaration of donations came from the younger generation? It was The Citizenship Initiative that has publicly announced how much funds they have received to date, and how it was spent so far.

I was on Kaieteur Radio sharing a panel with Rhonda Lam, presidential candidate of The Citizenship Initiative, and she made reference to the conscience vote of Charran. When she said that, I felt the windows of the studio open up and a gush of fresh breeze fumigated Guyana.

It is obnoxiously appalling that some of these over-55 citizens, who have seen the PPP and the PNC alternating government and within that cycle, stagnation, pessimism, hopeless and autocracy reign, could be shouting for a majority victory for the PPP or the PNC. Are they doing that because of race? It is hard to tell, unless they openly say so, but we know their Freudian minds.

This election is a contest between the traditional two big rivals, the outcome of which would continue to see excluding governance, ethnic-based governance,

Frederick Kissoon and neoliberal, reckless spending that hurts the future lives of a majority of young Guyanese.

The theory that the PPP's autocracy was longer, sharper and more poisonous than the five-year domination of APNU+AFC, therefore the latter needs to be given more time is pathetic, miasmic nonsense.

What Guyanese need is not more of the PPP and an extension of the tenure of APNU+AFC. They have not governed democratically.

They have not governed in the interest of all Guyanese.

Half of the nation resents when one of the other is in power. This country has a population in which over seventy percent is under 40 years of age.

These young people owe it to the world, not only Guyana, to save the future of this helpless, hapless land.

As an older Guyanese, I appeal to them – vote for the future, vote for the younger generation that has no place in their heart for race thinking.

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

Tuesday February 18, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday February 18, 2020

No Coroners appointed in four years - Nandlall

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

O

n January 14, 2016, the C o r o n e r s (Amendment) Act of 2015 was passed in the National Assembly. Then, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams had said that the amended Act will gave the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) authority to appoint “fit and proper persons� as Coroners. The Act made provisions for there to be at least three Coroners in Demerara, two in Berbice, one in Essequibo and for a Coroner to be appointed for the whole of Guyana.

However, since that time the government has taken no action to appoint new

Coroners. This is according to former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, who has highly criticised Williams for not delivering on his promise. In fact, Nandlall reminded that the purpose of the bill was to facilitate the appointment of an increased number of Coroners so that more inquests into alleged unlawful killings and unnatural deaths can be conducted.

Despite the amendments made to the Act, Magistrates are still saddled with the responsibility of conducting inquests. The Act stipulates that every person appointed as Coroner take and subscribe to the oath of office taken by a magistrate; have all the powers, privileges, rights and jurisdiction of a Magistrate and Justice of the Peace and empower the Chief Justice to assign any number of Coroners to a county.

In January 2018, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack had recommended more than a dozen Coroner's inquests.

The majority of them had to do with fatal accidents, and the shooting death of three men at the hands of the police.

The road fatalities on the list include the March 10, 2018 motorcycle accident,

Stanley Junior and Immigration Officer Navana Chase Dextroy Cordis which claimed the lives of immigration officer Navana Chase and 24-year-old Stanley Junior. The two were on a CBR motorcycle when Junior allegedly lost control and crashed into a lantern post while negotiating a turn at Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Inquests were also ordered into the following 2018 traffic accidents, which led to the January 31 death of Harry Persaud on the Sarah Johanna Public Road, East Bank Demerara; Shawn Richards on January 4, at Diamond Access Road, East Bank Demerara; Rohan Pooran, on the Stanleytown Public Road, New Amsterdam on February 10; Kemo Stewart, at Water and Holmes Streets on March 23; Krishnoutie, 62, at MetenMeer-Zorg Public Road, West Coast Demerara in

Kwame Assanah June, 2017.

Alana Ramsaran, 25, on February 03, at Schoonard Access Road, West Bank Demerara; and police constable Theon Hope and Quason Anthony, which occurred on May 1 at Long Creek, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway. Inquests were also ordered into the drowning of 50-year-old Gavin Moses and 13-year-old Kimeanda Prince, which occurred on October 29, 2017 at Rockstone, Essequibo River and the stabbing death of Oranda Flatts, 25, which occurred at Amelia's Ward, Linden on February 9, 2018.

President David Granger had ordered an inquest into the March 15, 2018 fatal shooting of Dextroy Cordis, known as 'Dutty', 46, of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coast Demerara and

Kimeanda Prince and Gavin Moses Errol Adams, called 'Dynamite', 57 of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, along the Kingston seawall in Georgetown.

The men, who were described as suspected bandits by the police, were fatally shot by police north of the GNS Sports Ground after police said they opened fire on them while they were in

an anti-crime patrol. Last year September, via a newspapers publication, the Registrar of the Supreme Court requested that five witnesses appear at the Linden Magistrate's Court on October 11, 2019 to testify in the inquest into the deaths of Moses and Prince before Magistrate Wanda Fortune.

First Exhibition for Transition Students opened

T

he Georgetown Department of Education held its first Exhibition for Transition students yesterday at the New Campbellville Secondary School under the theme: Shaping Creative Minds for Future Generation.

District Education

Officer (Secondary), Mr. Sherwin Blackman, in his overview of the exhibition said that the event aims to showcase the work done by students in the transition class since they started in September 2019.

He said that the exhibition forms part of the activities for

the observation of the country's Republic Anniversary. He explained that the schools within the Georgetown District that conduct the Transition Class are the New Campbellville Secondary, Cummings Lodge S e c o n d a r y, H o u s t o n Secondary, St. George's High, Queenstown Secondary, Lodge Secondary and Tucville Secondary.

The exhibition is designed to expose students and teachers to what a childfriendly classroom is, containing the basic elements needed in any classroom along with teaching aids.

A c c o r d i n g t o M r.

Blackman, the Transition programme has success stories whereby students have gone on to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and

matriculated; meaning they would have passed five subjects or more.

He said that many of the students in the programme are slow learners and just need additional support to reach their potential and perform well. He said that the Ministry has been doing constant reviews of the programme so that it can be strengthened. Delivering the feature address was Training Manager of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service and former Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Ms. Donna Chapman.

She commended the department and the teachers for making a huge difference in the lives of the children with their enthusiasm and passion. Ms. Chapman encouraged the teachers and the department to engage

students that are now in the Secondary programme that passed through the transition class to see their performance to measure the impact of the programme.

Further, she advised that the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) programme of the Ministry of Education be included in the classroom. She stressed the importance of young people learning life skills now.

She said that the teachers and students have an important role to play in the development of Guyana and said that the exhibition is an opportunity for the sharing of ideas.

Moreover, Ms. Chapman said that the theme chosen was appropriate since the exhibition is happening at an important time in Guyana's history. She urged teachers and students to use the event

as a reminder that education is that tool to propel development.

The Transition programme which began in 2010 is designed for students who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and did not attain the marks to enter a mainstream secondary school. Subjects taught in the transition class are mathematics, grammar, c o m p o s i t i o n , comprehension, spelling, reading, vocabulary, phonics, social studies, art and craft, physical education and poetry.

After the one-year programme, based on performance, the students are placed in a grade seven class where they are taught mathematics, language, science, social studies, reading and two enrichment subjects.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 18, 2020

Ruling on legality of Presidential respite deferred until March 4

A

ruling on the legality of a Presidential respite which pardoned Finance Minister Winston Jordan from 21 days imprisonment after he was held in Contempt of Court over failure to pay out a US$2.2M judgment has been pushed back to March 04.

The sum represents monies owed to DIPCON by the previous government for road construction works.

In proceedings filed on July 18, 2019, in which the Attorney General and President David Granger are listed as Respondents, DIPCON, through its lawyer Timothy Jonas, asked the court to issue an Order of Certiorari quashing the decision of the President to grant Jordan a respite for the indefinite period terminating upon the expiry of all appeals from the execution of the punishment of imprisonment for 21 days imposed by the High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, DIPCON contends that the

President David Granger President's decision is so flawed in law that it amounts to nullity and is improper, unreasonable, irrational and ultra vires and in excess of jurisdiction. The company contends that no reason or respectable argument has been or can be advanced in support of the President's decision.

In October 2015, Justice Gino Persaud had ruled that DIPCON recover the sum from Government as monies due to the engineering company for infrastructural

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan works done under the then P P P p r e v i o u s administration. Obviously dissatisfied with the judgment of Justice Persaud, Attorney General Basil Williams filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal.

The appeal was a belated one and the Court of Appeal dismissed it. But Williams then sought redress from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The CCJ, too, dismissed the appeal noting that it was not filed within the prescribed time limit.

Notwithstanding these, the monies were still not paid and DIPCON by way of an action applied to the court and was granted an Order of Mandamus by Chief Justice Roxane George directing that the monies be made to DIPCON on or before January 15, 2019. This was not forthcoming and DIPCON instituted contempt of court proceedings against the Minister.

On June 24, last, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry issued a contempt order to have Minister Jordan imprisoned for 21 days if he fails to pay the monies to DIPCON on or before Monday, July 8.

Following the Contempt Order, Attorney General Williams appealed to the Full Court to set aside and/or reverse the order of Justice Sewnarine-Beharry.

However, the Full Court, in a ruling dated July 5, 2019 held that Williams' application had no merit and dismissed the appeal and even rejected a stay of the contempt order which was (continued on page 24)

PAGE 13

GuySuCo proposed 5% pay hike for workers

T

he Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) says it has taken note of the “insincere representations” in the press statement by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) last Friday which suggested that there was a one percent proposal for salary increase for staffers.

“The corporation's Industrial Relations Unit had engaged the unions; the (Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union) G AW U a n d N a t i o n a l Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) regarding their respective proposals for wages, salaries and fringe benefits.

At no time did the parties discussed around a one percent increase.

“The fact is, on Friday February 7, 2020, the corporation made an offer of 5% increase in wages to the GAWU and its delegation,

after which the union's leadership informed the corporation's team that it will proceed to consult with its membership and return to the corporation.”

GuySuCo said that it has been in discussions over wages and conditions with the unions-GAWU and NACCIE- since September of 2019.

“Those negotiations are continuing. The objectives of the negotiations are to arrive at positions that are fair to the workforce and also which can be sustained by the Industry. The sugar industry is going through a period of readjustment and modernisation in a period of challenging markets for our current products. The investments that are required to strengthen the industry's competitiveness and diversify its production will require commitment and sacrifice by all its stakeholders,” a statement said.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday February 18, 2020

GuySuCo withdraws Wales Berbice cops arrest 'AK-47' canecutters' severance pay gang on way to robbery appeal to avoid dismissal - guns, ammo, masks seized

O

n F r i d a y February 14, 2020, the stateowned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) withdrew an appeal filed by the Corporation against a decision by Chief Justice (a.g.) Roxanne GeorgeWilshire.

In November 2019, the Chief Justice approved a Garnishment Order compelling the sugar company's bankers – Demerara Bank Limited – to turnover to the union the sum of approximately $7.5M plus interest.

The sum represented outstanding severance payments owed to 107 cane cutters of Wales Estate.

In December, 2018, the High Court, among other things, ordered the sugar company to pay the cane cutters of Wales Estate who took up work at Uitvlugt Estate one month's pay as notice pay. The company, however, refused to abide by this aspect of the order causing the union to

approach the Courts to secure the outstanding sum.

Having considered submissions and arguments from attorneys representing the union and the Corporation, Justice George subsequently approved the order sought.

Following the decision of the Chief Justice, the corporation appealed the matter to the Full Court of the High Court.

Notwithstanding the appeal, there was no stay of execution sought by the Corporation and thus the union, through its Attorneysat-Law Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieira of London House Chambers, had the order enforced and in late December 2019, the union received from Demerara Bank the sum approved by the Court.

When the matter came up for hearing in January, this year, the High Court referred the matter to Justice Sandil Kissoon who had granted the order for severance in the first place.

At a hearing last Friday, Justice Kissoon informed that the Order was enforced and that the matter was now moot, resulting in the appeal being withdrawn.

According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), while there is hope that this is the end of the matter, the union remains somewhat uncertain.

“Our union had felt we put this matter to bed since the judgment in December 2018. This, however, turned out not to be the case and more than a year later, we are still addressing justice for the workers. Of course, as we have maintained, such a matter ought not to have engaged the Judiciary in the first place given the clarity of the law. Yet, the Court has repeatedly ruled that GuySuCo violated the law and we see this struggle ongoing now more than three years after the workers lost their jobs following the heartless closure of Wales Estate.”

The Chennick and Sons Supermarket in Canje that was robbed a few months ago

B

erbicians are feeling a bit more at ease after news broke that ranks from the Major Crimes Unit, together with Berbice police ranks, were successful in arresting members of a gang that were wreaking havoc in the ancient county recently.

Police sources have since confirmed that a well known businessman from Arch Road, Rose Hall Town who operates a liquor and grocery store, his son and several others were arrested. Reports are that police who had set up an operation to net the suspects, intercepted a car during a road block at the

Number 51 Police Station.

Based on intelligence received, the car with three occupants that were heading east was searched.

During the search, police discovered several suspicious items inclusive of ski-masks, dark coloured clothing, ammunition and guns. They were immediately taken into custody and the car lodged.

A police source disclosed that during questioning, the businessman from Rose Hall was fingered as an accessory since he would reportedly sell the items his son and accomplices steal.

Information provided to

this publication revealed that the men were on their way to Skeldon to commit another armed robbery.

They have since allegedly confessed to being a part of the gang that has committed several robberies on the Corentyne and Canje.

One major robbery that they have reportedly confessed to was one at the Chennick and Sons Supermarket where the proprietor was beaten before they stole a chest containing a large sum of cash.

The men also reportedly admitted to using AK-47 rifles to commit the crimes. It is unclear if that calibre of firearm was found.

Trial of two accused in murder of Better Hope pensioner fixed for March 3

Godfrey Gill and Sherwin Clarke (hiding face)

T

ogether, Sherwin Clarke, 31 and Godfrey Gill, 26, have been jointly charged with the August 21, 2016 murder of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara businessman 76-year-old David Ramkissoon. Their trial has been scheduled to commence on March 03 before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12 person jury at the High Court in

Demerara.

According to reports, the body of Ramkissoon, 76, also known as 'Short Man', a father of five, was discovered in a pool of blood with his throat slit in the living room of his home by his son.

It was reported that the man's son had just returned home after spending a day at the creek with family, when he made the gruesome

MURDERED: David Ramkissoon d i s c o v e r y. P o l i c e a r e alleging that Gill and Clarke murdered the businessman during a robbery.

According to reports, Clarke and Gill had a dispute over money stolen from Ramkissoon's house, not being shared equally and squealed on each other. It is reported that they confessed to the killing a week after they were captured by the police.

Tuesday February 18, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Wuhan - scenes from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak

PAGE 19

Alleged child rapist captured while applying for police clearance

T

People play a game of cards outdoors.

Wuhan's government has forbidden large gatherings [National Public Radio (NPR) Washington]: Wuhan is a ghost town, yet there are still definite signs of life.

That's the status of this city of 11 million, which has seen strict quarantine measures imposed in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the new coronavirus disease.

As of February 10, every compound, or residential complex, in Wuhan has been p u t u n d e r " c l o s e d - o ff management" orders by the government.

The goal is to keep healthy people from getting infected by going out and about.

Every compound is closed off with gates or other barricades, with only one gate to let people out. Each family in the compound can send one person out to purchase necessities once every three days. That person must register with an official before leaving, explain the purpose of their trip and give the time of departure. The individual's temperature is taken as well. When people leave the compound, they must wear masks. Because

Food is delivered to a hospital on Feb. 10.

(Stringer for NPR)

public transportation has been shut down, they drive; take cabs or ride bikes and scooters during the threehour window for errands.

Anyone showing symptoms that could indicate infection with the coronavirus — fever, for example, cannot leave and will be reported to the local community office as a suspected case.

Delivery services are still operating. Restaurants, convenience stores, florists and supermarkets all will deliver their goods to customers.

With these extraordinary measures in place, the streets are virtually empty and the mood can be somber. Yet people find ways to carry on, even if it's something as simple as playing a card game. And there's a measure of humour as well — like the masks attached to a city statue of a mother and child.

A prize-winning international photo journalist who lives in Wuhan has captured scenes of life under lockdown. The photographer asked not to be named because of concerns of being targeted by the government.

wenty-six-yearold Esmond Junior Adams, a security guard of Wortmanville, Georgetown yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts after he was caught and subsequently charged for engaging in sexual penetration with an underage girl.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, Adams was arrested in December 2019 when he went to the Police Headquarters at Eve Leary for a police clearance.

An unrepresented Adams was not required to plea to the indictable offence, which alleged that between December 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 at 72 Princes and Adelaide Streets, Wortmanville, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a 14year-old girl.

Charged: Esmond Adams The alleged rape matter was held in-camera.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, after Adams allegedly committed the act, he took the victim to another location where she stayed for several days. However, the victim's father found her and took her home and the matter was later reported and an investigation was launched.

The defendant was

arrested in December at the Police Headquarters while he was in the process of applying for a police clearance.

After listening to the facts of the charge, Chief Magistrate McLennan granted the defendant bail in the sum of $150,000, and Adams is expected to make his next appearance on February 25, 2020.

India offering nine scholarships to Guyanese

A mother and son go for a bike ride in Wuhan City China (Stringer for NPR)

New Delhi, India

T

h e H i g h Commission of I n d i a h a s announced that it is open to applications from Guyanese for scholarships offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India for the academic session 20202021.

According to the Indian High Commission yesterday, Undergraduate, PostGraduate and higher courses are being offered under the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme.

“Nine scholarships are available under this programme, with return international airfare, tuition, stipend, contingent grant, house rent allowance

accommodation, thesis and dissertation expenses covered by the Government of India.”

H o w e v e r, t h e Commission said that the council does not offer a d m i s s i o n i n Medical/Paramedical (Nursing/Physiotherapy/An esthesia etc) and fashion courses. The Commission said that guidelines can be v i e w e d a t http:/a2ascholarship.iccr.go v.in/assets/site/docs/applica nt-guidelines before filling.

Applications are to be filled online at http://a2ascholarships.iccr.g ov.in/home/register.

“A recent passport size photograph not more than 3.5×4.5cm (25kb) should be

uploaded on the application form. Copies of all academic qualifications, certificates and mark sheets, including those relating to school leaving examination along with a certificate of physical fitness in the prescribed form, recommendations/ character certificates from existing school and certified copy of bio-data page of applicant's valid passport are to be uploaded also,” it was disclosed.

A printed and signed copy of the Application along with copies of all documents uploaded are to be submitted to High Commission of India not later than February 25, 2020.

For PhD courses the last date is August 21st, 2020.

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C’wealth Secretary General to meet with C’bean leaders FOR RENT Ransom (Concrete mixers), Scaffolding, Power washer, compactors, hire truck service etc, free delivery. Telephone: 610-5360.

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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Embattled Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, will hold discussions with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders during their two-day inter-sessional summit that begins here today.

The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Guyanabased CARICOM Secretariat have confirmed her attendance at the summit, with the London-based Secretariat, indicating that she “will reassure Caribbean leaders that the Commonwealth will keep fighting for bold climate action on the global stage.

“Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will highlight that despite ambitious pledges, countries are receiv-

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Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland ing limited funds to improve response to climate change.

She will also focus on how the climate crisis is destabilising economic growth leading to food insecurity, stressed resources and impaired livelihoods across the Commonwealth,” the statement said.

It said that as of February 2019, less than a quarter of the US$26 billion deposited for climate action has been disbursed, according to Climate Funds Update.

“Patricia Scotland will brief Caribbean leaders on the current Commonwealth initiatives helping the region tackle the effects of climate change and external shocks such as disasters and financial crises,” the statement said, adding that “during her visit, Patricia Scotland will listen to Caribbean leaders and strategise with them as to how the Commonwealth can mobilise more tailored and practical assistance to the region.“The Commonwealth has been engaged with CARICOM from the beginning. Our partnership spans

over 46 years working together on socio-economic issues and delivering initiatives to advance development in member countries,” she is quoted as saying in the statement.

But the statement makes no reference to the efforts by some countries, including Britain, to suspended voluntary contribution to the Commonwealth Secretariat after Scotland was criticised by auditors for “circumventing” usual competitive tendering rules when she awarded a lucrative consultancy contract to a company run by a friend.”

London has withheld its funding of £4.7 million (One British Pound +US$1.29 cents) joining New Zealand and Australia in doing so until the Secretariat’s financial systems are tightened up and tested by external auditors.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is the central administrative hub for the intergovernmental organisation that comprises 54 countries – many of them former British colonies – and encompasses almost a third of the world’s population.

According to official figures, about two-thirds of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s funding, estimated at £18.4 million in 2018, comes from automatic subscriptions from member states, while the budget for the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC), which is discretionary and estimated at t £12 million. The UK is the largest contributor to this fund.

Commonwealth heads of government have already rejected calls to give Scotland an automatic second term of office when it comes up for renewal this year.

Ruling on legality of ...

From page 13 requested by Williams. But four days later, the President issued a Grant of Respite in the Official Gazette signed by Minister of State Dawn Hastings which gave Jordan in his personal capacity, and as the Minister of Finance, respite of the execution of punishment imposed on him by the judge.

Under Prerogative of Mercy at Article 188(1) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana, the President has the powers to issue such a grant of respite. According to Section

188 (1) The President may— (a) grant to any person concerned in or convicted of any offence under the law of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions; (b) grant to any person a respite, either indefinite, or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence.

Anyway, the grant of respite remains in effect until all appeals and remedies available to the Finance Minister and the State have been exhausted.

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Govt.'s new asphalt plant has capacity to use tyres, plastic bags and bottles T

he Eco 2000 Batch Mix Asphalt Plant which arrived in Guyana back in July last year is nearing completion. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson yesterday visited the construction site in Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara and was accompanied by his P e r m a n e n t S e c r e t a r y, Kenneth Jordan.

The team was led by Rawlston Adams, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC).

It was noted that the mechanical installation of the plant is currently about 98% completed, while the electrical aspect is approximately 80% c o m p l e t e . Wo r k s commenced on the installation of the plant on January 7, 2020.

It is being set up by a team of 25 persons, inclusive of 23 local DHBC staff and two German technicians.

“Minister Patterson expressed satisfaction in the exceptional standard of work done to date as he anticipates the commissioning of the project within the stipulated timeframe,� a statement from his Ministry said.

The present asphalt plant only has the capacity to produce 30 tonnes of material per hour. It does so with the use of bitumen, sand, stone and sifting.

When completed, the new asphalt plant will be able to produce 160 tonnes of material per hour. The stateof-the-art machinery will also be able to use plastic bags and bottles as well as used tyres to pave roads.

This new technology has been proven to be cheaper and more durable as well as time efficient. It will also mean that more roads can be built faster with the use of the new plant.

The plant arrived midlast year and is said to cost almost half of a billion dollars.

GM Rawlston Adams explains the workings of the plant to Minister David Patterson yesterday

The new asphalt plant at the Garden of Eden location

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George is overall winner; Prashad cops nearest to the pin title at Joe Jagmohan Golf tourney

Peyton George (5th from left) and Patrick Prashad (2nd from left) with the other winners and sponsors.

Tuesday February 18, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Someone who is a student of natural healing may come to visit you and share some ideas today. You tend to be interested in matters concerning health, and you might want to learn not only about herbs and nutrition but also spiritual healing.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Books and movies may inspire you to get involved in artistic activities. Your aesthetic sense is very high today, Taurus, and you may be drawing your inspiration from the higher realms.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You could be feeling a bit flush today, Gemini, and therefore you might decide to do a little work on your house.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You’re feeling especially psychically and mystically inclined today, Cancer. You might want to read about such matters or attend a lecture or workshop given by someone in the field.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You’re normally a very intuitive person, and today you may experience clairvoyance that could rival Jeane Dixon’s.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your imagination is flying high today, Scorpio. Your interest in mystical and metaphysical matters is at an all-time high, and you could find yourself strolling through New Age bookstores.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some wonderful news concerning money and career matters could come your way today, Sagittarius. Your natural kindness and sympathy for others has led you to make some good friends who are also valuable business contacts.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A minor conflict with a romantic partner in the morning is likely to end with a tearful reunion and much reassurance by mid-afternoon.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You’re usually a very practical and down-to-Earth person, but today you may be more inclined than usual toward mysticism.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your intuition, imagination, and insight have served you well on the job, and should pay off soon. A raise, commission, or perhaps a chance to invest in the company could be offered to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Group activities involving meditation, psychic or spiritual topics, or artistic pursuits are probably very appealing to you right now, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can count on a very idyllic and romantic day today, Pisces.

You’re feeling especially warm and sensual, and you tend to view the partner in your life through rose-colored glasses

Peyton George was crowned overall winner, while Patrick Prashad won the nearest to the pin title when the Joe Jagmohan Golf Tournament was contested on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club.

Playing with a handicap of 18, George registered a gross score of 82 and a net score of 64; he also won the longest drive trophy. Prashad registered the best gross score of 76 and also shot 68 net to win the 0-9 flight ahead of Aleem Hussain with 83

gross and 72 net. Prashad also won the nearest to the pin accolade. In the 10-18 flight, former Guyana Open champion Joaan Deo defeated Danny Mangra on a count back. Both players finished with a net score of 66; Deo recorded 82 gross and Mangra 84 gross.

Carlos Adams won the 1936 flight with a score of 93 gross and 67 net. Eureka Giddings placed second with 96 gross and 68 net.

Bravo hundred in vain as...

From page 28 to settle the innings, putting on 113 for the third with Ambris and a further 79 for the fourth with Pooran.

Left-hander Bravo, recalled to the side after being dropped last September, counted 14 fours and a six before he retired in the 34th over.Ambris had earlier perished in the 23rd over after striking three fours off 63 balls, lbw to 18-year-old legspinner Kavindu Nadeeshan.

Pooran was exhilarating, smashing a couple of fours and sixes in a 38-ball cameo before retiring at the end of the 34th over but his departure led to the innings losing momentum.Cottrell gave the visitors a sensational start, trapping Sandun Weerakkody lbw with his third delivery without a run on the board and then also removing Pathum Nissanka to a catch at the wicket also without scoring with the fifth delivery.But the experienced Tharanga struck 16 fours and a six off 124 deliveries, while Gunaratne faced 75 balls and counted seven fours, to successfully revive the run chase.West Indies will play their second tour match on Thursday against a Sri Lanka Board President’s XI in Negombo before facing Sri Lanka in the opening OneDay International of the threematch series at the Sinhalese Sports Club here Saturday.

Scores: WEST INDIES 282 off 49.4 overs (Darren Bravo 100, Sunil Ambris 41, Nicholas Pooran 41, Fabien Allen 28; Dilshan Madushanka 3-47).

SRI LANKA CRICKET XI 283 for eight off 47.3 overs (Upul Tharanga 120, Asela Gunaratne 64, Thikshila DeSilva 25 not out; Sheldon Cottrell 2-22).

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17 Records Tumble at GAPLF Novices/Juniors Championships Gunraj (open female), Toney (junior female); Mohamed (open / junior classic) are Best Lifters The 2020 edition of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Novices and Junior Championships is now done and dusted following some exciting rivalry at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium on Sunday last.

Starring on the day was Essequibo’s Aquib Mohamed (Roy’s Gym) who captured the Best Lifter trophies in the Open Class as well as Juniors Classic apart from setting two new records, competing in the 83kg class.Jada Toney (Buddy’s Gym), following in the footsteps of her mother and sister Jackie and Tinesha, captured the Female Best Lifter trophy in the Juniors Classic while her gym mate, Amanda Gunraj achieved a similar feat in the Open Class.A total of 17 records were achieved, Shoib Kayume, Alex Parmanand and Gavinash Jaigobin setting four each; Ravin Mahabal accounted for two as did Ravin Mahabal with the other going to Darious Ramsammy.

Following are the full results: Females 1st 57kg Women’s Sb-Jr Raw: Jada Toney - Squat 80.0kg, Benchpress 35.0kg, Deadlift 82.5kg, Total 197.5kg, Pts 398.99 1st 63kg Women’s Junior Raw: Xusha Boyce - Squat 82.5kg, Benchpress 50.0kg, Deadlift 120.0kg, Total 252.5kg, Pts 0.00 1st 72kg Women’s Junior Raw: Shazeena Rahim Squat 67.5kg, Benchpress 30.0kg, Deadlift 87.5kg, Total 185.0kg, Pts 0.00 1st 57kg Women’s Open Raw: Lateshia Davanand Squat 77.5kg, Benchpress 42.5kg, Deadlift 102.5kg, Total 222.5kg, Pts 401.93 2nd 57kg Women’s Open Raw: Jada Toney - Squat 80.0kg, Benchpress 35.0kg, Deadlift 82.5kg, Total 197.5kg, Pts 353.09 1st 63kg Women’s Open Raw: Linda Barker - Squat 105.0kg, Benchpress 42.5kg, Deadlift 130.0kg, Total 277.5kg, Pts 489.45 2nd 63kg Women’s Open Raw: Xusha Boyce - Squat 82.5kg, Benchpress 50.0kg, Deadlift 120.0kg, Total 252.5kg, Pts 436.72 1st 72kg Women’s Open Raw: Shazeena Rahim Squat 67.5kg, Benchpress 30.0kg, Deadlift 87.5kg, Total 185.0kg, Pts 304.41 1st 84kg Women’s Open Raw: Amanda Gunraj Squat 125.0kg, Benchpress 65.0kg, Deadlift 142.5kg, Total 332.5kg, Pts 525.99 1st 84+kg Women’s Open Raw: Kean Andrews - Squat 100.0kg, Benchpress 70.0kg,

Amanda Gunraj receives her Best Lifter trophy from GAPLF’s. Nadina Taharally.

Deadlift 160.0kg, Total 330.0kg, Pts 487.17 Males 1st 59kg Men’s Sb-Jr Raw: Mohammed Khan - Squat 102.5kg, Benchpress 55.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 302.5kg, Pts 386.52 1st 74kg Men’s Sb-Jr Raw: Shoib Kayume - Squat 105.0kg, Benchpress 92.5kg, Deadlift 190.0kg, Total 387.5kg, Pts 422.90 1st 53kg Men’s Junior Raw: Akram Gaffor - Squat 137.5kg, Benchpress 85.0kg, Deadlift 175.0kg, Total 397.5kg, Pts 556.47 1st 59kg Men’s Junior Raw: Kemo Greaves - Squat 140.0kg, Benchpress 80.0kg, Deadlift 150.0kg, Total 370.0kg, Pts 477.64 1st 74kg Men’s Junior Raw: Wazeer Hussein Squat 102.5kg, Benchpress 92.5kg, Deadlift 192.5kg, Total 387.5kg, Pts 404.16 2nd 74kg Men’s Junior Raw: Kumarnauth Gumani - Squat 132.5kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 160.0kg, Total 375.0kg, Pts 393.63 1st 83kg Men’s Junior Raw: Aquib Mohamed Squat 210.0kg, Benchpress 125.0kg, Deadlift 227.5kg, Total 562.5kg, Pts 577.75 2nd 83kg Men’s Junior Raw: Ravin Mahabal Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 150.0kg, Deadlift 200.0kg, Total 535.0kg, Pts 542.51 3rd 83kg Men’s Junior Raw: Keran Persaud - Squat 147.5kg, Benchpress 105.0kg, Deadlift 167.5kg,

Jada Toney being rewarded as Juniors Classic Best Lifter, by GAPLF’s Runita White.

Total 420.0kg, Pts 0.00 1st 105kg Men’s Junior Raw: Alex Parmanand Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 110.0kg, Deadlift 210.0kg, Total 505.0kg, Pts 459.56 2nd 105kg Men’s Junior Raw: Puneshwar Ramjit Squat 165.0kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 452.5kg, Pts 379.93 1st 120+kg Men’s Junior Raw: Gavinash Jaigobin Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 110.0kg, Deadlift 202.5kg, Total 497.5kg, Pts 0.00 1st 59kg Men’s Open Raw: Kemo Greaves - Squat 140.0kg, Benchpress 80.0kg, Deadlift 150.0kg, Total 370.0kg, Pts 468.27 2nd 59kg Men’s Open Raw: Mohammed Khan - Squat 102.5kg, Benchpress 55.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 302.5kg, Pts 364.64 1st 66kg Men’s Open Raw: Ghamsham Goberdan Squat 122.5kg, Benchpress 97.5kg, Deadlift 190.0kg, Total 410.0kg, Pts 455.55 1st 74kg Men’s Open Raw: Shoib Kayume - Squat 105.0kg, Benchpress 92.5kg, Deadlift 190.0kg, Total 387.5kg, Pts 398.96 2nd 74kg Men’s Open Raw: Wazeer Hussein - Squat 102.5kg, Benchpress 92.5kg, Deadlift 192.5kg, Total 387.5kg, Pts 392.39 3rd 74kg Men’s Open Raw: Kumarnauth Gumani Squat 132.5kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 160.0kg, Total 375.0kg, Pts 378.49 1st 83kg Men’s Open Raw:

Aquib Mohamed - Squat 210.0kg, Benchpress 125.0kg, Deadlift 227.5kg, Total 562.5kg, Pts 566.42 2nd 83kg Men’s Open Raw: Darious Ramsammy - Squat 227.5kg, Benchpress 125.0kg, Deadlift 185.0kg, Total 537.5kg, Pts 548.79 3rd 83kg Men’s Open Raw: Ravin Mahabal - Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 150.0kg, Deadlift 200.0kg, Total 535.0kg, Pts 526.71 1st 93kg Men’s Open Raw: Deodat Ramprasad - Squat 180.0kg, Benchpress 122.5kg, Deadlift 222.5kg, Total 525.0kg, Pts 503.80 2nd 93kg Men’s Open Raw:

Aquib Mohamed - Best Lifter, Open Class & Juniors Classic.

Nasrudeen Ally - Squat 175.0kg, Benchpress 102.5kg, Deadlift 187.5kg, Total 465.0kg, Pts 440.92 3rd 93kg Men’s Open Raw: Fizul Ally - Squat 150.0kg, Benchpress 77.5kg, Deadlift 190.0kg, Total 417.5kg, Pts 381.33 1st 105kg Men’s Open Raw: Lorence Semple Squat 160.0kg, Benchpress 110.0kg, Deadlift 252.5kg, Total 522.5kg, Pts 467.86 2nd 105kg Men’s Open Raw: Alex Parmanand Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 110.0kg, Deadlift 210.0kg, Total 505.0kg, Pts 441.88 3rd 105kg Men’s Open

Raw: Puneshwar Ramjit Squat 165.0kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 452.5kg, Pts 376.17 1st 120kg Men’s Open Raw: Komalshankar Arjune - Squat 205.0kg, Benchpress 117.5kg, Deadlift 252.5kg, Total 575.0kg, Pts 481.93 1st 120+kg Men’s Open Raw: Gavinash Jaigobin Squat 185.0kg, Benchpress 110.0kg, Deadlift 202.5kg, Total 497.5kg, Pts 368.44 1st 83kg Men’s Open EQ: Randy Halley - Squat 212.5kg, Benchpress 117.5kg, Deadlift 242.5kg, Total 572.5kg, Pts 486.94

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Kaieteur News

Police SC dominate senior Amelia’s Ward, Coomacka, division at Jubilee Relays Topp XX are latest winners Jermaine & Family Mash Cup 2020 – Linden

The GDF 4X200M relay team.

Travis Watterton – Topp XX FC Amelia’s Ward Panthers eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over Silver Shattas, a similar result was recorded in favour of Coomacka over Hi Stars, while Topp XX was rampant in their win over Milerock (51) when matches in the Jermaine and Family Mash Cup continued on the weekend at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The other match played petered out into a 0-0 stalemate between Winners Connection and Capitol FC. Amelia’s Ward were taken to victory on account of second half goals from Keshawn Dey in the 66th minute and Deon Daniels in the 72nd minute.

Shaquille Frank in the 57th minute and Marmalaque Davidson (83rd) guided Coomacka past Hi Stars.

Topp XX led by a hat-trick form veteran Travis Watterton breezed past Milerock 5-1.

Keshawn Dey (left) and Deon Daniels - Amelia’s Ward Panthers FC

Marmalaque Davidson (right) and Shaquille Frank – Coomacka FC Watterton was on target in the 22nd, 78th and 85th minutes. His efforts were complimented by goals from Stephon Tappin (51st) and Javante Waldron in the 59th minute.Rajan Ramdehol

scored Milerock’s consolation in the 53rd minute. Over 1.5Million in cash and other prizes are up for grabs as follows, 1st place $600,000; 2nd place $300,000; 3rd place $200,000; 4th place $100,000.

Lusignan overcome Enmore to take ECCC/Banks Beer 100-ball title

The victorious Lusignan team.

Lusignan defeated Enmore by 64 runs to win the final of the East Coast Cricket Committee/Banks Beer 100-ball tournament which was contested on Sunday.

Played in front of a large and colourful crowd at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Lusignan managed 150-6, taking first

strike. Robin Williams 44 while Gavin Boodwah scored 31; Satesh Jainarine took 2-16 and Chris Surat 2-26. Enmore were bowled out for 86 in reply. Rudolph Singh made 17 and Surat 15; Chanderpaul Ramraj took 2-0; Vickram Doodnauth had 2-15 and Jagdesh Dowlatram 2-16.

Police Progressive Youth Club chalked up 56 points to dominate the senior division (20 plus) when the Jubilee Relay Meet which was sponsored and organised by the Athletic Association of Guyana and the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport was contested on Sunday at Leonora.

GDF placed second in this segment with 52 points, while the University of Guyana finished third on 33 points followed by Running Brave on 30 points. Police finished with 54 points in the 15 and under division followed

by Tutorial High School and Mercury Fast Laners, both tied for second with 30 points each, while DeChallengers finished just behind on 28 points. Hopetown Flames finished with 48 points in the 19-and-under division, while Mercury Fast Laners placed second on 43 points, Police Progressive Youths was third on 40 points followed by Mackenzie High School on 33 points.

Running Brave quartet of Ruth Sanmoogan, Shoquane Daniels, Shequita Marcus and Alisha Fortune took gold in the 800M sprint medley, the 4X100M relay and the 4X200M relay. They clocked 1:48.77 in

the 800m medley, while Cassie Tixie, Kenesha Halley, Alita Moore and Cassie Small of Police placed second in 1:49.68. Alisha Fortune anchored Running Brave in the 4x100m relay in a time of 48.80, while Police placed second in 49.64 seconds. The Guyana Defence Force A team of Eureka Williams, Aniquah Powley, Nikita Joseph and Tonya Rawlins finished third in 49.67s.

Running Brave finished the 4X200M in 1:44.55, while GDF clocked 1:45.66 and Police Sports Club 1:45.71.In the senior male division, Samuel Lynch, Royston Fordyce, Quacy Morian and Cleveland Thomas of Police won the Distance Medley (2400m) event in 5:39.48.

GDF took gold in the 4X100M and the 4X200M races. Yannick Williams, Leslain Baird, Brian Roman and Akeem Stewart handed GDF gold in the 4X100M relay in 41.46s. Police won the 19-and-under 4X400M in 3:55.87; Hopetown Flames A placed second in 3:58.00 and Mercury Fast Laners was third in 4:26.39.

In the senior 4X400M mixed relay, GDF won in 3:55.57, while Police placed second in 4:11.63 and UG third in 4:25.55.

It was GDF against the Rest and the Rest ...

From page 31 participation in the Caribbean Championships in Trinidad.

The night’s Event commenced with Malachi Jones getting a unanimous decision over his Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Gym Mate Sean Graham before Richard Howard earned a split decision against Ryan Benjamin in an all FYF match-up, while FYF’s south paw Jaqwan Milo won via a second round TKO against Sophia Warriors Boxing Gym’s (SWBG) Sherlund Stephen.

In the contest between the talented Mark Crawford and SWBG’s Jerron McKenzie exposed Crawford superior Boxing skill, but Crawford has to a bit more careful about showboating and being cocky against better opponents.Crawford executed nice jabs and used his reach advantage and followed them up with digs to ribcage. Although McKenzie threw more and harder punches, Crawford demon-

strated tight defence and took most of the blows on his gloves or shoulder as he danced around and at times putting his hand behind his back.Crawford was warned for spinning around his man as he toyed with McKenzie, who caught him with a few good shots but Crawford was easily the winner.

Neil Warden was the first Soldier in action on Sunday night and he got caught with an upper cut from SWBG’s Emmanuel Pompy and held on the ropes to prevent him falling to the canvas, but as he wobbled to the corner of the ring, his eyes were glazed and the fight was stopped.

FYF’s Patrick Harvey got a unanimous verdict against GDF’s Jarmin Grant, while Policeman Dewani Lampkin earned a split decision over FYF’s Orin Bancroft in a close fight.Richard Subrattee from FYF got the better of GDF’s Quacy Abrams in one of the better fights of the night.

Both pugilists traded blows as they went at each

other in a high intensity affair. Abrams scored a wicked one-two before Subrattee retaliated to the body as they punched and counter punched with Subrattee getting the better of the exchanges to win the contest.

Seon Griffith from FYF defeated Jullius Kesney as GDF continued their losing streak.The last fight of the night in a 91 KG battle between Jason Barker from FYF and Daren France from the Army ended when France hurt his hand in the second round and fight was stopped.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said he was pleased with this new outdoor venue and was satisfied with the standard of the Event despite the unavailable of Allicock, Amsterdam, Lewis and Thomas.“It’s always good to try new things and having boxing in the open air, have GDF fighting as Individuals were good things as the GBA continue to improve our boxers and find new ways to entertain to fans,” said Ninvalle.

PAGE 32

Tuesday February 18, 2020

Kaieteur News

2020 Concacaf Women’s U-20 C/ship Lady Jags final roster announced; face Nicaragua on Sunday in opener The final roster for the Women’s National U20 Team has been selected by Coach Ivan Joseph and his staff and Guyana is looking to field its strongest ever team at that age group for their playoff matches that will be held in the Dominican Republic kicking off later this week.

The final squad includes several debutants including Goalkeeper Raven EdwardsDowdall, Midfielder Shanice Alfred, Forward Makayla Rudder and Defender Anaya Johnson. These four players join a contingent of players who helped Guyana qualify for the U20 Concacaf Championship for the first time in Guyana’s history.

The progress made by the women’s programme has been notable with the U20 and U17 teams both advancing to the Concacaf Championships.

Guyana’s U20s begin their group matches this Sunday (February 23) against Nicaragua and are looking to have a strong enough showing to advance out of the group stages. ”The coaching staff and players have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming Concacaf Women’s Under 20 championships,” said Coach Ivan Joseph when

Brianne Desa (left) and Kiana Khedoo

Jenea Knight will be aiming to make a huge impact. hope to get a bounce or two in our direction to advance to the next round,” he added.

In an invited comment, Paul Beresford, International Director of Women’s Programs, said much has been achieved since the re-launch of the women’s programme in 2017: “With the support of the GFF we have seen significant progress in women’s football since the programme’s relaunch in 2017. From the senior team to the U15s, the women’s teams continue to

make history.

Additionally, we have seen excellent progress as we develop our young Guyanabased players who face very real obstacles to their development.

The Federation along with the GFF International Support Group (ISG) continue to implement programmes designed to provide further op-

Technical Staff Head Coach - Dr Ivan Joseph, Assistant Coach - Akilah Castello, Assistant Coach - Brittany Persaud, Goalkeeper Coach - Paul DeAbreu, Physiotherapist - Justine Rodrigues, Fitness Coach - Kayla De Souza, Performance Analyst - Kasy Kirash, International Team Director Paul Beresford, Team Operations Manager - Andrea Johnson.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, CMC – A fluent Darren Bravo hundred was not enough to prevent West Indies from defeat as they went down by two wickets to a Sri Lanka Cricket XI in the first of two tour matches here yesterday.

Opting to bat first, West Indies were dismissed for 282 with two balls remaining, with Bravo top-scoring with exactly 100 off 88 deliveries before calling time on his innings.Sunil Ambris and Nicholas Pooran both struck 41, while Fabien Allen chipped in with 28 but the Caribbean side lost six wickets and managed only 59 runs inside the last 10 overs of the innings.

Teenaged left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka finished with three for 47 while new-ball partner, 22-year-old pacer Asitha Fernando, picked up two for 17.

In reply, the hosts lost two wickets in the opening over from Sheldon Cottrell (222) with just one run on the board but recovered through captain Upul Tharanga’s high class 120 to reach their target with 15 deliveries to spare.Tharanga rebuilt the innings in concert with Asela Gunaratne (64), the pair putting on 198 for the third wicket

asked to comment on the team’s preparation so far. “It is our hope that we will make our country and all our fans proud of our effort and commitment on the field. Mexico, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico are all formidable opponents in our opening Group D round-robin pool.

All three teams are ranked ahead of us in our pool with Mexico leading the way as the number two-ranked team in the tournament. We will need to play at our very best and

Tiandi Smith will be looking for goals for the Lady Jags. portunities to the Guyanabased players to progress and we are looking to the Guyana footballing community to continue to support women’s football players both in Guyana and internationally-based as they continue to represent Guyana in c o m p e t i t i o n s . ” Guyana has been placed in Group D with Mexico, Nica-

ragua and Puerto Rico and group matches are scheduled for the Olimpico Felix Sánchez stadium, Dominican Republic as follows: Sunday, 23rd February: Guyana vs Nicaragua @ 1 9 : 0 0 h r s Tuesday, 25th February: Puerto Rico vs Guyana @ 1 6 : 0 0 h r s Thursday, 27th February: Mexico vs Guyana @ 19:00hrs According to Concacaf, the 2020 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship will kick off with an initial group stage among 16 teams. “After round-robin play, the top three teams in each of the groups will advance to the knockout stage, joining the four qualifiers winners Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Grenada. All knockout round matches (round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and final) will be played in a single match elimination format, with the finalist and the third-place match winner qualifying to the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup 2020.

Bravo hundred in vain as Windies lose opening warm-up

Left-hander Darren Bravo goes on the attack during his century yesterday.

to take the game away from the Windies.When both perished 14 deliveries apart, the home side still required 72 runs from 91 balls and Thikshila DeSilva, with an unbeaten 25, and Lahiru Igalagamage, 22, produced cameos to see their side over the line.Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr (2-52) and left-arm

spinner Fabien Allen (2-62) also claimed two wickets each but proved expensive.West Indies had earlier endured a nightmare start as well, losing both openers Shai Hope and Brandon King without scoring to slump to three runs for two wickets in the third over.However, Bravo arrived (Continued on page 29)

Tuesday February 18, 2020

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

Regal Masters are GSCL Inc Republic Cup T20 champs

The victorious Regal Masters team with Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan (standing 4th from right) and GSCL Inc President Ian John right.

Unnis Yusuf collects his man-of-the-match prize from Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

By Zaheer Mohamed Led by a resolute half century from opener Unnis Yusuf and an incisive spell from Tyrone Sanasie, Regal Masters defeated Fisherman Masters by four wickets to win the final of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc Republic Cup T20 competition which was contested on Sunday last at the Demerara Cricket Club.

Sanasie grabbed 3-23 from four overs to help restrict Fisherman Masters for 139-6, batting first. Openers Robert Mohan and Veerapen Moonsammy added 23 before David Harper provided Regal Masters with the break-

through when he uprooted the stumps of Mohan for six.

Without addition to the score, Moonsammy was dismissed off Laurie Singh for 14.

Ramesh Rambharose (14) and John Sumair (14) added 31 for the third wicket before the former was caught off Sanasie, while Sumair was taken off Singh as Regal Masters maintained their stranglehold on the contest.

Sanasie then disturbed the stumps of Troy Ramsaywack (00) and Z. Zikur (03), leaving Fisherman Masters in trouble at 61-6.

Fisherman Masters badly needed a partnership at this juncture and Stanley Mohabir

The runner up Fisherman Masters team.

Lawrence Rowe is first WI cricketer to endorse Over 50s cricket team None other than one of the greatest West Indies batsman, Lawrence George Rowe, has endorsed the 16-man squad selected to represent the West Indies at the 2nd Over 50s World Cup in South Africa during the period March 10th to 24th 2020. The 16-man squad includes several players who represented their respective countries and some who represented the West Indies B team or WI President’s XI. Two of them, Zamin Amin and Ishwar Maraj, went on to Captain their adopted countries, USA and Canada at the ICC World Cup. The full squad reads: Zamin Amin (Captain), Ishwar Maraj (ViceCaptain), Sudesh Dhaniram, Rajendra Sadeo, Azad Mohammed, Kenny Girdharry, Hafiz Mohamed, Roy Singh, Allison Johnson, Julian Charles, Mark Audain, Imtiaz Ali, Krish Harricharan, Howard Jodhan, Narine Bidhesi and Fareed Hosein.

The team will be managed by Raj Singh with Dave Narine as his assistant and John Ramsingh functioning as the

media officer.

The team wings out for South Africa from New York on Friday, March 6th. They have two warm up matches on Sunday (8th) against South Africa and on Monday (9th) against India before they face New Zealand in their first official match on Wednesday, March 11th.

Rowe, also known as “Yagga”, was an elegant right-handed batsman described by Michael Holding, his team mate, as “the best batsman I ever saw”. It was felt that his ability was so extraordinary that Gary Sobers believed he could have been the greatest of all West Indian batsmen. At one game Rowe hit a ball so cleanly that it followed a level trajectory like a guided missile over the boundary for six.

Rowe made his debut for Jamaica in 1968–69. He then made history on his Test match debut v New Zealand at Sabina Park, Kingston in 1972, scoring 214 and 100 not out, the first time that a cricketer had scored a double and single century on Test debut.

Lawrence Rowe speaking at the event where he met the Over-50 players.

It also gave him a batting average of 314 after his first Test match. In 1974 v England he scored 302 at Kensington Oval in Barbados when he became the 2nd WI to make a triple century and that prestigious club still only has 4

members to this date.

Rowe was a West Indies batting “hero” in the days before Viv Richards. He played 30 Test matches scoring a total of 2,047 runs at an average of 43. He was known to whistle while he batted

though he seemed to be injury prone; he suffered problems with his eyesight and was allergic to grass.

He played 30 Tests between 1972 and 1980 and played 11 One Day Internationals. Rowe played for Derbyshire in the English County Championship and also joined World Series Cricket, where he scored 175 in one match for the WSC West Indies XI. In 1982/83 Rowe, when past his prime, led a rebel tour to South Africa during apartheid when South Africa was isolated from world sport. The West Indian public were outraged by the tour and Rowe himself and others were ostracized in Jamaica. Rowe’s team, which consisted of a lot of discarded West Indies players, gave a great account of themselves against a strong South African team. Such was the might and strength of the West Indies team in that era.

Rowe can be seen at several of West Indies matches being played at the Broward Stadium. During the lunch break of the first Test between West

Indies and India on 20 June 2011, Rowe was honored when the Sabina Park stadium was named after him, in a ceremony that also honored Michael Holding and Courtney Walsh. He took the opportunity to apologize on behalf of the rebel West Indian team. The batting legend took the opportunity to have a brief chat with the WI squad where he offered some words of wisdom to these hungry cricketers. This bunch of cricketers never attained the level that Rowe achieved and soaked up all the advice provided by the maestro especially those tit bits that related to the conditions existing in South Africa where he played for a few seasons. One of the key factors that he emphasized was the need for them to pay close attention to their fitness levels which makes everything else look and feel very easy. Lawrence Rowe generously agreed to act as an ambassador for this first ever West Indies Over 50s team to leave our shores to represent our region at a World Cup.

PAGE 34

Tuesday February 18, 2020

Kaieteur News

GABBFF Mr. Linden Classic

Mr. Linden Classic athletes from right, Wain Marshall, Omisi Williams, Arlington Layne and Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney.

Omisi Williams lands inauguraltitle in four way battle

By Franklin Wilson The multi talented Omisi Williams was on Saturday night last crowned Mr. Linden Classic sponsored by Linden Businessman, Samuel Hardy when the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) introduced this competition with the aim of building the sport in the Bauxite

Mining Town.

It was the undercard to the Federations Fitness Express Novices Championships and it was a hit.

Williams, just off competing at the 6th Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge held at the National Park where he placed second, made the transition back to the sport he loves and cleaned up his opposition in style.

Having competed in Novices 2017,

Casillas to run for president of Spanish Football Federation AFP - Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Iker Casillas will run for the presidency of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), he confirmed yesterday.

The date of the election has not yet been decided but Casillas said he has informed his current club Porto of his decision, with the 38-year-old now expected to retire from playing the game.

“Yes, I will run for the presidency of the RFEF when the elections are called,” Casillas wrote in a statement.

“Together we will put our federation at the top of the best football in the world, the football of Spain.

“I have informed the president of my club, FC Porto, to whom I can only express the deepest gratitude.”

Casillas is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation and led Spain to their first World Cup triumph in South Africa in 2010.He played 167 times for Spain, also winning two Euros in 2008 and 2012, and made more than 700 appearances for Real Madrid, with whom he won five La Liga titles and the Champions League three times, before joining Porto in 2015.

Casillas was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI five years in a row between 2008 and 2012.

But last April, he suffered a heart attack during training and has not played another competitive match since.

Casillas had been linked with the RFEF presidency for several months and is now expected to go up against current incumbent Luis Rubiales for the post.

“We are working with the utmost respect and determination in our candidacy,” added Casillas. “More than 23,000 voters are waiting for us in fair and transparent elections. The 139 assembly members will decide.”

Rubiales has been in perpetual conflict with Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, and the pair have clashed over numerous issues, including fixtures on Monday and Friday nights, matches abroad and the postponement of the Clasico in October.According to the rules, the elections should be held in the second half of this year after the Tokyo Olympics but Rubiales has requested they be brought forward, before Euro 2020, which will run from 12 June to 12 July.

placing third in the U-21 and second in the Middleweight category, the Perry’s Fitness Gym athlete was not in a mood to settle for anything less than the top spot and he did so comfortably backed by a vociferous crowd. From the time he (Williams) entered the stage he was a favourite and even Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney (Upper Demerara Barbel Club) who had the crowd going earlier, when

he won the Masters and 177 & Over categories on debut in the Novices championship, lost some support.

The battle was clearly between Williams, Chesney and Arlington Layne (NK’s Café), Wain Marshall, Chesney’s gym mate was the other competitor. Comparisons were requested between the top three named athletes as the judges wanted to leave no stones unturned in de-

Omisi Williams – Mr. Linden Classic 2020.

(Franklin Wilson photo) ciding the respective placing.

As it turned out, Williams won the title ahead of Layne with Chesney third and Marshall, fourth. The athletes were all rewarded with cash by sponsor Samuel Hardy who attended the show and assisted with the presentation of prizes.

Australia ready for frosty reception on South Africa return AFP - Australian coach Justin Langer and limitedovers captain Aaron Finch said yesterday they were looking forward to playing in front of South African crowds on their first tour since the sandpaper scandal of 2018.

Former captain Steve Smith and batsman David Warner, who were both banned for a year for their role in ball-tampering during the third Test in Cape Town, are both in the team that will play three Twenty20 internationals and three oneday internationals against South Africa, starting with the first T20 game at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday.

“We love coming to South Africa,” said Langer at the team’s arrival press conference.

“We’ve got so many good memories for so long. It was obviously a very hard tour last time but the way our guys have moved on, it gave us a great opportunity to reassess where we’re at in Australian cricket.”Langer said last year’s tour of England was “a great dress rehearsal” for the likely reception Smith and Warner will face, espe-

Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft were all banned by Cricket Australia after the ball-tampering scandal. (AFP/File / STR, Saeed Khan) cially from an expected capacity crowd at the Wanderers.

“It was a tough (England) tour for those two guys,” said Langer.

“I was really proud of the way they let their bat do the talking and were great ambassadors off the field, so hopefully they’ll be looking forward to getting back into it and playing good cricket here.”

- ‘Vocal’ crowds Finch said his team knew what to expect when they stepped on to South African grounds.“South African crowds are very passionate and very vocal. We’re expecting that. David loves that banter coming from the crowd. It gets him into the

game. I don’t think it’s going to make much difference to our group. We’re going to play cricket with a smile on our face,” he said.

Langer said there had been plenty of talk about the culture of the Australian team following the 2018 tour.

“We’ve talked about making Australians proud of us again, earning that respect, not only from the Australian public and our past players but also across the world,” he said.

“Changing cultures is purely about behaviour,” he said.“We’re playing really good cricket, the numbers will tell you that, we’re also playing it in great spirit.

“I’m very hopeful we can

continue to do that because that’s how we all want to see cricket played. We’ve done it for 18 months now, there’s absolutely no reason why that can’t continue.”

Finch said the Australians were confident they could do well on their tour but said he had been impressed by the way South Africa played in a high-scoring T20 series against England.

“I followed that really closely. It was a great series to watch. Obviously the bat dominated more than the ball.

For South Africa to having a changing side and play so well was impressive. All the guys in their side had an impact on the game at various times.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 18, 2020

PAGE 35

It was GDF against the Rest and the Rest proved the Best

GBA’s MASH Boxing Extravaganza

Mark Crawford

By Sean Devers The Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) held it first outdoors Boxing Card on the tarmac of the National Gymnasium on Sunday in cool breeze under a clear night’s sky.

The Mashramani Boxing Extravaganza included 11 bouts and was dubbed GDF against the Rest and when the dust had settled, the 19

Policeman Diwani Lampkin is congratulated by Alford McDonald

times National defending club champions had lost every one of their four bouts; and the small but vocal crowd loved it.

The entrance fee and the proceeds from the small bar helped to fund Guyana’s four Olympic hopefuls (Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis and Dennis Thomas) who are in Cuba embarking on a

three-month training stint in preparation for the Olympic Qualifiers in Argentina from March 26 to April 3.

Even without Guyana’s top guns who are working to qualify for the 2020 Olympics slated for Tokyo, Japan from July 24 to August 9, the quality of the Card, which included one female bout between the Jackman siblings, was still good.

Jason ‘AK’ Barker being rewarded by Boxing Promoter Alford McDonald.

Alesha used this exhibition bout with Abiola to tune up for her bout in Barbados on Friday against

Canadian Chola Jenkins.

This will be Alesha’s second trip overseas following her (Continued on page 31)

17 Records Tumble at GAPLF Novices /Juniors Championships

Six of the female competitorsdisplaying their silverware captured at the GAPLF’s 2020 Novices/Juniors Championships.

Gunraj (open female), Toney (junior female);Mohamed (open junior classic) are Best Lifters

rt o p S

Male competitors who participated at the 2020 edition of the GAPLF Novices/Juniors Championships.

Cu20 Qualifying

Guyana down SVG 3-0 on account of Simpson’s brace

Osafa Simpson

Guyana’s Under-20 ‘Junior Jaguars’ recorded its second win in as many matches when they brushed aside Saint Vincent & the Grenadines 3-0 last evening at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium in Managua. Nicaragua.

Coming off their 6-0 win over Montserrat on Saturday night at the same venue, the young Guyanese marched to their third successive U-20 win in style with Osafa Simpson leading the way. He struck the back of the nets in the 35th and 47th

minutes with the insurance goal coming off the boot of Omari Glasgow in the 68th minute. Glasgow had scored Guyana’s first goal on tour.

The Guyanese players which lost five of the 20-man team due to immigrations issues entering Nicaragua, will have a few days off as their next opponent would be the US Virgin Islands on Friday evenin.

Their final match would be on Sunday against the host nation.

More details in tomorrow’s edition.

Omari Glasgow

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