Kaieteur News

Monday February 25, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Hit-and-run vehicle involved in Guyana has more than enough North Rd accident was stolen

With its massive oil reserves…

leverage to renegotiate deal with Exxon - former TT Minister By Kiana Wilburg The larger the oil find potential, the more leverage a country has to renegotiate contracts believed to be oppressive. According to Former Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications in Trinidad and Tobago, Vasant Bharath, this principle stands true in the case of Guyana. He made these and other comments during an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News in Trinidad and Tobago. The discussion focused on recent statements by his Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley. At an Energy Conference organized by TT’s Energy Chamber, Dr. Rowley had noted that moves to renegotiate oil deals with companies that were enjoying the lion’s share of his country’s resources were proving to be successful. Given TT’s success thus far, Bharath was asked to say if Guyana should pursue the same route, especially since some deem the contract it has with ExxonMobil to be lopsided. Bharath said, “If the regime that has been agreed to is oppressive to the government as it has been deemed to be for the government of Trinidad and Tobago, then clearly now is the time to renegotiate. No investor is going to turn their backs on a commercially profitable arrangement. They are here to make money...particularly in light of the oil Guyana is finding, for both Exxon and whoever else, it comes down to dollars and cents, what they can lift it out for and sell it for… “Let’s assume that like TT, Guyana believes it is getting the short end of the stick, I think the oil companies would be prepared to renegotiate on the basis that in other countries, they may not be earning even half of what they are earning in Guyana. So if they gave up some of it, they would still be earning a lot more in terms of the return on the investments they are earning in other places…” He added, “With that information, you have the ability to go back to the table and say this has to be a mutually beneficial situation... And we

TT’s Former Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications, Vasant Bharath don’t want a situation, which sees you (the oil firm) creaming off all of the profits and we are left with just the dregs and the Guyanese people are not going to benefit from their own resources…” Just last year, ExxonMobil

Stabroek Block. While the appraisals are not complete, it is expected to push oil production figures much closer to the one million mark. There are fewer than 11 countries producing one million barrels of oil per day.

“If the regime that has been agreed to is oppressive to the overnment… then clearly now is the time to renegotiate. No investor is going to turn their backs on a commercially profitable arrangement. They are here to make money...” - Former TT Minister Vasant Bharath noted that it has an “aggressive growth strategy”, which will see its earnings and cash flow from operations more than doubling. The 100 percent increase is expected to be achieved by 2025 with Guyana being central to that process. (See link for full story: h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2018/05/21/guyana-is-key-toexxonmobils-plan-to-doublecompany-earnings-by-2025/) Bharath also spoke of the recent oil finds by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block. Earlier this month, Director of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, announced that ExxonMobil’s 11th and 12th discoveries offshore Guyana were made at the Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1 wells in the southwest section of the

With such promising prospects, the Coalition Government is still refusing to renegotiate the two percent royalty and 50/50 split that it accepted from ExxonMobil during negotiations on the contract in 2016. At that time, Guyana was pegged to produce about 100, 000 barrels of oil per day. Taking the aforementioned points into consideration, Bharath said that Guyana has more than enough leverage to call for renegotiation. The former TT Minister noted that TT is producing 66,000 barrels of oil per day and renegotiation is taking place. The Trinidadian emphasized, “…Just remember, the larger the potential, the more leverage you have for demanding more…”

- Traffic Chief After two months of investigating, the police have concluded that the vehicle involved in the hit and run accident, which occurred on December 30, 2018 along North and Alexander Street, Georgetown, was stolen. Kaieteur News had reported that on the day in question, around 21:36 hrs, Shevindra Goptar, with three passengers who were coworkers, was driving west along North Road, Georgetown. Upon approaching the intersection of North Road and Alexander Street, a speeding car struck their vehicle. The driver of the Toyota Allex, bearing the number plate PLL 6520, stopped briefly alongside Goptar’s vehicle then speed away. No one was injured, but Goptar made a report at the Alberttown Police Station. Later it was discovered that the car belonged to an Enmore, East Coast Demerara woman who is reportedly the wife of a prominent businessman. However, when questioned about the vehicle, she allegedly claimed it was stolen on the night of the accident. Furthermore, the woman allegedly stated the car was found three days after, a village away. The victim claimed police ranks did little to investigate the incident. “They started to send us here, there and everywhere. Wherever we turned, no one helped,” Goptar said. Last week, Traffic Chief Linden Isles confirmed receiv-

The damaged vehicle at the accident scene ing the complaint about the accident. “We have concluded our investigations, which shows that the vehicle was stolen. Based on advice, the file was completed under that ground and we are currently pushing to indentify the driver.” A peeved Goptar said the police had failed to inform them of this development. “The police did not inform us of this conclusion; they didn’t even give us any kind of update during the investigation.” Although Traffic Chief Linden Isles had first told this

publication that there was a report about a stolen vehicle and officers at ‘C’ Division were doing the necessary checks to ensure the time of the report matches for the incident, the family believes otherwise. “We will be taking private action for this because it is too much. When that car was found, a police source told us at the time they claim it was stolen and reported there was no evidence of it at the station.” “We would just like justice as it’s clear people are lying.”

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 25, 2019

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

EDITORIAL

Glaring errors I

n raw, street-level terms, what does that translate to? That embarrassing ‘poke-in-the-eye and egg on the face’ putdown embedded through the “glaring errors” present in the government’s noconfidence motion filing? Aside from the embarrassment, there is a studied humiliation, and a rather public one, that courses through that judicial reprimand. For the pejorative (and it certainly rises to that) to be aimed at some low-level functionary in a backwater government department is one thing; but when such a public corrective is directed at the office of the Attorney General, and by any fair reasoning, the Chief Legal Officer of the land himself, then it is a different story. For regardless of which subordinate is incompetent, or unfamiliar and untrained, (or possibly undermining) the verbal sortie is the property of the Honorable Attorney General. It belongs to him. He owns it. And thus it crumbles under his watch. After all, the head is the one, rightly or wrongly, that has to take the blame, and be the fall guy, for all the failures of all the juniors below. It is just the way of the world and the way things work. The words of long-ago, US President Harry Truman are timely: the buck stops here. Sometimes, it not just escalates and then takes up residence at the top. It blows up too. And does not care who is nearby; or who gets taken down. And taken down it is, and by that which can only be construed as a powerful broadside: succinct but sharp. Because of this most recent development, there has to be some level of curiosity, and not unfairly, as to whether the ripples of “glaring errors” do not capture older developments and examples that were the work product of that same Attorney General’s office. For a while now, since the arrival of this government, its success record in the courts has been far and apart, and a mostly checkered one. It might have been procedural errors, or absentee advocacy, or a string of similar oversights that have contributed to one loss after another by the government in very sensitive and pivotal cases brought before the courts. Many citizens, including those inclined to be charitable and generous to the government, have pondered as to whether these failures and losses could be traceable to either incompetence, or lack of knowledge and requisite expertise, or the appropriate guiding hands, or the need for more seasoned leadership. The conclusions were that it could be some combination of all of those, but there was one more troubling factor that has been articulated from time to time. It is that the government’s not infrequent judicial defeats furnish case studies in sloppiness, appalling sloppiness that should be subject to the most unsparing criticism. That being said, and however accurate or inaccurate that may prove to be, it still has to be discerned and admitted that the government’s representatives have not put their best foot forward and made robust and unimpeachable appearances, both on paper and in person. This has been true in more than lesser instances, and whether emanating from the Attorney General’s office or that of some other government realm. Clearly, something is wrong; and just as clearly this level of slippage cannot neither be condoned nor be allowed to continue. Someone should be made to fall on his or her sword to atone for this appalling development, and if only for face-saving purposes. The greater lesson and learning, however, would be that these mistakes are not allowed to recur. While all of the above could be pertinent and is very real, the cynical in the midst may latch on to this latest example of an egregious breach, or to use the words of the Court of Appeals, a submission laced with “glaring errors” as a cunning government ploy. To state unambiguously, the thinking might be that the “glaring errors” were deliberate, in a delaying game to extend the clock.

There is no move to end ethnic insecurity DEAR EDITOR, The calls keep coming for leadership conversation from well-meaning corners, and they have to be heeded. The cynic in me first asks: to what end? But quickly comes the realization that if there is no meeting, and no discussing, then what and where to? I think it has to be appreciated that there are stubborn streaks and the equivalent of ‘I’ll get around to this when I get around to it.’ Make no mistake, this is on both sides. It is well-fueled by the hardcore within both groups; and both of which are determined not to appear to blink, not to exhibit any sliver of weakness, not to appear to be willing to either listen or to be interested in seeking consensus through compromise. Of course, there are egos at work, playing to target audiences, and keeping up a generalized macho appearance. That may be well and good for purposes of rallying the faithful, transmitting big stick messages, and appearing resolute and unmoving. It certainly brings a cheer in the respective quarters, this first creeping, then accelerating, and now settled brinksmanship. It should be remembered and appreciated by the more thoughtful in this society, those with more depth, that at and after the edge of the precipice, the destination at which all brinksmanship (and brinksmen) inevitably arrive, there is nothing. There is absolutely nothing, but a vast, sinister, unknown void that waits to

welcome the intemperate, the unwise, and the unbridled. But here are some old, hard realities devoid of emotion or passion or conjecture or frailty. When all the shrill talking (screaming over the heads of the other, really) has faded into inaudible echoes, when all the preening and grandstanding have run their course and into barren ground; when all the tough guy pugnacity has faded into the exhaustion of meaningless impotency, then matters circle back to the point that is resisted stridently, scorned powerfully, and hedged against carefully. At the end of it all, matters are reduced and distilled to those three simple words: to the table. Here are three more: to vital conversations. And let there be still three more: to achieve consensus. Thus, after all the hardlines and hard talks, the way forward has to be-must be-through the collective of meeting of minds. In this country, that is the equivalent of bringing heads in close proximity and then knocking them together, if only to remove the blockages and shake some sense into the consciousness and usher (perhaps hurl) to the stark political realities that enshroud and mummify this nation into a waxen immobile lumpen mass. One of those current realities is that no political group can hold the ascendancy for too long, or as has always been the onesided history. Groups can aspire to that pinnacle; but the objections, oppositions (whoever it is at whatever period), and the rigidly ingrained mentalities of

segmented racial views are that the other side, the winning side cannot-and must not-be allowed to exercise the authority and auspices of office smoothly, peaceably, cleanly, and effectively. In other words, whichever political party is numerically victorious at the polls will not be able to-or allowed to-manage the affairs of the state.One recent local development as to how this can be done was the abrupt, jarring shortage of sensitive and vital foreign currency in the street. The price soared in a whiff; the supply disappeared. This can be made to happen and can strike more often and in the same place(s) than lightning. I suggest the sensible zero in on that pointed phrase of mine: be made to happen. Another way to disrupt the likelihood of strong settled governance is through a proliferation of bomb scares, which can grind the day to day to a halt. Still another, is that the street could be so inflamed that tensions rise and the accompanying machinery (now dormant) of intimidation, exploitation and deterioration for unwholesome purposes sow deeper and greater animus in an already fragile, vulnerable society. It ought to be noticed that in all of these possibilities, the electoral victors-whoever such may be-would be strangled by social and commercial bottlenecks that encourage instability, economic malaise (possibly depression) and generalized discontent and distress.

Unsaid up to this point, is anything about the automatic ethnic upheavals and psychological traumas. It is as easy and complex and ominous as any of these ingredients, with so many more not mentioned. Editor, the word is this: unless political groups and political leaders are honest and truthful with themselves, and recognize the surging ethnic sentiments (arguably uncontrolled), then it is the same fool’s paradise of the same ways and same roads, with the same results promised and sure to be experienced. For those who know or care, no one party can ride the local tiger anymore. It is a bucking, cartwheeling, angry creature, a temperamental monster of a beast, and a self-created one. The best that can be hoped for is some semblance of calm (a euphemism), some room to maneuver. But when examined closely, this would be a nation walking on one foot, clapping with one hand, functioning with one cardiac artery, and living and reliving one misery after another. Stated differently, it will chug along at half-speed, halfassed, and half-hearted. In Guyanese parlance: haffa haffa. And everyone know how far and how high such crippling restraints are able to take things.So, the room for reaching stands empty; the table for exchanging is silhouetted in the silence of continuing bareness. It cannot continue. It must not. It will not. If not, then what….? Sincerely, G.H.K. Lall

Irfaan Ali is meeting a larger constituency DEAR EDITOR, Maruranau, Nappi, Aishalton, Karadarnauwa, Katoonarib, Potannau, Rukumuta. Irfaan Ali has been traveling throughout Guyana, these are but a few of the names of villages visited in the Rupununi recently. Irfaan has visited seven of the ten regions of Guyana so far on his mission to listen to the voice of the people, their concerns, needs and proposed solutions. Irfaan is well known to people in the areas where he worked to establish housing schemes. He is meeting a larger constituency now, with concerns small and large. He is campaigning, but most important, he is a leader who listens to voices other than those in Georgetown. It may offend the elitist of our capital city, but it is exactly what Guyana needs. On Republic day, Georgetown got to meet Irfaan Ali as he led the parade of the PPPC Mashramani float; the

interaction was most interesting; the band almost ground to a halt, moving at a snail’s pace as many reached out to press the flesh, take selfies, offer words of encouragement, talk; it took over three hours to move from the seawall to Church street along Vlissingen Road. As the new week dawns, Irfaan Ali will be gone from Georgetown again. ‘Missing’ is the word that will be used to describe a candidate who actually dares to be different. Irfaan Ali is doing what he needs to; he has a very capable party supporting him. A General Secretary who was President of Guyana for a dozen years is holding the fort in Georgetown. Activists are walking in every neighborhood, in every region, sharing flyers filled with information, engaging with residents, noting concerns and building a database of issues to be addressed. A vast team of volunteers

is working for a common cause; gathering information required for good governance. Editor, some may say the Georgetown elite are being hypocritical when they ask ‘Where is Irfaan Ali?’ Based on the reaction from the crowd on Mash Day, I would suggest it is a plea for leadership from an elite abandoned by the quintessential elitist elected in 2015; one who became so far removed from the

ordinary Guyanese that he offers the excuse of health as he refuses to shake their hands, occasionally engages with ‘fist bumps with his Prime Minister but yet was observed shaking hands with foreign dignitaries at a poetry event. Actions speak louder than words, and the outpouring of warmth for Irfaan is a harbinger of beautiful future for all Guyanese. Respectfully Robin Singh

No ambulance at Wales DEAR EDITOR, I write this email to you because I am so fed up with this life. I am living at Wales, for over thirty years years now. My husband is a dedicated worker for the now defunct Wales Estate. Editor, I am kindly asking that you publish my plight. My granddaughter took ill last Friday night, because of severe unusual hypertension. I took her to the Wales Estate dispensary only to be told that the ambulance is only working Monday to Friday between the hours of 7 and 3. Editor, we worked very hard to let this benefit go unnoticed. Please feel free to contact me ok. Rajin Persaud

Monday February 25, 2019

All political sides are not being realistic with Guyana’s Fossil Fuel Industry’s future DEAR EDITOR I have come to the conclusion that none of the major political parties in Guyana have any sort of comprehensive long term plans for Guyana’s Energy Future. The Deal with ExxonMobil is more or less a quick money without a long term economic plan for our place in this industry venture and if you don’t have plan this will quickly cave in on us. The ExxonMobil deals compared to what other countries have is leaving us little room for real gains from the projects scale. While a 52% share may seem like a good deal now, wait until the price of oil plummets again and it is very likely to happen again. That will be the factor that makes or breaks a very costly investment and we as the citizens and tax payers will face the burden.The Fossil Fuel industry has been in a lot of uncertainty and instability for the last 10 years. The evergrowing push for more envi-

ronmental friendly alternatives to Fossil Fuels like Solar and Wind energy has been taking the Global stage where many countries are starting to adopt them as replacements to traditional Oil and Gas. Now I am not going to be this basher of ExxonMobil’s corporate structure and wheeling and dealings. I feel any person will simply find that out on his own. From back room deals with the Russian Oligarch or drilling in the Kara Sea while Russia is under US Sanctions and to the Exxon Valdez spill that this hasn’t been corrected since and the list can go on. ExxonMobil has a pretty disastrous record and the Guyana Government is still sitting quietly with them. I propose we adopt the Scandinavian model for our Oil and gas Sector, primarily what is done in Norway—a mix of a nationalised oil industry with contractual agreements on the drilling and extraction and production of

fuel being left to private enterprise with government having the stronger oversight and regulation of the industry. Norway took their Oil and Gas profits and made a Heritage fund, which is now worth over US$1 trillion for their citizens to have direct access to the money made from their oil and gas sector. Each Norwegian citizen is allowed US$192,000 each year cap allowance from the fund and the freedom to use that money as they please. Oil is taxed at rates of up to 78%. Norway established its oil fund in the 1990s as a way of protecting the economy from instability in the price of oil, and as a way of saving up for the day the oil runs dry and for moving to a greener future without Fossil Fuel. This is the way we should be moving as Guyana establishes its place in the Global Fossil Fuel industry. Respectfully yours A.Singh

Where are the tax dollars at work? DEAR EDITOR, After reading Adam Harris’s article this morning, I would like to make a comment. He wrote, “there is a difference between Guyana and the foreign countries. People pay inordinately higher taxes compared to what we pay in Guyana. But the people pay them. They get their returns.” Editor, though I completely agree with the above quote; there is a huge difference between Guyana and the foreign countries. He is so right in saying “in the foreign countries, people see their returns”. I ask this; where are the tax dollars at work in Guyana? What significant progress can be shown in the building of the infrastructure in Guyana? Until the people of Guyana can really see their tax dollars at work, they will always be adamant in not paying their taxes. The future

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of Guyana will never be a good one without an inclusive government. The PPP and the PNC have failed Guyana miserably. There was hope in the Coalition Government; however, they failed the people. With the oil boom on the horizon, I do not see it benefitting Guyana if you don’t have the right people to govern. Guyana is a multi-racial, multi religious society. The people of Guyana need to stop voting based on race. There is no future for Guyana in this. In my entire life, I’ve witnessed race voting in Guyana, I hope I live to see the day that this changes. I commend everyone at KN for the good work that they are doing to keep us informed. Regards Nazim Mangroo Florida

IRFAAN ALI ‘DEGREE GATE’ OPENS EVEN WIDER MR. EDITOR, The Irfaan Ali ‘degree gate’ scandal continues to anger Guyanese throughout the nation, especially the independent thinking PPP supporters. There are many more of us than Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali would have liked. The now degree gate is only getting wider. With the article by Kaieteur News on February 22nd that shows clearly Ali refuses to answers the basic questions. The gate now opens at a 90-degree angle. Like any sane Guyanese, I have the following questions for Irfaan Ali and Mr. Jagdeo, who engineered his selection: 1. Which University did he apply to for the transcript? 2. Where is the University located? 3. Who is the contact person at the University? 4. Which University is the Parent University of the local branch?

5. When is he likely to get the transcript? 6. Is this the same West Demerara Chamber of Commerce that no one has heard of? 7. Why doesn’t the Ministry of Finance and the Graduate school have any record of his undergraduate qualifications? 8. If his qualifications are legitimate, why is he dodging questions? 9. Who are his classmates? Can he identify other graduates? 10. Who were his lecturers? 11. Mr. Ali promised to release his qualifications after the presentation to the PPPC, which was more than a month ago. 12. Certificates of Completion are an attendance record; they are never considered qualification, profession or academic. Does Mr. Ali think we are that stupid?

A case of bullying DEAR EDITOR, We the residents of the lower section of Dowding Street are deeply concerned by the recent attempts of the owner of Lot 85 Railway Line. Over the past weeks under the guise of cleaning up the neighbourhood, he has removed the fence that borders his own land, filled in the drain at his property line and spread sand to level off the reserved land. On numerous occasions, he has been informed by residents that he cannot build on reserved land but it seems clear that he intends to persist. He even took down the fence of the residents living across the reserve from him, rebuilt it, and now claims that their fence is his. Just last week, complaints were submitted by that resident to the City Engineer as well as Lands and Survey concerning this matter and the errant person was informed of this. He first claimed that he owns the reserve land but when informed that no one can own reserve land he said that he has an agreement of occupancy from City Hall.However, no one has seen this fabled document. He told one resident that he purchased the land from Mr. Erskine from City Hall. However, we have not been able to substantiate this due to him not producing his so called agreement. The slow movement of the bureaucracy leaves us no choice but to turn to the media in order to shine a spotlight on this blatant act of bullyism. Concerned Resident

13. Is Mr. Ali guilty of academic fraud?Mr. Editor, I call on the following institutions to investigate this scandal. This is a matter of national importance. In the nigh improbable event Irfaan Ali is elected President, this will be a global embarrassment. 1. The Guyana Police Service – this is a case of academic and general fraud, a criminal offense. 2. The Guyana Accreditation Committee – should pronounce of whether or not the fabricated school ever attained accreditation. 3. The Indian Government – a crime was committed against the Indian people and should be rectified. 4. The Indian High Commission to Guyana – they were the direct fraud victims. They should release all files relevant to the application. 5. Guyana’s Integrity Commission – their focus should not only be on material wealth but as their name suggests, integrity as well. 6. The PSM – they ought to disclose all application details, were they complicit in the fraud?By now, this should have been aptly labeled ‘degree gate’ as an appropriate name for the scandal given its magnitude. Vishal Singh PPP/PYO Member

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“The Truth about the Belle Vue Cane Farmers Marketing Co-op Society” DEAR EDITOR, We refer to your letter dated, 19th February, 2019, page 5, titled “The Co-operative Movement of Belle Vue is under threat”. This letter is inaccurate and seeks to paint a wrong picture of the co-op, so let us clarify the details and debunk the various claims made by the “concerned and affected co-op members”. Firstly, it all started in the year October 2009, when the Co-op Society took these errant farmers to arbitration and the award went in favor of the Belle Vue Co-op Society. In April 2010, the Belle Vue Coop started to accept farmers applying for the repossessed lands. The errant farmers then, complained to several government offices. After investigation was done by the then former Cabinet Secretary the errand farmers agreed to accept monetary compensation ranging from $500,000 $1,500,000. The Chief Cooperative Development Officer (CCDO), Ms. Perlina Gifth, held a meeting on the 30th January, 2018 with the said complainants at the West Bank Demerara Regional Hospital to address the matters put forward and it was agreed that the “concerned members” to repay the compensation/sold shares monies to Mr. Deodat Deokinandan and re-apply for new membership. And to this date, no one had done so. And by September, 2018 the said complainants illegally went into the Belle Vue cane cultivation and started to plant various crops. Reports were made to the CCDO department in Georgetown of this illegal act where subse-

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Kaieteur News

quently letters were issued dated 2nd October, 2018 by the CCDO stating that they are occupying and cultivating the Belle Vue cane lands illegally. On the 15th October, 2018, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Keith Scott, visited the Belle Vue cultivation and held a meeting with the said complainants, where he advised them that a meeting to address the matter will be held on 23rd October, 2018 at La Retraite Primary School, West Bank Demerara, but subsequently, no one showed up to voice their concerns. On 8th February, 2019, Minister Keith Scott returned to Belle Vue to reemphasize the fact that they are illegally occupying and cultivating on the land. So all claims made that the CCDO and Minister have ignored and refused to have meetings with them are all false. Furthermore, the reason why Mr. Hassan was approached by the CID from the La Grange Police station instead of Wales Police Station, is because Wales Police station CID station is at La Grange Police Station. And indeed the complainants wrote letters to the President, Mr. David Granger, where he acknowledged and refer them to the CCDO. The complainants even submitted illegal/bogus leases to the Toevlugt/ Patentia NDC proclaiming that they are the legitimate committee members of the Belle Vue Cane Farmers Marketing Cooperative Society. I will ask the “concerned members” why haven’t they mentioned that they collected monetary compensation while others sold their shares of the

land to Mr. Deodat Deokinandan? The said concerns made by the complainants were previously addressed by GUYSUCO, by Dr.Roger Luncheon (then Cabinet Secretary), former Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, former Minster of Labour, Mr. Manzoor Nadir and then former Minister of Labour, Mr. Nanda Gopaul which they all agreed to the fact that all claims made were not valid because they were expelled from the Co-op due to nonpayment of their debts. And lastly, the now Minister Keith Scott is brought into the matter and they (Francis Ferreira and others) are alleging that he was bribed along with the CCDO by Mr. Deodat Deokinandan. All of these claims are false and I wish that they tread carefully on those allegations since they are accusing Government officials of bribery with no evidence. The matter will be legally dealt with in the coming days since the co-op and Mr. Deodat Deokinandan’s reputation is at stake. This illegitimate members were misled by Balram Balkarran a Canada-based Guyanese to occupy the lands and later to fight for prescriptive rights and to use the lands as house lots. Mr. Editor, this can never happen because the Co-op has a 25-year lease from GuySuCo from the year 2010 - 2035. All evidence and documents can be provided. Thank you. The Legitimate Committee of Management of the Belle Vue Cane Farmers Marketing Co-op Society.

NO JAGDEO NO! DEAR EDITOR, Why is the PPP-Civic so obsessed to hold elections now? Why are they opposed to a clean voters’ list? Is it because the current voters’ list is so bloated that they fear a fair list? Let’s examine why. According to Commissioner Vincent Alexander, with Guyana’s population of 740,000, we have a voters’ list in the vicinity of 500,000. This means that about 67 percent of Guyanese are eligible to vote. But Alexander may be too modest in his assessment since the reputable Knowledge Walk Institute, a Barbados-based educational research institute with Caribbean Elections.com, has published the 2015 voter registration at 583,444 and the United Nations has estimated our population at 750,000. So, for the 2015 elections, Guyana had 78 percent of its population eligible to vote – an alarming number and one for the Guinness Book of Records. In our sister Caribbean states and the developing world the voters’ list is about 51 percent of the general population. The data shows many trends. Since the elections of 1992 the number of registered voters on record is as follows: 1992 – 384,195; 2006 – 442,369; 2011 – 475,496; and 2015 – 583,444. Voter registration increased by 23 percent in 2015. Were they

2012 Census) are not denied their civic right to choose their leaders and government. If denied, the PPP leaders should take heed that our youths have the right to file class action suits in our courts. Nothing justifies disenfranchisement, even though arguments that opportunity to register exist. The PPP leadership is obsessed with going to the polls immediately as they did with the Confidence Vote. It reminds us of the saying, “when bline man seh he gon pelt ya, ee already gat brick in e han”. The brick is the PPP bloated list. GECOM is justified in advising the President and the nation that the Commission is not ready for a fair and free election. Act 1 Scene 2 of the Charrandass plot: No Jagdeo No! Mr. Editor, my fellow Guyanese should be able to see why we need a new voters’ list based house-tohouse registration. We also need to replace those voter ID cards with new electronic fool-proof ones. It will help us to have a sound database, eliminate duplicates of voters, and weed out names of repeats and the dead. For Act 1 Scene 3, let us all sound our voices and cast votes of No Confidence in the PPP. Shout it out - NO JAGDEO NO! Max Wallerson

The APNU commissioners are guilty of of committing acts in President Granger has subversion crime furtherance of such an at- been careful so far to employ DEAR EDITOR, The Legal Definition of subversion is a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working from within; also: the

How much longer before Transport ground is fixed? DEAR EDITOR, I am calling on the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson and Junior Minister Annette Ferguson, Culture Youth & Sports and Minister George Norton; Christopher Jones Director of Sports, The General Manager T&HD Ms. ‘Merlyn’ Merchant and The Committee of Management of T&GSC. I am a born Guyanese and former cricketer and member of Transport & General Sports Club looking to rekindle my membership and make some donation of cricket gears etc. to Transport Club. But oh my, it is a sad situation to see the state the Transport & General Sports Club Ground is in. This ground is in this state since 2005. I left it like this and

driven to register everyone or to reproduce voters, given the demise of the JagdeoRamotar government in 2014 going into the May 2015 elections? There is no other country in the world where such unbelievable statistics would be accepted and the bloated list used for future elections. So, with our population holding constant at 750,000 and none of the ten regions experiencing population decline, how can we plausibly explain this sudden and steep rise in the electorate from 2011 to 2015? There is none, other than blatantly inflating the voters’ list. The numbers just do not correlate with the previous elections cycles nor with the stable population number. The only rational conclusion is that the massive increase in voter registration was to facilitate multiple voting. The PPP leadership knows that elections by March 2019 will disenfranchise many of our young voters about to be 18 years of age. They also know that since the 2015 elections, many youths have not registered to vote. If this PPP leadership truly believes in democracy and youth empowerment, they will support the removal of every roadblock to ensure that Guyana’s youth, who represent 20% of our population (Guyana Bureau of Statistics

nothing about the ground has changed. The only things that have changed are the sightscreen, fence and the building. The previous Government under then Former Minister Robeson Benn did nothing to this ground and I understand that this present Government started with some promise but to date, the ground is still to be made playable . (This ground was second to Bourda Cricket Ground). The Club is affiliated to the Georgetown Cricket Association, which has youths from under 13 to seniors who represent the club in all age level in cricket under 13, 15, 17, 19, Second division, First division and over 40 division. I admire the work that the Coach is doing to help keep these youths meaningfully occupied and away from crime and if you read the daily newspapers, Facebook etc., you will see Transport cricketers are performing. Players have been selected from this club to represent Guyana and the ground is not in any condition for these youths to practise or to even play any competitive matches on the ground. I am therefore calling on all authorities, all protocol to step in as quickly as possible and help to fix Transport ground so that these youths can get to train and play on the ground without injury. Concerned Former Cricketer Member. Agustus Wilson Overseas Based

tempt. It is my contention that by voting to carry on business as usual, and not begin immediate preparations for General and Regional elections, Guyana Elections Commissioners Alexander, Trotman, Corbin and Chairman Patterson, have committed an act of Subversion. The constitution mandates an election within 90 days of the passage of the NoConfidence motion. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is the entity that is responsible for the administration and conduct of elections in Guyana. A vote to disregard the mandated elections is a clear act of subversion; an illegal arrogation of power and a usurpation of powers vested in the Executive Presidency. The Granger administration must act to preserve the inviolability of the Constitution. Charges of Subversion (High Treason) must be laid against the Chairman and offending commissioners. It matters not that the incumbent president may find the vote favorable to his position, the principle in play is of utmost importance.

tactics of plausible deniability in all of the actions of his administration since the passage of the NCM, his renaming of the Cabinet as a Ministry Plenary is in keeping with his modus operandi; awaiting the outcome of the court case; awaiting the outcome of the appeals of the Chief Justice’s ruling; but this action by the GECOM quartet falls outside of circumvention and squarely into that of subversion.Editor, there is no evidence to say that President Granger directed any commissioner to commit any act that subverts the Constitution, however, should his administration fail to prosecute or at the very minimum, open an investigation into this act of high treason, then the inference will be made that his is complicit. For the sake of his Office, I sincerely hope this is not the case.Should the Granger administration not see fit to institute charges, I will ask civil society organizations to lead by asking that personal sanctions be levied on the quartet by the international community. Respectfully Robin Singh

Monday February 25, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Liza Phase Two Permit…

EPA includes provision for unannounced visits to ExxonMobil's operations By Kiana Wilburg According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the Minister through his duly appointed representatives, must give the company seven days notice before making a visit. But this will not apply to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Confirming this with Kaieteur News was EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams. He was at the time, responding to questions regarding this provision and how it will affect the scope of EPA’s regulatory powers. Dr. Adams said, “I am aware that the agreement calls for seven days notice but the EPA will not be bound by this. The agency has the authority to visit the site and they (Exxon) have agreed that our designated officer will be granted entry at all or anytime. This provision was included in their permit for Liza

…Secures US$2B Insurance Policy from company’s subsidiary to cover oil spills …Says Exxon agrees to correct Liza Phase One Permit with insurance

EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams Phase Two. This is not something out of the ordinary for regulators of the sector. In fact, it is in keeping with international best practices, which Exxon is very much familiar with. So when we put it to them, there was no objection from Exxon, they said they understand.” The EPA Headed added, “When you are doing oversight, you are supposed to be

able to make unannounced visits. If you give them seven days notice, they can make it look like the best is taking place… The element of surprise is necessary, it is effective.” An alternative Dr. Adams is familiar with from his 30 years of service at the US Department of Energy (DOE) is having on site representatives. Questioned to say if he would be making use of this option in Guyana, Dr. Adams answered in the negative. He said, “I am not considering that at the moment. Guyana does not have the resources for that right now.” Turning to the issue of liability for oil spills, the main issue that delayed the granting of the Liza Phase Two permit, Dr. Adams was pleased to report that ExxonMobil has complied with his requests on this matter. Dr. Adams said, “They have submitted documenta-

tion and an insurance policy from a reputable British company to the tune of US$2B. This is for EEPGL…They have been quite compliant in working with us on this matter. They were responsive in ad-

fixing the Liza Phase One Permit, which does not have an insurance policy or documentation from Exxon’s subsidiary. The EPA Head said, “I spoke with them about this and they are open to rework-

“When you are doing oversight, you are supposed to be able to make unannounced visits. If you give them seven days notice, they can make it look like the best is taking place… The element of surprise is necessary, it is effective.” - EPA Head dressing the issues we pointed out, with the major one being insurance.” The EPA Head who is currently in the USA said that when he returns, the permit should be finalized and granted to the Stabroek block operator by March 1. Kaieteur News also asked Dr. Adams yesterday about

ing the Liza One Permit…They are willing to accept international standards on this matter and are willing to work along with us in this regard. We will accept nothing less. You can’t have two permits with different provisions and they understand that. I don’t see any resistance from them on this is-

sue.” In the meantime, the Energy Department has initiated discussions with Central Bank to ensure oil companies comply with the nation’s laws on having a recognized insurance policy. Making this known a few weeks ago was Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. He said that there will be no approval from the Department of Energy for companies to self insure. Dr. Vincent Adams has expressed on several occasions that self-insurance by oil companies is not ideal for Guyana. Also in agreement with his position is Founding Director of Mexico’s Agency for Security, Energy and the Environment (ASEA), Carlos De Regules. During an interview with Kaieteur News, Regules insisted that it would be in Guyana’s interest to make insurance policies mandatory for the oil and gas sector.

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Monday February 25, 2019

Kaieteur News

PPP Central Committee waiting on Ali to return with proof of academic qualifications By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has set certain criteria that one must meet before he or she can receive the party’s blessing to be its presidential candidate. According to sources in the party’s Central committee, academic achievements are a plus but it is not a “stringent requirement.” However, “good standing in the party and capacity for public appeal are two important requirements,” said one official who spoke on the ground of anonymity. Therefore, when Ali’s qualifications were exposed as questionable just a few days before the hopefuls for presidential candidates were to make presentations to the central committee; his appeal to the party took a hit. However, he was still chosen to serve as presidential candidate. How so? Because, Ali was able to convince members of the Central Committee that he is the best choice. In doing so, he had to convince members that his academic achievements are legitimate.

- Transcripts can be obtained in days but party waiting over a month

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo Also, just as he did with the media, Ali promised to furnish the Committee with transcripts from the universities he attended. It has been over a month and the Central Committee is still waiting. Over the weekend, this newspaper spoke to several Central Committee members, all of whom confirmed that Ali was asked to clear up “misconceptions” in the public domain. “Of course it was a concern, and he was asked about it, he basically told us that there is nothing to worry about and that it will be sorted

out soon. He also promised to provide the committee with the transcripts,” said one very prominent Central Committee Member. Another member said, “Yes, he was asked. His response was no different to what he told the media. But we are still waiting.” One of the members of the Committee said that the party is very concerned about “the effect this can have.” However, the PPP stalwart said that, “we are all so eager to see the back of this incompetent cabal and wouldn’t want APNU+AFC to think that we are allowing certain things to slide.” Another member, who is a sitting Member of Parliament said, “Man this is all BJ (Bharrat Jagdeo) doing, he believes in Irfaan and there are many who believe in him (Jagdeo), I think that is the main reason Irfaan was still elected.” It is now approaching two months since Ali’s qualifica-

tions were exposed as questionable. Yet, he has been unable to name the university where he did his first degree qualifying him for a spot at an Indian University at which he pursued his Master’s Degree. After questions were raised about Ali’s qualifications, he released a bunch of certificates. One of these certificates—purportedly from the University of Sunderland— indicated that Ali attained a Bachelor’s Degree in 2006. But this was three years after he got his Master’s from the Indian University. Ali has been avoiding an-

swering questions about his qualifications. He keeps saying that he is awaiting transcripts from the universities he attended. From all indications, Ali has been given a free reign from the party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo. Just last week, Jagdeo told the media, “I think Irfaan Ali should not say a single word more about it, not a single word, until he receives his transcripts. He made it clear and has released that he acquired a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, and is currently studying for his doctorate.” The promise to release the

PPP Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali transcripts is not a new one. Since January 12, Ali promised Kaieteur to release the transcript in days. Transcripts from universities in good standing are (Continued on page 12)

University of Sunderland takes up to three weeks to provide a transcript. Only students who graduated before 1992 would have to wait three weeks.

This is what comes up when one googles how long it takes to get a transcript

Monday February 25, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Deal with the issues The Kaieteur News on Republic Day, 23-2-2019, carried a tasteless letter on the PPPC’s Presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali. Kaieteur News erred in the publication of that letter. It should withdraw it and offer an unconditional apology to Irfaan Ali. That such a letter escaped editorial censure and made its way into the public domain should be of grave concern to the newspaper and its publisher, even if it is pleasing to those elements who crave hominem attacks in the same way as a vampire lusts for blood. The public can expect a

deluge of nastiness in the weeks and months ahead. They can look forward to mudslinging from both sides of the political divide. The vitriolic penmanship also will get fouler. Editors have to be alert to these dangers. They cannot edit their publications while sleepwalking or while wearing blinkers. It is not as if they should ignore some of the concerns over the candidates. Red flags have been raised over Ali’s academic qualifications and much of the unanswered questions are of Ali’s own making. The concerns over his academic qualifications

should have been addressed more conclusively. But the fact that it has not, does not give anyone the license to make sweeping and unsubstantiatedgeneralizations. Much of the controversy surrounding Ali’s academic credentials are based on flawed assumptions. The first of this is that an undergraduate degree is always a precondition to register for a post-graduate programme. The second flawed assumption is that because the media cannot locate an institution means that it does not or never existed. The third assumption is based on hearsay evidence.

‘D’ Division police donate school supplies, other items to Wales residents Ranks of the Wales Police Station headed by Inspector R u s h e l l Alexander, last Friday donated school supplies, shoes and clothes to school aged children of the Free and Easy Village, West Bank Demerara. Maternity items were donated to an expectant mother. T h e residents thanked the police for their kind gesture. Meanwhile, Inspector Alexander noted that the initiative was aimed at fostering better p o l i c e / community relations.

Some of the items that were donated.

Until and unless verifiable evidence are found, certain conclusions, especially of ad hominem nature, should be avoided because while they may turn out to be true that they cannot at this stage be proven. The highlighting of unproven facts within the media is unfair and unbecoming. It is also represents a danger to society, especially when it degenerates into personal attacks. Guyanese, instead would be much better off if greater attention is paid to debating issues. Unfortunately, the debates are now trending into personal attacks and innuendos. This may be par for course in the less-intellectualized social media but should have no place within the mainstream media. The print media, in particular, should avoid stirring up personal animosities and hatred. Obviously, people want assurances about the integrity and abilities of their leaders. But there is a way of

debating such issues without mudslinging contests. People also want to know about the issues. They want to know what their political leaders will do for them. They want to know where their leaders stand on subjects such as press freedom, crime, wages, workers’ rights, employment, ethnic discrimination, economic growth, education, health care, the business environment, constitutional reform and stabilizing the exchange rate. On Friday, one newscast reported that at the Bank of Guyana, the United States Dollar was trading for G$207 (buying) and G$210 (selling) but at the cambios, this rate was clearly artificial as the US dollar was buying for a whopping G$216 and selling for G$219. This continuing sliding devaluation of the Guyana dollar is going to hurt consumers over the next few months. The higher costs, which businesses have to pay for imports are going to

be passed on to consumers. Already consumers have witnessed increases in certain prices. The situation is likely to get worse as election nears and people try to hold foreign currency as security. The government is denying that there is a foreign exchange crisis but it is the market, which is providing the mixed signals. This is the type of issue, which the candidates need to address. But it seems that via the compliments of editorial derogation, the political debates within the letter pages will become even more personal and astringent.

Monday February 25, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 25, 2019

The Millenial Perspective

Persons living with disabilities By Kemol King One week ago, the Deaf Association of Guyana

staged a picketing exercise in front of the Ministry of Public Security on Brickdam, demanding that the Government

repeal the law, which prevents deaf persons from driving in Guyana. Deaf Citizens at the protest believe that a restric-

tion of deaf citizens to drive is a restriction of their human rights. Sadly, and as expected, many reacted with jokes and ridicule. Suddenly, people who have never had to worry about such a basic right being taken away from them have become experts on what people living with disabilities are capable of. Deaf people not having the right to drive doesn’t mean they shouldn’t. It means our country has failed to make driving accessible to them. A misconception among a broad section of the public is that you can’t drive if you’re deaf. But it’s been shown that, despite not being able to hear emergency sirens and horns, there are many other developments that could be made here in Guyana to replace those mechanisms. There are alerting notification signaling systems that are specifically designed to alert the deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing impaired .Some devices can enable them to distinguish between the sounds, using a panel with multiple indicators. Further, there are panoramic mirrors that can be used to increase the visual perception of deaf drivers, giving them a better sense of vehicles and objects around their own automobile. Of course, making these developments would take time,

training and other resources, but it is necessary because the alternative would be to continue the restriction of driving to deaf people. Just about everyone is subjected to hardships, but People Living with Disabilities (PLD) experience barriers that can be more frequent and have greater impact. For them, the physical environment may not be accessible. They may not have access to relevant assistive, adaptive or rehabilitative devices. They may face prejudice and ridicule by people who are less considerate. They may not have access to the services that everyone else has, because there aren’t policies in place to protect their interests. People who are able-bodied must make changes so that People living with Disabilities are accommodated. Stereotyping, stigma, prejudice and discrimination come from people who may see a disability as a personal tragedy, as something that needs to be “cured”. For most people, their disabilities can’t be taken away, so it is counterproductive to heap pity upon them. There are also communication barriers that affect people who are not able to hear, speak, write or understand as well as someone who doesn’t live with disabilities. Schools in some countries, such as New Zealand, teach sign language in public

Kemol King schools so that deaf and mute persons have more ease communicating with the general population. PLD also face physical barriers, such as steps and curbs with no ramps, or weight scales that don’t accommodate wheelchairs. Further, there are policy barriers, like the ban on driving for deaf people, that denies people who can be qualified to drive, the right to do so. This is unfair, because it places them at a disadvantage, restricting their employment and access to services. Guyana has made several strides to accommodate PLD, but a lot more should be done. PLD have great difficulty finding their place in society. The image of the ideal human is a dangerous one that disenfranchises many people in too many ways. For me, society must be inclusive of the needs of all its members. We can’t claim to be making an open, friendly society when we don’t teach values that are inclusive of all sections of it. We have much to learn from PLD. Our country would be better for it.

Guyanese man charged with murder of ‘doubles’ vendor Trinidad (Newsday)- THE 20-year-old Guyanese man who police arrested at the airport last week when he tried boarding a flight, has been charged with murdering Chaguanas ‘doubles’ vendor Dhroop "Pie" Jagessar. Police from the Homicide Bureau Region III, however, released the 52-year-old Guyanese woman who was held with the suspect. She is

a close relative of Jagessar who was chopped to death last Monday at Susheela Drive, Chase Village in Chaguanas. At about 2 am on Tuesday, security personnel at the Piarco Airport arrested them while trying to get on a plane to Guyana. Police learnt that hours earlier, between 8 pm and 10 pm, Jagessar was chopped and killed.

A few days ago, legal officer PC Kyrn Lewis from the bureau, submitted a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. On Friday evening, Deputy DPP Joan HonorePaul advised police to charge the man and release the woman. The suspect is expected to appear in the Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court today.

PPP Central Committee... (From page 8) usually made available in the matter of days. Most transcripts from universities around the world are made available within two days. One of the main transcripts that Ali promised to provide was from the University of Sunderland. The University of Sunderland makes it clear on its website that it is always willing to provide former stu-

dents with transcripts. The university also indicated that it would never take a month to provide a transcript. The university website states, “From time to time, you may need to provide confirmation of your degree. We offer a free service to confirm your qualification and give you a transcript to qualify your degree. “Please allow time for our Student Records Office to source this information. For

alumni who graduated when Sunderland was a polytechnic, these records are maintained in off-site storage and will take up to three weeks to process. Complete our online enquiry form below to request a transcript.” Sunderland stopped being polytechnic and became a full university since 1992. Ali reportedly graduated in 2006. This means that he would not even have to wait three weeks.

Monday February 25, 2019

Kaieteur News

Improvised weapons, cannabis found during prison searches

Some of the prohibited items

In excess of 200 ranks inclusive of senior officers were involved in a joint search of all of Guyana’s penitentiaries last Saturday that unearthed several illegal items.Among the items discovered were cellular phones, phone chargers, cigarette lighters, a quantity of

cannabis, cell phones batteries, a quantity of razor blades, metal spoons and forks, nail clips, construction nails, smoking utensils, improvised weapons, playing cards, sand papers, broken mirrors, copper wires, scissors, tobacco leaves and earpiece. No incidents were recorded.

Govt to allocate Coomacka Mines lands to families occupying them

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, handing over lights to a Speightland resident. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has handed out letters of land allocation to families in Coomacka Mines, a community in Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10). Coomacka is a small community, one of several in the area that started with bauxite mining operations. Over 200 people will ben-

efit from this allocation of the land that they are already residing on. Some of those residents have been doing so for six decades. This allows for titles to be issued as soon as the government wraps up its surveys in the area. Those surveys are to be completed by the (Continued on page 23)

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Monday February 25, 2019

Kaieteur News

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As the ongoing issue between rice and cattle farmers continues to spiral out of control, the police in Berbice (Corentyne) were forced to arrest two rice farmers on Thursday for allegedly shooting six cattle in the Number 52-74 stretch. The men were arrested and had their homes searched for firearms, however, police reportedly turned up empty handed. One cattle farmer Ludmila Jugisteer of Number 61 Village, Upper Corentyne who had three of her cattle killed, told Kaieteur News that her husband found their animals dead with apparent gunshots on Saturday in the Number 50 Village backlands. There were three other dead cows belonging to someone else nearby as well, she said. The woman explained that some of the animals were pregnant when they were killed and that one cow is worth over $100,000. A veterinarian who inspected the dead animals confirmed that they died as a result of gunshot wounds. Jugisteer said, “Me husband tell me the animals na even get to go in the rice

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The two men arrested. field, cause it full of water and when it full of water them animals can’t get to go in”. She explained that as a result of the excessive water in the fields and the ongoing battle between the rice and cattle farmers, their cattle is kept within the confines of the grazing location. In 2018, rice farmers vented their frustration over the existing feud between them and cattle farmers. They complained that farmers are allowing their animals to graze on their rice field, eating away at several acres of rice crop and causing major losses. Just recently they met with the Prime Minister Rep Gobin Harbhajan to air their concerns once again, since the issue had not been resolved although the Minister of Agriculture and Prime Minister were informed about it in 2018. Some rice farmers were so frustrated when they spoke to Kaieteur News, recently, that they threatened to take matters into their own hands

if there was no intervention and solution to the burning issue. However, the Prime Minister’s Rep for Region Six told this publication that several cattle farmers had turned up to his office and informed him that they had discovered their cattle dead in the backlands. He explained that he immediately made contact with the station Sergeant at the Number 51 Police Station where the matter was reported and offered a copy of a letter from NDIA’s legal adviser. That letter had detailed that the cattle farmers were to be served the notice for destroying the rice crops and to “have some kind of appraisal in place for damages”.He added, “They can get the estimate for damages and take the matter to court”. The police are investigating the matter but the cattle farmers are pleading with the authorities to take the matter seriously since it is their livelihood that is being threatened.

Monday February 25, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Tassa Drumming is ‘Kool Runnings’ Four of the members, performing at a cultural event

[From left] Rajin Sayroo, Yuvraj Bhagwandeen, Ryan Ganesh, Raju Sayroo, Neeramjan Kaydarnath, Bharrat Singh Brought to the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa in the 19th century, Tassa is a popular facet of Indian and Pakistani communities, as well as the diaspora. The tassa drum is a conical drum, which is played with a heavy bass drum called dhol, or simply “bass”, and brass cymbals or metal shakers called Jaal. KR Tassa Entertainment is a musical group, from Enmore, East Coast Demerara, of six men who play the drum ensemble that emanated from India. The members are Ryan Ganesh and Raju Sayroo, who play Tassa; Rajin Sayroo and Yuvraj Bhagwandeen, who play Bass; and Neeramjan Kaydarnath and Bharrat Singh, who play Jaal. Ganesh, the group’s founder and one of the older members, started drumming since he was 12, and Tassa when he was 15. Apart from Tassa instruments, he plays the Dolak when he goes to Mandir. His passion for music led him to start KR Tassa Entertainment with only two other members at the time,

the Sayroo brothers. KR stands for ‘Kool Runnings’. Singh later joined in 2016, while Bhagwandeen and Kaydarnath joined in 2018. Singh is the group’s oldest member. Even though he only joined last year, Ganesh said that the men value him as a member because he has brought impressive skill and experience. The current leader, however, is Raju Sayroo. The men consider Tassa a hobby, but and all have other careers that they pursue. The work of the Tassa Group has attracted a series of faithful sponsors, including Rajin Auto Paint & Accessories, D&E Rental, Institute of Professional Teaching, Eastern Financial Corporation and Cofax Printery. Last year, KR performed for two competitions. They competed in Tassarama, which is a yearly competition of Tassa groups at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, hosted to commemorate the arrival of East Indians to Guyana. At that competition, they scored third place. They also performed at the Guyana

Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Kala Utsav, an annual festival of the arts for hundreds of youths to express their diverse talents. KR had won second place. With no formal training, the group has played for a wide range of events, including Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) Cricket T20, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Rebound, Mashramani,and many weddings, Chutney shows, and other cultural events. Their biggest performance to date, according to Ganesh, was during the 2019 Soca Monarch Competition, when they performed ‘Soca In Meh Vein’ with second place winner, Steven Ramphal. Ganesh said that the group is constituted by people from different backgrounds, who are now apart of the leading Tassa group on the East Coast of Demerara. KR’s goal is to be the leading Tassa group in Guyana. Ganesh said, “I personally would like to encourage youngsters to follow their dreams and passions. Don’t give up easily.”

Govt to allocate Coomacka Mines... From page 21 National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), in a few weeks. The Coomacka community, about 15 miles away from the business centre of Linden, is still in need of development, to be able to stand on its own. The community currently has its own primary and nursery school, a community health post, a variety store, small shops and other services, but is still dependent on the general services of Linden. This is the first time the residents will have legal documentation for the land that they are occupying. Minister Harmon told the residents that the government

plans to continue its efforts to ensure that sustainable family-oriented communities are created across the country. He has asked NICIL to complete the requisite surveys in six weeks. He said, “What we are doing here today is to help you improve your quality of life because if you want to go to the bank to do your house or do something to improve your life, you will now have a piece of paper that can show ownership. It is about giving power to you so that you can make decisions for you, your family and your community”. The residents thanked President Granger and his government for working on

their behalf. This included a health worker, Bernadette Torres, who said she has waited 15 years for ownership of the land that she intends to pass down to her children and grandchildren. Another resident, Jean Wagner, said she has been occupying the land for 60 years but was never given the opportunity to own it. Minister Harmon also provided street lamps to the communities of Mackenzie and Speightland. These will be installed by the Regional Administration. He also promised the teachers of Mackenzie High School that they will be given a much-needed fridge and gas stove.

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Monday February 25, 2019

Kaieteur News

Andre “Padlock” Green Wins Sanko Benjamin 85th birthday cycle road race Berbician Andre Padlock Green riding in familiar territory put a lock on the field to ride away with the Sanko Benjamin 85th birth anniversary cycle race which was held on Saturday on the Corentyne highway. The event which was sponsored by his son, former national cycling champion Wilbert Benjamin and the rest of the family, pedaled off at 13:30hrs from in from of the Benjamin Sports Store at Lot 220 Courtland, Corentyne, Berbice. There were 52 registered cyclists that include sponsor Wilbert Benjamin that took part in the day’s events. The riders were sent on their way by the elder Benjamin on the 50 miles

journey which saw the riders pedaling to the No 51 Police Station before turning back to finish at its place of origin. Green’s winning time was in 1 hour 54 minutes and 56.80 seconds. Green won in a fierce sprint home from Christopher “Chicken Legs” Griffith after the two broke away from the rest of the bunch about one mile on the downward journey. Another Berbician rider, Romello Crawford, outduel the pack to take third place with Paul De Nobegra, Michael Anthony and Brighton John occupying fourth to sixth places. From the start there was stiff competition with the

cyclists going hard at each other for the early advantage in the large field. There were many mini breaks, but the leading bunch was constantly roped in by the rest of the field. As the race got deeper the bunch split but the leaders were always caught after shorts breaks. It was a ding dong battle as the riders took turns to jump the others for the break away. However, none were successful as the trend continued until the turn back stage. On the downward journey it was not long before Green and Griffith broke away and were never caught as they battled to the end with green out sprinting Griffith for the

Andre Padlock Greene collects his prize along with the other top finishers in the event. win. The junior category saw Ajay Gopilall finishing first, while Ralph Sewnarine was second. In the veteran U45 category the consistent Junior Niles took first place with Paul Choo-Wee-Nam finishing second with Jaikaran Sookhai third. In the veteran Over-45

Category, Nigel London crossed the finishing line first ahead of Syborne Fernandes and Lennox Jackman. Shemika Teixeira won from Whitney Poyer among the females. David Dick was the top juvenile on show with Steve Bhimsen and Mario Washington finishing in the top three.

The prime point prizes were shared by Green with three, while there was one each for Griffith, Niles, Gopilall, Narine and Curtis Dey. The juveniles and females rode from the Benjamin Sports Store and turned back at the Nand Persaud Rice Complex. The winners received lucrative prizes which included cash, trophies and hampers with the winners taking home an additional bottle of Champagne. The event and was coordinated by Randolph Roberts and Joseph Britton. The police contingent was also commended for doing a good job along the busy Corentyne thoroughfare. (Samuel Whyte)

Top seed Tsitsipas overcomes... From page 29 when he broke Kukushkin at 6-5 to take the first set. Tsitsipas was seeing the ball very well on Kukushkin’s serve and returns, hitting some juicy forehand and backhand winners straight down the line. Kukushkin broke Tsitsipas for the first time in the second set and had the chance to break him again to go 5-2 up but the Greek number one saved two break points to mount an epic comeback.Changing strategies in the second set, Tsitsipas attempted a serveand-volley game and came up to the net often in a bid to upset Kukushkin’s rhythm. Tsitsipas then won three games in a row to race to a 65 lead and was one game away from winning the title before Kukushkin enforced a tiebreak.The tiebreak went with serve until Tsitsipas broke Kukushkin at the 11th point to set up the win on serve and take home the title, his second after he won the Stockholm Open in October last year.

Monday February 25, 2019

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Kaieteur News

ASK-G host exciting 2019 Championships Roger Peroune shines yet again

These female athletes have the full attention of the Instructor and fans during their fight.

Numerous outstanding performances were recorded when the Association Do Shotokan Karate – Guyana (ASK-G) hosted its 2019 National championships on Sunday February 17th last at the YMCA Thomas Lands. The action packed event saw youths from Dojos including Berbice, Linden, West Bank Demerara, East Bank Demerara and Georgetown performing their hearts out for success in their divisions, while the adult athletes also impressed. The male Katas were extremely entertaining with Roger Peroune once again defeating the opposition convincingly. The Kumite saw some explosive fights with Shemar Parkinson rising to the occasion defeating Malcolm Francis in a heated battle that

saw both sides at 1/2 point each, with Parkinson overcoming Francis near the end with the additional 1/2 point. Parkinson then defeated Beaton to advance to the fin a l . On the other side of the spectrum, Roger Peroune quickly disposed of Budhdave Singh but had a tough match

against Trevon Miller who stepped up from the 15-17 years division into the adult group. After a 1/2 point each, Peroune was able to get the better of Miller with another 1/2 point. The final saw Parkinson scoring first, however Peroune tied it up then lost another 1/2 point to Parkinson and even-

tually won despite an oversight on a score. Although not placing, young Kevin Fraser put up a good performance against the eventual winner, Shemar Francis in the Male 1214 years Kumite. Over 60 competitors in 13 Divisions, ranging from age 5 years and up battled for supremacy.

Windies heading in the right direction: Hetmyer BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Rookie left-hander Shimron Hetmyer believes West Indies’ victory over world number one England is a sign the Caribbean side are beginning to make positive strides. The hosts produced a sterling performance with the ball on Friday to beat England by 26 runs at Kensington Oval in the second One-Day International and tie the five-match series at 1-1. In their last ODI outing against England in 2017, West Indies were thumped 4-0 in a five-match away series. “That’s a step in the right direction for us and it’s just about us keeping ourselves growing and working hard in each and every game,” said Hetmyer, who hit a Man-of-the-Match unbeaten 104.“There was always confidence there [but] it’s just about us believing more now in our abilities and executing on the day.”The victory came just three days after West Indies posted their joint third-highest total in ODIs, piling up 360 for eight off 50 overs in Wednesday’s opener. Significantly, the total was their highest ever against England and was also a new high for the Kensington Oval venue. England then pulled off the third highest successful run chase in history to win by six wickets but Hetmyer believes the way West Indies bounced back was key. “West Indies are on a rise as it is right now but we just trying to take it a game at a time and one step at a time, and trying to put our best foot forward in every game and back up our bowlers with runs on the board and in the field as well,” he pointed out.Hetmyer’s hundred was the fourth of his fledg-

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer pulls during his fourth ODI hundred on Friday against England at Kensington Oval. ling international career, with all coming within the last 12 months. He said he had been disappointed not to score a hundred when he was dismissed for 81 in the opening Test here last month.“I actually wanted to get it in the Test series before and I didn’t get it in front of this wonderful Barbadian crowd, and getting it [on Friday] in front of this crowd and in front of my girlfriend is just a special feeling,” said the 22year-old.

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Monday February 25, 2019

Kaieteur News

FIBA Americas pre-qualifiers

Guyana end tour on high but fail to qualify

Guyana Basketball team in Colombia. (Alex Graham facebook photo)

Stanton Rose

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laying in their first International Bas ketball Federation (FIBA) Americas pre-qualifiers, Guyana national men’s basketball team finished with a record of two loses and one win in their third and final group game last night at the Tunja Sports Hall in Colombia. Despite finishing strongly with a 73-65 win over Bolivia, two massive loses against

Kevon Wiggins Paraguay 93-53 and Colombia 114-68, didn’t allow for the Guyanese to reach to the final round of qualification for the 2021 tournament. In the win over Bolivia, Anthony Moe (16), Kevon Wiggins (15) and Stanton Rose (11) were the top scorers for the win as Guyana hit 40% of their attempted field goals. Cristhian Carmargo tried to single-handedly to pull off

a win for the Bolivians with a 22-point leading performance but it wasn’t enough as his side fell by 18 points. Luis Choque (15 p o i n t s ) a n d Ronald Arze (11) were the other major contributors for Bolivia.In the loss to Colombia, Braian Angola led the charge for the hosts with 26 points, while Luis Almanza contributed 22 points during the 46-drubbing. Anthony Moe, who was the top scorer for Guyana in each of the games, finished the Colombia game with 17 points,

Cummins, Warrican lead Pride to comeback victory

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – For the second successive match, Barbados Pride’s bowlers produced a remarkable effort to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, this time against the Windward Islands Volcanoes here yesterday. Set 270 runs for victory, the Volcanoes had seemed set to complete victory after resuming the day on 181 for three. But Cummins and Warrican ran through the Volcanoes’ middle order to dismiss them for 246 and give the Pride a 23-run victory. Warrican, who ended with a match haul of 11-133, began the slide by bowling topscorer Kavem Hodge for 66 to leave the Volcanoes on 182 for four. Cummins then snared the wickets of Roland Cato for 31 and bowled Dennis Smith for a third-ball duck as the home side slipped to 193 for six. Five runs later Cummins struck again, accounting for the wicket of Ray Jordan who made just one. Sherman Lewis and Alick Athanaze then came together in a 41-run partnership for the eighth wicket to put the Volcanoes back on track.

while Kevon Wiggins and Stanton Rose scored 16 points each.Guyana majorly missed the Power Forward, Delroy James, who recently led his club side AEK Athens to victory in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup last week.

James had chosen to represent Guyana instead of his adopted country, USA, but there were difficulties in him getting to renew his Guyanese passport which is needed for him to represent the Golden Arrowhead.

Anthony Moe

Flying Ace Cycle Club season continues with Courts Furniture Store race in Berbice

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ourts Furniture Store Berbice branch will once again be sponsoring its annual Courts Cycle Road race in Berbice. The race will be staged in collaboration with the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) and is set for Sunday 3rd March 2019 to coincide with Mashramani celebrations in Berbice. The event will once again be open to cyclists throughout the country and is expected to see all the top riders in the country in action.

The 50 miles event is expected to ride off from in front of the Courts Furniture Store at Main and St Ann’s Street New Amsterdam, Berbice, proceed to Nand Persaud Business Complex at No36, Village, Corentyne before returning to finish at its place of origin. There will be cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs for the top finishers in the respective divisions. Prizes are expected to be awarded to the first six finishers in the open category, the top three veterans the top

three juniors, the first three juveniles and the top females. There is also expected to be an event for BMX riders. A number of sprint point prizes are also up for grabs. The Female and Juvenile cyclists are expected to ride shorter distances. Starting time is 10:00hrs and officials from The Courts Furniture store are expected to be on hand to start the race and distribute the prizes. The presentation ceremony will be held immediately after the completion of the event. (Samuel Whyte)

Man City win League Cup as...

Miguel Cummins was the Pride’s best bowler, capturing four wickets. But just as it seemed as though they had wrestled the initiative away from the Pride, Chaim Holder claimed the crucial wicket of Lewis for 21 to leave the game evenly poised at 239 for eight. The end came swiftly after his dismissal, with Athanaze following seven runs later for a well played 33 to Holder, before Warrican wrapped up the match by bowling Larry Edward for a 20ball duck.Cummins ended with four wickets for 53 runs, while Warrican took three for 88 and Holder two for 64.

Scores: PRIDE 215 (Tevyn Walcott 66, Jonathan Carter 42; Larry Edward 329, Josh Thomas 3-55) and 192 (Shayne Moseley 53, Jomel Warrican 44, Aaron Jones 25; Ray Jordan 3-21, Alick Athanaze 3-37). VOLCANOES 138 (Kimani Melius 50, Sunil Ambris 22; Jomel Warrican 8-45) and 246 (Kavem Hodge 66, Sunil Ambris 40, Alick Athanaze 33, Roland Cato 31, Devon Smith 28; Miguel Cummins 4-53, Jomel Warrican 3-88, Chaim Holder 2-64).

from page 27 his inconsistent side having lost five of their last 11 games, including a 6-0 thrashing at City in the Premier League and a 2-0 home loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round. The United defeat provoked fury from Chelsea fans who have lost patience with the former Napoli manager’s tactics. A fortnight after the humiliation by Pep Guardiola’s side’s, Sarri’s tactics were spot on as Chelsea stifled City’s much-vaunted attack and created the better chances. Had N’Golo Kante not blazed over after being teed up by Hazard’s brilliant run midway through the second half, the headlines could have been about Sarri winning his first silverware after 29 years as a manager. Instead, he was left answering questions about what looked like a blatant case of a player undermining his authority.“I misunderstood the problem and only realised the situation when the doctor arrived at the bench,” he said later. “It was a big misunderstanding because I understood the keeper had cramp and was unable to go to the penalties. But it was not cramp and he could go to the penalties.”

HARD WORK City have now won the League Cup four times in six seasons and are second on the alltime list, with six titles, behind title rivals Liverpool who have won eight. They had to work hard for it, though, with Guardiola correctly predicting before the match that Chelsea would be desperate to avenge their demolition at the Etihad. “Chelsea have incredible quality and after the result two weeks ago we knew it would be more difficult,” said Guardiola, who picked up his third major trophy for City and the 25th of a managerial career spanning three countries. Asked if his side could claim four trophies this season, and surpass the treble he achieved with Barcelona in 2008-09, Guardiola added: “What we did in Barcelona is unique. This is new players, new club, now we will see how far we can go.”City dominated possession in the first half but only had a couple of Aguero attempts to show for it.Chelsea were rejuvenated after that with Hazard coming to the fore against an increasingly uneasy City side. Aguero did have a goal ruled offside and also had chances in extra time, but Chelsea had looked the more likely winners.

Monday February 25, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Gayle’s presence a big boost to team: Bravo St George’s, Grenada, CMC – As the West Indies prepare to face England in the crucial third Colonial Medical Insurance One-Day International against England here today, batsman Darren Bravo has credited Chris Gayle for the team’s performance thus far.The ninth-ranked Windies defeated the top-ranked visitors by 26 runs at Kensington Oval on Friday to tie the fivematch series at 1-1. While Bravo said the victory was a result of a team effort, he said Gayle’s presence in the dressing room had lifted the spirits of all the players. “Think the fact that Chris is back there on top, his experience in the dressing room is priceless. He puts a smile on each and every player’s face and as you can see when we go out there we really enjoy our cricket. “In the dressing room he’s always giving information. If you remember before the start of the game, he was chatting at nine in the evening with Nicholas Pooran about batting and stuff. He’s helping all the youngsters. We’re happy to have him and hopefully, he’ll get another 100 tomorrow [today],” Bravo said. “He’s definitely a hero, not

even a hero; he’s a legend. If you look at the stats he’s achieved a lot at international level, he’s a special player. We’re really happy to have him. He’s getting on a bit in age but he’s still striking the ball nicely so that is the most important thing.” The experienced Bravo said the victory at Kensington Oval had given the side a huge boost of confidence. He said the players were now confident they could go on to defeat England and win the series.“Actually winning a game against the best One-Day team in the world is also a great feeling. That will give us confidence so we’re looking forward to the encounter tomorrow,” Bravo said. “Everyo n e i s g o o d . We’re all fit and healthy to go. We’re going to be coming up against a very good unit once more so hopefully we go out there tomorrow and put on a very good show. We’re quietly confident that we can beat them but we know it’s not going to be easy. As we all know they are the best One-Day team in the world so we just want to go out there and do the basics right and I think the win in Barbados will give us

the confidence that is necessary moving forward.” If selected to play today it will be Bravo’s 100th ODI for the West Indies. Despite a lengthy absence away from the regional team, Bravo said he always believed he would achieve the milestone.“I was quietly confident that I would be back. It’s a great feeling indeed to achieve 100 games, but I have to wait and see if I’m selected tomorrow, but hopefully I can contribute to a winning cause here in Grenada,” he said. “So far in the ODI series I feel I’m playing pretty well. In the first game I had a particular plan which I executed really well. In the second game, we lost a couple of wickets so someone had to consolidate and I thought I did that pretty well. Unfortunately, I got out but Hetty [Shimron Hetmyer] and myself had a plan to take the score to 200 by the 40th over and try to get to 300 by the 50th. He went on to get another One-Day hundred and was playing well. He put us in a good position. The guys did well; Cottrell was exceptional, the captain led from the front, Bishoo created chances … it was a total team effort.”

Man City win League Cup as Chelsea keeper defies Sarri

Darren Bravo pulls through the leg side, West Indies v England, 1st ODI, Barbados, February 20, 2019 © Getty Images

McDonald Promotions thanks contributors of Patrick Ford Memorial Boxing tourney

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cDonald Promo tions (MP) is ex pressing thanks all those persons who contributed to the success of the recently staged Patrick Ford Memorial International Boxing competition. In a release, head of MP, Alford McDonald said that the collaboration with the Guyana Boxing Association has seen an improvement in

the second year which speaks volumes of things to come. The Patrick Ford Memorial was held on February 17th at the National Gymnasium and saw 15 fights carded. McDonald thanked the local sponsors, which included the National Sports Commission, The Trophy Stall, Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Guyana Defence Force.

He also extended gratitude to several overseas sponsors: From Puerto Rico Stevenson Freight Service; From St. Thomas - Turnbull Sand, Challenger Trucking, Top Notch Trucking, Island Gass and Junior Huggins Ice cream Service; From St. Croix Ferol Trucking and From Tortola -Lazarus Shipping and Tortola Pride Shipping Service.

Second edition of NAMILCO/GFF

Flour Power Nat. U17 League to be launched tomorrow Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany and team mates celebrate with the trophy after the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine) LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City retained the English League Cup in a shootout after Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri’s hopes of a long-awaited first trophy ended in bizarre fashion yesterday with his keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga openly disobeying orders. Raheem Sterling smashed home the decisive spot kick as City clinched the English season’s first silverware 4-3 on penalties, with the Wembley showpiece having ended 0-0 after extra time.The clash, the first between the clubs in a major final, had slowly warmed up, but took the most unlikely of twists deep into the extra period when Arrizabalaga saved from Sergio Aguero.It appeared the young Spanish keeper had injured himself and Sarri immediately told substitute Willy Caballero to get ready to come on for the closing seconds as penalties loomed. With his number being held up,

Arrizabalaga refused to obey the call to depart, leaving Sarri fuming in the technical area. At one point the raging Italian coach appeared to walk down the tunnel, before returning to brief his players for penalties. Caballero still looked poised to take over but it was Arrizabalaga who stood guard in front of the Chelsea fans.The Spaniard allowed Sergio Aguero’s weak penalty to creep under his body into the net but then redeemed himself with a brilliant save from Leroy Sane leaving the shootout at 2-2.Chelsea’s David Luiz thumped his penalty against the post, however, to hand the advantage back to the Manchester side and, although Hazard scored, Sterling smashed his kick high past Arrizabalaga to send City’s fans into delirium. UNDER PRESSURE Sarri began the match under pressure with (Continued on page 26)

The nine (9) Regional Members Associations (RMA) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) are gearing up for what is anticipated to be an exciting season-two of the National Milling Company of Guyana, GFF Intra Association Under-17 League which will be launched tomorrow at the headquarters of the sponsors, located at Agricola, East Bank Demerara. Passionate about the game and more so, empowerment of youths through this medium, Managing Director of NAMILCO, Mr. Bert Sukhai is expected to deliver feature remarks at tomorrow’s event in this the 50th year of existence of the company, fulfilling the dietary needs of Guyanese through one of its main products, Thundebolt Flour. Many of the associations would have faced numerous challenges in season one of

the leagues which kicked off in 2017 but this time around they would be aiming to have better run and more efficient l e a g u e s . Word out is that all the RMA’s have already commenced

work on putting systems in place for season two of the league; Rupununi, Essequibo, Bartica, Upper Demerara, East Bank, East Demerara, Georgetown, Berbice and West Demerara.

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Monday February 25, 2019

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Coulter-Nile shines in Australia’s last-ball win over India Glenn Maxwell’s ultra-aggressive half-century put Australia on course ©Getty Images

Nathan Coulter-Nile enjoyed an excellent first outing, picking up three wickets ©Getty Images MUMBAI (Reuters) Fast bowler Nathan CoulterNile took three wickets on his return to limited-overs cricket as Australia beat India by three wickets with the final delivery in a low-scoring first Twenty20 international at Visakhapatnam yesterday. Needing 14 runs off the final over, bowled by paceman Umesh Yadav, Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson each hit a boundary before they scampered to complete two runs off the last ball to reach their target of 127 in a nail-biting contest. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for India’s limited-overs trip to New Zealand, took 3-16, including two wickets in his final two deliveries in the penultimate over, but it proved inadequate. Coulter-Nile led a strong bowling display by the touring side with 3-26 in his four overs as Australia restricted India to a paltry 126-7 in the

first of the two-match series after captain Aaron Finch won the toss and chose to field. Australia also got off to a shaky start and were reduced to 5-2 before Glenn Maxwell and D’Arcy Short combined in a third-wicket stand of 84 to steady the chase. Maxwell hit 56 off 43 balls, his innings studded with six fours and two sixes. Short, who opened the innings for Australia with Marcus Stoinis, was run out for 37. After Maxwell’s dismissal, India fought back spectacularly to reduce Australia to 113-7 from 89-2 before the thrilling last-over finish. With the 50-over World Cup coming up in three months’ time in England and Wales, India opted to give Lokesh Rahul an opportunity at the top of the order by resting regular opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan. Rahul, who was recently provisionally suspended for inappropriate comments on a

TV chat show, did no harm to his chances with a 36-ball 50 and combined in a quickfire stand of 55 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli, who made 24. Adam Zampa got the prized wicket of the Indian captain, who holed out to Coulter-Nile at long on trying to hit the leg-spinner for a six. Coulter-Nile played just one ODI in 2018, against South Africa, and missed out on selection for the home limited-overs series against India. He has the ideal opportunity to improve his chances of making the World Cup squad in the absence of the injured Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in India. The 31-year-old dismissed Rahul and Dinesh Karthik in the same over and then added the wicket of Krunal Pandya as India were reduced to 100-6 in the 15th over. Former captain and wicket-keeper Mahendra

Skerritt’s past failures an indictment, says Cameron BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Current president of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron says Ricky Skerritt’s history of Windies team manager has disqualified him as a candidate to lead the region’s governing body. Skerritt, 62, recently announced he would be looking to unseat Cameron when the CWI holds its elections on March 24 in Jamaica. However, Cameron, who has been president since 2013, said Skerritt’s past failure as manager of the West Indies team should not be forgotten. “Ricky has always mentioned how passionate he is about West Indies cricket.

What most of us remember Ricky for is that period when he was manager of the team, the turmoil that occurred. I’m hoping that we’ll never get back to those days,” Cameron said during an interview on Line and Length. Back in 2000, Skerrit resigned as Windies’ manager following a post-game incident involving members of his squad after a ten-wicket loss to England in the First Test at Sabina Park. Cameron also poured cold water on Skerrit’s proposed move to change CWI’s selection panel. He maintained that CWI was not a one-man show, but was being run by a set of per-

sons who all had specific responsibilities. “What are we saying? Are we not picking the best players? We’re going to get rid of the selectors?” Cameron questioned. “I know we believe I do everything in West Indies cricket [but] we have a number of committees throughout West Indies cricket, they’re all given their own respective tasks. It’s not a one-man show.” Skerritt, the former St Kitts and Nevis Cabinet minister has named president of the St Vincent and Grenadines Cricket Association Dr Kishore Shallow as his running mate.

Singh Dhoni laboured to a 29 off 37 balls and failed to boost India’s score despite farming most of the strike in the closing stages of India’s

innings. The second and final T20 will be played in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Scores: Australia 127 for

7 (Maxwell 56, Short 37, Bumrah 3-16) beat India126 for 7 (Rahul 50, Dhoni 29*, Coulter-Nile 3-26) by three wickets.

Hurricanes and Red Force contest ends in tame draw BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC –Four batsmen scored half-centuries on the fourth and final day as the eighth round match between the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force petered out into a draw. In a high scoring match, the Hurricanes set their opponents a mammoth total of 352 for victory after declaring their second innings on 315 for six. Joshua DaSilva and Lendl Simmons then posted halfcenturies as the Red Force climbed to 236 for four before the match was eventually called off. Earlier, Devon Thomas fell just six runs short of a century and Jahmar Hamilton made 77 as the Hurricanes batted themselves to safety after resuming the day on 159 for three.The pair put on 159 runs in a fourth-wicket partnership to rule out any possible hopes the Red Force had of pushing for victory. They carried the score to 273 before Odean Smith finally got the breakthrough by bowling Hamilton. Rahkeem Cornwall only lasted four balls before he too was dismissed by Smith for one. But within sight of three figures Thomas lost his wicket to Khary Pierre, prompting an

Devon Thomas fell six runs short of a deserved century. immediate declaration. He faced 109 balls and blasted five sixes and four boundaries.In pursuit of an improbable target, the Red Force’s batsmen were still positive in their approach, scoring at over four runs an over.Openers Jeremy Solozano and DaSilva put on 88 runs for the first wicket before the former lost his wicket to Damion Jacobs to be out for 30.DaSilva, who scored 75 and Simmons who made 59 at better than a run-a-ball, then added another 88 runs in only 16 overs. Even when the pair fell in quick succession, the Red Force were never in any danger of losing the match, with the two sides agreeing to a

draw shortly after. Scores: HURRICANES 365 (Terrance Warde 83, Jahmar Hamilton 68, Devon Thomas 67, Rahkeem Cornwall 62, Keacy Carty 44; Khary Pierre 4-110, Yannic Cariah 3-25) and 315 for six declared (Devon Thomas 94, Jahmar Hamilton 77, Montcin Hodge 57, Kieran Powell 39; Odean Smith 264). RED FORCE 329 (Imran Khan 86, Jason Mohammed 60, Jeremy Solozano 42, Odean Smith 36; Rahkeem Cornwall 3-86, Alzarri Joseph 3-88) and 236 for four (Joshua DaSilva 75, Lendl Simmons 59, Jeremy Solozano 30; Rahkeem Cornwall 2-67).

Monday February 25, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Mash 25-over Masters Cricket

Albion beat Enmore by six wickets at Enmore

Anil Beharry took 5-12 to claim trophies for best bowler and Man-of-the-Match.

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ormer Berbice left-arm spinner Anil Beharry rolled back the years and captured 5-12 to lead Albion Masters to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Enmore Masters on Saturday (Mashramani day) at the lightning fast Enmore ground. The 49-year-old Beharry, a big hitting left-handed who played at the 50-overs level for Berbice from 1995-1997 befuddled the East Coast batsmen as Enmore, who opted to bat on a good track in sweltering heat, were bowled out for 92. Former Berbice Inter-County 50 batsman Eon Abel offered

The Albion Masters after victory against Enmore Masters on Mash Day. some resistance with 25 with two boundaries before he provided the burly Beharry with his first victim. But after the diminutive Sheik Mohammed who played 17 first-class and 14 limited overs games for Guyana between 19881999, was bowled for a duck by former Berbice youth player Deopraksh Ramdat, only left-hander Latchman Yadram (16) reached double as Beharry sliced through the batting order like a hot knife through butter. Watched by a good size Village crowd on a day Guyana celebrated its 49th Republic Anniversary, Albion, led by a dash-

Canadian teenager through to Rio Open final

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime became the youngest man to reach an ATP 500 final on Saturday when he overcame Pablo Cuevas 6-3 3-6 6-3 to progress to the final of the Rio Open. The 18-year-old will meet Laslo Djere on Sunday in a battle of first-time finalists after the Serbian’s opponent Aljaz Bedene withdrew from the tournament with a leg injury. Auger-Aliassime had never reached the semi-final stage of any ATP tournament before coming to Brazil but he was outstanding against the 33-year-old Uruguayan, the Rio champion in 2016. He landed 88 per cent of his first serves in the decisive third set and saved five break points earned by his experienced opponent. Auger-Aliassime is just the fourth teenager to reach the final of an ATP 500 — the 13 tournaments which rank just below the Masters series — since the level was created in 2009. The previous youngest was now world number three Alexander Zverev, who reached the final of the Halle tournament in 2016 aged 19.

ing 30 with three boundaries from Prabhudyal Baldeo, reached 93-4 in 16 overs. Baldeo, the of brother of former Guyana youth batsman Bachan Baldeo, featured in a useful 36-run second wicket stand with Subramani Mangali who made 27 before he retired hurt to set the Central Corentyne side on course for victory. The Berbicians lost two quick wickets when Baldeo and the left-handed Huburn Evans, who played the first of his nine first-class matches in 1977, came together before reaching their target with nine overs to spare. (Sean Devers)

Top seed Tsitsipas overcomes Kukushkin challenge to win Marseille Open

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in action during the match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime celebrates winning his Semifinal match against Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas. (REUTERS/Sergio Moraes) Currently 104th in the world, the victory will see Auger-Aliassime break into

the top 100 when the new rankings are announced today.

(Reuters) - Top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas clinched his second ATP Tour singles title with a 7-5 7-6(5) victory over Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin at the Marseille Open yesterday. Tsitsipas, who reached the Australian Open semi-finals last month, battled hard to clinch victory over the 31year-old Kukushkin in a little under two hours. The 20-year-old, who did not drop a set in the entire

tournament, fired 14 aces and won 86 percent of his firstserve points. “Winning titles is the thing that I am working for. It’s the biggest satisfaction and the biggest joy in tennis,” Tsitsipas said, as quoted by the ATP Tour website. “There was a lot of stress this week because I knew I had to face some good opponents. I’m happy that I got through that stress and played the game that I was supposed to

play. “I lost the spark (after the Australian Open) and I was frustrated because it felt like I couldn’t find it again. This week, I can say I am really happy because I felt this hunger back again.” Break points were in short supply in the opening set with neither player wilting under the pressure as they held serve. However, Tsitsipas drew first blood (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 25, 2019

Kevin Dinanauth wins Trophy Stall annual Golf tournament in fine style Clifford Reis and Patanjilee Persaud capture their Flights Starting off as early as near 6:30am under bright sunny conditions on Saturday last, some competitors of the nearly 50 registered participants took to the Course, to compete in the annual Trophy Stall Golf Classic, mindful that they would be able to finish play by midday and so still enjoy or participate in Mashramani celebrations, or the Jordi Pinol birthday celebrations that follow at the end of the tournament. Kevin Dinanauth, who had not played in a tournament since the Guyana Open of November 2018, noted that “I have been practicing once a week, and today I was determined to focus on my game and play well. And because the Course is very encouraging to play, I was able to do well!” Scoring a total of 4 birdies and 6 bogies, he ended the tournament 2 over par, obtaining the Best Gross as well as the Best Net score, and so

emerged the Champion of the tournament.The tournament was played in 3 Flights, prizes being awarded to the first two Net places in each Flight. Prizes were also awarded to the Nearest to The Pin and Longest Drive winners. In the 22 – 28 Handicap Flight; winners were: Clifford Reis (72/25) – 1st; Jordi Pinol (74/28) – 2nd. Strong competition was offered from Anasha Ally (74/28) (who tied with Clifford Reis for 2nd place but lost on the countback); Maurice Solomon (75/ 24); Eion Blue (75/28); Albert Rohan (75/25) and Last week’s LGC Valentine weekend champion Robert Hanoman (78/27). Concerning his win, Clifford explained that the Course was in fine condition and he enjoyed the good camaraderie and competition from the golfers in his group. In the16 – 21 Handicap Flight, winners were: Patanjilee Persaud (71/16) –

The winners pose with visiting Halifax UK Football Club President, Robert Holmes, who, with some friends, had dropped in to spectate at the invitation of LGC President Hussain. From left to right: Avinash Persaud; Kevin Dinanauth; Clifford Reis; Patrick Prashad; Bholawram Deo; Joaan Deo; Mr. Holmes; Jordi Pinol; Richard Haniff standing in for Patanjilee Persaud; and Aleem Hussain 1st; Bholawram Deo (72/18) – 2nd, with very keen competition from Hilbert Shields (73/ 16); Mahendra Bhagwandin (73/20); and Aasrodeen Shaw (76/16) and Brian Glasford (76/ 17). In the 0 – 15 Flight, winners were: Kevin Dinanauth (68/6) – 1st; Dr Joaan Deo (70/ 15) – 2nd; followed keenly by

Club President Aleem Hussain (71/10); reigning Guyana Open Male Champion - Avinash Persaud (73/ 2); and Patrick Prashad (73/ 9). Sponsors Trophy Stall, Tel: 592-225-9230, and Email: bourdatrophies@solutions2000.net, operating now in Bourda Market and in South Road,

Bourda, through Its Managing Director Ramesh Sunich continues to provide sterling support to golfing in Guyana, having begun its involvement some 20 years ago, with tournament sponsorship annually over the last 10 years. The Trophy Stall provides many styles of trophies including trophies, medals and

plaques for all sports –such as Cricket, Football, Horse Racing, and many more. They also do T-Shirt printing, coffee mug printing, address stamps, picture ID’s, badges, and all kinds of engraving. All engraving is done on the business premises, so patrons are served promptly, with minimal wait.

NBA roundup: Harden-less Rockets stun Warriors Eric Gordon led five players in double figures with 25 points Saturday night as the Houston Rockets, playing without star James Harden, used superior depth to stun the Golden State Warriors 118-112 in Oakland, Calif.The win was the Rockets’ third in three meetings with the two-time defending champions this season after Golden State won a seven-game showdown last May in the Western Conference Finals.This victory was accomplished without Harden, who has scored 30 or more points in 32 consecutive games, the second-longest run in NBA history. The absence was just his fourth of the season. The Rockets had suffered defeats while he sat out two of his first three times.

Jazz 125, Mavericks 109 Joe Ingles capped an 18point performance with four 3pointers in the fourth quarter, helping Utah pull away from Dallas at Salt Lake City. In a game that paired two teams that had played the night before and traveled to Utah for Saturday’s contest, the Jazz used a 29-14 edge in free throw points to win their third straight at home. After leading by as many as 15 points in the third quarter, the Jazz found themselves clinging to just an 86-83 lead early in the fourth quarter before Ingles got things headed in a positive direction. Bucks 140, Timberwolves 128 Khris Middleton scored 28 points, and Giannis

Antetokounmpo added 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as Milwaukee won for the 16th time in its last 18 games, beating visiting Minnesota. The Bucks got off to a fast start en route to reaching 140 points for the fourth time this season. Antetokounmpo drove the lane for a dunk 14 seconds into the game and had 11 points in the opening 3:09. Milwaukee went on to its fourth consecutive victory and second in a row since the All-Star break. Kings 119, Thunder 116 Buddy Hield scored 34 points to help Sacramento hold off visiting Oklahoma City.The Kings led for much of the way but had to hold on

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) late, thanks to a couple of big shots by Russell Westbrook down the stretch. A night after making a game-winner at the buzzer in double-overtime against Utah, the Thunder’s Paul George couldn’t come up with the big shot for the second straight game. George’s potential game-tying shot at the buzzer over Willie Cauley-Stein hit off the front of the rim to give the Kings the victory and the season series, 3-1. Bulls 126, Celtics 116 Zack LaVine scored 42 points, and Lauri Markkanen added 35, both career highs,

as Chicago defeated visiting Boston for its third consecutive victory. The Bulls, who had lost 11 of their previous 12 games at the United Center, improved to 7-23 at home this season.LaVine made two free throws with 17.6 seconds left to eclipse his previous best of 41 points, set earlier this season. LaVine only shot three free throws in the game. He was 17 of 29 from the field and 5 of 11 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds and four assists. Pelicans 128, Lakers 115 New Orleans got off to a

hot start even without star center Anthony Davis and cruised to a victory against visiting Los Angeles. The Pelicans scored 42 points in the opening quarter, the most in any quarter this season, as Davis rested after playing Friday night at Indiana.Jrue Holiday had 27 points and seven assists for New Orleans, and Julius Randle scored 24 points. Brandon Ingram scored 29 points to lead the Lakers, and LeBron James had 27 points, 12 assists and four steals. Pistons 119, Heat 96 Ish Smith led a strong bench effort with a seasonhigh 22 points and nine assists as Detroit pulled away at Miami.Fellow reserves Langston Galloway and Luke Kennard added 17 points apiece as the Pistons’ bench scored 66 points. Blake Griffin had 20 points and six assists, Reggie Jackson added 13 points and Andre Drummond chipped in 12 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks to lead Detroit’s starting unit. In other results: Pacers 119, Wizards 112 Cavaliers 112, Grizzlies 107 Nets 117, Hornets 115 Hawks 120, Suns 112 Trail Blazers 130, 76ers 115 (Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

Monday February 25, 2019

Milo Schools’ football tourney

Annandale, Lodge and PC notch wins yesterday

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Mambo Sports Bar sponsors 18-team domino tourney

Annandale scorers from left, Colin Henriques, Jerome Harrigan and Omari Glasgow. The seventh annual Milo School’s football tournament, which is also sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) through their ‘Stop the violence’ campaign, resumed yesterday after breaking from their usual schedule to facilitate Mashramani/Republic Day celebrations, with four group, round-robin clashes. In the opener, South Ruimveldt were held to a 2-2 draw by St. Joseph’s High who were unlucky not to come away with a win after t h e v e r s a t i l e Wa r r e n Williams scored a brace, while giving his side the lead twice in the fourth and 29 minutes of the game. South Ruimveldt equalized first in the 27th minute through Christopher Bovell and again in the 40th minute, thanks to Godfrey Weekes. The second clash between Annandale Secondary and Canje finished 3-1 in favour of the lads from the East Coast of Demerara. Colin Henriques in the 21st, Omari Glasgow in the 35th and Jerome Harrigan in the 67th were the scorers for Annandale.

President’s College scorers from left , Edran Stephen and Vernon Lawson. -

Manager Lalita Narine hands over one of the trophies to Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire in the presence of Detanglie Narine at the Bar’s location.

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Canje’s lone goal came off the booth of Javon Persaud in the 23rd minute. Lodge Secondary stole the show with a 9-0 drubbing of Marian Academy in the penultimate clash of the day led by a hat-trick from Dorwin George, a brace from Marcus Bamfield and one goal each from Curt Edwards, Shemroy Myers and Rasheed Evans while an own goal took the tally to nine. Meanwhile, President’s College edged St. Mary’s 2 –

1. On the scorecard for the winners, Edron Stephens netted in the 15th minute and Vernon Lawson in the 64th via a penalty. St. Mary’s goal came from Jaheem Harsham in the 30th minute which was the equalizer. Today’s play will see a double header at the same venue commencing at 15:30hrs Bishop’s High play St. Stanislaus College in the first match and Queen’s College take on North Ruimveldt Secondary in game two at 17:10 hrs.

ith a growing number of corporate entities offering support for the sport of Dominoes, Mambo Sports Bar of Barr Street, Kitty was not going to be left out. The popular Sports Bar has agreed to sponsor an eighteen-team Competition in collaboration with Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire which will be staged on March 3, at the sponsor’s location. On Friday, Manager Lalita Narine handed over the trophies and committed to sponsorship of the tournament during a simple ceremony that was conducted at the Bar. Present at the occasion was Wiltshire, who received the trophies and in brief remarks promised that the event will attract most of the best teams in the country. Close to $300,000 in prize monies will be up for

grabs with the winning team set to collect $175,000, while second and third place finishers will take home $75,000 and $45,000 respectively. Wiltshire added that the Guyana National Domino Association rules will be in effect and the format to be used is 4 games 6 sittings in 2 in 1 out system. Narine said the entity was happy to be associated

with the sport, adding that she has witnessed its growth both in terms of popularity and participation so she is confident that the collaboration will reap success and be executed with the discipline that any corporate partner would appreciate.Double six time is 14:00hrs and entrance fee is $12,000 per team. Drinks and food will be on sale throughout the day.

Guyana vs Belize 27 Days to go

rt o p S

Gayle’s presence a big boost to team: Bravo P. 27

Sheldon Cottrell celebrates the dismissal of Adil Rashid during the 2nd O DI between West Indies and England. (AFP) -

Chris Gayle cracked 12 sixes in his 135 in the opening ODI. (Getty Images)

ASK-G host exciting 2019 Championships Roger Peroune shines yet again

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Amir Khouri (7th Dan) Chairman & Chief Instructor ASK-G and President of GKF is seen with other instructors and students which participated at the National Championships.

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