Kaieteur News
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Wednesday February 19, 2020
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Political leaders, financial plunder Political leaders keep making the news for among the worst of reasons. Though the allegations against them do not rise to the pitch of serial child molestation, or murderous wife beating, they come very close, through the white collar predations that always involve money, the poor people’s money rechanneled, compiled, and squandered by the vault full without qualm or conscience. They come from all over and, particularly from underdeveloped countries languishing in poverty, countries that could use every penny that comes to state treasuries. It is of powerful political leaders soaked through and through with the perverse, who now stand as barbarous examples of what goes wrong when they are trusted with the reins of government, and with access to the money and the privileges that come with it. There is the report on the wife of the former Prime Minister of Malaysia accused of soliciting millions in graft and bribes (KN February 7th). Then, there was the revealing saga of long serving President Tedoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, also accused of runaway corruption, now being compelled by the IMF to declare his assets. Next, there is Angola and that father-daughter combination that ran wild and wreaked havoc, through billions misappropriated in an endless splurge that gutted their nation and left it with the dreariest of prospects. No society deserves these vulgar wretches, who should all be put away for life with hard labour. We must consider doing the same here for those who have done so, and dare to think that they could get away with such again, as well as those who are planning to do so. Be they political leader or minister or cabinet presence. Be they opposition parliamentarian or public service professional. Be they chairs and directors of boards, who first plot on how to game the system for personal benefit and then actually execute their nefarious ambitions. And, lest anyone forget, there is that possible pinnacle of them all in Nigeria, where a handful of their rulers - and their cabals - have engaged in the endless gouging and spiriting away of billions, while their people struggle with poverty and violence, as they rip each other’s livers out in either sectarian and secular hatreds. It seems that the eternal curse of Third World countries is to be gifted with governing presences such as these. Some gifts they are! They could be done without. And as we prepare, despite the devastating divisions, for the promised oil dividends, as scrambled and distorted as they are by Exxon and its contract, the resolve must be: not here! Not now! Not anyone! Because when they help themselves lavishly, it is at our expense. For the more that they grab, the less there is for each one of us. Less roads, less light, less schools and hospital facilities and all those progressive things that the oil money could make possible. We do not have enough people to absorb all that oil money, contract renegotiated or not, and with some corruption factored in as a reasonable precaution. There should still be more than enough petroleum power rushing downstream to include and inundate one and all Guyanese, including those who come to take advantage of our opportunities. It may be a forlorn hope, given our rancid and rancorous divide, but this population of 750,000 souls must have zero tolerance for any misconduct with respect to oil, oil proceeds, and oil management. On this commonsense has to prevail, on this there can be no negotiation: one strike and it is out. Out of office, out of contention, and out of lawabiding society. By the latter, we mean in prison. If not, then Guyana stands to follow in the destructive paths of Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Malaysia, and Nigeria. We don’t want that, do we?
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Oil revenues should fund healthcare emergency preparedness in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, A single Ebola patient treated in a U.S. hospital will generate eight 55-gallon barrels of medical waste each day, according to Monte Morin of the Los Angeles Times. The Coronavirus - a highly infectious disease like Ebola - has infected 50,000 people worldwide in 24 countries. How is Guyana prepared to handle, store transport, and dispose of infectious waste with the threat of the Coronavirus? Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the grave concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems. The DirectorGeneral stated, “Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems and which are illprepared to deal with it.” When it comes to risk and mitigation of infectious diseases, experts concluded that the delayed responses to
the Ebola outbreak exemplify the dangers of the outbreak in countries and states with inadequate healthcare systems. Te r r o r i s m , d i s e a s e outbreaks, and other natural disasters and mass casualty events have pushed health care and public health systems to identify and refine emergency preparedness protocols for disaster response. Emerging infectious diseases present threats to global health. The 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa caught local and global healthcare communities unaware and unprepared. The Coronavirus seems to have the same impact in 2020 with a broader infection span (24 countries) than the Ebola virus. How adequate is the healthcare system in Guyana to deal with one case of the Coronavirus that could infect the entire population? The Ebola virus caused the U.S and many other
countries to allocate significant resources into a series of emergency response activities. The U.S, Canada, and other countries established several Treatment Units/Centres and Community Care Centres, supplying volunteer health workers, public health, and educational messages, and developing experimental pharmaceutical treatments and vaccines. During the crisis, the U.S. Congress appropriated $5.4 billion for emergency preparedness. In 2016, the Obama administration requested $1.9 billion for emergency funding for the Zika outbreak. How is Guyana funding preparedness for the Coronavirus? There is a fierce urgency for the GoG to appropriate adequate funds to meet the challenges caused by the Coronavirus. These funds for national public health can be come from the Signing Bonus and the rents from offshore oil blocks. Future PreparednessOil and gas revenues can
provide significant funding for emergency preparedness in the public health sector. The critical question is: How much is the Guyana Government willing to appropriate for preparedness in response to the Coronavirus and preparedness for future emerging infectious diseases? Emerging infectious disease outbreaks have increased since 1940; due to changes in the humananimal-environment interface-between 1940 and 2004, 60% of such outbreaks were caused by zoonotic pathogens. The highest mortality impact in history stemmed from emerging infectious diseases, including the plague and pandemic influenza in 1918/1919 and HIV. One dangerous fact is that antimicrobial resistance is increasing internationally and is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Margaret Chan, as a “slow motion (Continued on page 6)
Whatever decision is made will be respected DEAR EDITOR, Reference is being made to GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine’s letter “GAWU does not share Lincoln’s views” (14th February 2020). I a c k n o w l e d g e G AW U ’s bleating statement that the Union is “not discomfited by Mr. Jagdeo’s advocacy on behalf of the sugar workers.” This sheepish attitude when it comes to holding any leader in the PPP accountable for his/her action is their right. I shall exercise my right to hold all political leaders, government and opposition to account for their stewardship and their t r e a t m e n t o f workers/citizens, without fear, favour or ill will. As a fellow citizen and trade unionist the view is held Bharrat Jagdeo as President and Leader of the Opposition made no significant effort to protect and advance the well-being of sugar workers and their communities. His record bears me out on this where a floundering industry was never given the opportunity to survive through diversification and proper re-
capitalisation, depending heavily on financial sustenance from the Consolidated Fund. The case was also made by PPP spokesperson Dr. Roger Luncheon that the more than US$200 million investment in Skeldon Factory produced a ”letdown” (KN 29th March 2 0 1 3 ) . S i m i l a r disappointment was expressed regarding the PPP government’s management of the European Union diversification Fund where in that said article the same gentleman confirmed the money was never released to GuySuCo! With regard to the recent happenings in GuySuCo and its financially distress state the view is firmly held Jagdeo, as Leader of the Opposition, could have emulated his predecessors and played a more pivotal role working with government in the industry’s restructuring and bringing the unions and management to the table to negotiate better working conditions for the workers. That he did neither of these and GAWU is not discomfited, this is duly noted and respected.
Diamond Estate was closed by the Jagdeo government, a fact Seepaul cannot change. Neither can he change my view the PPP government should have offered the affected sugar workers preferential treatment to acquire house lots when those lands were sold for housing development. Nothing can change his view about the bonds paying wages and salary even though the source was quoted and this is conceded. However, given that GAWU holds the view- as others, including NICIL (the organiser of the bonds)- that the bonds are accruing interest and GuySuCo is not moving to effect any project to utlise same, again, the nonchalant role of the Leader of the Opposition cannot be ignored. A complacent GuySuCo adversely impacts the welfare of sugar workers. Dr. Cheddie Jagan would not have stayed silent or stand by and allowed this to happen. The same could be said for Desmond Hoyte or Robert Corbin. Where comparisons can be made Jagdeo is found wanting.
That being said, on the matter of saying there was an “agreement” in pay increase, what I said was “the media reported the sugar unions and GuySuCo management have struck an agreement for wage increase” (KN 12th Feb). Seepual’s clarification that the media erred because no agreement was reached is noted. It is however noted in today’s newspapers (18th F e b r u a r y ) G u y S u C o ’s statement that the company proposed a 5 percent wage increase not the 1 percent as reportedly claimed by the union which it rejected as a “measly offer,” questioning the timing. A clarification from the union becomes necessary. I end by saying as a trade unionist a strategy in negotiation is to capitalise on the environment and the vulnerability of the opponent. Where the current political environment presents opportunity for the workers to benefit, it is up to GAWU and the sugar workers to determine if the opportunity will be taken or ignored. Whatever decision they make is respected. Lincoln Lewis
Wednesday February 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Man appoints and God disappoints DEAR EDITOR, One of the gravest mistakes the APNU+ AFC made when it assumed government almost five years ago was to behave as though the outgoing PPP/C government did nothing to enhance the security sector during its twenty three years in office. The euphoria evinced and the narrative expounded by spokespersons of the coalition in respect to the security sector was as if Guyana had just achieved its independence and the new kids on the government block had to start from scratch! The coalition failed to recognize that the legal razor thin 33 to 32 and not their fanciful 34 to 32 seats in parliament was but a mere Pyrrhic victory and that it was only a matter of time before the numbers would drastically change in favour of the opposition. The coalition could not bring themselves to accept that the best they could have done in the circumstances, was give due recognition to and build on the great strides made by the security sector during the PPP/C’s terms in government. Instead, the coalition administration chose to focus on the negatives by harping for example on: *Negative number 1): The so- called period of the “Troubles,” which Mr. Granger had five years to set up a COI to investigate but never did; *Negative number 2): Trotting out questionable numbers of murders and incidences of crime that could not be validated; and, *Negative number 3): The phasing out of the Guyana National Service which the then Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge would know, had
become a millstone around the necks of Guyanese taxpayers at a time when the country was saddled with a monstrous foreign debt that made Guyana “Uncreditworthy” thanks to the PNC’s economic and financial mismanagement of the economy. So it was not just a matter of recognizing and reducing the APNU+AFC’s antics in the security sector to the political, on the contrary, it was for all intents and purposes, their unapologetic comfort of living in a surreal world and to kick around the GPF like a political football much to the disapproval of ranks in that organization. That aside, it is not only Guyanese in general who are in a state of disbelief at the recent statements made by the President at his meeting with the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, In fact, professional ranks within the Joint Services, especially the GPF found their Commander in Chief ’s narrative about finding and cleaning up “the mess at the police force” totally shocking, insulting and objectionable. Added to that is the APNU+AFC’s high command belittling and non-recognition of the GPF’s years of hard work, long before the APNU+AFC’s assumption to office, at improving their level of efficiency in the delivery
of service to the public at large. The denigrating of the Force’s efforts came like a hard punch to the stomach of police ranks. Moreover, having been touched in many tangible ways by the PPP/C’s socioeconomic policies, ranks belonging to the Joint Services were appalled at the way they were recently mistreated as a result of an arbitrary political directive ordering the calling off of the 2019 traditional ‘Old Years Nite Balls’ for both the GPF and GDF. Ranks belonging to the GPF, GPS, GFS and the GDF are flummoxed by statements emanating from the Green House, the Ministry of the Presidency and Pearl claiming they were denied recapitalization and not provided on an annualized basis with the tools, equipment and human resources necessary for them to respond to internal or external threats. In fact, ranks recall how prior to 1992, the Office of the President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were provided with more budgetary resources than health, education, GPF, GPS and GFS put together. That was reversed in favour of the less endowed when the PPP came to office in October of the same year. Ever since then, budgetary allocations and
other matters relative to the Joint Services have always received keen attention by all subsequent PPP/C administrations. Tangible and intangible benefits from security sector projects funded directly from the budget under the PPP/C as well as by the donor community contributed enormously to institutional strengthening and human resource capacity of the Joint Service especially the GPF. More, importantly, the additional one month tax free salary granted to ranks belonging to the Joint Services, once deemed a “bribe” by a Minister is viewed as taking bread from the mouths of families of ranks belonging to the Joint Services. If this is the mess the President claims to be cleaning up then we can conclude he’s just wasting time. What the President should be doing is building up on what the ranks want and not what he wants. If this is not a clear case of political interference in the GPF then what is? In this respect, aligning police divisions with the 10 administrative regions mainly for restructuring purposes is bad from a strategic and crime fighting perspective. Not only are the commanders not given adequately trained additional ranks, they are not
in receipt of the tools and equipment best suited for the terrain in which are stationed. Clearly, the demographic shifts in criminal activity were not taken into consideration by the architects of the move that was more politically motivated than strategic and tactical. And the sudden shunting across from Eve Leary to the Department of Citizenship of experienced police officers to do “surveys of the Venezuelan migrant p o p u l a t i o n , ” notwithstanding what the affected officers have said, is viewed as another manifestation on political interference in the operations of the GPF. Recent statements made by President Granger in respect to the security sector are therefore misplaced. Mr. Granger must not be reading the editorials of the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News. In editorials published from time to time, these two newspapers have pointed to the many deficiencies obtaining in the security sector, notably in the Guyana Police Force, the principal law enforcement agency in Guyana. In this connection, editorials published in Stabroek News editions of December 20, 2019 and February 4, 2020 are
instructive. These are independent, and not political views on the state of affairs obtaining at the GPF which the APNU+AFC has refused to deal with in the same way they have avoided any references to the numerous recommendations contained in the Disciplined Forces Commission Report which Mr. Granger himself participated in formulating. Incidentally, in his speech to the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, Mr. Granger studiously avoided any reference whatsoever to the numerous recommendations contained in the ‘Report of the Presidential Commission Enquiring into the conditions of veterans from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana’ National Service save and except references to what the Commission “examined,” the “establishment of a National Veterans’ Commission” and to “look into the living conditions of veterans and to make recommendations for improvements.” From 2016 to 2020 not a (Continued on page 27)
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Wednesday February 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
Vote wisely on March 2 DEAR EDITOR, National and Regional Elections will be held on March 2, just over a week after the country would have observed its 50th anniversary as a Republic. On February 23rd 1970, the country attained Republican status after some 150 years of British Colonial rule. Guyana has also joined the ranks of other oil producing nations as a petroleum state, one consequence of which is that the country is now catapulted to the status as a key and strategic player on the international stage. As a country, we have had a chequered political past. Our post-independence history has been interspersed with consecutive periods of undemocratic and democratic rule, the latter of which encompassed some twentyeight years, almost the same as that of the pre-1992 period
of PNC authoritarian rule. One important lesson from these two contrasting periods is that there is a positive correlation between democratic rule and economic growth and development. Guyana was ranked in the 1980’s as the poorest country in the western hemisphere and was declared “untrustworthy” by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The status of the country changed incrementally since the restoration of democratic rule in 1992, thanks in no small measure to the pivotal role played by the Carter Centre and other western nations. We are no longer seen as a poor, highly indebted nation by the international community but as an emerging economic giant thanks to us becoming an oil producing State. The best gift to this
nation on this our 50th anniversary as a Republic is to ensure that the results of the coming national and regional elections accurately reflect the will of the Guyanese electorate. This is not only a duty but a national imperative. It involves not only the Guyana Elections Commission but all those who value and cherish the ideals of a free and democratic society. In this regard, the presence of local and international observers is most welcome and reassuring. The Head of the European Union Observer Mission to Guyana could not have put it better when he said that his Mission is not interested in which party wins but how it wins. I encourage all eligible Guyanese not only to vote but vote wisely on March 2. The world is watching. Hydar Ally
Deal with these complaints expeditiously and thoroughly DEAR EDITOR, I would very much like to know what has become of the female CJIA worker’s report of sexual harassment and retaliation and the response of the authorities? Not only because of the implications for other female workers in our society, but for the fact that it is entirely wrong for those in a position of authority to prey on the vulnerable by dangling their promotion or future employment security with the entity if they do not comply. Wherever this cancer exists it should be rooted out and a clear message sent to the perpetrators that once the complaint is verified, a pound of flesh will be demanded. It is also absolutely imperative that the authorities vested with the responsibility of investigating these complaints do so
expeditiously and thoroughly, thus assuring those employees making the allegation of sexual harassment in the workplace the confidence that a fair and impartial investigation will be carried out. This approach will also embolden those suffering in silence to come forward. And finally, those who for whatever reason concocted false allegations, may very well have second thoughts as they may fear
being found out. Again, I may have missed the conclusion of this despicable episode in this female employee’s working experience but I am curious to know what has become of her complaint. Respectfully, Claudeston G. Massiah Editor’s Note: The sexual allegations brought against the official were dropped last month after the victim refused to present evidence in the matter.
Oil revenues should... From page 4 tsunami.” In 2013, Guinea announced the death of a twoyear old child from haemorrhagic fever known as Ebola. With over 25,000 cases (WHO 2015), it is the worst Ebola outbreak in history. That was then; the Coronavirus is now-2020. What is Guyana’s level of preparedness? It is without contention that billions of oil revenue dollars in a Natural Resource Fund (sovereign wealth fund) cannot protect the Guyanese people in Guyana from a natural disaster or a pandemic un-
less it is used to elevate the level of preparedness and response to natural disasters and emerging infectious diseases like the Coronavirus... What percentage of oil revenues should the Government allocate to response and emergency preparedness for emerging infectious diseaseshandling, storage, transportation, and disposal? “The answer my friends, to this important question, is not yet blowing in the wind, but warrants an urgent response.” Sincerely, Wayne Forde
New parties combination DEAR EDITOR, The leaders of three of the new parties have signaled their determination to go about parliamentary matters on their own, by making clear their outright rejection of any bonding that would give one of the front-running parties any desired governance edge. As I commend this frank statement of intent, as finalized in an executed Memorandum of Understanding (remember: these things are never binding), I wonder where the other new people are on this specific issue of joining or not joining with the one party that emerges ahead by a nostril flare. As I have written repeatedly in several media forums, the new party with one seat is that, to use matrimonial terms, the catch to be pursued without letup; and, a new group with the Guyanese electoral miracle of two seats suddenly assumes the muscle tone and heft of a gangbuster, an unruly troublemaker, and a feared spoiler. To extend the matrimonial illustration: two seats make that party an unattached heiress worth the wooing. Though I confess to some difficulty with vote blending and this business about left over votes, and their acceptability, it is my belief that in a razor-thin elections outcome, this (let’s call them) this joint venture combine of near equals, has the potential to be a significant parliamentary presence and a sustained disrupter when the usual tricks and gimmicks and high jinks are stealthily introduced, when the usual political horsetrading come into full f l o w e r, a n d w h e n t h e government-opposition conspiracies are worked out to the advantage of one or the other, with the promise of the favour returned at another time. For those who doubt the existence of the latter reality, I present the cry and lament of senior public servants, who are on the waiting end of material and believed winnable cases that have disappeared into the vacuum of needed ministerial clearance,
which have not been forthcoming. Since favours were received from their predecessors when they were in office, the debts are filled these days through non-action. It is why the government is forced to eat crow, while the opposition gloats about no convictions; both sides know full well the reciprocally rewarding games that were and are still being played. Thus, it comes as a breath of fresh air that three parties plan on turning their backs on any subtle or direct overtures from the post-March 2ndelectoral leader(s) to partner with one or the other. If the public stance committed to should prove to be airtight and watertight, then I think that there would be opportunity to play the gigantic ends against each other. Of course, the first hurdle is to win a seat or two, which looks rather remote at this stage, if the patterns and fixtures of Guyanese voting remain intact. Should this political threesome manage to glean something out of nothing, then one of the tactics that it will have to perfect would be to gain rapid and authoritative familiarity with the compendium of parliamentary rules and procedures, especially the arcane ones. In so doing, and in mastering that art, there is the likelihood of tying up the political Gulliver (s) in knots and rendering them comatose. In other words, the new consortium may be able to stonewall matters to death, particularly those ones that reek and are found troubling, in their
self-serving natures or their implications for wider society. With a former Speaker of the House in the midst, the troika should be well-equipped to cause some consternation and disruption in the proceedings. On a different note, any successful new group has to possess and exhibit deftness in thinking on its feet and outwitting the crafty fellows looking to continue to hoodwink the beaten down Guyanese populace. I believe that it will have to barter in some situations. As an example-for those matters that are priorities for its supporters, and as embedded in its manifesto - the new people who end up in parliament will have to engage, as a practical matter in legislative quid pro quos, so as to prove that it is not only about blocking and frustrating for the sake of both. It must be able to demonstrate that it influenced this or that amendment, led the charge in defeating those that were controversial, and that it worked to get components in its manifesto completed. Also, any new group must manifest a willingness to lead the way in sanity, civility, and dignity in the house of the people, as their business is being conducted. Whether they are up to these hard challenges is another story. I have some faith in the veteran but pronounced uncertainty about the others. I hope that we shall see more than the light. I trust that we shall see the new people for who and what they really are in the crucibles of tests to come. The first one is dated March 3rd. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Unbelievable DEAR EDITOR, I’ve been going to some political campaign meetings over the past weeks and have heard mention by opposition spokespersons of the massive increases in taxes by this Government, which seemed UNBELIEVABLE. The increase in taxes, naturally, has resulted in additional billions of dollars in revenues. I have, personally experienced a few of these unconscionable impositions. Someone stole from my vehicle my vehicle revenue Licence, which I only discovered when stopped by a traffic officer (which has another “story” altogether, and which I would not taint with this one). Yesterday, I went to Guyana Revenue Authority to
obtain a replacement and Lo and Behold, was told that I had to pay SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS, for a COPY of the LICENCE, the EXACT same cost of the original, previously issued. Now, it would be interesting if ANYWHERE else in the world, a replacement of a Government issued document is the same cost as the original. I am certain that the same applies for other replacement documents. Hopefully, these and similar unconscionable increases, affecting the entire population, including pensioners and young people, would be addressed after March. Regards, Harry N Nawbatt
Wednesday February 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
GuySuCo projects 114,000 tonnes; union says improbable …little preparation made to capitalize on growing world demand The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has projected a 114,000-tonnes target this year for sugar but the workers’ union has said that the target is improbable. That production would represent an ambitious 26.5 percent increase for the corporation which has been struggling and fell to its lowest total in decades in 2019. “In effect, the Corporation by its estimates is telling the nation that sugar production in 2020 would rise by 26.5 per cent when compared with last year’s production. This, whatever yardstick is utilized, is a significant increase and a feat that has not been strange to the industry in recent times.” According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), it should be recalled that sugar production fell in 2016 by 26 per cent when compared to the 2015. In 2017 it fell by 33.5 per cent when compared to 2016. In 2018, it went down by 31.2 per cent when compared to 2017, and in 2019 it dropped by 16 per cent when compared to 2018.
“All in all, the likelihood of the large increase forecast seems a steep hill to climb. GuySuCo had informed previously that it ended 2019 with some 151,000 tonnes of harvestable canes which it said could not have been milled for different reasons.” Those canes, the union said, were capable of producing 17,000 tonnes sugar. “To realise what the corporation said was possible, it would mean that approximately nine tonnes of canes would be required to produce a tonne of sugar. This, from our own knowledge, is simply not realistic. During the 2019 second crop, on average it required 11.81 tonnes of cane to produce a tonne of sugar at Albion, 12.95 at Blairmont, and 13.58 at Uitvlugt.” GuySuCo has since 2015 faced the closure of four of what the Coalition Government said were the least functioning of its estates.The three remaining estates- Albion and Blairmont in Berbice, and Uitvlugt on the West Demerara, have barely been scraping 100,000 tonnes. Government has said that loss-making GuySuCo has
been dragging the economy down with billions of dollars poured to keep it alive annually. The closures of the estates- Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales- has evolved into a political battle. According to GAWU, yesterday, its remains apprehensive about the functioning of the three factories. “The Corporation did acknowledge that its factories suffered major mechanical failures during the 2019 second crop. From information we received, it is understood that not much was done during the out-ofcrop period to meaningfully address these shortcomings. “Workers have shared with us that defective components, in need of replacement, were simply removed, serviced, where possible, and re-installed. It gives us little hope that there will be much improvement and that the situation will be vastly different from what prevailed during the last crop.” It was pointed out that another important element in improving production concerns the ability of the
industry to till and plant fields. “From those who may be unaware, cane fields are retilled and re-planted every five years. Thus, annually at least 20 per cent of an estate’s cultivation ought to be tilled and new canes planted in order to maintain acceptable levels of productivity. For 2019, Albion tilled and re-planted 15.28 per cent of its cultivation, at Blairmont it was 14.35 per cent, and at Uitvlugt it was 15 per cent.” Taking into account those
facts, GAWU stressed that it brings into question whether the anticipated production growth is realizable or even feasible to begin with. “Though the anticipated production is below the potential of the operable estates we still harbour doubt about whether it can be met bearing in mind the currently prevailing situation. Of course, GuySuCo’s production difficulties come when there is a worldwide shortage of sugar which will continue into next year.”
GAWU said that several credible sources have pointed out that global consumption will outstrip production by some 7.7 million tonnes this year. “The shortage has served to push prices 12 per cent higher for the year so far. It is apparent, that though having the potential, the GuySuCo, from all appearances would, unfortunately, not be able to benefit, in a big way, from the price surge.” The projected production for the three estates:
Newborn care packages for Region 9 The National Procurement and Tender and Administrator Board (NPTAB) yesterday opened one bid for one major Governmental project at the Ministry of Fi-
nance office. That notable project included the supply and delivery of newborn care packages for mother and children in Region Nine.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 19, 2020
Court makes key ruling on NIS late payments By Leonard Gildarie A key ruling of the High Court earlier this month is likely to impact how the state’s National Insurance Scheme (NIS) handles late payments from self-employed and other persons. It could affect thousands of persons who said they paid late to NIS with the expectation they would have received their full pension but were rebuffed. The case was filed late last year by attorney-at-law Randalyn Rowe for NIS and concerns the entity asking the court for guidance. The Fixed Date Application specifically wanted a determination of a question of law on late paid contributions and would have wanted an interpretation of the National Insurance and Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) Regulations.
An opinion was said to have been rendered earlier this month by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George. Among other things, NIS wanted a declaration by the court that it acted in accordance with regulations when it disapproved the use of late paid subscriptions in the computation of old age benefit when a contributor has paid late contributors close to the age of 60 and thus for the sole purpose of qualifying for the old age benefit. The NIS would have also wanted the court to weigh in instances of where negligence played a role in the contributions being paid late or scenarios where there was collusions with employers not to remit contributions to the scheme. According to NIS officials, they are awaiting the written decision of the court
Some good news: Pensioner, William Lewis which was read out earlier this month. In essence, the court said that NIS cannot accept late contributions and refuse to pay as it could mean double jeopardy for the contributor. Rather, there could be legitimate expectations by the contributor that he or she would receive the benefits (pension) once NIS accepts those late payments. NIS is awaiting the court’s decision to guide its way forward, the newspaper was told. This particular case was spurred by the determination
of one man-—William Lewis. Lewis claimed last year that the non-calculations of his payments affected his pension.The Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara resident reached the pensionable age of 60 on September 3, 2017. He said he has been battling NIS since 2017. In June 2017, he was written to by NIS, demanding he remit over $1.2M in unpaid contributions. Lewis complied, thinking that he would then receive his full pension. The pensioner wrote President David Granger last year complaining that he has not received his NIS benefits despite honoring all his outstanding payments as a self-employed person. The President, in March, responded to Lewis indicating that he was investigating the matter and has asked the Minister of Social Protection to follow-up. NIS, in late March, in a report by Randalyn Rowe, its Legal Advisor and Corporate Secretary to Minister Amna Ally, Ministry of Social Protection, said that Lewis after reaching 60 in September 2017, submitted a claim for Old Age Benefit. He received a grant of $206,000 based on 639
contributions. However, an unhappy Lewis filed an appeal. “The total number of contributions on his record is 1501 which were paid during the period 1973 to 2017. However, 862 of the selfemployed contributions were excluded from the computation of his benefit in accordance with Regulation 9 due to late payment; those contributions were paid on August 22nd 2017.” NIS explained to the minister that the use of paid computation of Old Age Benefit is a reserved question for the NIS board. “Mr Lewis’ matter was discussed at the 513th National Insurance Board meeting and it was decided that the late paid contributions would not be utilized. Since the Board’s decision, Mr Lewis has sought ministerial intervention on this matter through the Ministry of Finance.” It was disclosed that the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in reviewing the matter, asked the NIS board to revisit the matter urgently. Jordan was of the view that the pensioner was advised by staff to pay the late contributions in
anticipation of a pension. “This matter has been resubmitted to the National Insurance Board for deliberation and a decision is expected at its next statutory meeting.” A frustrated Lewis then approached Kaieteur News. A senior NIS official, familiar with the case, when contacted last year, disclosed that the matter was being addressed. She explained that the issue of late payments and the calculations of contributions have been dogging NIS as many self-employed would miss payments and try to make up for it later. Under NIS’ regulations, those late payments don’t count.Lewis said he had engaged several persons in his bid for a resolution. Among them were NIS’s Chairman, John Seeram; General Manager, Holly Greaves; union leader, Lincoln Lewis; and he even wrote and visited Minister Jaipaul Sharma. During his campaign, Lewis said he wrote Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, and even delivered copies of his records to Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.
Wednesday February 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Two shot , one deadafter snatching woman’s bag
Andrew Bowen speaking to reporters
Randy Bowen’s mother
By Shikema Dey Chaos broke out yesterday afternoon in William Street, Campbellville, after a convicted robber was shot dead while his accomplice is currently hospitalized under police guard nursing two gunshot wounds to his legs. Dead is 22-year-old Randy Bowen, of lot 184 Duncan Street, Georgetown. His accomplice was identified as 20year-old Shaquile Mentore of lot 191 D’Andrade Street, Newtown. While details of the incident remain sketchy, it was stated that the duo snatched a woman’s bag two streets
away and were attempting to escape. But their plans were cut short when a businessman who is a licensed firearm holder witnessed the robbery and gave chase. The businessman reportedly chased the men into William Street, Campbellville, and opened fire. One of the bullets fatally struck Bowen while Mentore was hit twice to his legs. They both collapsed at the scene. Video footage posted on social media showed the injured men lying in agony, screaming out for pain shortly
Wounded accomplice: Shaquile Mentore
Undertakers removing dead bandit from the scene before police arrived on the scene. Bowen later succumbed to his injuries but Mentore lay on the roadway, begging to be taken for medical attention. When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene of the crime, Bowen’s body was still lying in the yard while Mentor was being transported to the hospital. Police quickly cordoned off the crime scene and with the aid of sniffer dogs, began
Dead: Randy Bowen
DEM BOYS SEH People coming to vote first, and Mash after Dem have less than two weeks before elections but things so cool that one wondering whether anybody campaigning. De truth is that everybody done talk out all that dem have to talk suh dem ain’t got nutten more to tell de people. Anodda issue is that de Waterfalls paper decide that it gun only concentrate pun de main rallies. That is why when de main parties launch dem main rallies de Waterfalls paper carry de photos. Dem had more rallies but de Waterfalls paper ignore dem. De thing is that at all dem rally is de same thing people talking. Who thief what; who deh wid who; and who want put dem hand pun de oil money. At de start of de campaign some people use to talk about how young people ain’t getting jobs. Then dem start to talk about how jobs ain’t deh. But when dem boys point out all dem jobs that people advertising and still nobody ain’t tekking up de offer one set of people start singing anodda tune.
Dem boys seh some of dem can do like Donald Trump. He just using he powers to pardon people lef, right and centre. If you tek a position opposite to he own and you wukking wid him he gun fire you. If that happen in Guyana de country gun talk about racism and dictatorship. Now people wondering whether all over de world and in places like Guyana people gun behave like Trump. That man sack he own party member because de man seh Trump should get impeach. But people seeing nuff things happening. Dem seeing roads, schools and hospitals. Dem seeing pay increase. But dem boys seeing odda things. Dem seeing a party wid two opposition leader and one wid two deputy.This is a big election. It got people who jumping pun plane overseas and coming home just to vote. That is why dem boys seh is de mother of all elections. And Soulja Bai smart. He hold elections close to Mash. Talk half and is Mash till elections
their investigations to ascertain whether the men may have dropped any evidence while running through the yard. The dead man’s body was identified at the scene by his father, Andrew Bowen. Bowen disclosed to the media that his son was with him up to 3 o’clock that very afternoon. According to him, Randy asked him for some money and said he was going with some friends. That was the last conversation they had. “He was with me in the market. He ask me for $1000 and I give him it and that was it. About an hour after, I get a phone call saying that my son
Investigators with Randy Bowen’s body lying in the yard get shoot by the police in William Street and I get a taxi and come here and see his body in the yard.” The man explained that he is still in the dark about what really transpired. According to the older Bowen, he is well aware that his son has had hiccups with the law but stated clearly that “you can make children but you can’t make their minds.” “My son don’t work anywhere. He used to work at GWI and he get fired bout a year ago…About twice he was charged for the same stealing and so and he do about three months remand in prison.” On multiple occasions, he
stated, he spoke to his son about the bad company he kept and about his wayward habits but this cry fell on deaf ears. “There’s not much you can do, if they don’t want to hear.” The young man was no stranger to the law. In March 2018, he appeared in court to answer to two counts of robbery with aggravation. Then again in July that same year, he appeared in court to answer to a charge of robbery under arms. He was only recently released from prison. The young man’s body was removed and taken to the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy. Police investigations are ongoing.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 19, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
An apology to the AFC and Marlon Williams The best of journalists and newspapers get it wrong sometimes. Very few have not made mistakes if there are such few. There are times when some sources are not reliable. But in this job sources are an inherent part of your work. In journalism, you take people’s word because you have had cause to rely on them before.I cite the example where I used something someone I know would not mislead me. It had to do with a tape he said he had at a Bartica local government election rally in 2016 in which a prominent
politician is alleged to have made an alarming statement. I ran with it because my friend said he had the tape. The politician denied it; I hadn’t the tape. An apology was obligatory. Three different sources informed about the dimensions of an action involving a billboard going up in front of the AFC head office. One is that major AFC players didn’t know, so they wanted to find out what was taking place. It appears that the billboard was a surprise gift. Secondly, I was told that Ramjattan and Leonard Craig
did call to ascertain that was taking place. Thirdly, my last set of sources informed me that AFC activists descended upon the site and were prepared for a confrontation and Minister Patterson was there. The AFC is refuting that the third dimension which it refers to as an “incident” did occur and wants an apology. An apology is extended. Leonard Craig who wrote on behalf of the AFC called me; the conversation was friendly, but he told me I got it wrong and I also apologized to him. I am sure readers must be turning over in their minds
why since May 2015, with dozens and dozens and dozens of critical columns I have penned on the AFC, there has never been a request for an apology? In those columns, I made accusations about things done by the AFC and within the AFC. Is it possible that the only time I was wrong or got it wrong was the piece on the billboard, thus the request for an apology? One should never be too big to apologize, so I have no hesitation in offering an apology to the AFC.A current AFC executive committee member, Marlon Williams, sat down with me on Monday evening to talk about my last Sunday column in which I accused him and fellow executives Leonard Craig, Trevor Williams and Joel Edmond of not speaking about undemocratic currents in the AFC. One of the issues cited was the renewed Cummingsburg Accord, which was not presented to the AFC’s executive committee.Marlon wants me to make a correction which he wants to be in the form of an acknowledgement. He wants his chat with me to be recorded, so here it is. Marlon explains that as General-Secretary of the AFC (which is
third in line of authority after leader and chairman) from 2017 to 2019, he openly disagreed with many policies of his government (he used those words). He named three. 1- He was against VAT on private tuition fees. 2- He was appalled at the sudden destruction of vendors’ structures in Sophia. 3He rejected the parking meter contract. He stressed that in all three circumstances the AFC’s leadership knew his attitude and he went so far as to go down to Sophia and denounce the demolition action in front of the media. Looking back on those days, I accept what Marlon told me, because I was in conversation with him in front of other AFC officials when he took those positions. I know about those days, and in all honesty I acknowledge his independence of thought. In fact, when the Sophia vendors were forcefully removed, he was so upset, he asked AFC youth activist, Arnold Sukhraj, to call me to ask me to come down to the AFC office. When I went, he was too distressed to talk. Looking back still further, when Leonard Craig felt that the Office of the Prime Minister
Frederick Kissoon was unfair to him in the controversy that surrounded his chairmanship of the Broadcasting Authority, Marlon lent his private business office to Craig to hold his press conference to clarify both his role as chairman and the authority of the Prime Minister. Our conversation finished without any discussion as to why the AFC executive was not presented with the renewed Cummingsburg Accord for its endorsement. I did not bring it up, because I sensed that he did not want to talk about it. I have spoken to Leonard and Marlon since the Sunday and Monday columns. We remain friends. Friendship transcends politics. It should. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Wednesday February 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 19, 2020
Wednesday February 19, 2020
SPILLED A truck transporting a container of chemicals to Aussieowned Troy Resources in Region Seven, yesterday afternoon went over on its side, spilling its contents. There were no reports of anyone being hurt.
$3000 bail for miner who allegedly stole floor mats, other items
A miner was on Monday released on $3000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on a simple larceny charge. The defendant, Paul McKenzie, 29, of Bartica appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when the charge was read to him and he pleaded not guilty. The charge alleged that between February 8, 2020 and February 13, 2020 at Second Avenue Bartica he stole three floor mats, two teddy bears and a Levi shirt property of Ajay Birou. While the facts of the charge was not disclose to the court, police prosecutor Matthews made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant but highlighted that none of the articles that were stolen was ever recovered. After listening to the pros-
Charged: Paul McKenzie ecutor, Chief Magistrate McLennan granted the defendant bail and the matter was transferred to Bartica Magistrate’s Court. McKenzie is expected to make his next court appearance on February 21, 2020.
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 19, 2020
Security guard hospitalised after being beaten by colleague A security guard attached to a prominent security firm is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was severely beaten with a cutlass by his coworker. The incident occurred last Monday around 13:40hrs. The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Sean Williams of Lot 24 Princes Street, Lodge while the suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Darrel King of Lot 5 ‘D’ Field Sophia. Both the suspect and the victim are known to each
other. The incident is said to have stemmed over money the suspect owed the victim but refused to pay up. Due to the incident the victim sustained cuts and bruises to various parts of his body. Mr. Williams also had undergone internal and external stitches to a section of his head that was burst during the attack. Kaieteur News understands that at the time of the inci-
dent, Williams asked the suspect to pay him his money that he owed him for the past two months. While asking for his money Williams then told the suspect that he will report the matter to the police station if King does not pay him by the end of February. This angered the suspect who went home for his cutlass and dealt the victim several lashes across his body. As a result of the beating Williams was later transported to the city hospital in an unconscious state where he remains hospitalized. The matter is being investigated. King has since surrendered to police officers.
“Pretty Boy” charged for assaulting cop, resisting arrest Thirty-two-year-old Edward Skeete, called “Pretty Boy”; a shop owner of 309 Independence Boulevard, on Monday appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged for assaulting a cop and resisting arrest. Skeete pleaded not guilty to both charges. The first charge alleged that on February 10, 2020 at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted Police Constable 23172 Morris, a peace officer who was acting in the execution of his duties. The latter charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, he resisted arrest by Police Constable 23172 Morris, a peace officer who was acting in the execution of his duties to prevent lawful apprehension. Attorney-at-law George Thomas is representing Skeete. Before making a bail application Thomas told the court that his client is a father of two and the sole breadwinner for his family. Police Prosecutor Quinn
Charged: Edward Skeete called “Pretty boy” Harris made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant and bail was then granted bail in the sum of $20,000. The matters were adjourned to March 4, 2020. Back in 2018, Skeete and another man were freed of murder by Justice Navindra Singh who ruled that insufficient evidence was presented by the state for the killing of Ryan Clementson who was gunned down at Turning Point, Tucville, Georgetown, on July 24, 2015.
Wednesday February 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 15
Region four hosts STEAM fair …students urged to ensure the growth of their projects Yesterday, the Department of Education - Region Four launched its biannual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) fair at the Golden Grove Secondary school East Coast Demerara. The two-day event will see participation from more than 70 schools In Region Four. The STEAM Fair is being executed under the theme “Envisioning the Future through Innovation and STEAM- Decade of Development”. The activity has drawn children from the nursery, primary and secondary levels along with other post-secondary institutions. Retired Justice Donald Trotman, a resident of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, in his address to the opening of the fair, told the students that they are tomorrow’s future. People will be looking to them for solutions to some issues that are sure to confront the nation in the future.Further, Justice Trotman said that persons who will attend the twoday which ends today, will have the opportunity to look into the minds of the students through the projects that are presented. The retired Judge said that young people are positioned to help with Guyana’s development and that their intellectual capabilities and capacities will ensure that the country is positioned to develop as changes occur around us.
The participants were also urged to grow with their projects. Justice Trotman urged the children to avoid the pitfall of just creating a project and not looking back at it. It was his view that the children should continuously strive to improve upon what they have previously done. According to Education Officer for Region Four, Mr Loren Park, Guyana is in need of multiple skill sets that fall within the STEAM catchment. Mr Park said that it is because of this he believes that STEAM Fairs such as this will assist the children in their own development.Further, the Education Officer noted that the Fair will allow for the improvement of the cultural capital in schools, while at the same time re-enforcing some skills and the learning of new ones. It is against this background that Mr Park opined that Guyana will be led in the future by some of the ‘finest minds’ and as educators, they should encourage more students to pursue studies that are related to STEAM.There are various projects that are on display from all levels across the education system. There were projects that address how to tackle an oil spill. Some projects that utilized waste wood to make tables and visitors were shown how candle wax and oil were made from a plant and how that process works.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 19, 2020
GB&GWU calls on AG Chambers to treat RUSAL issue as urgent
T
he Guyana Bauxite and General Work ers (GB&GWU) is calling on the Attorney General’s Chambers to treat the situation with RUSAL as a matter of urgency. The Union in a press release said that it “seeks resolution to the impasse and calls for arbitration...” “As reported in a section of the media, the Department of Labour is awaiting advice from Attorney General Basil William S.C. in determining the way forward.” The tension among the parties is as a result of RUSAL laying off all of its workers due to claims of a shortage of fuel.
In retaliation, the Union had blocked the Berbice River to hinder the flow of traffic to and from the Company’s mining operations at Kurubuka Mines. GB&GWU added in its statement that it is “putting the government on notice that it is willing to have faith in their declared intent to resolve the impasse with the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI).” “Recent media statements by Minister Amna Ally that she is convinced the dispute is heading for arbitration and the Government is on the workers’ side are encourag-
ing. The Union urges these be translated to action. “Whereas from the outset workers knew the side they have been on is the right side by demanding the laws be applied in arriving at resolution to their grievances, time in ensuring this is also of essence.” It further stated, “This year begins the second decade of the dispute. Since last year the Union has been calling for arbitration given BCGI dilatory tactic that has been enabled by certain functionaries in the Department of Labour who have demonstrated to date they have been rendered ineffective in han-
dling the matter. “This view is strongly held, even moreso on the eve of General and Regional Elections, where recent antics by the RUSAL management of BCGI suggest a desire to create an unstable environment to influence our elections one way or the other. “No expatriate company must be allowed to think it could adversely influence our laws and the will of the people. Such outside interference must be condemned by all.” The press release added that it has been the failure of
both the past and current Governments to address this issue. “This impasse has entered its eleventh year and it is time for substantive deliverables. It began under the PPP administration who tolerated the management misconduct. “For almost five years of the coalition administration Minister Keith Scott, who has responsibility for Labour, has had this matter to resolve and has fallen short. The Union reiterates it has no confidence in Minister Scott. “Some personnel in the
Man gets 5 years for sexually assaulting reporter Derrick Mohabir, who was charged for sexually assaulting a reporter, on Monday opted to change his plea and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for the offence. Mohabir had denied the charge which stated that on November 8, 2019, in Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown he touched the woman in a sexual way without her consent. Mohabir was on trial before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. According to information,
the victim and the defendant are known to each other, given that the defendant would go at the victim’s workplace every night to uplift papers. On the day in question, around 23:30hrs the victim was at work sitting in a room by herself when the defendant arrived to pick up the papers. The defendant then approached the victim and grabbed her buttocks and breast. The matter was reported and the defendant was later charged for the offence.
Department of Labour are incompetent… Ten (10) years to follow the Rule of Law is too long and it suggests to us there has been willful effort by some to sabotage the success of the Union and welfare of workers in resolving the industrial dispute with BCGI. “Even at this point in time as some improvement is being shown efforts are being made to stymie the process. That so many hundreds of Guyanese brothers and sisters and their families could have suffered for all these years as they struggle for the Laws of Guyana to be applied remains a shame and serious indictment on our political regimes. “ it stated. Additionally, the “GB&GWU has stated that it is prepared to renew its confidence in Minister Ally’s intervention, interest and willingness to resolve this dispute in the interest of our most vulnerable group, the workers of this country upon whom production hinges. “The Union has no choice but to place confidence in the resolution of our grievance because:-1) the law is on our side and, 2) at the end of the day it is the ministry and this government that would be responsible to ensure the law is upheld.”
Wednesday February 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Vendor remanded for allegedly robbing Commemorative stamp, gold... country moves into a promis- certificate of authenticity.” From page 2 He pointed to the contri16,500 persons annually, and ing future.Prime Minister footballer of $40, phone and hat has been responsible for sup- Moses Nagamootoo and bution of gold.“Our efforts
Rawledon Marshall, 26, of 28 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was on Monday remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a robbery with violence charge. Unrepresented Marshall denied the allegation which alleged that on February 10, 2020, at Kitty, while in the company of others he robbed Masecimo Hartman of an Iphone valued $170,000, a hat valued $5000, and $40, cash. The court heard that immediately before or after the said robbery the defendant used personal violence on Hartman who was present in court.There were noticeable injuries on the right side of Hartman’s head. Police prosecutor Stacy Gittens objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the fact that the incident happened on the seawall, that the defendant has no clue about the seawall where he claims he works, and that the police are still trying to figure out where exactly the defendant lives since the police have two other addresses for the defendant. Prosecutor Gittens then highlighted that none of the articles was recovered and that the virtual complainant positively identified the defendant during a confrontation. According to the facts of the charge, Hartman was on his way home from football practice. While he was walking in the vicinity of Lowe Hotel, he was confronted by the defendant and others who demanded that he hand over the articles. The court heard that the defendant then told Hartman to lie on the ground. After Hartman complied the defendant then started to kick Hartman to his head, rendering him
Remanded: Rawledon Marshall unconscious. The men then made good their escape, Hartman was taken to seek medical attention and the matter was later reported. After the facts were read, Marshall claimed that he was nowhere on the seawall that night when Hartman was robbed. “I was at my mother stall underneath the clock where she have a clothes stall,” Marshall said. “Sunday night the seawall does have hundreds of people …I don’t party. I have three children to look after,” Marshall added. After listening to the prosecutor and the defendant, Principal Magistrate Marcus remanded the defendant to prison until March 4, 2020.
porting the livelihoods of more than 100,000 Guyanese. “The gold sector is an economic powerhouse. Gold mining accounts for 9.7 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product. Gold is our largest foreign exchange earner. The commemorative medallion which is being issued today is made of gold - pure Guyanese gold - which was mined from the bowels of our country and minted finely to enhance its value,” President Granger said. The medallion is 99.9 per cent pure Guyana gold, weighs one Troy ounce and is currently valued at G$700,000. It is not legal tender. The design on one side of the medallion was done by 21year-old artist Mr. Dillon Craig. The other side has the logo of the Guyana Gold Board. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Mrs. Catherine Hughes, said Guyana is on the brink of an economic revolution as the
Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix also attended the event. According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, the Guyana Gold Board was incorporated by Act No. 12 of 1981, intituled the “Guyana Gold Board Act”. “The precise mandate of the Board is to carry on the business of trading in gold. Since its inception, the Board has been buying and selling gold on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana. “However, a secondary mandate is for the board to engage in “other related commercial or industrial activities. This secondary occupation has not received sufficient attention over the past two plus decades.” He said that the gold coins represent a bold step in this direction. “I daresay that in the not too distant future Guyanese, and foreigners alike, will be able to purchase ingots as investments or as gifts, which will be accompanied with a
from 2015 when this administration came into office to present, have borne bountiful fruit - evidenced by record gold production and declarations of 3,068,648 ozs which brought revenue of US$3,792,066 in direct revenue for the state.” He paid tribute to artist Dillon Craig, who was present at the ceremony.
Guyana stands to lose as... From page 18 of how the negotiation process went about. While Global Witness appeared to chide Trotman for refusing expert advice, the Clyde & Co report states that ExxonMobil may have pressured Government to agree to the deal in a very short period of time, so that it could not realize its own strength. What is clear from the Clyde & Co report is that ExxonMobil steered the entire process.
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Wednesday February 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
GRA, GPSU sign recognition agreement for workers
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A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
L-R Patrick Yarde, Charles Ogle and Godfrey Statia Yesterday, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) formalized their relationship by signing an agreement for Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes at the Department of Labour. The GPSU is now the recognized union to represent less than half of the workers of the authority.
In all, the tax collection agency has about 1,300 workers.It will be left up to the union to work to recruit more workers now.GPSU has been reportedly working for an agreement over a decade now.At the signing were GRA’s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia, President of GPSU, Patrick Yarde, and Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle.
Vagrant murder PI begins …Six witnesses testify The preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Andrew Benjamin who was found with stab wounds to his neck on November 11, 2019, commence in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, yesterday.The defendant, 24year-old Devon Johnson of Cummings Street, Bourda, Georgetown, was deemed fit to stand trial earlier this month for two counts of murder. Yesterday when the matter was called, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers called six witnesses to testify. The witnesses that testified were Sergeant Orlan Alleyne; Constable Adosafi Felix, Corporal Dwayne Harvey; Lance Corporal Persaud, the mother of the deceased, Elaine Benjamin, and her daughter, Simone Adonis. After the witnesses testified the defendant who is unrepresented declined to cross-examine them. The PI is scheduled to continue today, when the prosecutor is expected to call more witnesses to testify. Johnson made his first court appearance on December 4, 2019, before the Chief Magistrate when the two indictable charges were read to him. The first charge stated that on November 11, 2019, at Regent Street, Georgetown,
he murdered Andrew Benjamin. The second charge alleges that on the same date, and at the same location, he murdered Raymond Samaroo. However, according to advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), two separate preliminary inquiries should be conducted for the killing of Benjamin and Samaroo both of whom were killed on the same date, just hours apart.According to information, on the day in question around 02:30hrs, Benjamin was asleep on the pavement when a male individual, who was armed with a knife, approached him and dealt him several stab wounds about his body before making good his escape. Benjamin was discovered lying in a pool of blood at the junction of Regent and Light Streets, Georgetown. Later that day, about 21:30hrs, Samaroo was standing on the pavement by Household Plus when a man approached him, whipped out a knife and dealt him several stabs before making good his escape.When Johnson was revealed as the suspect, he was arrested; there were reports of him being mentally unsound. However, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the defendant was charged for murder.
Wednesday February 19, 2020
Guyana lifts first million barrels... From page 3 successful buyer of the Government’s first three cargoes, with each cargo being approximately a million barrels of crude. The selection of the successful bidder was based not only on Shell’s global supply and trading capability but also on a competitive sale with favourable payment terms. The sale of the first three cargoes has been concluded on a Dated Brent price basis, which reflects the tradable, spot market value of crude oil.The Department of Energy (DE) has also indicated that it will be launching a Request for Proposal (RFP) shortly to recruit a marketing
firm, on a term basis, to assist the Department in selling Guyana’s future crude entitlement.Dr. Bynoe said the contract does deliver for Guyana and Guyanese and the Department is most proud to be part of the process. He said that Guyanese can look forward to even further revenue being generated to take the country along the economic paradigm that we have set ourselves.“This has been quite a momentous occasion looking at how far Guyana has come over the past four years and nine months, from conceptualisation to actual fruition, where we begin to see production. Guyana is
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having her first lift and given the fact that it is our first lift, this is important to us, not only to see this but to bring the level of assurance to Guyanese that it is no more just a concept, it is actually a reality,” the Director said. Dr. Bynoe was accompanied by Ms. Joanna Simmons, Senior Legal Officer and Ms. Virginia Markouizou, Crude Marketing Specialist, both of the Department of Energy; Mr. Rod Henson, Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGL) and Ms. Janelle Persaud, Public Affairs and Governance Advisor, EEPGL.
GECOM pushes for new laws which will allow disable persons to vote independently
MAN APPOINTS AND GOD ... From page 5 single recommendation in that report has been implemented. Finally, should any professional law enforcement organization such as Scotland Yard or the New York Police Department or the Gendarmerie Nationale of France or INTERPOL be commissioned to do a comparative analysis of the performance and delivery of service by the GPF in crime fighting and public safety and security over last five years of the PPP/C’s administration compared to those of the last
five years of the APNU+AFC’s the results of that analysis will probably blow the APNU+AFC’s propaganda to smithereens. Mr Granger is on record claiming that; “There is no way the PPP should be allowed to control security in this country again”. And that “I cannot put that man in charge of the GDF again! ...Right now I’m trying to clean up the mess at the Police Force.”Mr. Granger appears to be confused over what he has control over as a caretaker President and what
he doesn’t have as a Presidential Candidate.Right now, he is fighting to hold on to power. The PPP/C is fighting to get into power while the peripheral parties are fighting to get a piece of the action.There is no certainty that Mr. Granger’s self-fulfilling prophecies will be realized. There is no guarantee that he will be the next president of Guyana. Mr. Granger seems to have forgotten that ‘Man appoints and God disappoints.’ Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
GECOM Chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh along with members of the Blind society and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Lynch at the event “Section 133 of the Representation of the People Act confers a right to vote by proxy for persons who are unable, or likely to be unable to, by reason of blindness or another physical incapacity
to go in person to the polling place.” If able to go and vote unaided, this method of voting does not always go well with persons with disabilities, since there is concern that
they cannot guarantee that the individual will vote in conformity with instruction of the visually impaired, unless you may have a close relative or friend.“While GECOM is (Continued on page 29)
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GECOM pushes for new laws which allow... From page 27 sympathetic to these complaints it is necessary to have this legislation implemented.” This is according to Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh. Speaking at the “Voters Education Campaign Launch for Persons with Disabilities,” that was held in the conference room of the national library, yesterday morning, Ms Singh stated that in keeping with the inclusionary measures, GECOM will do more for persons with disabilities when it comes to their rights to vote independently. Also speaking at the event were, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, Founder of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Ganesh Singh, and Chairman of Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons
with Disabilities (GCOPD), Mr. Cecil Morris. Ganesh Singh stated that it is fundamental for persons with disabilities to fully understand their rights as voters and also it should be within their powers to execute those rights independently. “We are in the process of developing some audio clips and brochures that will be forwarded to the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM), so that the Election Day staff can be fully aware on how to interact and communicate with persons living with disabilities,” Mr. Singh explained. Mr. Singh further explained that since general election is mere weeks from now, he is fully aware that all recommendations submitted by Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) to GECOM cannot be imple-
mented for the upcoming general election. However, GCOPD will be lobbying for legislatives to be put in place so that disable persons will be able to vote independently for the 2025 election. The recommendations that were sent to GECOM on behalf of the disable society are that options be available so that blind and visually impaired Guyanese can vote privately and independently; Special instruction for voters who are deaf and ramps and slip resistant surfaces for the physically impaired. Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) is requesting that these three measures be put in place at every polling station across Guyana, so that disable persons can be comfortable when casting their respective vote.
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Copa flight delayed after crew-members fall sick A Copa Airlines flight was delayed for about 12 hours yesterday after two crewmembers complained of pains. According to airport officials, a pilot and a stewardess were the one affected. The plane finally left around 3pm yesterday.According to one passenger, the Copa flight to Panama was supposed to have left at 3am.A number of persons had checked in since midnight. Passengers said they were told two crewmembers had fallen ill, and
did not want to fly. Passengers said they were highly inconvenienced. There were no statements, from Copa or otherwise on the delays.Guyana, like the rest of the world, is in a state of alert following a deadly outbreak of CoronaVirus, in China. Thousands are ill with several hundreds dead. A number of countries have reported deaths and quarantines while Guyana has joined in restricting travel from China.
A Copa flight was delayed for hours yesterday after two crewmembers fell ill. (Mike Charles photo)
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Guyana Mixed Marital Arts Karate Regal Masters are GSCL Association hosts first annual championship Inc Republic Cup T20...
Students and instructors of The Guyana Mixed Marital Arts Karate Association take a photo after they held their first annual Marital Arts Championship for the year.
Wednesday February 19, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A friend, perhaps a woman, could well be upset or even a n g r y w i t h y o u t o d a y. Money might be involved in some way. There may be nothing you can do to reassure her at this time
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may have a wonderful day today, Libra. Your imagination, intuition, and creativity are all high, and inspiration for new artistic works could be filling your heart and brain.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Is your boss a woman, Taurus? If so, stay out of her way today. To put it mildly, she isn’t in a good mood. Work hard, be very sweet to everyone, and make copious use of your innate diplomacy.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your home could be a very busy place today. Visitors could come and go throughout the day, probably annoying you at times. Try to stay calm and focused and you'll get through the day.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Travel may cause more problems than it's worth today, Gemini. You may forget some vital items when packing or there could be too little time to get everything ready.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Someone you work with might need a sympathetic shoulder to cry on today. Stresses on the job extend beyond everyone's capacity to endure.
CANCER(June21–July22) Finances may cause an upset between you and a friend today, Cancer. Perhaps this person owes you money and can't pay it back, or vice versa.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Children or possibly some close friends or a love interest could be upset today, Capricorn. The financial coffers aren't full enough to afford something they think they absolutely have to have right now.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A social event could put you in touch with someone who's carrying around a lot of bitterness and anger, Leo. This probably won't be very pleasant for you. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The workplace could be very hectic today as a colleague prepares to leave on an important business trip, Virgo. Nerves could be strained and tempers short. Try to stay focused and get everything necessary done without making yourself crazy.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Worry about a family member may be on your mind today. This person could be all wrought up over work, money, or possibly a love affair that's broken off. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Uneasy feelings may be plaguing you throughout the day, Pisces. There could appear to be no valid reason for this. Everything seems to be going well for you.
The Guyana Mixed Marital Arts Karate Association held their first annual Marital Arts Championship last Sunday at the New Diamond/Grove Primary School. All six Marital Arts Academies that fall under The Guyana Mixed Marital Arts Karate Association participated. These branches are located in Alberttown, Vreed-en-Hoop, La Parfait Harmony, Belle West, New Diamond/Grove Primary School and in Cummings Lodge. Students of those various branches, who did excellent, will be selected to go on The Guyana Classics of Classic Marital Arts Tournament scheduled for April. From the Classics they will be selected to go in Brazil for an International tournament fixed for November. They have already selected a team for the New Jersey tournament in May. Anyone interested in learning this art, whether male or female, can contact the association on telephone numbers:698-6727,673-0823,6987456 and 681-1701.
Sankar, Kadir spurs... From page 39 smashed Ramcharran for a straight six and a four past extra-cover off consecutive deliveries before John off drove Sankar for a boundary before he was bowled by Budhoo for nine at 118-7. Ramesh Seeram (10) struck around a bit before he was bowled by Budhoo. Dass hit Budhoo onto the Lawn Tennis Court before whipping John Persaud like a bullet to the backward square boundary but the pacer had the last laugh when the pugnacious Dass skied him to midoff to end the innings. The last round is set for tomorrow with President’s XI facing Demerara at Bourda and unbeaten Berbice battling Essequibo at Lusignan. The top two teams will clash in Saturday’s final at Bourda.
From page 33 Khemraj Ramjattan congratulated the winners and lauded the organsiers for their dedication. President of the GSCL Inc Ian John said that Regal Masters have played well, adding that this match is of much significance since it coincides with Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary. He said that the participating teams played competitive cricket not only in this tournament, but at the start of the season and Wellman Masters were the team to beat as they have shown significant improvement and this augurs well for the sport. He spoke about the softball fixture next Friday at Providence between Regal All stars and Speedboat starting at 14:00hrs. He indicated that Regal will be hosting a fund raiser next weekend at GNIC SC to aid
in their participation in the Orlando Cup which is set for March. John thanked Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall for this input towards the development of sport locally. Captain of Regal Masters Mahendra Hardyal said he is happy with the win more so since they have had mixed fortunes recently. “In these major tournaments we have been showing our worth and today is of no exception.” He credited his players on their performance and noted that their experience played an important role in the win. Hardyal said that his team preparation for the Orlando Cup has been going well and sounded a warning to their rivals, stating that his players are eager to bring home the title and they will definitely take their ‘a game’ to that competition.
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Regal Masters are GSCL Inc Republic Cup T20 champs 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 breakthrough 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 and Dennis Mangru took the fight to the opposition with an unbroken seven-wicket stand of 78 to prop up the total. Mohabir struck one four and two sixes in a top score of 33, while Mangru made 31 with one four and one six. Singh finished with 2-37 while Harper was other wicket taker with 1-19. Regal Masters were reduced to 6-2 in the chase as Devanan Khanan bowled Mahendra Hardyal (01) and Ramesh Deonarine (00), but Yusuf and Harper steadied the innings nicely with a third-wicket partnership of 59. The right-handed Yusuf showed his attacking prowess as he slammed eight fours and two sixes before he was bowled by Mohan for 52. Harper was involved in another useful partnership with Khemchand Dindyal before he was removed by Mohan for 23 which included a solitary boundary.
Fisherman Masters struck twice in quick succession as Mohabir removed Dindyal for 23 and Eon Abel (01) to give his team some hope, but Mohendra Arjune and Rudolph Baker steered the ship to safety as they put on an unbeaten seven-wicket stand of 34; Regal Masters ended on 140-6 in 17.3 overs. Arjune made 17 and Baker 15. Mohan, Khanan and Mohabir took two wickets each. Earlier, Regal Masters beat Wellman Masters by 19 runs. Batting first, Regal Masters managed 206-5. Ramesh Deonarine stroked 84 while Baker made 37 not out, Yusuf 36 and Mahendra Hardyal 33. Imtiaz Mohamed and Wayne Jones took two wickets each. Wellman Masters responded with 187-7. Hardat Heeranandan scored 59 while Troy Lewis made 26, Lloyd Ruplall 24, Greg De Franca 18 and Jones 16. Eric Thomas took 2-18. Fisherman Masters beat East Coast Masters by 81 runs. Fisherman Masters batted first and posted 218-7. Robert Mohan made 52; Troy Ramsaywack scored 43 and
Stanley Mohabir 20. East Coast Masters responded with 137 all out in 17.3 overs.
Mohan took 3-13 and Pooran Singh 3-24. Speaking at the
presentation ceremony, Minister of Public Security (Continued on page 32)
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Wednesday February 19, 2020
Messi, Hamilton joint winners of Sportsman of the Year at Laureus Awards (Reuters) - Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi were declared joint winners of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in Berlin on Monday, with the voting tied for the first time in the awards’ 20-year history. Mercedes driver Hamilton won his sixth world championship in 2019, with 11 race wins and 17 podium finishes, while Messi was crowned the world’s best player for a record sixth time when he won the Ballon d’Or. American gymnast Simone Biles, who became the most decorated gymnast in world championship history when she won her 25th medal last year, won her third Sportswoman of the Year
gong after winning the award in 2017 and 2019. The South African rugby team, which won the World Cup in Japan last year for the third time in history, were crowned the Team of the Year, beating European soccer champions Liverpool and women’s soccer World Cup winners United States. German NBA star Dirk Nowitzki, who retired last year after a 21-year career in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to basketball. Meanwhile, the Spanish Basketball Federation was recognized with the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award after the men’s World Cup triumph last
year while the women have won three of the last four EuroBasket titles. German Formula Three driver Sophia Floersch, who fractured her spine in an aerial crash at the Macau Grand Prix in Nov. 2018 that required an 11-hour surgery to fix, made the Comeback of the Year after getting back into the cockpit last year. Former Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run scorer of all time in international cricket, had the support of a cricketcrazy nation to win a fan vote for the award for the best Sporting Moment from the last two decades. In his sixth and final oneday international World Cup in 2011, Tendulkar finally got his hands on the title as India won on home soil and he was
carried on his team mates’ shoulders for a lap of honor. List of winners: Sportsman of the Year: Lewis Hamilton and Lionel Messi Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles Team of the Year: South Africa Men’s Rugby Team Breakthrough of the Year: Egan Bernal Comeback of the Year: Sophia Floersch Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Oksana Masters Action Sportsperson of the Year: Chloe Kim Best Sporting Moment: ‘Carried on the shoulders of a nation’ – Sachin Tendulkar Lifetime Achievement Award: Dirk Nowitzki Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement
Simone Biles (Getty Images) Award: Spanish Basketball Federation
Laureus Sport for Good Award: South Bronx United
Tucville, Soesdyke lead latest FBF, NSC, AL Sport Windball Cricket Tucville and Soesdyke girls lead the latest Forbes Burnham Foundation (FBF), National Sports Commission (NSC) and AL Sport & Tour Promotions “Hit It For 50” Schools Windball Cricket competition. Latest Results show in the Girls department Tucville Secondary scored 120-2 with Raynetta Adams 77 to defeat
Queenstown Secondary whom they restricted to 80-3 off the allotted overs. Keisha Rawlins hit 30, while Raynetta Adams took 2-31 for the winners. Soesdyke Secondary scored 140-1; Richard Ishmael Secondary fell short at 76 -1 with Akalla Rampratop hitting 58. University of Guyana hit 72-0, Akeza Thompson 34; Mae’s Secondary 11-3.
Kerissa Christian took 2-wkts. In the Boys department Charlestown Government Secondary made 85-5; Sudin Kamal 24: Javan Bishop 2-18 to beat Brickdam Secondary with 76-2. Domaneeh Wills hit 32 in a losing effort. The Business School 1202 with Brandon Dhanraj 54; Saint Joseph’s High fell just short at 116-3; Lorenzo Ragunandan made 68.
Wednesday February 19, 2020
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CU20 Qualifying – Group A
Solid all-round display allowed Guyana the win – Coach Dover In maintaining their unbeaten run thus far in Group A of the of 2020 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifying taking place at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium in Managua. Nicaragua, Guyana’s young ‘Golden Jaguars’ has notched their third consecutive win at this level. In 2018 the young Guyanese downed El Salvador 2-0 in Florida, USA, took care of Montserrat 6-0 on Saturday evening last in Nicaragua before recording their first ever win over St. Vincent & the Grenadines at this level in four encounters. Under-20 Head Coach Wa y n e ‘ Wi g g y ’ D o v e r s u m m e d u p t h e t e a m ’s performance: “Our game against St. Vincent started at a fast pace with them in control of the first 25 minutes. During that period they created three chances that forced our goalkeeper into action where he made a couple of spectacular saves to keep a clean Group A Point’s Table Country G Nicaragua 2 Guyana 2 Saint Vincent 1 US Virgin Is. 1 Montserrat 2
W 2 2 0 0 0
Wayne Dover sheet. After the 25th minute, we came into our own and took control of the latter part of the half and scored during that period to take a 1 nil lead at halftime. Osafa Simpson it was who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute against the team known as ‘Vincy Heat’ but even the heat that they brought to the park was absorbed by the ‘Golden Jaguars’ who in turn fired a heat of their own which the Vincentians could not D 0 0 0 0 0
L 0 0 1 1 2
GF 12 9 0 0 0
handle. Months of intense training which the GFF invested in and the commitment of the players is paying the dividends now. The Vincentians obviously came out all cylinders running in the second half as they sought the equaliser but the high fitness levels of the Guyanese and the cohesiveness of the unit was unbreakable. Simpson netted his second of the match as well as Guyana’s second in the GA 0 0 3 8 10
+/12 9 -3 -8 -10
Pts 6 6 0 0 0
47th minute while Omari Glasgow scored his second of the tournament in the 68th minute to seal the deal for Guyana. Dover also summarised the second half play: “SVG started in position one, high pressing. They left lots of space behind and we exploited that space to score our second goal. They continued to high press in search of a goal to reduce the deficit; however, we defended resolutely to deny them space to create any scoring opportunities. In one of their offensive moves, they lost possession high up the field and we played off the counter attack
to score our third goal.” A few days off then it would be back to business for the Guyanese who will next play the US Virgin Islands on Friday night aiming to also keep a clean sheet and maximize their goals column as they sir second in the group behind host Nicaragua which defeated Montserrat 40 in the feature match on Monday night. “It is time for the players to come back to earth to refocus on the mission ahead. USVI isn’t a walk in the park and no game is easy. We have to ensure no complacency steps in where the players and staff starts thinking the team is easy to
beat and we have achieved already. We have to approach the game with a level of seriousness and confidence. We have to be disciplined and play hard like in the previous games to continue with the good results.” Only the group winner will advance to the next stage of qualifying. The match of the group would no doubt be against Nicaragua on Sunday night.
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BCB/RHTYSC/Nand Persaud Co. Ltd 50 Overs female Tournament
Smartt inspires New Amsterdam/ Canje to runner up spot Former West Indies player Tremayne Smartt on Saturday last, proved that she still has a lot left in the tank by turning in a brilliant allround performance to lead her team New Amsterdam/ Canje to an easy victory over West Berbice in the Berbice Cricket Board/ RHTYSC/Nand Persaud Co. Ltd 50 overs Female tournament. Smartt top scored with an unbeaten 75 before taking 3 wickets to lead her team to the runner up position in the three team’s female tournament. Rose H a l l To w n M e t r o h a d defeated West Berbice by a whopping 326 runs and New Amsterdam/Canje by 96 runs last week to emerge as Champions. New/Amsterdam/Canje won the toss and elected to bat first. They amassed 262 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs. Smart top scored with 75 which included four boundaries and received support from R. Grimmond
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Kaieteur News
32 and Ashmini Munisar 27. Devona Frank 1 for 36 (10 Overs), T. Isaacs 1 for 41 (9 Overs) and D. Small 2 for 32 were the successful bowlers for West Berbice, who showed remarkable improvement from their first match against RHT Metro. Needing to score 263 from 50 overs to win, West Berbice were bowled out for 117 with national players Kantana Mentore scoring 41 not out. Smartt 3 for 25 and Under 19 medium pacer Jamie Campbelle 3 for 34 were the main bowlers for the home team. BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that he was fully aware that enough female cricket is not played in Guyana and this is a major frustration for the female cricketers. This, Foster stated is due to the fact that the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club is the only club in Guyana to have a full
Tremayne Smartt (Getty Images) female team. He urged other established clubs to invest in female cricket and committed the BCB in 2020 to organise several other tournaments along with numerous developmental programme for females. A special thanks was expressed to the RHTYSC, MS and the Management of the Nand Persaud Co. Ltd for their support.
Premium Asphalt and T/R Construction Lower Corentyne 20/20 Tournament
Hicks and Lewis spearheaded Rose Hall Town Tigers to semifinals Former national player Delbert Hicks at the age of 36, continues to dominate cricket in Berbice as he spearheaded his team, Rose Hall Tigers to an easy victory over Albion Open in the playoffs of the Berbice Cricket Board/Premium Asphalt and T/ R Construction tournament. Rose Hall Town has now advanced to the semifinals of the tournament, which is been organised by nineteen teams in the Lower Corentyne area. Rose Hall Town Bakewell andAlbion CC are debarred from playing in the tournament.
Batting first after winning the toss at the Area ‘H’Ground, Rose Hall Town Tigers amassed 184 for 5 from their allotted 20 overs. Delbert Hicks scored a brisk 78 which included six boundaries and five sixes. Verapen Permaul supported with an unbeaten 43, while Mark Papannah and Khemraj Mahadeo chipped in with 18 and 13. Z. Zieker and P. Baldeo took two wickets for 25 and 32 respectively from 4 overs. Albion Open CC in return were never allowed to score freely as the home team bowlers bowled a tight line. They only
reached 133 for 7 when the 20 overs expired to lose by 51 runs. Andy Naidu 40, T. Jainarine 22, D. Rengasami 21 and P. Baldeo 16 were the principal scorers for the visitors. Therbhuwan Jagdeo took 2 for 19 from 4 overs, while left arm spinner Randolph Lewis took 3 for 25 from 4 overs. Rose Hall Town Tigers would now play Ramnarine Memorial in the lone semifinal. The winner of the playoff between archrivals Fyrish and Chesney would advance to the finals.
Persaud half century hands McGill Super Stars mammoth win Travis Persaud struck a fine half century to hand McGill Super Stars a 152-run victory over Windsor Forest CC when the West Demerara Cricket Association Beacon Café 50 overs competition continued on Sunday last. Asked to bat at The Okoo Cricket Ground in Canal Number One, McGill Super Stars posted a challenging 247 all out in 39.5 overs. Persaud struck nine fours and two sixes in a top score of 85, while Keshram Seyhodan and Daniel Basdeo made 39 each and Prahalad Singh 20. Avinash Ganesh bagged 5-36 while Kishan Tracy took 2-35. Windsor Forest CC were bowled out for 95 in 25.3 overs. Ganesh made 47 with one four and five sixes, while Abdullah Wazidalli 24. Abdul Razack grabbed 3-6, Seyhodan 3-27 and Diquan Murray 2-21. Independence A gained a walk over from Malvern. WDCA Golden Republic T20 Cornelia Ida CC beat All Youths Cricket
Club by 99 runs when the West Demerara Cricket Association President’s T20 continued on Sunday last. Batting first at Meten-Meer-Zorg ground, Cornelia Ida managed 139-7 in 18 overs. Ajita Persaud made 28, Avishkar Ramgobin scored 27 not out and Arshad Ali 24; Abid Hanif claimed 2-17 and Zahir Azeez 2-23. All Youths SC were bowled out for 40 in 14.2 overs in reply. Royale Melville made 10 as Akshaya Persaud captured 4-9; Harrinarine Bissondyal had 3-5 while Richie Looknauth took two wickets. All Youths A beat Dynasty by one run at Canal Number Two. All Youths A batted first and managed 128-6 in 14.3 overs. Sanjay Persaud scored 40 and Jhadesh Persaud 24; Irshad Ali took 2-3. Dynasty responded with 127 all out in 13.5 overs. Marvin Cheong made 22 and Ali 18 as Aamir Imran captured 3-25 and Budhan Baksh 2-16.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 19, 2020
BCB/RHTYSC/ Natasha Gangoo Tribute Trophy
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Gajnabi, Samaroo spearhead Rose Hall Town Metro to 65 runs victory over West Berbice
West Indies player Erva Giddings handed over a collection of gifts to Natasha Gangoo (left).
W
est Indies p l a y e r Shabika Gajnabi and former Guyana Under-19 player Marian Samaroo both impressed with the bat to spearhead their team, Rose Hall Town Metro to an easy 65 runs victory over West Berbice in a specially arranged match at the Bush Lot Ground, West Coast Berbice in honour of former Berbice and Guyana female cricketer Natasha Gangoo. The match was organised by the Berbice Cricket Board with support from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS in honour of
Gangoo who has retired from the game after two decades of service to the Ancient County. Rose Hall Town Metro won the toss and elected to bat first after preparation moisture delayed the game by one hour. They reached an impressive 182 for 7 from their allotted 30 overs. Skipper Shabika Gajnabi top scored with an attractive 73 which included eleven boundaries, while Samaroo supported with a solid 50, which included four sweetly struck boundaries. The pair added 120 runs for the 2nd wicket after former West Indies pacer Tremayne
Smartt bowled Kimmone Thomas for 02 in the first over with the score on 6 for 1. Oma Matadin 16 and Kassie Munroe supported Gajnabi and Samaroo. Needing to score 183 to lift the Natasha Gangoo Tribute Trophy, the home team found themselves reeling at 13 for 3 in the fourth over as former West Indies left arm pacer Erva Giddings bowled T. George for 00, while Sherika Campbelle was also dismissed for 10, Duherte 00 and A. Fordyce 03. Smartt returned with the bat to scored 36 and received support from Kantana
Natasha Gangoo (left) hands over winning trophy to Gajnabi skipper of RHT Metro Female team. Mentore 21 not out, R. Liverpool 22 and Trea Isaacs 10 as West Berbice ended on 117 for 8 off their 30 overs. Gangoo playing in her final match was unbeaten on 05. Plaffina Millington, Kassie Munroe, Sherika Campbelle and Erva Giddings took two wickets a piece for 12, 13, 11 and 10 respectively for Rose Hall Town Metro. The Gangoo Tribute Trophy was the second in 2020 for the visitors after they had earlier in the month, l i f t e d t h e BCB/RHTYSC/Nand
Persaud 50 overs female tournament. BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed Gangoo as a pioneer of female cricket in Berbice and described her as a positive role model to the young generation of female players. He expressed gratitude to her for the two decades of service to Berbice and stated that as long as he remains the BCB President, every hero in the county shall be recognized and honoured. He urged Gangoo to share her vast experience
with her younger peers as it inspires them to greater heights. The BCB and RHTYSC handed over a collection of gifts to the retired player, while both teams honoured Gangoo by giving her a special bat salute as she left the ground for the final time. Gangoo als o handed over the winning trophy to RHT Metro’s skipper Shabika Gajnabi. A grateful and emotional Gangoo expressed gratitude to the BCB for honouring her on her retirement.
Nedd hoping for good performances Teams finalized for Golden Republic T20 Bash from IGG Volleyball squad he highly anticipated Golden Boat in a softball match to get things going in
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Female Team Coach Errol Fingal (left) Levi Nedd (centre) and members of the female team.
The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) will be participating in the 3rd Annual IGG U21 Male and Female tournament which is scheduled to serve off once again in French Guiana from February 25 - March 1, 2020. Speaking with GVF President Levi Nedd, he stated that this year he is hoping the male team goes all out to regain that title, which in 2019 due to some bad officiating cost his team from winning. Nedd informed that, “While on the female side, generally in Guyana, there is still
a lot of work needs to be done, I can that say that when it comes to these overseas tournaments there is not much to select from.” “But the team travelling I am looking forward to them to lift their game on that big stage,” the veteran coach and administrator opined. The touring squad includes 10 Females, 12 males along with Chaperone and Asst Female Coach Odile Brooms, Coach Errol Fingal, while Nedd is in charge of the male group.
Republic T20 Bash just gathered significant momentum with the naming of the sides to go head to head in the feature clash at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday February 21 from 6 PM. In addition to captains Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer, for Rutherford Renegades and Hetmyer Hurricanes respectively there are a number of other international and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) stars that should give good account of themselves as Guyana celebrates 50 years as a Republic nation this year. The Hurricanes have picked Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons, former West Indies T20 allrounder Christopher Barnwell, West Indies Under-19 World Cup 2020 players Kevlon Anderson and Ashmead Nedd and impressive rookie fast bowler Nial Smith, while West Indies opener Chandrapaul Hemraj, West Indies B captain Anthony Bramble, all-rounders Rayad Emrit, Raymon Reifer and current Jaguars captain Leon Johnson will take the field for the Renegades. On February 23, 1970 Guyana became a Co-operative Republic and the match is part of a doubleheader to observe the nation’s golden jubilee. At 2 PM national champions Regal AllStars will take on their archrivals Ariel Speed
what is expected an electric atmosphere. The day’s event is organized by the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Guyana Cricket Board. Tickets are on sale at the Guyana Cricket Board office at Regent road Bourda for $2,000 for any stand and vehicle parking passes are $1,000 each. Teams: Hetmyer Hurricanes; Shimron Hetmyer (captain), Trevon Griffith, Lendl Simmons, Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Christopher Barnwell, Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, Ashmead Nedd, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Qumar Torrington, Richie Looknauth, Vishal Singh, Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Technical Director), Steven Jacobs (Coach), Akshaya Persaud (Manager) and Neil Barry Jr. (Physiotherapist). Rutherford Renegades; Sherfane Rutherford (captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Jonathan Foo, Anthony Bramble, Leon Johnson, Raymon Reifer, Tevin Imlach, Kevin Sinclair, Rayad Emrit, Quintin Sampson, Joshua Jones, Ramaal Lewis, Keon Joseph, Ricardo Adams, Esuan Crandon (Technical Director), Veerasammy Permaul (Coach), Devendra Bishoo (Manager) and Ernest Campo Gonzalez (Physiotherapist).
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday February 19, 2020
Aurora Knight Riders are South/Central Essequibo T/20 Champions
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layed in overcast condition at the picturesque Imam Bacchus Cricket Ground last Sunday, Aurora Knight Riders stunned favourites Imam Bacchus B u l l s v i a t h e Duckworth/Lewis method to claim their maiden T/20 title in the final of the South/Central Essequibo T/20 Cricket Tournament. After winning the toss and opting to take first strike on a slow track and fast outfield, the Knight Riders were off to a flying start when Man of the Match Quasie Reedon dumped pacer Lallbachan Narine onto the roof of the players’ pavilion. The powerfully built Reedon, fresh off a half century in the semi final against Affiance Sport Club, continue to be positive as he found a liking for Lallbachan, hammering him for three bullet-like boundaries. Watched by a fair sized and vocal crowd, off spinner Wa y n e O s b o r n e w a s introduced and immediately reaped success when he had the left handed Norwayne
Aurora Knight Riders take a photo following their triumph. Fredericks well taken at point for 5. The experienced Ravi Beharry batting at number three joined forces with Reedon who was quick to pounce on anything short and loose and put together a workmanlike 28 runs second wicket partnership. The introduction of pacer Neiland Cadogan paid dividend as he quickly accounted for Beharry, comprehensively beaten and bowled, while Anand Maniram (4) and Garfield Phillips (2) were both caught b e h i n d o ff t h e l i v e l y Cadogan. Deoraj Dindyal and skipper Saieef Ally then staged a painstaking 15 runs partnership before Osborne,
bowling flat and fast had Dindyal playing a loose shot and was well taken by Sheldon Charles on the long off boundary for 13. The Knight Riders’ innings quickly folded for 94 in 17.3 overs with Parmesh Parsotam and Osborne doing the damage. The level headed Ally was left stranded on 14. Bowling for the Bulls, Osborne grabbed 3-18, Cadogan 3-8 and Parsotam 3-15. Needing 95 to claim another competition title, the Bulls started off watchfully with openers Sheldon Charles and Wayne Osborne taking no chances against a
spirited Knight Riders attack. However, with the score on 12, Charles was run out for 6 attempting a quick single. Parmesh Parsotam (2) joined Osborne but did not last long as left arm spinner Garfield Phillips trapped him LBW. With the rain evident in mind, Osborne tried to get things ‘over quickly’ but was brilliantly caught in the deep
this event will cover a distance of five furs with the champion taking home $100,000, runner up $50,000, third place $25,000 and fourth place $13,000. J3 and lower for a distance of six furs; first place will pocket $160,000, runner up $80,000, third place $40,000 and fourth place $20,000. Three years old Guyana bred open; this race will goes for seven furs with the winner collecting $250,000, runner up $125,000, third place $63,000 and fourth place $32,000. The races will run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority and entries will be closed on March 22. No late entries will be accepted. Entries can be made through Ivan Dipnarine 331 0316, Mr. Kennard 623 7609, Fazal Habibulla 657 7010, Dennis Deroop 640 6396 and Campton Sancho 691 1174.
Jaguars allrounder Ricardo Adams found the going tough against some penetrative bowling and were all out for a paltry 69 in their 15 overs contest. Badesh Parsotam claimed 320, while the competition’s leading wicket taker Devindra Narine took 2-10. The very young and discipline Affiance Sports Club outfit made light work of the Masters’ bowling, eventually racing to 70-5 in 13 overs with Ishwar Singh leading the way with a fluent 40 which contained four well timed boundaries. Sheldon Charles received an award for the batsman with the most runs, while Devindra Narine took home the award for the bowler with the most wickets. Wayne Osborne was voted the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Romello Crawford rides away with inaugural Seven Seas Cycle road race in Berbice - Starts 2020 in fine fashion with two wins in two weeks
KMTC Phagwah meet set for March 29 at Bush Lot The Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) will host its annual Phagwah meet on March 29 at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. Six races are carded for the day with the feature event being the C and Lower race which covers a distance of one mile and carries a top prize of $600,000 with the runner up taking home $300,000, third place pocketing $150,000 and fourth place $75,000. Other races carded are K-non winner and L open for six furlongs and fetches a winning purse of $120,000 while the runner up will take home $60,000, third place $30,000 and fourth place $15,000, H3-winner of one race and Guy bred open, this goes for a distance of seven furs and will see the winner carting off $250,000, runner up $125,000, third place $63,000 and fourth place $32,000. L-non earners at the five recognise track;
of Fredericks for 15. Yogeshwar Lall (6) and Mohindra Balbadar were at the wicket at 37-3 when the Heavens opened causing the players to scampered off the field. With the rain failing to stop, the Knight Riders were declared winners having been 8 runs ahead on the D/L method. Off spinner Fredericks had 1-10 while the dependable Phillips took 1-8. Aurora Knight Riders collected the championship trophy along with a cash incentive while Bacchus Bulls walked away with the runner up trophy and a cash incentive as well. Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, Affiance Sports Club hammered Invader Masters. Asked to bat on a wicket with lots of preparation moisture, the Masters without Guyana
Race winner Romello Crawford (6th from left) shares a hug and smile with Massey Branch Manager Wazin Ali at centre as other top riders, staff and organisers also share the moment.
Top Berbice cyclist Romello Crawford has started the 2020 cycling season on a high note with two wins in two weeks so far for the year. Crawford was in top form as he rode away with the Inaugural Seven Seas 40mile Cycle Race which was held on Sunday and sponsored by Massey. The event, which was organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC), was for Berbice cyclists only. The event rode off from the junction of Main and Alexander Street; New Amsterdam proceeded to Ta k i G a s S t a t i o n a t Adventure Corentyne before turning back to finish at its point of origin. Crawford won from a field of 17 in a time of two hours, 20 minutes. However, Crawford did not have it all his way as he was pushed to
the finishing line by Balram Narine and Ajay Gopilall who finished second and third. Ralph Sewnarine finished fourth and Jason Sampson fifth. The top finishers were in a leading group that broke away early with the lead changing hands constantly as the riders jostled for early dominance. Mario Washington got the better of Jeremiah Joseph as the two continue their duel in the Juvenile Category. The race among the 12-14 cyclists was won by Richard Crandon with Aaron Rajnarine, Stephon Cumberbatch and Ravikant Mootoo occupying the other the sports. They rode from the Benjamin Sports Store and Fitness Gym at Courtland Corentyne to the finishing line. The 8 prime point prizes saw Crawford, Sampson and
Gopilall taking two each with Narine and Sewnarine copping one apiece. The winners and other outstanding riders were presented with their prizes by Massey Senior Berbice Branch Manager Wazim Ali and other staff members. Ali also thanked the cyclists for participating and had special words of commendation for the winners. He also thanked the FACC for organising the event and expressed happiness that the two entities can now work together. He also hinted of the company’s intention of supporting cycling in the future. The cyclists also showed respect for the late former national cyclist and businessman Jude Bentley who died recently in tragic circumstances. (Samuel Whyte)
Wednesday February 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 43
Dave’s West Indian Imports Inter-County 50-over cricket
Sankar, Kadir spur President’s XI - B’ce defeat Demerara at Lusignan to 8-Wkt win over E’bo Ariafrizal Kadir is caught by Bruce Vincent at slip after making a shot-filled 40 for the President’s XI yesterday at Everest.
Skipper Stephon Sankar took 4-26 and 25 not out yesterday for the Presidents XI at Everest yesterday.
By Sean Devers On a day blessed with glorious sunshine at Everest, the President’s XI beat Essequibo by eight wickets, while Berbice defeated defending Champions Demerara at Lusignan yesterday in the penultimate round of the Dave West Indian Imports Inter-County 50-over U-15 cricket tournament. Spearheaded by a fine all-round performance from Skipper and Man-of-thematch Stephon Sankar who followed his 4-26 with a
responsible unbeaten 25 from 84 balls and 90 minutes and a shot-fill 40 from Ariafrizal Kadir, President’s XI won their first game after being beaten by Berbice at Bourda on Sunday. Essequibo elected to bat on a good track and fast outfield and led by 46 from Adesh Dass, 32 from Shazif Mohamed and 16 from Ragindra Ramblin, reached 147 all out off 37 overs as off-spinner Sankar captured 4-25 and Afraz Ali Budhoo had 3-26. President’s X1 replied with 148-2 in 40.5 overs as Kadir who hit five fours from 52 balls in his 40 and Tularam Chitamani (16) added 80 for the first wicket. Sankar and Tulsiram Ramcharran, who faced 75 balls, then featured in an unfinished 66-run third wicket stand in 85 minutes to see President’s XI to a
comfortable win as Dass took 2-24 to follow up his 46 in a losing cause. Kadir, a 13-year-old lefthander not much taller than the stumps, followed up his 18 on Sunday with some enterprising shots, none better than an imperious back foot cut to point boundary. His straight drives were also a joy to watch while his tenacity for someone so little in age and stature were hallmarks of his batting, especially against the fast bowlers. Kadir dominated the opening partnership which was aided by sloppy fielding before Chitamani was removed by Dass at 80-1, while he had Kadir caught at slip by Bruce Vincent playing an expansive drive two runs later. But the level headed Sankar was joined by
Ramcharran under dark clouds and together they took their team to victory without hitting a single boundary. Earlier, Essequibo lost Benny Persaud (13) as Antonio Ramphal struck at 25-1 before another useful stand between Ramblin and Mohamed carried the score to 57 before Sankar trapped Ramblin LBW. Gladwin Henry fell to Sankar who also accounted for Keshav Deonarine before Budhoo got rid Vincent as three batsmen fell before they had scored in the space of a run as Essequibo collapsed from 57-1 to 61-5. When Sankar removed Mohammed, who reached the boundary thrice in his resolute 32 the score was 109-6. Dass found a useful partner in Akeem John and (Continued on page 32)
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Cu20 Qualifying – Group A
Solid all-round display allowed Guyana the win – Coach Dover
Guyana’s Under-20 Team in Nicaragua.
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal vs Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup. (REUTERS/ Sergio Perez/File Photo)
Simone Biles (Getty Images)
Messi, Hamilton joint winners of Sportsman of the Year at Laureus Awards
Lewis Hamilton (right) received his award from former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. (Getty Images)
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