Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR

Potential conflict of interest... Tuesday Edition

UK firm should come clean on relationship with Exxonmobil - Policy Advisor

NEWS

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

February 26, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 10

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday 115,515

Oil Contract reveals...

Guyana has no legal right to audit Exxon sub-contractors Business continues as usual...

Defiant RUSAL expats running

operations “I do not respond well to threats”,

Better Hope man arrested after tyre fire gets out of control Smoke halted traffic on the Railway Embankment yesterday morning.

(Aditya Persaud photo)

Jagdeo warns Harmon

Significant decline of business over political uncertainty - GCCI Appointing AG as External Auditor for Natural Resource Fund a wrong move - NRGI

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday February 26, 2019

E'bo celebrates 49th republic anniversary with fervour

A

vibrant energy filled the streets of Anna Regina yesterday, as colors, art and culture were all pieced together in celebrating Republic Day 2019 in R e g i o n T w o [Pomeroon/Supenaam].

Essequibians came out in their numbers to witness the costume and float parade, which will most likely be remembered in years to come. It was an amazing spectacle as the parade made its way from Three Friends to the Anna Regina Centre Ground.

A scene to behold it was, as many persons grabbed the opportunity to gain firsthand look of the parade.

Guyanese from all walks of life jammed down to the beat of vibrant Guyanese SOCA music.

There were seven creative floats. The specially designed costumes created a psychedelic atmosphere at the Anna Regina Centre Ground.

The materials pieced together all had an amazing story to tell about Guyana's 49th Republic Anniversary.

T h e r e g i o n a l administration's float was a true piece of art. It depicted the city of El Dorado; the tale of a golden city, which eventually led to the discovery of Guyana in the first place.

The float portrayed a pyramid on which a tower stands with the Golden Arrow Head. The participants in the region's band, who depicted the citizens of El Dorado, adorned themselves in golden costumes. It was therefore no surprise when the piece scored first place in both the Large and Small group categories.

The parade eventually made its way to the Anna Regina Centre ground where the bands were judged in the large, medium and small categories.

In the medium category, the Essequibo Technical

Scenes from yesterday's costume and float parade.

Institute secured third place, while the police youth group placed second. Securing the first position was the

Mainstay/Whyaka group.

In the Small category, the third place went to the Anna Regina Town council, while

the Department of Education scooped second place. The Regional Administration secured the first position.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 2019

PAGE 03

Potential Conflict of interest...

UK firm should come clean on relationship with Exxonmobil - Policy Advisor

By Kiana Wilburg

U

K-based firm, Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants, is a client of ExxonMobil. But this did not preclude it from winning a contract from Guyana to review its employer's Field Development Plans (FDPs).

In light of the relationship between the British firm and its American employer, international advisors are recommending that Bayphase and even the Government of Guyana demonstrate that there is no conflict of interest. They also call on both parties to show that the public's interest is not at risk.

Specifically making these and other comments during an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News is Daniel Mulé, Senior Policy Advisor at Oxfam America.

Oxfam's Senior Policy Advisor, Daniel Mulé The entity is a confederation of 20 independent charitable organizations, which seek to fight some of the factors that lead to poverty, one of them being the poor governance of extractive wealth.

Kaieteur News asked Mulé if citizens and civil society groups

have any reason to be concerned if “independent firms and or experts” who worked for oil companies or are still clients of those oil companies, are hired to represent the interests of the country.

The Senior Policy Advisor said, “While independent firms or experts may bring significant experience and expertise from past experience with international oil companies and/or governments, certainly there is a potential risk of conflict of interest if the client's relationship is ongoing with two parties who may have disparate and potentially opposing interests.”

Mulé added, “Where there is an appearance of potential risks of conflict of interest, parties should disclose the prior or current relationships so that the other parties consider whether any fiduciary duties will be at risk if the client's relationship continues.

Government and the firm should also demonstrate that there is not a conflict of interest and that the public's interest is not at risk.”

The international policy advisor said Oxfam often encourages greater transparency and disclosure so that citizens have all the information to hold their governments accountable. “It is often in the public's interest to disclose more rather than less,” expressed Mulé.

While the Government may be eager to hire international firms to provide much needed advice and expertise on managing the nascent oil sector, Oil and Gas Consultant and former Advisor to the Government, Dr. Jan Mangal, had said that extreme caution must be exercised.

In fact, the Petroleum Consultant had stressed that Guyana should not hire any

company over which American oil major, ExxonMobil, has significant influence or the authorities would need to have mitigation measures in place to counter potential biases and sway.

Bayphase which was established in 1986 is not only a client of ExxonMobil, it is also contracted by NEXEN, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). CNOOC holds 25 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Bayphase also works for Exxon's subcontractors which include Schlumberger and Technip FMC. (See link for full list of c l i e n t s : http://www.bayphase.com/clientslist2.php) Further to this, none of its reports are unflattering to its clients. (See link to view their published reports: http://www.bayphasedata.com/rep orts.php)

“I do not respond well to threats”, Jagdeo warns Harmon

O

pposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo is not fazed by statements attributed to Minister of State Joseph Harmon warning him to desist from telling the public servants not to carry out the will of the government.

At the last postMinisterial Plenary press briefing, Minister Harmon, said that the government will not sit idly by and allow Jagdeo to continue threatening public servants about what will happen should they allow the

government to continue its operations unfettered.

Jagdeo responded at his last presser. He said, “Harmon is saying, oh Jagdeo may face consequences. Harmon is trying to threaten me, to say I will face consequences if I continue to threaten the public officials. “I am not threatening (public servants) like (APNU+AFC) did in the 2014, 2015 period saying how many people they will put in jail.

I am saying we will ensure that every single illegal act that took place in

this period is fully and impartially investigated and there will be consequences.”

Jagdeo continued, “Harmon himself may face s o m e o f t h o s e (consequences). So if he thinks that bothers me one bit he is deluded. I do not respond well to threats especially by people like Harmon and the others when on a daily basis they are subverting the constitution and laws of Guyana.

“And, it is the same thing for the person who heads the lands and survey department (Trevor Benn).”

It is not the first time Jagdeo and Harmon are having a back and forth on this very issue.

This is mainly because t h e A P N U + A F C government continues to insist that it must be business as usual, until such time that the court pronounces on the matters before it, in relation to the no-confidence motion.

On the other hand, the Opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP) maintains that the government can only act in a caretaker capacity. As a result, Jagdeo has been

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon calling on public servants to be “on the lookout.”

Since the passage of the no-confidence motion that saw the fall of government, Jagdeo has hosted several press conferences while the government held only a few.

At all of his press (continued on page 18)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 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

Mash 2019 was different in the right places This year’s just concluded Mashramani was different.

It looked different; it sounded different; and it was different in the right places and in the right ways. In several respects, this was surprising, but welcoming. A quick look back is worth the effort.

From all the media reports, the celebrations were largely incident-free. It has to be a good development when neither serious drunk driving accidents, nor hit-and-run fatalities, nor alcohol fueled violence marred the festivities.

At least, there were none of the kind that attract media coverage, or to those serious degrees that bring a shuddering.

Perhaps, Guyanese are learning to have good fun, while participating in the revelry, without going overboard or lurching into the irresponsible. A cheer should go up in recognition of sober mature partygoers.

Then, from Friday evening and onward in the run up to the midnight hour and the solemn flag raising moment, there was nonstop music, from all cardinal points it would seem. This continued on several fronts deep into the predawn hours, as in minutes before daylight.

There were two startling differences noticed in the menu of musical fare dished out. This year the sounds were a rollicking mosaic of the usual soca and Jamaican dancehall, with a sturdy presence and decent competition from the scintillating chutney genre; together they combined for pulsating beats in screaming overlapping crescendos.

This amalgam of artistes and toe-tapping, hip swiveling, and upper body gyrating beats lasted into late Saturday afternoon. The only gap was of a few hours duration when the sun came up; by mid-morning on Mash Day, it was all Guyanese and regional harmonies. Again, this was different from prior years.

From certain vantage points and listening posts, the volumes were present in loud pitch and reach; however, they were not of the overpowering, earsplitting decibels of old. Some discipline, good sense, and reasonable discretion seeped into the excitement; things were not allowed to get out of hand. This was both mature and responsible on the part of deejays and those who control event sand the usually demanding crowd.

Next, there was yet another aspect of the 2019 Mash that was encouraging, and which caused more than a few to pay attention. From all appearances, and several conversations, those on the scenes and involved in one way or another, reflected a broader and deeper presence of the diversity of this nation. From various reports from various points, the national ethnic kaleidoscope was a shade more pronounced.

Where in the past, there was the void of silence, and for all intents and purposes a constructive absence, more Guyanese from across the ethnic spectrum turned out to do one of several things.

They came out in solid numbers to brave the heat and jam sessions and soak in the boisterous floats and parades; to sway to the seductive sounds; and to see or be seen.

Not many wanted to be left out and miss out on the surging excitement.

From town and country, deep in the villages and massed at the road-heads, they were there. The weather was glorious with bright sunshine being the tone and hue of the day. From all accounts, it was a warm and warming time.

This is especially promising in view of the not insignificant fevers and hysterias whipping across atmosphere, environment, and the entirety of this land.

One and all should hope that it was not a Titanic moment; but that this year’s example could be improved upon with an eye to that special half-century mark next year.

A serious breach of Guyana’s national security DEAR EDITOR, What appeared to be a small matter but in fact was a serious breach of Guyana’s national security, occurred recently at a vital state-owned enterprise.

The case in point is Guyana Power and Light (GPL). The corporation was the victim of a cyber attack on its computerized systems.

The attack took place in earlier this month.

Interestingly, the mainstream press did not carry the story which it should have, save for the state-owned Guyana Chronicle that ran the story under the headline; “Cyberattack on GPL Information Systems.”

According to a GPL press release: ‘On Wednesday (February 6, 2019) at about 04:21 hours, the company experienced a cyber-attack on its computerized systems.’

The statement emphasized: ‘The perpetrators of this act requested a ransom of bitcoins (digital money) to remove all encryptions from within the network. GPL has not heeded to, and will not heed to, any such ransom.’

The statement concluded: ‘It is therefore fitting to advise and encourage all local companies with computerized systems to review their existing cyber security systems and disaster

recovery plans as well.’

Is this stale news? In my view it is not.

Neither the date of the GPL release nor when the attack took place matters.

What really matters is the nature, relevance and significance of the attack.

During the last PPP/C government, cabinet approved the establishment of a National Computer Incident Response Team (NCIRT) to be attached to the then Ministry of Home Affairs.

The NCIRT was housed in a government-owned building at Ogle. It was equipped with the necessary ICT hardware and software.

A small, but highly qualified team of computer experts, engineers and programmers were hired to staff NCIRT. Staffers at NCIRT were sent abroad for advanced professional training and to participate at international seminars, workshops and conferences.

Capacity building and institutional strengthening was moving apace, so much so that NCIRT won international acclaim at the OAS and the Commonwealth Secretariat sections treating with cybersecurity matters in member states.

Domestically, although much more work was needed, NCIRT, over the short period of its existence, had built up

sufficient institutional and human resource capacity to support and assist government agencies and departments, as well as private sector entities, to fight off computer hacking and/or cyber attacks.

With the advent of the APNU+AFC coalition to office, and in pursuit of its mantra, ‘Time For Change’, NCIRT was denuded of its technological and human resources, thus rendering it obsolete, and a useless unit attached to the then Ministry of Home Affairs.

Subsequently, NCIRT was disbanded.

Left jobless, the NCIRT staff went off to seek their fortunes where their skills were needed.

At one of the parliamentary sub-committee meetings to consider the draft Cyber Security Bill, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan was asked about NCIRT. In response, the Public Security Minister feigned ignorance of its existence insisting he knew nothing about that.

So much for government’s commitment to public and national security in these times when cyber security has emerged as a global challenge requiring a global response, and where no one country can operate in a vacuum.

Cybercrime is a subset of Cybersecurity, they differ

from traditional security and criminal activities, and require completely different responses and investigations.

Cybersecurity is already a major security challenge for the 21st century. And it is good that GPL has recognized this and has made a wakeup call to other public and private entities.

Passing cyber crime legislation is one thing, but to effectively enact the provisions on the basis of the regulations is a completely different matter.

The GPL release, while claiming that no ransom of bitcoins was paid, made no mention whether their investigations resulted in the apprehension of the culprits and whether their case was successfully prosecuted.

But what is of great significance in this entire episode is that it brought to light the fact that here in Guyana there already exists, an entry point for payment by way of bitcoins as ransom for cyber attacks on vital and critical points.

In other words, whether the attack originated from here in Guyana or overseas, it is now factual that Guyana is exposed to cyber attacks and that ransom payments are demanded in bitcoins.

This is new to Guyana.

This begs the question (Continued on page 6)

Trade Union Movement in solidarity with GB&GWU’s struggle for Human Rights DEAR EDITOR, I feel obliged to extend a word of thanks to Mr. Lincoln Lewis. I have always regarded him as one of more courageous and principled trade unionists in Guyana.

Because, as I am aware, Mr. Lewis and others have stood up, for or against, what they and many others - including those who lack the courage to make their views known consider to be right or wrong, as the case may be.

I for one, have no doubt that when this period of Guyana’s history is written, in say fifty years from now, Mr. Lewis would be among those who would emerge with considerable credit. This apart, I firmly believe that there is an important connection between the two concepts.

Trade unions are not only crucial for the protection and promotion of the interest of Workers, in particular, and of the population in general, but they are capable of serving as vital instruments in safeguarding those rights which are universally

proclaimed as fundamental, if not sacred.

Even the most cursory knowledge of Guyanese history reveals that time and again the Trade Union Movement has been at the fore of the battle for these rights, which were by no means easily won.

It is unlikely that there could be any more important issue confronting the Trade Union Movement in its of safeguarding the rights of the individual than that pertaining to the right to work and some of its related consequences.

I had on another occasion reverted to what I consider to be some of the important questions which need to be raised, and answered by those who wield power in the name of the people.

The movement must of necessity be concerned where workers - as in the case of the 61 former employees of RUSAL and Russian Management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), who are members of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers

Union (GB&GWU) - could be dismissed because they responded to a strike called by their union.

What in my view, is important in regard to this matter is not so much the number of persons who were dismissed, as the fact that in such circumstances the services of workers could be dispensed without much formality and without much regard for the results of such dismissal.

The major problem is not so much to understand the basis of the exercise of the power of dismissal, as to reconcile it with the so-called right to work which is mentioned in the Constitution, and the freedom to hold political views guaranteed in the Constitution and to be perpetuated in the Constitution.

Whether or not there is at the present time a right to work and its scope, is a matter of some dispute.

This matter is, to some, dealt with under the Constitution. Article. 22(I) of

the latter is to the following effect: “Every citizen has the right to be rewarded according to the nature, quality and quantity of his or her work, to equal pay for equal work or work of equal value and to just conditions of work “.

This article then goes on to say how this right is to be guaranteed which, it should be noted, is not by or enforcement provisions provided for in connection with civil and political rights.

The issue which has been exercising my mind is whether the existence of this article would mean a change in the power of dismissal, which RUSAL has so far claimed and asserted in regard to its employees, and which power is colonial or feudal in origin, or, at any rate, was in existence and utilised by our colonial capitalist employers to good effect.

Yours faithfully, Sherwood Clarke General President Clerical and Commercial Workers Union

Tuesday February 26, 2019

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

The Value of Poetry and Great Literature DEAR EDITOR, Poetry has always been a part of human life. It is an art that lies in the soul and spirit of man since the beginning of time. A poet writes always of his personal life and experience. He writes because he has an indispensable desire in his heart to express his ideas to objectify his poetic philosophy about life.

The English poet Shelly said that: ‘‘A poem is the very image of life expressed in its eternal truth…’’. The profound truth in this line written by Shelly can be seen in the poetry of all the classical poets, from Homer to Shakespeare.

The writing of great poetry has been the primary

vehicle for expressing one’s thoughts, observations, historical events, and various philosophies from a different perspective about life. A great poem, unlike a novel or a short story, can be digested and absorbed in our souls and can become a part of us forever. The poetry of Homer, Virgil, Dante, Tagore, and Shakespeare has become a part of the literary world until today. The divinity of their poetry has become sermons and prayers over the ages.

Poets speak a language all their own. Poets think in images—words naming a sensory thing or action. Great poetry requires a reader to experience a series of sensory experiences.

Having

experienced the image, we need to interpret it.

The vital message and metaphor are what the poet wants you to know. Poetry gives pleasure first, then truth, hidden in complex imagery and philosophy. Its language is charged, intensified and sophisticated.

The imagery in poetic writing is what every poet should strive for to achieve in his literary craft. Imagery is not just the sensory object the poem will convey to the readers. It is not only the beautiful and musical patterning of words; it is truth and meaning within the words of the poet that gives us great poetry.

The illustrious American

Guyanese don’t seem to recognise the enormous leverage we have now DEAR EDITOR, When will the citizens of this beautiful land of Guyana be able to gain visa-free travel to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom? Or is this a non-issue, since many politicians and influential Guyanese already have dual citizenship or permanent residency.

It is certainly a big issue for the average Guyanese who will still have to go through the embassy hassle to get a visitor visa. Needless to say, Guyanese are still being ill-treated in

neighbouring Trinidad and Barbados.

We cannot be sitting on billions of barrels of sweet crude oil and still be living and treated like peasants.

Well, if so be the case, we might as well cancel the whole oil deal with Exxon. Our voice has never been as powerful as it is today, and we need to use it accordingly. But yet we still seem afraid to make demands or lift our heads up high.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities must use their

leverage to persuade the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to facilitate visa-free travel for Guyanese nationals.

We are not asking them for money, nor are we lobbying our government for salary increases or advanced oil payouts. Instead, we are (Continued on page 6)

poet and critic T.S. Eliot wrote: ‘‘The dead poets are revealing themselves in the poets that are alive…’’ His knowledge in the line I have quoted here is what I have experienced as a poet. I am inspired and motivated to write when I read the work of a great poet.

Inspiration will only come to us by reading and meditation.

Poetry, I believe, is a very deep spiritual revelation compounded with creative imagination from the unseen world into the known material world.

Some philosophers and theologians believe that poetry writing is ‘intuitive writing’ that cannot be taught from mere book learning.

I fully agree with them, because one can be taught the literary genres and techniques about writing from an English textbook, but one cannot be taught how to write.

Great poetry should be revealed to the poet by spiritual revelation for him. It is my firm conviction that poetry, as well as music and art, are a God-given gift given to the artist, unknown to him on many occasions that cannot be taught at Universities.

Some of our greatest Guyanese authors and poets such as Martin Carter, Wilson Harris, Edgar Mittelholzer and Philip Moore never acquired

university degrees, but their writings excelled over those with Ph.D. degrees.

Samuel Johnson was too poor to acquire a University degree, yet he wrote the greatest dictionary and tons of books and papers. What many academics fail to understand is very simple: degrees don’t write; writers do the writing.

Intuition, which we sometimes call ‘inspiration’, will push us to write lines we ourselves are unable to write by our natural intellectual apprehension. Until today, many literary scholars believe that Shakespeare never wrote what he had written because he was not educated at a University. Shakespeare was naturally gifted and inspired

by God to write what he had written.

The American poet and critic, T.S. Eliot, believed that Shakespeare never did any real thinking to write, but wrote upon inspired thoughts given to him by the imperial muse of poetry.

Poetry is an art, and in my opinion, the greatest of the fine arts and the hardest in

which to reach true perfection. The true poet must be genuine, who has faith and confidence that his work will do something to the world and the society he lives in.

Poetry deals with the emotional intensity in mankind. It’s a more sophisticated art in writing that comes from the poet’s heart by a higher sort of creative imagination. Prose, on the other hand, deals with the external intellect. It’s a more lucid and scientific form of expression. It is a more analytical and comprehensive style in formal writing.

It enables man to see things more clearly, whereas poetry lies in obscure images beneath the surface of things that can only be comprehended by eyes within our mind’s eye. Poetry is philosophy locked in symbolism and magnificent imagery.

In closing, poets are important in every society because their prophetic words of wisdom will live on after they are gone.

Regards, Rev. Dr. Gideon Cecil

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Soft skills should be integrated into TVET programs DEAR EDITOR, I use this opportunity to share my views on the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program in Guyana.

Recently, I noticed the Education Ministry pursuing the development of TVET in various regions.

In January there was a contract signing for the design and construction supervision of three TVET facilities in Regions three, four and five.

Earlier this week, a similar engagement for the same purpose was signed for facilities in Regions one and seven. Based on reports in the media, these facilities will be better able to deliver training in areas such as Masonry/Plumbing/Steel

Fixing, Electrical Installation, Furniture Making/Carpentry and Joinery, Garment Making, House Keeping and Graphic Design.

E d i t o r, this is commendable by the Ministry of Education to be injecting funds into developing TVET areas in Guyana.

With the skills that will be taught, Guyana can expect the renewal of a workforce of skilled men and women in the aforementioned areas.

Some can move on to gaining employment in those fields, while others can become entrepreneurs, opening their own business and even becoming contractors, and bid for government

contracts.

My concern, however, is although we will have a skilled workforce, we must remember that many of the students of these courses may not be the most ‘polished’ bunch, despite their intellectual capabilities.

Some will have sharp edges as it relates to their personalities and people skills. I therefore humbly submit, that the Ministry of Education, when implementing these programs, makes provision for subjects that address customer service and care so that the ‘soft skills’ of students can be developed.

This will allow them to know how to deal with their clients.

We must remember that in

a lot of cases, these trained young men and women may have to interact with their clients directly. They will not have the opportunity to hide behind a trained customer service agent as yet, particularly those that will venture out to become entrepreneurs.

Let us imagine for a minute, a young lad, trained as a mason and has to provide an estimate to a client in his community for the concreting of a yard. That freshly minted mason will have to be taught the importance of politeness and professionalism to provide the said estimate and even further, to respect the importance of sticking to deadlines and reporting inability to finish or not finish within given timeframes.

The teaching of soft skills borders on communication skills. These subject areas can teach students various techniques of improving communication between themselves and clients which will augur well for good customer relations. This is important, since we are encouraging persons to venture into entrepreneurship and becoming their own ‘bosses’.

It will benefit them, since their good service will build their reputation in a positive light, securing for themselves future jobs.

Many people complain about their interaction with tradesmen particularly, saying that they possess no ‘people skills’; that they are ‘rough, rugged, crude and illmannered’. Being able to do

the job correctly is good but customers also want persons that they can talk to and interact in a friendly manner.

When we implement these programs we must think holistically by not just focusing on the main skills, but also developing the individual completely into becoming a rounded Guyanese.

With that said, I repeat my commendation for the Ministry of Education for acknowledging the need for improved TVET services being offered to students. I encourage the Education Officials and the Minister of Education to continue developing the education sector in Guyana. We are going in the right direction.

Yours faithfully, Elizabeth Williams

DEAR EDITOR, As I celebrate my country’s 49th Republic Anniversary, I look to see where we are as a nation - what we have achieved in those years and what our goals are.

We celebrate this anniversary with problems and very little to feel encouraged about.

At 49 years there are many things that haven’t changed.

After having our independence and become a Republic, the colonial masters still make plenty of decisions for us. As a Republic, we still have faith in the colonial masters making decisions for us.

For instance, they tell us how much we are worth and what they are going to give us for our natural resources.

Then at every election they have the last word, they sit

down with all political parties to resolve the issues of the election.

The situation in Linden with the bauxite workers is clear evidence of how we are still treated by the colonials and come Election Day they would be the voice to make that decision on the election.

We fussed and complained about any- and everything, but don’t stand up for what is rightfully ours.

Unity is strength and that brings success.

As we go forward through this storm of progress and development, let us stay focused on who we are - One People One Nation with One Destiny.

I call on all Guyanese to pray with faith as we travel through this storm.

David Sandiford

I fervently hope this does not end up 49 years as a Republic being the case DEAR EDITOR, I’ve noticed a few articles in the papers recently, regarding a possible increase in fares at due to airport taxes.

I fervently hope this does not end up being the case.

We have read of the high prices to get to and from Guyana. Any increase in airfare by the major airlines would not be welcome, it

would only serve to deter visitors and burden Guyanese also.

I must commend Caribbean Airlines for their presence at the Mashramani 2019 celebrations.

Not only were there numerous signs along the roads proclaiming them as the official airline of Mash 2019, but they were also present

moving with the Pulse truck on Vlissengen Road. If the abundance of signage on the truck was to be any indication, perhaps Caribbean Airlines is truly becoming more immersed in the culture and heritage of Guyana.

But culture aside, I understand that they are, at t h e e n d o f t h e d a y, a business and must do what is necessary to keep

operations running — including adjusting prices and having a brand presence at major events such as this.

That being said, I am a little heartened by the fact that they choose to be as invested as they seem to be in the Guyanese culture and celebrations.

Sincerely Customer Name withheld

Guyanese don’t seem to recognise the enormous...

From page 5 simply asking for due respect and a basic entitlement.

Citizens of Trinidad, a nation that is now experiencing tough times, enjoyed visa-free travel to the UK and Canada for the longest while, as Guyanese suffered. Bahamians and Grand Caymanians today, travel to the United States, Canada and the UK without a visa. And these countries only have beaches and not one-tenth of the resources that we have here.

This is not asking too much; the difference is that we have now found oil and we should be entitled to more.

Guyanese don’t seem to recognise the enormous leverage we have now, with

billions of barrels of sweet crude under our noses.

Gone are the times when Guyanese were fetching cooking oil and flour across the Caribbean and looking for work in large numbers in the United States.

In fact, what we see now is a foreign invasion into our beautiful country – even from the United States. And more will be coming.

The best promise that APNU or the PPP/Civic can make to voters, and be held accountable for, is visa-free travel to the US, Canada and the UK. This is the least any Guyanese citizen should expect.

Patriotic Guyanese

A serious breach of Guyana’s...

From page 4 whether there exists here in Guyana safe havens for international cyber criminal networks that are hosted by local counterparts. This would pose a serious threat to national security and raises more questions than answers.

The disbandment of Guyana’s national CIRT was a big mistake by the Granger administration. It has left Guyana exposed to cyber attacks as a nation.

Penetration and attacks by cyber criminals behind the ‘Dark Web’ on key and critical installations such as our ports, airports, banks and insurance companies, strategic government agencies and departments,

revenue authority, the NIS, GECOM, hospitals, military and national security installations, place all at risk of suffering similar attacks, as was the case at GPL. Steps must be taken to build partnerships at home and abroad. Encouragement must be given to set up digital crime units.

And a National Computer Incident or Emergency Response Team or Unit, staffed with highly qualified professionals is a sine qua non to stave off imminent cyber-attacks on computerized systems wherever the vulnerability may exist.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 7

GNSC receives proposal for Public Private Partnership - $125M, 12, 600 square ft. modern warehouse facility commissioned

GNSC’s new state-of-the-art facility

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan is assisted by Managing Director, Andrew Astwood as he cuts the ribbon to open the new warehouse.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, yesterday encouraged the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) to seek out opportunities available in Public Private Partnerships, (P3) to further the development of the company.

Minister Jordan joined the Board of Directors and Management of the GNSC to commission a $125M, 12, 600 square ft. modern warehouse facility at the Lot 1 Public Road, La Penitence, Georgetown location.

According to the Finance Minister, the government has already received “unsolicited” proposals from an international firm which specializes in port development, to invest in the corporation as a P3 Venture. The GNSC, he said, has been provided with the proposal which is under consideration.

“I am aware of your strategic plan which highlights warehouse development, equipment renewal and wharf rehabilitation as critical to success of the corporation’s five-year programme. The corporation is ideally situated and commands significant assets. But it has no money to implement the game changing projects that can exploit the known advantages.”

He, therefore, urged the shipping company to seek out partnerships to overcome this critical deficit. He said the government is in discussions with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a proposal.

“I am told that the corporation has been providing information on its strategy and development plans to EIB for consideration,” the Finance Minister said.

The minister said the impending flow of oil and gas and what it means for the shipping corporation is a defining moment for the company.

“I expect that your sagacity would cause you to see new business opportunities in the new sector. I encourage you to

take advantage of the many business opportunities that the sectors promise so as to ensure your company remains profitable and competitive.”

According to Minister Jordan, while the competition is fierce, it can be met head-on with imagination, innovation and foresight.

“It would require visionary leadership from Board Directors and Management. It would call for a motivated and skilled workforce that is dedicated to making the corporation number one.”

The company was further encouraged to establish more modern warehousing policies and practices that would discourage cargo being stored for excessively long periods. He said the changing business environment and advancements in tech-

nology is forcing companies to adapt to the changing customers’ needs in order to remain relevant and successful in their businesses.

Meanwhile, GNSC’s Managing Director, Andrew Astwood said he is proud of the successful completion of the warehouse.

He said the corporation is constantly looking for solutions for customers and clients. The new warehouse is just another step in that direction.

The Guyana National Shipping Corporation renders maritime transportation services to all sectors of the economy. The company’s major role in the shipping industry is the provision of related quality services to shipowners, operators, and other customers, locally and internationally.

PAGE 8

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

Contract reveals…

Guyana has no legal right to audit Exxon sub-contractors International Petroleum Experts have said time and again, that cost recovery audits are only as effective as the legal and contractual provisions in place.

But in Guyana’s contract with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL, there are a number of loopholes which may hamper the effectiveness of such audits.

The latest anomaly speaks to the fact that Guyana has no provision in the aforementioned contract to ensure it can audit the books of the c o m p a n y ’s s u b c o n t r a c tors.

Unlike Guyana, nations like Trinidad and Tobago have strict provisions in place which allow its regulators to check the costs being charged by subcontractors to the oil operators. This mechanism is

just one way the Caricom territory protects itself against inflated costs.

In contracts Trinidad has with oil companies, there is a section called Retention. It says, “Subject to the delivery of books, records and documents to the Minister in accordance with the Contract upon termination of the Contract, all books, records and documents must be maintained by the Contractor, Contractor’s Affiliates and Subcontractors and made available for inspection until the later of: (i) seventy-two (72) Months after the termination of each Contract Year; or (ii) if any cost, amount or issue is under dispute, the date by which that dispute is resolved.”

In addition to this, there is no provision in Guyana’s contract with Exxon’s subsidiary which requires its contracting partners,

CNOOC and Hess, to submit their independent audit reports of Esso’s costs to the government. (See link for further details: https:// n r e . g o v. g y / w p - c o n t e n t / uploads/2017/12/Petroleum-Agreement-Oct-72016.pdf ) T h i s h o w e v e r, i s i n place in Trinidad’s contracts with oil firms. Under a section called, “Audits

by Contractor Party,” it states, “If any Contractor Party conducts an audit of the books and records of Operator or any other Contractor Party pertaining to the Contract, it shall provide to the Minister a copy of the audit results, a report setting out the audit exceptions, claims and queries and the manner in which these exceptions, claims and queries were finally allowed or denied by Operator.”

(BY KIANA WILBURG)

OS&H investigating recent aircraft, other accidents The Ministry of Social Protection’s Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H) Department is actively investigating four recent accidents which resulted in deaths and injuries to employees.

The deaths being investigated are Captain Randy Liverpool who died in a crash at the (Continued on page 11)

Tuesday February 26, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Oil is the end game The United States is again up to its wicked ways in Latin America. It is fomenting instability and regime change in the region.

It has already been successful in engineering legislative, military and judicial coups to remove democratically elected Presidents in Honduras, Paraguay and Brazil. The United States was complicit in the coup d’état which unseated and exiled Manuel Zelaya in 2009. It was behind the bogus charges against former Presidents of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

In Paraguay, the US was the hidden hand behind the legislative coup which ousted President Lugo.

Rousseff was not indicted for personal corruption. In fact, she is widely considered to be extremely honest. She was impeached because she moved government funds between Budgets even though she main-

tains this is not unusual or criminal. Trumped up charges were laid against Lula. He was said to have been given a seaside apartment. But no evidence was ever been laid before the court that he ever owned that property which in fact was titled in the name of a friend.

Lugo was the victim of a legislative putsch. He was given a mere one day to defend himself in the legislative assembly. Two of the largest regional organizations, UNASUR and MERCOSUR suspended Paraguay over his removal.

The actions taken against Zelaya, Lugo, Rousseff and Lula are all part of a wider geo-political agenda being pursued by the United States and its regional lackeys to remove left-wing governments and to replace them with US puppets.

The United States and neoliberalism are having their way, ironically, because of term limits which have resulted in many left-

wing leaders not being eligible to run for consecutive terms. The US has exploited these constitutional stipulations to give advantages in right wing regimes.

The big fish, however, is Venezuela. The US has tried everything in that country but has failed to unseat the Chavez and the Maduro administrations. In 2002 it engineered a short-lived coup against Hugo Chavez.

Having failed to oust Madruo in free and fair elections, economic sanctions and violent street protests, it is now attempting with the help of treacherous regimes in South America and with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the LIMA Group to impose a new President on the country in violation of established democratic norms, the very norms which it claims Maduro is contravening.

The latest outrage against Venezuela is the claim that last year’s elections which brought Maduro to power were not free

Dem boys seh ...

Mash mash up nuff people Saturday come and gone. Nuff people do nuff things to enjoy demself. De mash start wid J’ouvert and dem had nuff J’ouvert. One man lef he house Friday night, sport at Congress Place then join a band on Mash Day. Dem boys see de man Mash pun de road behind a band.

He drink from every Tom, Dick and Beharry and he hug up people he didn’t even know. Was smile all day in de hot sun.

Dem boys see odda people Mashing but fuh some reason this man stand out. He really enjoy heself. As he go down de road he see friends and dem hug him up. Even some strange gyals hug him up and party. It was a real Mash.

When de float done de man feel Mash up but he know that once dem had odda sport he wouldn’t miss. That is how a boy Mash he foot when he step into de party dem had at Congress

Place. He get vex that he tell dem boys if wasn’t a sport he woulda Mash in de boy face.

De party done when de sun come up Sunday morning. By then de man Mash up. De likker that he drink mek a mess of he head and he stomach.

De last straw come when he go home. Because he didn’t go home de night, he wife led de food cover down pun de table. Was Mash potato.

Dem boys seh that some people had odda Mash experience. Some of dem sore all over because dem get sunburn. Dem who set up picnic and apply skin cream didn’t suffer so much. But was dem who had on next to nutten and tramp.

Blister deh all over dem body.

And of course, by November de population gun expand. Nuff Mash babies gun be born. And of course, some of de fathers gun Mash de road in de Great Escape.

Talk half and wait fuh anodda mash.

and fair. This despite the conduct of the elections being certified and free. No less a figure than Jimmy Carter has described the Venezuelan electoral body which runs its elections as among the best in the world.

The US and the OAS has decided however, that the elections were not fair because certain elements of the opposition were excluded. But was Maduro responsible for this?

It was the opposition which prior to the elections had taken to violent street protests, backed by the United States, to topple Maduro. The Venezuela President and his supporters held on and rode the tide. The protests eventually fizzled and the oppo-

sition splintered over differences.

As such, they could not field a consensus candidate for the presidential elections and when an opposition candidate finally emerged he was soundly defeated in a free poll.

History is repeating itself.

Street protests, with the backing of the United States, are again being launched to topple Maduro. A number of governments have refused to recognize Maduro as President. These governments along with the United States and the European Union have recognized an opposition leader as the President.

These governments are part of a conspiracy for regime change in Venezuela. And the US yes-

terday intensified sanctions against the Venezuelan government. It is also breaching the sovereignty of that state by sending food supplies without the consent of the government.

The United States is the ‘chief cook and bottle washer’ in this sordid affair. It is not interested in the Venezuelan people. It is not interested in democracy. It is interested in Venezuelan oil. That is its end game.

PAGE 10

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

These magistrates’ decisions must be condemned Magistrate Leron Daly sentenced a twenty-year-old School of the Nations student to three years for possession of eight ecstasy pills weighing five grams. A week before this case, a judge sentenced a Berbician to three years, after he pleaded guilty to murder. He killed a father of two.

He said his act was a reaction to the taunts of the victims.

The 20-year-old fellow had no previous conviction, killed no one, pleaded guilty like the murder accused but got the same sentence. By now you would know that there isn’t a damn thing that

makes sense in Guyana. A first offender jailed for possession of five grams of a prohibited substance? Is this country heading for a tsunamic type human disaster?

Justice Navindra Singh’s curious question to a prosecutor last Friday in the High Court certainly had the unintended effect of exposing what goes on in the magistracy. The UG student charged with a bomb threat to the institution was denied bail. One of the reasons the magistrate refused to grant bail was the prosecutor’s contention that the student

would tamper with witnesses.

This is a country whose permanent infernos have no parallels in world history. You can end up being remanded for weeks because some magistrates do not know their functions. The young lady applied for bail in the High Court. The prospector again requested bail denial because of the witness tampering possibility. Enter Justice Navindra Singh.

When the witness interference explanation came up, Justice Singh asked for details. The prosecutor had none to offer. How can you

tell a judge that an accused should be remanded based on an explanation for which you have not a scintilla of evidence.

The prosecutor could offer no details of why and how which witness will be intimated by the accused. Justice Singh released the young lady of $10,000 bail Now here is the interesting angle in the bail hearing.

What Justice Singh asked is what Magistrate Ann McLennan should have done in the first place because that was her judicial duty. When the prosecutor asked for bail denial and cited potential for interfering with witnesses, the magistrate should have asked for details.

Charrandass Persaud is now the centre of a volcanic eruption but he wrote a very instructive newspaper letter two years ago. Charran noted that young people are being charged with possession of ganja and remanded while the substance is yet to be tested.

In order words, the police could pick you up for dried Conga pump, accuse you of possessing marijuana, charge you, the magistrate denies bail

and the police lab is still to receive the substance for testing.

By the time the Conga pump is tested, you would have spent months on remand because you couldn’t afford a lawyer.

A magistrate is not and cannot be an interested party in a court case. A magistrate is a neutral judge. When a prosecutor outlines a reason for bail refusal, the magistrate must determine if the reason carries merit. The magistrate cannot simply accept the prosecutor’s word.

The denial of bail by Magistrate McLennan because of the prosecutor’s request not accompanied by the submission of at least a one concrete fact of witness tampering is the sad story of the injustices that characterize the judicial system.

The young lady accused of a bomb threat to UG no doubt could have afforded a high priced lawyer and so she got bail. Too many poor folks cannot go that route and they languish on remand.

I remember the case of an accused named Taylor that I got involved in because the

Frederick Kissoon injustice was grave. The prosecutor told Magistrate Judy Latchman that Ms. Taylor was wrongly charged and therefore he is not opposing bail.

Magistrate Latchman still denied bail. When I asked the family about applying to the High Court for bail, they told me the lawyer that originally appeared in the lower court wanted a large sum to petition the High Court and that was far out of their reach.

Taylor stayed on remand until Dexter Todd took her case and secured bail in the High Court.

I complained to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) about Magistrate Latchman. One day, a court official handed me a letter from the then head of the JSC, then Chancellor Carl Singh. I was informed that an inquiry found that Magistrate Latchman did not commit a judicial indiscretion. The lawyer and I were never called to testify. That inquiry was done in Chato’s Land.

We will continue to have outlandish judgements from magistrates without anyone asking the relevant question- are some of them fit and proper?

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Trump heads to North Korea summit in no rush on denuclearization HANOI/ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump headed for Vietnam yesterday for a second summit with Kim Jong Un, having stressed the benefits to Pyongyang if the North Korean leader gives up his nuclear weapons, but saying there was no rush.

Trump and Kim are due to meet in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, tomorrow and Thursday, eight months after their historic summit in Singapore, the first between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader.

While there is no real expectation that the second meeting will bring a final deal on ridding North Korea of nuclear weapons that threaten the United States, there are some hopes it could bring a declaration that the 1950-53 Korean War is at last formally over.

In Singapore, Kim pledged to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, but the vague agreement struck there has produced few concrete results. U.S. Democratic senators and security officials have warned Trump against cutting a deal that would do little to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump left for Vietnam aboard Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews just out-

side Washington shortly after 12:30 p.m. EST (1730 GMT) yesterday. He is due to arrive in Hanoi this evening, local time.

Trump will meet Kim for a brief one-on-one conversation tomorrow evening, followed by a social dinner, at which they will each be accompanied by two guests and interpreters, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters on Air Force One. She said that would be followed by more meetings between the two leaders on Thursday.

She said Trump would be accompanied at the dinner by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

Speaking in Washington on Sunday, Trump said he believed he saw eye-to-eye with Kim and that they had developed “a very, very good relationship.”

Tweeting yesterday, he stressed the benefits to North Korea if it gave up its nuclear weapons. “With complete Denuclearization, North Korea will rapidly become an Economic Powerhouse. Without it, just more of the same.

Chairman Kim will make a wise decision!” Trump said.

Trump told reporters he and Kim would have “a very tremendous summit.”

In a speech on Sunday

A sign in a Korean restaurant in Hanoi welcomes President Trump and Kim Jong Un, who are scheduled to meet on Feb. 27-28 in the Vietnamese capital. night, Trump, however, appeared to play down any hope of a major breakthrough at the Hanoi summit, saying he would be happy as long as North Korea maintained its pause on weapons testing.

“I’m not in a rush. I don’t want to rush anybody,” he said. “I just don’t want testing. As long as there’s no testing, we’re happy.”

North Korea conducted its last nuclear test in September 2017 and last tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in November 2017.

DOMESTIC PRESSURE Trump’s departure from Washington comes at a time of increased pressure at home.

PAGE 12

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

Police strategic plan handed over to special implementation body Members of the newly formed Police Reform Change Board yesterday received the New Guyana Police Force Strategic Plan.

This was done at an executive briefing which discussed the Police Reform Change Board and the New Guyana Police Force Strategic Plan.

According to the agenda for the briefing, it was done to increase stakeholders’ awareness of certain key mechanisms aimed at enhancing the work of the security sector and improving citizens’ security.

Citizens’ security, according to the release from Government, remains a major concern not only in Guyana but throughout the Caribbean, and the implementation of this new plan is expected to boost the national capacity to tackle crime, violence and insecurity.

British Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor, Russell Combe handed over the plan to Deputy Chairman of the board, Commissioner of

Members of the New Police Reform Change Board, and other stakeholders of the security sector Police, Leslie James. The advisor expressed the United Kingdom’s (UK) commitment to helping to boost Guyana’s security sector.

“The United Kingdom is committed to supporting this process, to supporting Guyana, in the change management of the police and the

areas that we’ll be looking at in the future where additional support is necessary,” Combe said. In his feature remarks, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, highlighted the need to have the implementation of the project expedited to avoid it being lost away on desks.

“You know I find sometimes; we suffer an inertia as a result of being given the report, after that it’s on the shelf and sometimes we have this bad habit of not ensuring that which is on the shelf is utilised, we are not going to allow that to happen here.”

The minister also referenced a recent report which spoke to managing the force’s finances and urged the use of newer budgeting models,

such as priority budgeting.

“There is also another priority as I see it, going through these reports and the various recommendations there, to introduce a medium-term financial plan, and this prioritybased budgeting that I talk about, which focuses on funding of outcomes which deliver the greatest outcomes, for our force.”

Since its assumption to office in 2015, the Coalition

Government has been working assiduously to ensure the advancing of the security sector. Thus far, its actions have proven to enhance the work of the Guyana Police Force as this is testimony in the reduction of serious crimes, crimes being solved, more officers being trained (locally and internationally) and more importantly, the improvement of the relationship the force has with the public.

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James receives the Strategic Plan from British Security Advisor, Russell Combe

Police warned against misuse of Govt . vehicles Members of the Guyana Police Force, G’ Division were recently warned to desist from the practice of misusing Stateowned vehicles. This stern warning was recently issued twice in less than a week by the Region Two Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikaran.

Speaking in the capacity of the region’s accounting officer during the flag raising ceremony last Friday night, the REO said that while some police are doing well, there are (Continued on page 22)

The Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikaran.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 2019

PAGE 13

50 educators in training to be Education Officers Chief Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hutson.

Cadets at the first day of orientation yesterday.

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fter completing an 18-month t r a i n i n g programme, teachers currently participating in the Ministry of Education's Cadet Officers Training programme will each be dispatched to one of the 11 education districts as Education Officers.

A total of 50 teachers were yesterday part of an orientation exercise for the programme which started yesterday and is scheduled to continue until next week.

Following this week's orientation exercise, the 50 teachers will then undergo an 18-month training programme and upon completion they will be duly assigned.

According to the Deputy Chief Education Officer [Administration], Ms. Ingrid Trotman, the teachers were chosen out of 128 applicants.

She said that 40 were successful at their interviews and the additional 10 are persons already in the system attached to the Special Education Needs Unit at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) that have been working in the regions.

Trotman said that within the 2019 batch, there are cadets from all 11 education districts. She said that during the 18-month programme, the cadets will be attached at the various departments of the Ministry of Education.

At the orientation ceremony, yesterday, was Chief Education Officer [CEO], Mr. Marcel Hutson,

who also benefitted from the Cadet Officers Training programme.

The CEO told the officers that the programme is noted for producing officers with standard and quality.

He remarked, “We must take pride in our duties and our responsibilities. This programme has been strategically designed to help you understand the workings of the education system.”

He added that during the course of the programme, the officers will recognise that there are some distinct differences that need to be addressed in schools on the coast and the hinterland.

The CEO urged the cadets to bring a new level of thinking that will influence change.

“There is a gap in performance and we must bridge that gap. You must bring your talents and skills to bridge that gap,” Hutson encouraged.

Further, he told the officers in training that they should consider it an honour that they were chosen to be part of the programme to impact the lives of people.

He said, “See yourself as agents of change…it is incumbent on you to use your talents and abilities not

for your personal praise but for the advancement and betterment of others.”

The cadets were advised by the CEO that during their training, they should embrace two main watchwords –literacy and leadership. He also encouraged them to preserve their integrity and that at the end of the training, they should use the knowledge acquired to make a difference.

Meanwhile, giving the educators advice on what to expect during the training period was Education Officer [Georgetown], Mr. Sherwyn Blackman, who delivered words of reflection as he focused on his experience as a cadet.

He told the cadets that their experience will be one to remember as they will be exposed to greater detail of how the education sector operates and will be given the opportunity to visit the various education departments particularly in the hinterland where they will be involved in special projects.

Assistant Chief Education Officer [Nursery], Ms. Samantha Williams, who is also a product of the Cadet Officers Training, said that the best

Correction In the February 24th Edition of the Kaieteur News, the incorrect name of the beauty of the week was carried. The correct name for the Guyanese beauty is Sarah Jameel and not Atisha Gaskill. The Kaieteur Entertainment Section apologizes for this inadvertent slip.

minds were chosen to lead and guide after the current Education Officers leave the sector.

She told the cadets that it is an opportunity for them to extend their legacy and to contribute to a greater good to impacting and shaping the Education Ministry's trajectory.

The Cadet Officers Training programme started in 1996 with 28 participants.

It continued in 2008 with three participants, 2009 with five, 2015 with 33. Now 50 cadet officers are enrolled in the 2019 batch.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday February 26, 2019

$105M aid for displaced Venezuelan migrants in Guyana

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humanitarian action for children, through the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its Guyana office, has received

$105M (US$500,000) to fund the provision of water and sanitation hardware, assist the Ministry of Education to build schools' capacity, and hygiene promotion for Venezuelan

migrants.

To combat issues such as child abuse and child labour among the Venezuelan migrants, Jones said, “We are supporting the ministry of social protection with

surge capacity so that they can develop their human resources in these areas, and with the NGO Blossoms, we are looking to have one-stop shops for reporting on child abuse. So, it's a case where

Emergency Officer of UNICEF Guyana, Ian Jones we are looking to build up the capacity, and then the incidents will be reported through the regular systems.�

Jones added that a spike in the number of incidents reported will be noticed when the capacity is built with the number of child abuse or child labour reported, but it is not necessarily an increase in such cases, just that a facility is now available for these issues to be reported.

He added that the focus is on 12,000 migrants, 4,800 of whom are children living in Regions One through Region Seven.

Although data-tracking metric-surveys are in place to know how many migrants have been registered, they are unable to give a figure of how many migrants are living in Guyana at this time. This, he said, is because all the migrants are not coming through the main points of entry at Charity,

Essequibo.

Venezuelan migrants are coming to Guyana mainly from Delta Amacuro and the Bolivar state.

This information was shared at the 2018 annual review of the joint annual work between the Guyana government and UNICEF on Thursday last, where Ian Jones, Emergency officer of UNICEF Guyana said the agency's main focus is on capacity building for the all agencies involved in addressing the issue of Venezuelan migration to Guyana.

Through this initiative, one of UNICEF's focuses is to improve host communities in light of the i n f l u x o f Ve n e z u e l a n migrants.

A multi-agency coordination committee which is led by Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix meets every fortnight to address the issue of the migrants in Guyana.

Shooting death at Subryanville hotel; two witnesses remain in murder PI

S

pecial Prosecutor, Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, who was assigned by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), is expected to call two remaining witnesses to testify in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of the man who was allegedly shot by the owner of the Subryanville hotel last August.

Forty-five-year-old Erwin Bacchus, of Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, is currently on remand for the offence. Bacchus was not required to plead to the indictable offence which stated that on August 4, last, he murdered Jason De Florimonte.

Charged: Erwin Bacchus The PI into the murder is being heard by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Providence (continued on page 18)

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Grant forfeited for Stabroek Guyanese appears in court for murder of Trini's doubles vendor Market clock repairs The Stabroek Market clock

Y

esterday, at the Statutory Meeting of Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, the councilors unanimously decided that the US Ambassador's grant would be returned to the United States Embassy.

This grant was secured during the tenure of Ambassador Perry Holloway.

The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown had submitted a proposal for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Stabroek Market clock

in January 2016 to the United States Embassy in Guyana.

A grant to the sum of US$41,000 was approved by the United States of America Embassy in Guyana.

A US$10,000 cheque was given to the City Treasurer's Department.

S u b s e q u e n t l y, t h e council had advertised via print media for qualified contractors to submit tenders.

A contractor, Carlyle Benjamin, was shortlisted since his proposal was deemed the most suitable.

According to the M&CC, the

Embassy of the United States communicated to the council that they were exploring other options to have the iconic heritage restored.

The Smithsonian was contacted.

However, it was found that cost was quite exorbitant. “Hence, the process of rehabilitation remained stalled. Two meetings were held with a representative of the embassy indicating that due to the extensive work required by the clock the grant is to be forfeited.�

Man charged with rape of girl, 9

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man, who is accused of raping a nineyear-old girl, was yesterday charged and released on $250,000 bail for the offence.

Thirty-year-old Mario Heywood, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between October 1, 2018, and November 20, 2018, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16.

The matter was heard incamera; members of the public and the media were asked to exit the courtroom.

According to information, the child is known to the defendant.

During the period mentioned in the charge, the child was left in his care. It is alleged that Haywood raped the child while her parents were out. The child then confided in her mother as to what had transpired and the matter was reported to the police. An investigation was carried out and Heywood was arrested for the offence.

The Magistrate after listening to the prosecution's facts released Heywood on $250,000 bail.

He was

Charged with rape, Mario Heywood instructed to make his next court appearance on March 7, 2019.

Tr i n i d a d ( Tr i n i d a d Express) - GUYANESE national, Balgobin Doodnath, appeared in the Chaguanas Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with last week's murder of doubles vendor, Dhroop Jagessar.

Jagessar, 22, who lived in Chase Village, was arrested last Tuesday at the Piarco International Airport. He was charged following instructions last Friday by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Joan HonorePaul. Doodnath faced

Chaguanas magistrate Aden Stroude who read the murder charge to him.

A State attorney is to be appointed in the case.

Stroude adjourned the matter to March 25.

Jagessar, 66, also of Chase Village, was last Monday chopped on his head and died at the scene.

Investigations were s u p e r v i s e d b y Superintendent Winchester and the charge was laid by constable Sewdath of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region 3.

Charged: Balgobin Doodnath

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Significant decline in business over political uncertainty - GCCI

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has said that its members are reporting a significant drop in business amid the current political climate.

According to the c h a m b e r, i t h a s b e e n observing and noting the occurrences in Guyana's political environment and is concerned about the effect of the impact of the associated uncertainty on the business community.

The GCCI said it has conducted a survey in the wider business community which set out to gauge the effect of the political environment on business performance.

From the results, 64 % of

respondents, or about two in every three businesses, experienced some form of decline due to uncertainty over the state of political affairs in Guyana.

“For those businesses which registered a decline in activity, approximately 85 % experienced a 25 % to 50 % drop in the level of commercial activity.

The remaining 15% experienced 75% to 100% (percent) decline in business.”

According to the chamber, this significant

decline in commercial activity is worrying and with the continued state of political uncertainty can result in further decline in economic activity.

“From a national development perspective, the climate of uncertainty does not bode well for investors' confidence, both local and foreign, as well as business planning, budgeting and other key features of business management and administration.

The Chamber remains hopeful that an environment which encourages investment prevails.

GCCI said its membership size is over 240 business organizations which include micro to enterprise type levels, located throughout the country and in the CARICOM region.

“We therefore emphasize the need for national leaders to expediently resolve political issues that exist in order to restore and boost investors' confidence, which would result in Guyana's economy growing comfortably.”

The Government and the Opposition are at a stalemate over a no-confidence vote that was tabled by the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The no-confidence vote, according to the Constitution of Guyana, was supposed to have triggered elections in 90 days.

However, Government has gone to court to challenge the vote.

In the meantime, with political statement flying back and forth and uncertainty over the Parliament, businesses have been nervous.

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

Anger over killing of adult jaguar

PAGE 17

Better Hope man arrested after tyre fire gets out of control

A

uthorities are contemplating action after a Better Hope resident lighted a fire that caused major traffic woes on the East Coast Demerara yesterday. The man was warned several times.

According to Haroon Khan, an official of the Better Hope/La Bonne Intention Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the man who has been taken into custody, was warned over the weekend.

The fire broke out on an open lot at the Railway Embankment, Better Hope.

Neighbours told reporters that the man has been dumping tyres and bullying them.

Reportedly, he lit the fire on Saturday morning and it got out of control. A fire engine came several times.

However, yesterday, the fire started up again, engulfing the area, and halting traffic on one of the busiest roads in the country.

Apparently, the fire had been burning in the scores of tyres that were dumped.

The high flames threatened a nearby home, scorching it. Neighbours said that the man who lit the fire would curse and threaten them whenever they have to speak to him.

According to the NDC, seven warnings were issued with the cooperation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The aftermath of the fire.

The killed jaguar

A

social media posting of a killed jaguar is angering animal lovers.

The undated photograph reportedly made on Facebook was reportedly pulled down.

It shows a large cat dead in the small boat with what appears to be a man standing triumphantly over him.

Jaguars, like other wild cats are protected under the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations, 2013, which is currently being repealed under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had reportedly attended a high-level forum on jaguars that was held on March 1, 2018 at the UN Head Quarters in New York.

The forum saw representations from 14 jaguar countries, international and national partner organizations.

The forum launched the Jaguar 2030 New York Statement.

The statement recognizes that investing in the conservation of jaguars and their habitats can improve broader efforts to manage natural resources, strengthen community livelihoods, and contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals The statement also highlights the need for range country governments and partners to explore options for a regional approach that promotes research, increases awareness, and scales up successful integrated conservation initiatives.

It recognizes the need

for greater investments in nature-based solutions for development challenges linked to Jaguars.

A priority area for G u y a n a i s t h e implementation of the Jaguar 2030 New York Statement.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Dr. Karen Cummings visits plane crash survivors

M

INISTER within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Karen Cummings, recently visited Captain Lincoln Gomez and policeman Michael Grimmond who survived last week's plane crash in Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara.

“We are glad that your lives were preserved and much thanks is given to God for life spared,” Minister Cummings told the survivors.

Gomez, who was the pilot of the aircraft, and Grimmond the passenger at the time, are recovering well at the Georgetown

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Minister Cummings, a medical doctor, said during her visit. Dr. Cummings assured Captain Gomez that GPHC staff and MOPH health workers “will do everything possible” to ensure their full recovery. Gomez suffered a broken jaw and other facial injuries

and Grimond a broken leg, when the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in Canal Number Two after the plane, a Cessna 182, reportedly ran out of fuel. On Monday February 18, the aircraft was transporting the body of Christopher Matthews who died after falling off a mountain in Arau,

Cuyuni/Mazaruni (Region Seven).

Gomez is happy with his recovery despite his injuries and other physical challenges from the near-death experience.

Gomez and Grimmond are grateful for the support they are receiving from then Public Health Ministry.

Shooting death at Subryanville hotel; two witnesses remain in...

From page 14 Magistrates' Courts.

The two remaining witnesses are expected to testify on February 28, 2019 when the matter is expected to continue in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

The move to assign a Special Prosecutor instead of a Police Prosecutor came after De Florimonte's relatives complained to the Police Complaints Authority and the Crime Chief about several alleged discrepancies involving the

manner in which the case was being handled by the police.

Bacchus is being represented

by Attorneys-at-law, Glenn Hanoman and Nigel Hughes.

The lawyers are contending that their client was trying to defend

himself after he was attacked by De Florimonte who was at the time allegedly armed with a knife and a rolling pin. However, police state that on the day in question, around 01:00 hrs, De Florimonte was seen abusing a female and the handyman

went to part them. Soon after, an argument ensued between them.

According to information, an autopsy conducted on 30-year-old De Florimonte, of 96 Fifth Avenue Subryanville, revealed that he was shot three times about his body.

“I do not respond well to threats”...

From page 3 conferences, Jagdeo has been repeating this call on public servants to be vigilant. He asked that they report suspicious transactions and “put Guyana first.”

Further, Jagdeo called on public workers not to process the “suspicious” transactions. Jagdeo has been preaching that these transactions would be illegal and that the government's continued functioning is in violation of Guyana's supreme law—the Constitution.

Apparently, his calls are being paid heed, and some public servants are complying.

As such, Harmon has been calling on “right-thinking” public workers to understand that they still have duties to fulfill for which they are being paid.

In January, Harmon said that those employees would do better to continue the government's work.

“It is an error to accept that advice (offered by Jagdeo), the budget programme continues.

The persons who are meant to implement the programmes must recognize that they have a duty to act in an efficient manner and have those programmes implemented,” said Harmon.

But, Jagdeo continues, at every press conference to “warn” public servants.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Health posts established at five entry points for Venezuelan migrants

T

he Region One H e a l t h Department, through the port health department, is preparing to deploy medical teams to migrant settlements once again.

This initiative is being carried out to deliver followup health services to the migrants.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, while delivering the feature address at the 49th Republic Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony in Mabaruma, highlighted the efforts of the regional health department to intervene and provide a tangible health response to incoming Venezuelans.

The residents were informed of some of the services offered, as the minister highlighted that pharmaceuticals among other supplies were given to

the migrants.

“Our Port Health Department had established posts in five areas: Yarakita, White Water, MV Tamakay, Morawhanna, Kairako. A total of 21 persons manned these posts on a monthly rotation from August to October 2018.”

Medical professions ranging from doctors, nurses, environmental health assistants, and medical extension officers (medexes) were on duty tending to the medical needs of migrants.

The resuscitation of this service is expected to provide healthcare service to migrants while safeguarding the health of Guyanese, especially those in Region One. The minister explained to the residents that Region One is facing the influx of Venezuelans fleeing their country because of its current hostile political

A recent settlement of Venezuelan Migrants at Khan's Hill Mabaruma, Region 1 climate.

“Critical elements like water and sanitation, public health care, accommodation and security are being addressed at the national level with support from the regional administration.

Only recently, efforts were made at establishing a One Stop Reporting Referral Centre for the increasing number of Venezuelan migrants with specific focus on child-related issues,” (continued on page 23)

Life of the party - Mom tells of Guyanese son killed

S

t Lucia (St Lucia Times) - Debbie Lustal, the mother of the Guyanese national who was the victim of Sunday morning's fatal stabbing at Bagatelle, Castries, has described her son as having been an outgoing individual who always put a smile on everyone's face.

“He was the life of the party,” Lustal recalled.

She said Michael Pooran, 27, always liked to make people feel happy.

Pooran, who lived between his mother's home in Odsan and a friend's home at Bagatelle, died after he was stabbed at a party in Bagatelle early Sunday morning.

The mother said she has been hearing various versions of what actually led up to the stabbing.

According to Lustal, her son died from multiple stab wounds. She said based on what she saw of the body, he had 'a lot of holes' in his stomach and chest.

Lustal, who has three children, told St Lucia Times that Pooran was her only son.

She said she never knew him to be in problems with anyone and did now know that he had any enemies.

Lustal recalled that on

Mom, Debbie Lustal and son, Michael Pooran one occasion, her son told her that he had been robbed,

whereupon she advised him to be careful on the road.

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Closing arguments presented in Montrose granny murder trial

T

he trial of Colin Allen, who is accused of the August 1, 2015 murder of 77-year-old Danrasie Ganesh, is in its home stretch, with trial Judge Navindra Singh giving a summation of the evidence yesterday morning before sending the 12-person jury to deliberate on a verdict.

State Prosecutors Tuanna Harding and Teriq Mohamed who are seeking to convict 26-year-old Allen, also known as 'Colis Williams' and 'Bonus', in closing arguments to the jury yesterday, said that he committed the crime and was lying to cover his tracks.

Allen has pleaded not guilty to the indictment which alleged that on August 1, 2015 in the county of Demerara, he murdered Ganesh, also known as, 'Carmen'.

The murder accused is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Rachael Bakker. Following the empanelling of the jury last w e e k Tu e s d a y, t h e prosecution gave opening remarks during which it told the court that Ganesh lived alone at Lot 121 Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

The prosecution

contended that on the day in question, Ganesh was visited by an unwanted guest, Allen, who was unknown to her.

According to the prosecution, Allen entered the woman's house as though he knew her, and murdered her.

During closing arguments, the prosecution argued that the witnesses called by Allen, including his mother and sister, were those of convenience since they came and lied to the court.

The prosecutor added that Allen was caught murdering the elderly woman on CCTV cameras that were installed at her home. Though the alleged murder weapon was not tendered into evidence during the trial, Prosecutor Harding submitted to the jury that it was not compulsory that one be produced.

Apart from the CCTV footage, Prosecutor Harding told the jury to be reminded that Allen confessed to the killing of the elderly woman in a caution statement which was ruled admissible and admitted into evidence.

However, Allen's lawyer, Bakker, contended that the surveillance footage was of

bad quality and that her client was coerced into giving the caution statement.

According to Bakker, the prosecution was selective in the evidence they brought to the court.

She pointed out that though fingerprints were removed from the crime scene, no forensic evidence in that regard was tendered by the prosecution.

Bakker submitted that the evidence produced by the prosecution was insufficient and cannot yield a conviction.

During the trial, Police Sergeant Detective Rodwell Sarrabo testified to taking a 14-page caution statement from Allen.

According to the police witness, the statement was taken at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown and recorded on camera. During the taking of the statement, the court heard from Sergeant Sarrabo, that the murder accused recalled how he killed the home alone elderly woman; who sent him to kill the woman; and how much money he was paid.

During the trial, Basmattie Ganesh, the

daughter of the deceased, told the court that she lived a few streets away from her mother at Lot 188 Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

The witness said that her mother lived alone and that she was taking care of the property for some neighbours who had migrated from Guyana.

Further in her testimony, the daughter said that she last saw her mother alive on July 31, 2015. On that day, she said, she gave her channa to eat.

She added that some time during the morning of August 1, 2015, she passed her mother's house to go to the market and observed the kitchen window, which would normally be opened, locked.

She said that she made nothing of the observation and went looking for her mother at the market, which she frequents.

She did not find her mother. Basmattie said that she later received a call from one of her mother's neighbours who asked of her to check on her mother since she was not seen cleaning the yard which is something she would normally do.

The woman told the court that she rushed over to her mother's house where she saw a key stuck in the padlock to the front gate.

As a result, she said that

her brother and nephew jumped over the gate to her mother's yard from where they entered the house through a side door that was left opened. At this stage, Basmattie became emotional and starting sobbing.

She recalled how she found her mother lying motionless in a pool of blood inside the kitchen with a wound to her head.

The police were summoned, she added. Once there, she stated that police ranks inquired of her if her mother was having problems with anyone and she replied in the affirmative.

According to the witness, her mother had been involved in a land issue with some neighbours, but that matter was settled a long time ago by the courts.

Further, she added that police ranks also inquired of her if the property had camera and she told them “yes.” The ranks went to the upper flat of the building where they reviewed CCTV footage from which she saw the “bandit's foot”, she said she cried after seeing this and immediately ran downstairs.

Rex Mangru, an engineer, and neighbour of Danrasie, also testified. The man who told the court he resides at Lot 150 Montrose, East Coast Demerara

MURDER ACCUSED: Colin Allen called Bonus testified to knowing the deceased for about 20 years.

According to him, she was his western neighbour.

Mangru told the court that on August 1, 2015 around 06:00hrs, he came out to clean his yard and did not notice Danrasie who would normally be out earlier cleaning her yard also.

He said that a few hours elapsed and after not seeing or hearing from her, he phoned her daughter and asked her to check on her mother who was not responding to neighbours who had been calling out for her.

According to the witness, the woman's daughter came over and the two of them along with other relatives rushed into the house where they found her lying in a pool of blood inside the kitchen. This trial is being heard at the High Court in Georgetown.

Over 5,000 Venezuelan migrants now in Guyana

T

he National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating C o m m i t t e e , y e s t e r d a y, disclosed that the Immigration Department has recorded an increase of 702 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana. This brings the total number of documented Venezuelan migrants here to 5,123.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Committee, held at the Department of Citizenship, it was also disclosed that the BarimaWa i n i ( R e g i o n O n e ) continues to receive the largest number of migrants.

It is for this reason that the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) will be rolling out a pilot sustainable livelihood programme at Yarakita and White Water, Region One. This initiative will

benefit both the local residents as well as the migrant population; providing them with tangible and technical agricultural support so that they can becomeself-sufficient.

This project is being funded by the Australian Government.

Currently, the IOM is in discussions with organisations such as the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) to finalise the details pertaining to implementation. The project will subsequently be extended to other communities with a large migrant population.

Meanwhile, with regard

to reports of a group of migrants squatting along the foreshore at Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, the Guyana Police Force has confirmed that 26 persons are indeed residing in makeshift shelters at that location.

However, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the IOM are in discussions with the Catholic Church and Guyana Relief Council to find alternative accommodation for those persons.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Ministry of Social Protection is working to ensure that returning Guyanese are registered at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) so that they can be issued national identification cards, which will enable them to benefit from public assistance, once the relevant criteria are met.

Tuesday February 26, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Business continues as usual…

Defiant Rusal’s ex-pats running operations Russian-controlled Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) has remained defiant continuing to run its operations despite an ongoing labour standoff.

According to President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU), Ephraim Velloza, there are about six months stockpile of mined bauxite at the Kurubuka mine site area, Berbice River.

BCGI’s Russian ex-pat workers and a number of senior officials are reportedly running the operations, the union representative disclosed.

It will be recalled that two Fridays ago, the company paid workers a one percent increase which was immediately rejected by the shift workers.

The workers demanded to see the management but were ordered to go back to work in two hours.

However, the workers refused and the operations were ordered closed by management.

On Monday last week, 61 of the workers were fired.

The Russian management who were invited to meet with labour officials and union at the Department of Labour ’s Brickdam’s office, refused to turn up saying it does not want to engage the union which it does not recognize.

Tw o o ff i c i a l s f r o m BCGI’s head office of Rusal which owns 90 percent of BCGI met with Government last week in which they were warned that they must

reinstate the workers and respect the labour laws.

The termination of the 61 workers are a breach of labour laws, the union has said.

On F r i d a y, a government team, including Ministers Amna Ally and Keith Scott, along with Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, travelled to Aroaima, the Region 10 area where the workers live.

There the ministers assured the workers that they are focusing on getting them back their jobs.

The ministers told the workers who have been ordered by Rusal to remove from Aroaima to “stay put”.

They have been holed up there for over a week.

According to Velloza, who is one of the workers who are refusing to move from Aroaima, the foreign workers have told the locals that they are not h e e d i n g G o v e r n m e n t ’s warnings.

“The foreign expats told our colleagues that Government is not running their show. They told them to stay to stay on the jobs or else they will suffer the same fate.”

The workers who are performing duties are mainly supervisors.

A number of other workers whose services were terminated have since returned to their duties.

According to the union official there are reports that management has hired private persons to maintain equipment.

“We have about four huge stockpiles that they can dry and process in the

Rusal’s ex-pats remained defiant and are still shipping bauxite.

next six months. We believe that this is premeditated.

They never told us about the one percent and they knew we would not take it easy. They are now trying to get some workers back, send home the rest and laugh at us.”

According to Velloza, there are reports also that the management has hired a number of casual workers.

“We are worried. The government should be worried. This could very well 61 times three workers.

These are people are depending on Government for security and surety.”

Ye s t e r d a y, General

Grenada issues warning regarding CBI use ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada CMC – Grenada has warned that it would not allow its passport to be used by persons to escape justice.

“We have extradition treaties with lots of countries, we have an extradition treaty with Russia and if Russia requests you for anything illegal, we will send you back, we will hand you over,” International Business Minister Nikolas Steele has said.

Grenada is among several Caribbean countries that provide citizenship to foreign nationals under the Citizenship by Investment programme (CBI) in exchange for making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

Steele said that anyone who attempts to use Grenada’s citizenship to es-

cape a criminal trial or engage in criminal activity will lose such a privilege once the relevant authority draws it to the attention of Grenada.

He told the “Next Step International Conference,” here that the CBI should not be regarded as an opportunity for anyone to be shielded from wrongdoings.

Steele said Grenada would also revoke the citizenship and passport from anyone who is extradited, adding that there have been persons whose passports were revoked after receiving Grenadian citizenship under the initiative, He did not provide details on those persons, nor the number of persons whose citizenship has been evoked in the past.

The conference here is the second “Next Step Inter-

national Conference,” organised for Russian investors, with the organisers saying the objective is to strengthen and deepen the relationship with Grenada and other Caribbean islands.

The conference was also attended by participants from St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis and organised by the St. George’s Club of Russia, the Grenada government and Instituto BeringBellingshausen para las Americas.

“The Next Step event is a convenient setting which facilitates open discussion and candid exchange of opinions on major topics regarding the regional and global economy,” said Sergey Brilev, President of Instituto BeringBellingshausen para las Americas.

Secretary of the union, Lincoln Lewis, said that since the meeting on Friday at Aroaima, Region 10, there has been no word

from Rusal on the workers’ fate.

“We are bringing all unions to meet today at 1pm at the Critchlow

Labour College to take concerted action. This is worrying.”

According to Lewis, there have been reports from workers that management has told workers they are not bothered by Government.

“I am told the management is not looking after anything that the Government says…they are running things.”

This situation is not unique. In 2009, in about the fourth year of operations, Rusal sacked 57 workers including supervisors for participating in protests for better working conditions.

The company recently said it has not made profits in the 14 years of operations here.

The situation has workers deeply worried as a number of them who were sacked are still at the mine site, without any idea where the next pay is coming from.

Rusal has been accused also of doing little improvements to the work site, in keeping with their investment commitments.

High Court begins hearing second wrongful dismissal suit against NBS The Confidential Secretary attached to the New Building Society (NBS), Antonia Chichester, is the first witness to take the stand in the second wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed against the financial institution.

About a year ago the financial institution faced a similar lawsuit filed by its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maurice Arjoon.

The High Court ruled in favour of Arjoon, who claimed he and his Managers (Vincent) among them, were set up and charged, at the direction of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, after he refused to sink almost $2B of NBS money into the construction of the Berbice River Bridge.

The CEO claimed that the lending of NBS money in that manner would have been highly illegal, breaching financial laws.

It’s against this backdrop that the case has its genesis. Arjoon, Vincent and fellow Manager, Kissoon Baldeo, faced charges of conspiracy to defraud the NBS of $69M, back in 2007.

The men faced a trial in the Magistrates’ Court. The charges were later dismissed for lack of

evidence. Citing irreparable harm from the negative publicity and loss of salaries and benefits, Arjoon and Vincent moved to the High Court to seek redress.

In separate lawsuits, both the former CEO and the Manager each claimed $550 million in damages from NBS for the wrongful dismissal.

After about seven years of intense legal battles, Arjoon was finally granted judgment by the Court to the tune of some $79 million.

Kent Vincent who is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Food for the Poor (Guyana), has been anticipating his day in court.

Yesterday marked the beginning of his case before Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire. During the hearing, Chichester, who is a Confidential Secretary attached to the financial institution for the past 28 years, faced questions about her knowledge of NBS systems‘ manual and rules.

She told the court that she could not recall many of the events which date back to 2007.

The witness also faced questions relating to procedures

and documents she would have allegedly prepared and handled during that year.

While she told the court that she could not identify in the documents the signature of Maurice Arjoon whom she worked under for several years, Chichester said that she could recognize some of the signatures on the documents.

She admitted, too, that the systems manual and rules of the institution could not be changed or amended without the approval of the Board of Directors at NBS. The matter has been adjourned to March 4, 2019. On that date, the Court is expected to call a member of the Board of NBS, Dr. Nanda Gopaul. He later became a Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, under the Jagdeo administration and then the Minister of Labour. Also sitting on the Board then, was union leader, Seepaul Narine.

The NBS Board is currently chaired by Floyd McDonald, a former Commissioner of Police.

Attorney Devindra Kissoon is representing the institution

PAGE 22

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

“If I have a child here I am legal”-Dominican justifies overstaying in Guyana.

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“I was told that if I have a child here I am legal in Guyana.” These were the words of a citizen of the Dominican Republic who was yesterday arraigned before a city magistrate in giving a reason to overstay his permitted time in Guyana.

Eric Guante pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that between January 2, 2019 and February 24, 2019 at Georgetown he failed to comply with conditions to which a permit was granted to stay in Guyana between December 6, 2018 and January 5, 2019 thus overstayed that period.

Guante appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

According to the accused who spoke through an interpreter, “I was told that if I have a child in Guyana I can be legal.” He went on to say that he was going to get marry and try to extend his permit. However; he ran into trouble and did not proceed with the extension.

Police prosecutor Richard Harris said that the police have no record of the defendant’s child or children here in Guyana as he claims.

The magistrate then highlighted that from his explanation he is admitting to the accusation and he should be

Eric Guante guided as to how to plead to the offence if he desires.

Therefore with the help of attorney at law Dexter Todd the defendant decided to change his plea.

Guante then admitted to the charge stating that, “I now understand the law based on what the lawyer explained to me and I am guilty.”

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly then fined the accused $30,000 or in default six months in prison. Furthermore, arrangements are to be made through Immigration to have the defendant be deported back to his country of origin after paying his fine or serving his sentence.

Rampant fraudster accused of selling vehicles, properties he did not own Police are saying that a Regent Street man was rampant in targeting a number of victims in fraud schemes.

He not only sold them properties he did not own but also vehicles.

Yesterday, the Guyana Police Force issued a statement that Rajeshwar Persaud also known as Raj Persaud of Lot 125 Regent Street, Bourda, Georgetown, is presently on remand.

(Continued on page 23)

Police warned against misuse of...

From page 12 those who continue to misuse the state owned vehicles.

Earlier, during the course of last week, the REO identified four ranks who were attached to the traffic department, who were seen ‘free riding’ in a police pickup.

Jaikaran went on to say, “I say to you that there is a misuse of Government vehicle, PWW 5449, in which four ranks were seen enjoying themselves in the state vehicle… This matter will not be closed here because it is taxpayers money that provided these vehicles for these people to give service and protection to us, and when they abuse that privilege we

need to take a stand.”

Ranks were warned again last Friday night to once again deist from the practice, especially since another rank was seen the said night ‘joy riding’ in a state owned vehicle.

During his address to the public on last Friday Jaikaran said, “I had reason to point out the abuse and misuse of a particular vehicle last Wednesday.

“Tonight in the presence of the commander there’s an addition to that list. This is a matter that this REO is going to take until the end and to see that discipline, orderliness is here and those who abuse state fund will be called to answer.”

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Sales rep gets 9 charges for assaulting police, resisting arrest Jenlisa Fordyce was yesterday hauled before the court and made to answer to nine charges in which she was accused of being in possession of a dangerous weapon, assaulting four police officers and resisting arrest.

The defendant informed the court that she is 22-yearold and is a sales representative at a pawn shop.

Fordyce pleaded not guilty to the first seven charges after it was read out to her by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The first three charges alleged that the accused on February 21, 2019 at Brickdam, in the vicinity of the Route 32 Minibus Park, Georgetown, she unlawfully assaulted police officers Welcome, Joseph and Reynolds.

It was further alleged that Fordyce, on the same date and at the same location, obstructed Police Officer Welcome and Reynolds, who were acting in the execution of their duties, by resisting arrest.

The court also heard that on February 24, 2019, at the Brickdam Police Station, Fordyce assaulted Police Officer Morris, who was acting in the execution of his duties.

She was also charged for obstructing Officer Morris, who was acting in the execution of his duties by resisting

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Kaieteur News

Jenlisa Fordyce arrest on February 24, 2019, at the Brickdam Police Station.

Fordyce was also slapped with two other charges which alleged that on February 21, 2019 at Brickdam, in the vicinity of the Route 32 Minibus Park, Georgetown, she had a sharp edge blade in her possession and also made use of threatening behaviour towards Police Officer Joseph.

The accused admitted to these two charges after it was read out to her.

Police Prosecutor Adduni Inniss had no objections to bail being granted to the accused therefore, Magistrate Daly granted same to the tune of $170,000 for the seven charges to which the woman pleaded not guilty.

Furthermore, she was fined $40,000 for the other two that she admitted to. These matters were adjourned until March 4, 2019 when Fordyce is expected to return to court for the charges she denied.

Health posts established at five...

From page 19 Minister Cummings said.

Following the economic crisis in neighbouring Venezuela, migrants have been crossing the border in search of better living conditions in various countries.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has been taking the lead in Guyana with assisting the migrants here with donations pouring in from the various organisations and the business community.

The government has been effectively ensuring that the migrants are legally documented and screened by health personnel to ensure the safety of residents in the border location.

India names new High Commissioner to Guyana India has named a new High Commissioner to Guyana. He is Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

He is currently serving in Johannesburg.

“Dr. K. J. Srinivasa (IFS:2002), presently Consul General, Consulate General of India, Johannesburg, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” read a government statement.

“He is expected to take up the assignment shortly,” read the statement.

Dr. K.J. Srinivasa assumed his assignment as Consul General of India to Johannesburg on October 17, 2016.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2002 and has worked in the Indian Embassy in Madrid (Spain) and Lima ( P e r u ) .

Dr. Srinivasa also served as the Regional Passport Officer, Bangalore from September 2010 to April 2013 and was instrumental in the implementation of the Passport Seva Project (PSP). He was Deputy Consul General in the Consulate General of India, San Francisco from April 2013 till July 2016.

He would replace Ve n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam who came here in 2014.

New India High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa

Rampant fraudster...

From page 22 He is involved in an ongoing investigation as it relates to obtaining money by false pretence.

“Based on information, the suspect under the pretence of being a police officer, allegedly collected large sums of money from persons claiming, that he was in a position to assist them in police related matters.

Investigations have also revealed that he sold vehicles and properties for which he was not the owner.”

According to the police, persons who were fleeced by this known fraudster are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-8196, 225-3050, 911 or the nearest police station to give statements that will aid in his prosecution.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Tuesday February 26, 2019

RDC Four benefiting from UNICEF’s technical support for strategic ventures Support from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund [UNICEF] to aid in the execution of a number of projects and programmes has been lauded by the Regional Executive Officer of Region Four, Ms. Pauline Lucas.

Speaking of the support, recently, Lucas said that the collaboration

by UNICEF to the Region Four Democratic Council [RDC] is certainly a testimony to the enormous work being done by the region.

REO Lucas had earlier this year paid a visit to RDC Region One to examine and seek to assist the region with its Ve n e z u e l a n ‘ m i g r a n t s ’ situation. She said that her region will lend support and assistance to those that need it in various ways, as such, RDC Four was willing to offer technical and other support as her counterpart in Region One seeks to effectively address the situation there.

The Region Four REO, with her Regional Health Officer, Dr. Quincy Jones, held discussions with the various sectors within Region One, recently. It saw its Regional Chairman, Brentnol A s h l e y, commending both REOs for what he said was a timely and appropriate meeting.

He had praised REO Lucas for what he dubbed as her ‘appropriate’ intervention.

H o w e v e r, in an extensive tour, REO Lucas stressed that there is evident grave concerns with regards to sexual offenses against both the Venezuelan migrants and Guyanese. This, she said, needed urgent and immediate attention. Lucas said that the collaboration that has been established with UNICEF will continue to go a far way, adding that it’s a testimony of the joint efforts of the various

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Kaieteur News

Region Four Regional Executive Officer, Ms Pauline Lucas. programmes head within Region Four.

This, she said, is an indication that irrespective of the programmes or sectors RDC Region Four continues to work in the best interest of its r e s i d e n t s . “ We h a v e a responsibility and we will continue to deliver on that responsibility, thus this collaboration is certainly an indication that we are delivering to the residents,” she said.

REO declared that her region has been providing quality health care to both residents and visitors to the region, thus the continued strengthening of relationships with various agencies and departments. “We need to provide adequate health care to victims of sexual assault and with the continued collaboration between us and UNICEF we will continue to enhance and further increase the standard and quality of the d[service that we have been giving,” REO Lucas said.

Commenting specifically on the kits, Lucas said that she is very excited as it would further e n h a n c e t h e r e g i o n ’s

response to a number of sexual offenses. She noted that the collaboration with UNCEF has resulted in RDC Region Four being able to execute a number of projects and programmes, while achieving a great lot.

She assured that her region will continue in this trend thus being able to continue what she dubbed as a ‘great partnership’ that they have with UNICEF. H o w e v e r, U N I C E F ’s Representative, Sylvie Fouet, commended REO Lucas for championing noble causes and recognised her RHO for his ‘visionary leadership’ in bringing the issue of sexual offenses to the fore, thus the donation of the rape kits. She committed her organisation’s continued support and assistance in collaborating further declaring that the assistance being given to Region Four is not limited to the region, but will see all other regions benefiting.

Fouet noted that the collaboration seeks to improve the responses to several issues of grave concerns to both women and children.

OS&H investigating recent aircraft...

From page 8 Eteringbang Airstrip in Region Seven; Andre Park who died after he was reportedly crushed by a log which fell from a machine, and 17-year-old Romeo Ruben who died when the eastern wall of the Gold Hill Backdam, mining pit at Upper Mazaruni, suddenly collapsed.

The injury of Captain Lincoln Gomez who was injured during a plane crash aback Canal Number Two is also being investigated.

OS&H Officer, Dwain Vyfhuis, and Senior OSH Officers, Roydon Croal, Neville Nicholas and Maxean Bess from the OS&H department are currently investigating the four cases.

To d a t e t h e o ff i c e r s have taken the necessary steps by writing the various police stations, hospitals and the Forestry Department requesting information on the incidents. Interviews were also done with witnesses. On completion of the investigations, recommendations will be made to prevent reoccurrence.

“The OS&H Department wishes to remind employers, that according to the laws of Guyana any accident arising out of and in the course of the employment of any worker causes loss of life to such worker or disables such worker for more than a year from earning full wages at the place

Kiled: Captain Randy Liverpool

Survived: Captain Lincoln Gomez

of his employment at the time of such accident, written notice of the accident in the Form accompanied by the particulars set out in the First Schedule, shall forthwith in the case of paragraph (a) and within four days in the case of paragraph (b), be sent by the employer to the Authority and the committee, safety and health representative or trade union if

any.”

The OS&H Department is charged with the responsibility of monitoring, encouraging and enforcing the practice of good safety and health standards.

The objective of the Department is to improve working conditions and environment in Guyana with the emphasis on preventative rather than curative measures.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Brazier runs fastest ever 600m, teen Mu...

From page 28 Games silver medalist turned back six-time collegiate champion Raevyn Rogers’ challenge and sprinted home.

“I am just blown away,” said the teenager.

“I don’t know what I can do anymore.”

Sharika Nelvis came from behind to win the women’s 60m hurdles in 7.85 seconds, the year’s fastest time, and Olympian Devon Allen claimed the m e n ’s r a c e i n 7 . 6 0 seconds.

The 60m sprints went to Demek Kemp (6.55) and Shania Collins (7.16).

Shelby Houlihan, beaten in the mile on Saturday, added another

2019 best when she won the two mile in 9:31.38.

Olympian Clayton Murphy prevailed in the men’s 1,000m in 2:20.36, Katie Nageotte cleared 4.81m to defend her women’s pole vault title and Keturah Orji took the triple jump with a best of 14.55m.

With no world indoor championships this year, only a limited number of U.S. elite performers competed in the meeting.

The late scheduling of the outdoor world championships, which will take place in Doha in September, also has affected indoor participation this year with many athletes choosing to train instead.

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Kaieteur News

Donavan Brazier wins the 600m in a world record 1:13.77 during the USATF Indoor Championships at Ocean Breeze Athletic Facility. (Kirby LeeUSA TODAY Sports)

GASA 3-day annual Mash...

From page 33 who was recently awarded a scholarship to swim in Georgetown.

Events: Day 1: 1,500m Freestyle, 200m Backstroke, 400m Individual Medley (IM), 100m Backstroke and 200m Butterfly.

Day 2: 800m Freestyle, 200m Breaststroke, 200m IM, 50m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke and 400m Freestyle Day 3: 200m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke, 100 Backstroke, 100m Butterfly, 100m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle The public is encouraged to come out and support Guyana’s future Olympic swimmers. (Sean Devers)

Khan half century...

Tuesday February 26, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) One day, I want to be….

When you were little, how did you finish that sentence, Aries? See what your memory and imagination come up with.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you feel cautious today, Taurus, don't be alarmed.

This can be a good thing, Taurus, as you can be too trusting at times or forget to take care when going into something new.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Gemini, personal dignity may be important to you today. This may come about when things go wrong or if you're accused of something you didn't do.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't be surprised if someone describes you as conservative, Cancer. It may be true. It could indicate that it's important for you to maintain control over most things LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your mother may be on your mind today, Leo. Your mother probably affects how you think, act, and feel, both in the past and now. If your mother's sign is opposite yours, conflict and misunderstanding can happen more easily.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Focus on yourself today, Virgo.

Take note of your health. You probably know that this is something you must take care of always, not just sometimes.

Daily routines are important. It's up to you to stick to them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) No dream is too big or too late to fulfill. You may be thinking about your special dreams today. Perhaps you aspire to do something really great, be a pioneer in some field, or be a prominent figure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Chances are good that you will receive a helping hand or comfort from someone many years your senior who cares about you.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today, Sagittarius, you may think about competition and possible future goals. Imagining and dreaming can serve you well. What did you dream about as a kid?

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may think about your finances today, Capricorn.

It's never too late to learn about saving and investing, especially if there's something you really want to do, like travel.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Take the time today to consider your health, Aquarius.

Do you get enough rest, eat the right foods, take vitamins, exercise every day, go to the doctor when you need to, and take time to relax?

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you may emphasize organizing things and managing your life. Take a look at your time management. It's possible to plan every day so you have enough time to do what you have to get done as well as do everything you'd like to do.

From page 31 to 56-8. However, Aryan Doodnauth and Gladewin Henry Jr added respectability to the score with a stand of 36. The pair batted sensibly as they rotated the strike well; Doodnauth struck three fours before he was bowled

by Sanjay Algoo for 26.

Sherwin Stoll slammed three fours in scoring 14 while Henry Jr was left not out on five as Essequibo were bowled out for 116 in 42.1 overs. Balgobin finished with 4-13 from nine overs while Mathura had 2-19.

Khan and Balman hardly looked troubled as they rotated the strike well with Khan taking full advantage of the bad balls. But, Softleight provided his team with the breakthrough when he had Balman caught for seven and then disturbed the stumps of Bhaskar Samlall without scoring to leave the President’s XI at 61-2.

The right-handed Khan continued to play his shots as he timed the ball well on both sides of the pitch. He smashed three consecutive fours and brought up his half century with another well timed boundary before he was removed by the steady Softleigh with the score on 79; his even 50 contained eight fours. The President’s XI then lost Mathura (00) bowled by Doodnauth (1-16) before Algo who struck four fours in an unbeaten on 35 and Rezekiel Renee (03*) saw their team home as they finished on 117-4 in 30.4 overs. Softleigh bowled with control and such was his consistency that he didn’t concede a boundary; he delivered eight overs and picked up 3-19.

The competition continues today. (Zaheer Mohamed)

‘Don’t Over Look’.....

From page 33 track. The move from ‘Don’t Over Look’, which fetched a top weight of 126 pounds, came in a flash.

Storm Bird had the lead, Just Call Me Boss, Lucky Star, Settling Star and others were lurking as champion jockey Ron Ali of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) was waiting for the right moment to make his move.

Around the second turn, Ali brought ‘Don’t Over Look’ to the outside of the pacesetters and with two furlongs remaining, a powerful surge from the eventual winner produce a stunning sprint speed to overtake the leaders for a win in 1 minute 28seconds, securing the $1million top cash prize.

Storm Bird faded for a third place finish, while Lucky Star finished second and Settling Star was fourth.

The commanding win for ‘Don’t Over Look’ had its handlers of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables thinking about bigger things for the newly imported thoroughbred. “I feel overjoyed,” said Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., “I am happy since this is the first big race I have won as a trainer, I look forward to much more.”

The second and third legs

of the Triple Crown event are on March 24 and April 21, respectively.

Before the feature event, there were six other races. Two of which were won by the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables.

Those results are as follows: Race 1 I Class (1400m) Not This Time ($240,000) Miss Olympic Mary Ann Race 2 L Non Earners (1100m) First Prince Lani Quarter Pharaoh Pinky Promise Race 3 K Class (1100m) Feeona ($220,000) King Stanley Uprising Gold Again Race 4 H Class (1100m) Chameli ($300,000) Isn’t She Charming Ready to Romance Seven Dust Race 5 3 Year Old (1400m) Valentina ($400,000) Is He Perfect Ebony Mahaica Star Race 6 J Class (1400m) Miss Olympic $230,000 Red Region King Stanley The event was sponsored by Banks DIH Limited and Jumbo Jet Auto Sales.

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Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Knicks wallop Spurs to end 18-game home skid

New York Knicks shooting guard Damyean Dotson (21) shoots over San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Bryn Forbes (11) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. (Brad PennerUSA TODAY Sports)

Damyean Dotson drained a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored a team-high 27 points Sunday night as the New York Knicks ended a franchise-record 18-game home losing streak by beating the San Antonio Spurs, 130118.The Knicks, who hadn’t won at home since beating the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks 136-134 in overtime on Dec. 1, came within one loss of tying the NBA record for the longest home losing streak, which was established by the Dallas Mavericks during the 1993-94 season.

Kevin Knox (19 points, 10

rebounds), Mitchell Robinson (15 points, 14 rebounds) and Dennis Smith Jr. (19 points, 13 assists) each had double-doubles for the Knicks, who won for just the fifth time in the last 37 games.

DeMar DeRozan scored 32 points for the Spurs, who have lost six of seven but remained tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for seventh place in the Western Conference.

Nuggets 123, Clippers 96 Nikola Jokic had 22 points and 16 rebounds, Paul Millsap scored 21 and also grabbed 16 boards, and host

Denver beat Los Angeles for its fourth straight win.

Jamal Murray scored 16 points, and Gary Harris added 14 off the bench in his second game back from a right adductor strain as the Nuggets pulled to within a game of Golden State in the Western Conference standings Lou Williams had 24 points for the Clippers, who had their two-game winning streak snapped.

Magic 113, Raptors 98 Nikola Vucevic scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to help Orlando

defeat host Toronto for the second time in three games this season.

Former Raptor Terrence Ross added 28 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Magic, who have won six of their past seven games and snapped Toronto’s sevengame winning streak.

Kyle Lowry had 19 points and 10 assists and Pascal Siakam had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors, who were without Kawhi Leonard for what was described as a “load management” day.

(Field Level Media)

BCB/RHTYSC/GBTI Inter Secondary School Cricket Tournament

Tuesday February 26, 2019

BCB/Spready’s 100 Balls Second Division Cricket Tournament

Rose Hall Town Tigers, Ramnarine Memorial and Belvedere United advance The Berbice Cricket Board is pushing ahead with its plans to host over thirty tournaments in 2019. The BCB/Spready’s Snackette 100 Balls Tournament for Teams in the Lower Corentyne area continued last weekend with Belvedere United, Rose Hall Town Tigers and Ramnarine Memorial advancing in the Knockout event. Veteran player Khemraj Mahadeo struck a quick fire 60 for Rose Hall Town Tigers, Paul Tyndall topscored with 86 for Ramnarine Memorial, while Level III Coach Winston Smith rolled back the years by taking 3 for 21 for Ramnarine Memorial.

Results from the three matches played: 1. At Jai Hind Ground: Belvedere United Cricket Club defeated Fyrish Road Cricket Club by three wickets.

Fyrish Road reached 97 for 9 from 100 Balls. D. Persaud scored 36, while R. Approo 3 for 9, R. Persaud 3 for 18 and T. Khemraj 2 for 12 were Belvedere United best bowlers.

L. Bisram then blasted 30 quick runs to take Belvedere United to victory as they ended on 98 for 7 in 15.2 Overs.

2. At Tain Block 4 Ground: Ramnarine Memorial crushed Kildonan Cricket Club by 82 runs. The talented Paul Tyndall, elder brother of National Junior Player Sylus Tyndall struck five boundaries and four sixes in

his top score of 86 to lead Kildonan to 158 all out from 16.4 Overs. M. Barclay 21 and Michael Tyndall 16 were the other batters to reach double figures. D. Cameron 3 for 26 and C. McKenzie 2 for 21 were Kildonan top bowlers.

Winston Smith 3 for 21, Royden Gray 2 for 16 and R. Pottaya 2 for 16 then bowled well as Kildonan was bundle out for 76 in 16 overs. C. Mankaran top scored with 31 for Kildonan.

3. Former Guyana Under-19 Players Khemraj Mahadeo and Brandon Prashad batted well with scores of 60 and 39 respectively to lead Rose Hall Town Tigers to 156 for 8 from 100 Balls. S. Veerasammy 2 for 21 and D. Kalika 2 for 21 were Niff Intruders best bowlers.

Needing to score 157 from 100 Balls, Nigg Intruders was bowled out for 80 to lose by 76 runs. Veerasammy returned with the bat to score 27 while B. Sudesh and Naresh Mahadeo 2 for 6 bowled well for the winning team.

Matches for the second round to be played this weekend are: 1. R a m n a r i n e Memorial Cricket Club vs Chesney Cricket Club @ Chesney 2. Whim National Cricket Club vs Fyrish Cricket Club @ Fyrish.

3. Tain Block 4 Cricket Club vs Port Mourant Cricket Club @ Port Mourant.

Port Mourant, Tagore Memorial, Corentyne Comprehensive, Berbice High, BEI advance Brazier runs fastest ever The Berbice Cricket Board 2019 Cricket Season continues to roll along despite the rainy season which affected venues across the Ancient County.

The Berbice Cricket Board recently started the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club/Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry 20/20 Inter-Secondary School Tournament for Schools in Region 6.

Port Mourant Secondary, Tagore Memorial, Berbice High, Corentyne Comprehensive High and Berbice Education Institute have all advanced to the next round. The Tournament is being organised as part of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS Say No to Suicide/Drugs and Say Yes to Education/Sports Programme.

1. At Cumberland: Port Mourant Secondary School defeated Canje Secondary School by 48 runs.

Port Mourant Secondary School batted first reached 108 all out in 20 Overs with Nicholas Lawson topscoring with 22 and Premchan Mangal 13. Extras contributed a healthy 44.

Javon Persaud 2 for 18 and Zaden La Rose 2 for 6 were the best bowlers for Canje Secondary.

Canje Secondary School were bowed out for 60. In 18.2 Overs. Anthony Williams 15 was the only batsman to reach

double figures. Matthew Pottaya 4 for 15 and Raj Persaud 3 for 12 were the best bowlers for Port Mourant Secondary.

2. At No. 73 Ground: Tagore Memorial squeezed past Skeldon High by 7 runs. Tagore Memorial 107 all out in 20 Overs. John Tulsi 38. N. Singh 3 for 13. Skeldon High 100 all out in 17 Overs. Sarwan Chaitnarine 50 with four boundaries and three sixes, M. Felix 12, B. Patrick 16; Inderlall Singh 3 for 26, S. Kahn 3 for 34 and John Tulsi 3 for 14. Khan’s three wickets were a hat-trick.

3. At BHS Ground: Vryman’s Erven Secondary lost to Berbice High School by 51 runs. Berbice High School rattled up an imposing 201 all out in their allotted overs with Abdul Ramsammy 71, Clifferin Williams 37, Zeymul Ramsammy 29 and Rajindra Persaud 21 being the best batsmen. Tamani Ceasar took 5 for 32 and T. Sinclair 3 for22 for Vryman’s Erven who were bowled out for 150 in response in 20 Overs.

Lee David, Tomani CEasar 26, Ricardo Henry 20 were the only Vryman’s Erven batters to reach double figures. The Ramsammy’s brothers Abdul 2 for 22 and Zemul 4 for 41 were the Berbice High School top bowlers.

4. Berbice Education Institute got a walk over New Amsterdam Secondary School.

600m, teen Mu sets U.S. women’s record

(Reuters) - Donavan Brazier romped to the fastest 600 meters ever run and teenager Athing Mu came close to the women’s record at the U.S. indoor championships in New York on Sunday.Former collegiate champion Brazier collected his win in one minute, 13.77 seconds as he wiped more than a second off Kenyan Michael Saruni’s 2018 mark of 1:14.79.

Minutes earlier, the 16-year-old Mu came within 0.13 seconds of Russian Olga Kotlyarova’s world best of 1:23.44 over the same distance.

Her time of 1:23.57 was a national record and the fastest in 2019.The 600m is not recognized in world records because it is run infrequently worldwide.

“I was still hungry,” said the 21-year-old Brazier, who two weeks ago set a national record in the indoor 800m. “So I went out a little fast and I was able to hang on.”

Mu’s triumph was perhaps more stunning given her age and the way she won. The long-striding 2018 Youth Olympic (Continued on page 27)

Tuesday February 26, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Skerritt: ”Cameron’s Romello Crawford outguns opposition to win pettiness and negativity overall - Ralph Seenarine (junior), Junior Niles (veterans) also shines will not distract us from our forward-looking Romello Crawford election campaign” FSCC/Annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Cycle Road Race

Junior Niles

Romello Crawford peddled his way to overall victory when the annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Cycle Road Race concluded on Sunday last with the final stage from Georgetown to Belfield and back.

C r a w f o r d ’s w i n n i n g time was 6 Hours 9 Minutes 25 Seconds which was 10 seconds better than 2nd placed Geron Williams (6’ 9" 35"), Andrew Hicks (6’ 10" 34"), Briton John (6’ 10" 36"), Curtis Dey (6’ 10" 46") and Christopher Griffith (6’ 11" 10") closing out the top six positions overall.

Emerging as the top junior was Ralph Seenarine of Berbice in 6 Hours 22 Minutes 37 Seconds; he led a Berbician clean sweep of the top three overall positions in this category.

Second was Jason Sampson (6’ 38" 38") with the 3rd place occupied by Kevin Ross (7’ 01" 22").

The indefatigable Junior Niles took the veterans top spot in 6 Hours 25 Minutes 37 Seconds relegating last year’s winner, Paul ChooWee-Naam to the 2nd place (6’ 26" 03") with 3rd place going to Jaikarran Sukhai (6’ 26" 46").

Michael Anthony and Curtis Dey won four sprint prizes apiece, Christopher Griffith had two, while there was one each for Jornel Yearwood, Briton John, Paul De Nobrega, Junior Niles, Alanzo

Ambrose, Deeraj Garbarran and Christopher Griffith.

Following are the

results from the three stages and overall in the event that was organized

by the Flying Stars Cycle club and sponsored by the Burnham Foundation:

Stage 1 – From Corriverton, Berbice to Main Street New Amsterdam (February 17) Place Name Time 1st Romello Crawford 1’ 46" 59" 2nd Andre Greene 1 47" 20" Briton John 1’ 47" 24" Andrew Hicks “ “ Curtis Dey “ “ Geron Williams “ “ Christopher Griffith “ “ Michael Anthony“ “ Deeraj Garbarran “ “ Enzo Matthews “ “ Stage 2 – Linden to Homestretch Avenue (February 24) 1st Andre Greene 3’ 03" 52" 2nd Paul De Nobrega 3’ 04" 05" Andrew Hicks “ “ Briton John “ “ Geron Williams “ “ Romello Crawford 3’ 04" 33" Cristopher Griffith “ “ Michael Anthony“ “ Marcus Keiler “ “ Alanzo Ambrose “ “ Curtis Dey 3’ 05" 39" Stage 3 – Georgetown to Belfield and Back (February 24) 1st Romello Crawford 1’ 18" 14" 2nd Curtis Dey 1’ 18" 15" Geron Williams “ “ Christopher Griffith 1’ 19" 15" Andrew Hicks “ “ Briton John “ “ Ralph Seenarine “ “ Alanzo Ambrose “ “ Paul De Nobrega 1’ 21" 23" Overall Placing Seniors Juniors 1st Romello Crawford 6’ 9" 25" Ralph Seenarine 6’ 22" 28" 2nd Geron Williams 6’ 9" 35" Jason Sampson 6’ 38" 38" 3rd Andrew Hicks 6’ 10" 35" Kevin Ross 7’ 01" 22" 4th Briton John 6’ 10" 36" 5th Curtis Dey 6’ 10" 46" 6th Christopher Griffith 6’ 11" 10" Veterans 1st Junior Niles 6’ 25" 37" 2nd Paul Choo-Wee-Naam 6’ 26" 03" 3rd Jaikarran Sukhai 6’ 26" 46"

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts Presidential candidate Ricky Skerritt is disappointed but not surprised at Dave Cameron’s negative response to the announcement by Dr. Shallow and himself to challenge for the offices of President and Vice President.

Skerritt responded to Dave Cameron’s recent media interview on the CWI funded Line and Length network, with the President referring to Skerritt’s four-year stint as manager from 2000 to 2004 as, ‘that period of turmoil’.

“While I was team manager there was zero industrial unrest by players,” Skerritt said. “We were proud ambassadors for West Indies cricket globally. This period was a time when we were still winning more matches than we lost and players were still respected by the CWI leadership. Instead of making such unfounded and petty attacks on me I recommend that Mr. Cameron hold audience with former players and ask about their experiences and existing relationships with me. But relationships with facts and truth apparently mean little to Cameron.” Skerritt added.

On the other hand, Skerritt said while at the helm of Cricket West Indies Cameron has faced multiple instances when the Board and the senior players specifically have battled in public view, often with expensive financial claims and damages resulting.

Skerritt stated, “If Cameron wants to talk about turmoil, perhaps he can explain why former Head Coaches, Otis Gibson, Phil Simmons, and the several others who Cameron hastily and summarily dismissed, from both the men’s and women’s teams, have collectively cost CWI well over US $1Million.”

Under Cameron’s presidency, the senior men’s

team took industrial action and withdrew from the illfated 2014 tour of India. Two years later, Captain Daren Sammy openly challenged the board following the 2016 T20 International World Cup Victory in India. Sammy has never been selected since, for the team he led to World Cup glory.

Both experiences according to Skerritt were “stimulated and mismanaged directly by Cameron’s insensitivity and stubbornness.

These tumultuous instances have caused significant damage to the CWI reputation, Commercial Health, and team performance. Cameron really should not allow the subject of ‘turmoil’ to become the feature of this campaign”, Skerritt said.

Skerritt and his VicePresidential candidate, Dr. Kishore Shallow, have launched their ‘Cricket First’ 10-point manifesto which promises to place significant focus on repairing stakeholder relationships.

Skerritt said they still intend to campaign on the future needs and solutions for West Indies Cricket and will avoid being drawn into an ongoing negative debate with the incumbents.

Dr. Shallow said, “The opportunity to rescue Cricket West Indies is now. It is imperative we change the narrative of our cricket, in the West Indies and globally, by rebuilding relationships with our best and brightest players in order to bring our passionate fans back to the game.

This starts with credible, innovative leadership that listens.”

Skerritt and Dr. Shallow were nominated by the Leeward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Boards to contest the election on March 24.

PAGE 30

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

West Indian Imports U-15 Inter County 50-overs cricket

MOM Singh (3-14) bowl Demerara to 56-run win over Berbice On a steaming hot day in perfect batting conditions, Berbice made an inauspicious start to the d e f e n c e o f t h e i r We s t Indian Imports under-15 Inter County 50 overs cricket tournament when the lost by 56 runs in their opening round game against arch rivals Demerara at Bourda yesterday.

Campbell, a 14-year-old r i g h t h a n d e r, h i t t h r e e boundaries in 72-ball 35 but only Thaddeas Lovell whose 34 included three fours and Mavendra Dindayal who reached the boundary once in his 22 were the only other batsmen to reach 13 as Demerara reached 166-7 when their 50 overs expired.

Matthew Pattaya, a 12year-old off-spinner from Rose Hall Youth & Sports Club picked up 4-27 in his first year at level for Berbice as two run outs hurt the hosts.

S e t 1 6 7 f o r v i c t o r y, Berbice were always behind the required runrate and despite carefully constructed 37 with two fours from 113 balls from opener Rampertab Ramnauth who added 61 in 25 overs for the first wicket with Rovishkar Sobhai who was run out for 14 as he lingered out of crease at the non-striker’s end, only Damian Cecil (10) batting at number 10 reached double figures.

Singh, bowling with a Sunil Narine action (minus

Matthew Pattaya took 4-27 for B’ce at Bourda yesterday including the wicket of Thaddeas Lovell (34) at Bourda yesterday.

Man-of-the-Match Krishna Khan appeals for a stumping at Bourda yesterday as he bowled Demerara to victory with 3-14 from 10 impressive overs. (Sean Devers photos) the bent elbow) confused the batsmen with his crafty off-breaks and arm balls to finish 3-14 from 10 frugal overs although two catches were dropped off of his bowling and the last ball of his spell was clobbered to the long-on boundary by Niquau Samuels.

Alvin Mohabiar (2-13) and Lovell (2-8) were other wicket-takers for the home team who will face the President’X1 in a top of the table clash at Everest while Berbice will play Essequibo at Lusignan on the East Coast as the fifth annual tournament continues today from 09:30hrs.

Demerara won the toss and on flat, hard track and off to a slow but solid start with Campbell and 12-yearold Romeo Deonarain who was the silent partner in their 65-run stand.

A pair of attractive cuts off the lively National U-15 pacer Isia Thorne in consecutive overs when he bowled short and wide got Campbell going and together with the sedate Deonarain, saw the 50 up in 18 overs.

Pattaya made the break through when Campbell was well taken at deep midoff by Ramnauth at 65-1 in 23.1 overs before Deonarain whose 70 balls in his 10 was

Demerara’s Jadon Campbell hits Baskar Dhanie just over mid-off for four during his top score of 35 at Bourda yesterday. run out without addition to the score.

Mohabiar was trapped LBW to Pattaya for a duck at 71-3 before Dindayal, who slashed a full toss from the tall Thorne elegantly to the point boundary as he and Lovell, who played some good shots, saw the 100 posted but Dindayal looking well set, was run out at 112-4.

Pattaya removed Lovell and Zachary Jodah (11) with successive balls as two wickets tumbled at 144 before Avinash Rajkumar, unbeaten on 11 threw his bat around before Singh was last out for six.

The defending

Champions were given a solid foundation with Ramnauth and Sobhai putting on 61 but they were kept in shackles by left arm spinner Jodah, the son of former Guyana U-19 batsman Richard Jodah as he and leg-spinner Rayad Latif, the son of softball star Richard Latif.

Jodah (0-15 from 10) and Latif who bowled with deceptive flight and had 025 from 10 overs were Demerara’s best bowlers before Singh, Lovell and Mohabiar ensured that there would be no recovery for the team from the Ancient County. (Sean Devers)

Zeeburg win their zone in latest FBF Schools Windball Cricket Results in the 28 Annual Easter Term AL Sport & To u r P r o m o t i o n s , F B F Schools Windball Cricket Champions Trophy competition show wins for Zeeburg who won their zone in both the male and female department.

In the Male Department Defending champions Patentia scored 131-2, with Ganesh Persaud 82 not out (11x6s). La Grange replied with 59-3; Keven Garrway made 26, while Roberto Daniels took 2 wickets.

Goed Fortuin then reached 97-2, with Satesh Persaud 57; Vishal John claimed 2 wickets for L’Aventure who in reply were restricted to 89.

In the Zone Finals, Zeeburg scored 91-1, Wazim Khadir 53, Alim Khan 33.

Vreed-en Hoop were restricted to 81-5, Peter Persaud made 33 and R Singh

Zeeburg top scorer Varni Pitamber took 2 wkts.

In the Female section – Goed Fortuin rattled up 1170, with Ashley Yard 64 and Cellne Liverpool 46.

L’Aventure responded with 103 – 1, Georgeana Butters 48, Abigail Corbin 36 were the top scorers.

In the Zone Finals, Zeeburg hit 125-0, Varni Pitamber scored 66 and

Zeeburg Male & Female teams take time out for a photo.

Ariana Buckan 50.

Vreed–en–Hoop replied with 99-1, Sheline Persaud

scored 46 and Fartinah Wilson 28.

In other results La Grange

62-0, Tiffany Lucas 26.

L’Aventure 65-1.

Goed Fortuin 69 – 0, C

Liverpool 26, Ashley Yard 25.

Patentia 68-4, Sofeia Glenn 28.

Tuesday February 26, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

NSC/Magnum Mash Cup

BCB/Shimron Hetmyer Intermediate Tournament

The ‘Bosses’ crush ‘Gold is Money’

Devon Clements and Keyron Fraser hit centuries as four teams advance

- Back Circle outlast champs Bent Street The ultimate prize is still up for grabs, but if Sparta Boss’s breathtaking performance against nemesis Gold is Money’ is anything to go by, then fellow finalist Back Circle is in for a rough ride come Saturday when the curtains come down on this year’s National Sports Commission (NSC)/ Magnum Mash Cup, at the National Gymnasium.

Long considered the most successful team in the shorter format, the ‘Bosses’ produced an awe-inspiring display in their semi-final clash against ‘Gold is Money’ that left their rival and their supporters in a state of utter shock.

The final 9-3 scoreline represented the most lopsided result in the two teams’ history of bitter rivalries and sets up nicely the anticipation of more fierce battles in the future.

Playing in the second semi-final of the evening before another large crowd, the two archrivals completely overshadowed the opening last four clash between defending champion Bent Street and Back Circle which on any other night would have been a headliner.

The two battled end to end in enthralling fashion, before Back Circle prevailed 6-5 in sudden death penalty shootout following a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.

Touted as ‘must see’ Sparta Boss were quickly into their stride within two minutes through a masterful display of skill from talisman Jermin Junor, who chested down a long ball, raced on to it, before unleashing a

cracking left-footer into the far corner.

Five minutes later, ‘Gold is Money’ through another wonderful exhibition of skill equalized through Hubert Pedro, who expertly evaded two tackles to fire past the opposing custodian.

However, Sparta ensured that there was enough daylight between the two teams, slamming home four unanswered goals to take a commanding 5-1 lead.

Junor added his second in the 11th minute and his effort was followed by a quick brace from Gregory Richardson and a strike from Sheldon Shepherd after twenty-one minutes.

Randolph Wagner, who netted a pair then pulled one back in the 30th, for ‘Gold is Money’, but recent acquisition Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett lit up the arena with three rapid goals which was only interrupted by Shepherd’s completion of his second to put the game beyond reach.

Wagner scored his second, but the game was already won by the ‘Bosses’.

It was fitting revenge for Sparta that had lost to ‘Gold is Money’ twice in recent encounters.

Champions Bent Street will not be defending their title after falling to a determined Back Circle who came from two goals down to win their place in the final.

Two magnificent strikes from Daniel Wilson in the 9th and 13th minutes had given Bent Street a wonderful cushion that lasted up to half time.

However, the resumption

saw a different Back Circle unit who clawed their way back into contention through goals from Stephon McLean in the 20th and 27th minutes which proved enough to send the contest into penalty shootout.

That too provided an exciting climax with fans bellowing support for both teams from the stands.

In the end, Back Circle, a team that has been to this stage on numerous occasions held their nerve and won in sudden death.

Saturday night promises sizzling action in both the third place and final matchups.

Trophy Stall, Insurance Brokers and Nigel Hinds are also the sponsors on board.

Complete Results Semi-finals Game-1 Back Circle-2 vs Bent Street-2 Back Circle won 6-5 on sudden death penalty kicks Back Circle Scorer Stephon McLean-20th and 27th Bent Street Scorer Daniel Wilson-9th and 13th Game-2 Sparta Boss-9 vs Gold is Money-3 Sparta Scorers Ryan Hackett-33rd, 35th and 38th Jermin Junior-2nd and 11th Gregory Richardson-12th and 15th Sheldon Shepherd-21st and 36th Gold is Money Scorers Randolph Wagner-30th and 39th Hubert Pedro-7th

The historic Berbice Cricket Board/Shimron Hetmyer Intermediate 40Overs Cricket Tournament continued last week. The rainy season continues to cause problems for the organisers but No. 64 Fighting Marines, Dukestown Warriors, Paradise, Cotton Tree Die Hard and Guymine Cricket Club were able to record victories in the matches played. Outstanding performers included former National Junior Players Devon Clements and Keyron Fraser who scored centuries, while Jermain Reid and Errol Byass both took five wicket hauls.

1. At No. 73 Ground: No. 64 Fighting Marines defeated No. 73 Young Warriors by 34 runs.

No. 64 Fighting Marines scored 139 for 9 in 35 Overs with Jason Itwaru scoring 51 and Shiraz Khan 21. Azad Mohamed 3 for 23, Lakeram Lathman 2 for 15 and M. Khan 2 for 38 were the main wicket takers for No. 73, who were bowled out for 105 in 29 Overs.

A. Moneen topscored with 21 as Ramzan Subhan 4 for 20, Shiraz Khan 2 for 10 and Steven Embrack 2 for 22

bowled well for No. 64.

2. At No. 43 Ground: Dukestown Cricket Club bowled out No. 43 Cricket Club for just 37 runs.

No. 43 Cricket Club, only O. Baldeo with 18 reached double figures for the home team as Jermaine Reid 5 for 20 and Errol Byass 5 for 13 created havoc with the ball.

Dukestown Cricket Club raced to victory in just 5.1 Overs as Clavern Beresford hit 17 not out and Clarence Beresford on 10 not out.

3. At Cotton Tree Ground: Cotton Tree Die Hard defeated Achievers in a close finish by one wicket.

Achievers Cricket Club scored 182 all out in 34.4 with former Guyana Under-19 Player Keyron Fraser hitting a majestic 106 which included eleven boundaries and five huge sixes.

Collis Noble scored 22 as Roshan Gafoor tool 8 for 24 with his offspin.

Cotton Tree, in reply were indebted to Nick Ramsaroop 26, D. Harrynarine 34 and Fawaz Gafoor 28 as they ended on 183 for 9 in 30.4 Overs. Keyron Fraser completed a good match by taking 5 for 30, while Shamal Angel took 2 for 23.

4. At East Bank Ground: Guymine Cricket Club defeated East Bank Blazers by 131 as former National Youth allrounder Devon Clements stroked a brilliant 147, the highest score in the Tournament to date.

Guymine Cricket Club reached 251 for 8 in 30 Overs in a match reduced due to rain.

Quancy Sinclair 46 and P. Fredericks 27 supported Clements. C. Fraser 2 for 35, K. Grumble 4 for 47 were East Bank Blazers most successful bowlers.

East Bank Blazers in response, were bowled out for 129 in 15.4 Overs with S. Launalry top scoring with 65.

Michael Wagat 4 for 38, Martin Singh 2 for 10 and Kevin Ramoutar 2 for 01 were Guymine most successful bowlers.

5. At Bush Lot Ground: Paradise Cricket Club defeated Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club by 64 runs.

Paradise Cricket Club 131 all out in 19.3 Overs. O. Bharrqat 37, Hakeem Miller 2 for 21, Kris Ramnarine 2 for 30.

Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club all out in 17 Overs. T. Miller 3 for 17, Carlson Saul 2 for 22.

Khan half century, Balgobin four-wicket haul propel President’s XI to six-wicket victory

Perry Gossai Memorial 100 Balls West Berbice Cricket Tournament

Bush Lot Rising Star defeat Bush Lot United to reach final Three Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket club has reached the final Three of the historic Berbice Cricket Board/Perry Gossai 100 Balls Tournament for teams in the West Berbice Sub-Association. They defeated their village counterparts, Bush Lot United Cricket Club by seven wickets at the Bush Lot Ground in latest action.

Bush Lot United batting first in the 100 Balls game were bowled out for 89 off 94 Balls. A. Matabeek scored 25 and R. Hemraj 31 as none of the other batsmen passed six in a disappointing batting display. Offspinner Javed Saywack 4 for 07 and G. Grant 2 for 19 bowled well for Rising Star, while Glenroy Fraser, Kris Ramnarine and Navendra Mahadeo took a wicket apiece.

Rising Star raced to victory from 69 Balls

as they ended on 90 for 3. Raunai Gransault hit an unbeaten 50 with five boundaries and three sixes, while Rolston Lindo 21 supported well. R. Kishun claimed all three wickets for Bush Lot United from four impressive overs.

Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club has now joined Cotton Tree Cricket Club and D’Edward Cricket Club in the final three stages of the Tournament. The three teams would now play each other on a Round Robin basis with the top two advancing to the Final. The Tournament has been sponsored by Arun Gossai and family in memory of Perry Gossai, who was an outstanding Attorney-at-Law. He also served as President of the Woodley Park Cricket Club and was a role model to youths in West Berbice.

Anthony Khan

Sachin Balgobin

Terrence Softleigh

Opener Anthony Khan struck a fluent half century, while Sachin Balgobin picked up four wickets to lead the President’s XI to a six-wicket victory over Essequibo when the Guyana Cricket Board/ Dave West Indian Imports inter county U15 50-over tournament commenced yesterday.

Balgobin bowled tidily in picking up crucial wickets before Khan anchored his team innings with sensible batting as he and fellow

opener Altave Balman posted 60 to get the President’s XI chase off to a decent start at the Everest Cricket Club.

The President’s XI asked Essequibo to bat and openers Shaazif Mohamed (08) and Ravy Nandalall (08) added 33 before the latter was caught off Nityanand Mathura, while Mohamed who got off the mark with a boundary off Dillon Ramsaroop, was run out as Essequibo lost their second wicket without addition to the

score. Justin Mague (00) was stumped off Budram Lakeram, while Civion Arokium (00) was lbw to Mathura, leaving Essequibo on 41-4. Spinner Balgobin then snapped up four quick wickets to maintain his team stranglehold on the game; he had Rajindra Ramballi (02) and Govinda Tulsie (00) caught before uprooting the stumps of Deo Kanhi (06) and skipper Terrence Softleigh (00), further reducing Essequibo (Continued on page 27)

PAGE 32

Tuesday February 26, 2019

Kaieteur News

Russell called up for final two Miracle Optical and R. Kissoon ODIs GMR&SC National Race of Champions

Contracting; latest sponsors

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – All-rounder Andre Russell has been drafted into the West Indies squad for the final two One-Day Internationals against England.

The 30-year-old, overlooked for the first three matches, has been campaigning for Multan Sultans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League.

Russell, an powerful lower order batsman and effective fast bowler, replaces experienced seamer Kemar Roach who suffered a lower back injury prior to the opening match in Bridgetown and was ruled out of the fivematch series.

“We believe Russell will add value to the squad,” chief selector Courtney Browne said.

“We are well aware that although Andre’s bowling may be limited due to a knee problem, his tremendous batting ability to power the ball in the back end of the game will be an asset to the team.”

Russell has not played for

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell.

West Indies in ODIs since the three-match series against Bangladesh in the Caribbean last July. He played the opening match but then missed the next two with injury.

He recovered to feature in the Twenty20 series against Bangladesh a few weeks later but has not played for the Windies since, missing subsequent tours of India and Bangladesh.

Russell’s career has been plagued with a dodgy knee, and the Jamaican has preferred to focus on the shortest format in recent times.

He has scored 998 runs

from 52 ODIs with four halfcenturies and taken 65 wickets.

Russell will be a massive boost for the Windies who have proved competitive in the opening two ODIs in Bridgetown.

They lost the first match last Wednesday by six wickets despite posting a venue record 360 but rebounded to win the second three days later by 26 runs.

The third ODI was washed out yesterday in St George’s, with the fourth scheduled for tomorrow and the final one set for Saturday in St Lucia.

Rain ruins third ODI Romeo Singh (left) of Miracle Optical, hands over the company’s sponsorship to GMR&SC’s Serika Singh.

The first leg of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions (NROC) will boost off this Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit and as the time winds down before race day, the corporate community is throwing major support behind the usually successful event.

Recently joining the list of sponsors were Miracle Optical and R. Kissoon Contracting.

Yesterday, Miracle Optical confirmed their well received sponsorship for the one-day meet which has been packed with a 24-race programme.

Handing over the cheque to GMRSC’s Serika Mohamed was Romeo Singh of the eye specialisation company.

Singh expressed pleasure in his company being given the opportunity to contribute to the fast growing sport in Guyana and noted his excitement to see the action

unfold come Sunday.

Head of the GMRSC, Rameez Mohamed, during an invited comment to Kaieteur Sport, noted that he is really pleased with the tremendous support that the motor racing body has been receiving from the corporate community, while confirming that in addition to Miracle Optical, R. Kissoon Contracting Services is also one of the latest companies to confirm their support.

“We are happy to have R. Kissoon on board with this Sunday’s Race of Champions. We (the GMRSC) know that this is a big venture for this company and we are pleased to see them continue to support motorsports in Guyana”, Mohamed posited.

“We foresee this and all new partnerships taking the sport to new levels and we want to thank the management of all the businesses for putting their faith in us,” Mohamed

continued.

Meanwhile, mechanics are working tirelessly to bring all the cars up to speed and everyone will be looking to outshine the GMR&SC’s best mechanic for 2018, Balram Mahadeo.

Some of the confirmed drivers for the National Race of Champions include, twotime reigning CMRC Champion; Andrew King, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., Peter Morgan, Shawn King, Raymond Seebarran, Danny Persaud, Shan Seejattan, Azaad Hassan, Motilall Deodass, Rameez Mohamed, Annand Ramchand and Vishok Persaud.

Other confirmed sponsors of the event include, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Truck Master, Special Auto, Nexus, Cyril’s Taxi, Motor Trend Service Center, Prem’s Electrical, Windjammer Restaurant, A&R Printery, Trans Pacific Auto Sales and Spares, N&S Fuel Pump and Injector Services, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, ENetworks and Supreme Ventures Enterprise.

Admission to the venue on race day will cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children.

The playing area at the Grenada National Stadium remains under covers.

ST George’s, Grenada, CMC – Persistent rain here yesterday ruined West Indies’ hopes of building on their momentum, as it forced the abandonment of the third OneDay International against England without a ball bowled.

The adverse weather kept players off the field and ground-staff and match officials occupied, before the match was eventually called off at 2:40 pm, with rain still hovering at the Grenada National Stadium.

Early morning showers had put a prompt start in doubt and then delayed the toss by 40 minutes. Even when England called correctly and asked West Indies to bat, the 10:35 am start time was then revised after rain returned.

Umpires then identified a second scheduled start time of 11:45 am, which would have seen the contest reduced to 42 overs per side, but the weather yet again intervened.

Officials will hope for better weather for the fourth ODI which gets underway here tomorrow at 9:30 am, as the Windies chase a crucial series lead against the world number one.

The series is tied 1-1 after England won the first ODI by six wickets last Wednesday and West Indies bounced back with a 26run victory three days later, in the doubleheader in Bridgetown last week.

The final match of the series is set for St Lucia next Saturday.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 26, 2019

PAGE 33

Annandale overcome Mon Repos to take LSC Ram Slam T20 title Led by a fine all-round performance from Ta m e s h w a r M o t i r a m , Annandale defeated Mon Repos by 24 runs to win the final of the Lusignan Sports Club (LSC) Ram Slam T20 tournament which was contested on Sunday last at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

Motiram top scored with 43 to guide Annandale to 133-3 off their reduced quota of 15 overs, batting first. He then returned with the ball to take two wickets which earned him the man-of-thematch award.

Skipper Shazaam Ali struck four fours at the top of the order in scoring 35 while Motiram hit three fours in his innings; Rajpaul Basdeo made 26 not out and Gavin Boodwah 21 not out. Azad Mohamed took 2-16.

Consistent bowling by Annandale restricted Mon Repos to 109-9 in reply.

Mohamed top scored with 34 which included four sixes, while Surujpaul Deosarran made 11 as Ferron Kadir claimed 2-13, Motiram and Boodwah had 2-16 each and Basdeo 2-18.

Lusignan beat Good Hope by seven runs in the

Members of the victorious Annandale team with representatives of the sponsors and organsiers.

third place game. Batting, first Lusignan managed 31 without loss in three overs with Robin Williams scoring 22 and Krishna Deosarran 12. Good Hope responded with 24-3. Steven Alick m a d e 11 n o t o u t a s Karamchand Persaud took 2-

4.

Annandale defeated Good Hope by seven wickets in the first semi final. Good Hope took first strike and scored 101-6 in 15 overs.

Vishnu Ramjeet made 23 while Harrynarine Hira and Steven Alick got 17 apiece

Jumbo Jet’s Triple Crown 1st leg

‘Don’t Over Look’ scampers away with win in feature race

and Heera Jailall 12.

Annandale replied with 1023 in 13.3 overs. Rajpaul Basdeo stroked 32 not out and Boodwah 22 not out.

Mon Repos overcame Lusignan by four wickets in their semi final match up.

Lusignan took first knock

- Meet to be used as Carifta & Goodwill Trials

T

Florida-bred, ‘Don’t Over Look’, in its first race in Guyana after being imported just three weeks ago, ran a magnificently race to claim top honours in the C Class and Lower feature sprint which was over a distance of 1400m, last Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Berbice, during the first leg of the

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown.

Don’t Over Look stormed out of the sixth post and bided its time, while betting favorites, Storm Bird and Just Call Me Boss set a blistering pace on the well prepared (Continued on page 27)

out. A. Singh took 2-18 and Karamchand Persaud 2-27.

Williams (most sixes), Navin Persaud (best catch), Rajpaul Basdeo (best fielder) and Alvin Goriah (best wicket-keeper) were all rewarded for their efforts.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

GASA 3-day annual Mash Swimming C/ships start Friday

Paul Mahaica

Storm Bird leading the charge to victory in the main event. (Photo compliments of Emmerson Campbelle)

and posted 120-5. Krishna Deosarran slammed 46, while Williams made 31 and Karamchand Persaud 23.

Mon Repos responded with 124-6. Somnauth Bharat slammed 27; Jason Heyliger 23, Rajin Sookdeo 22 and Surujpaul Deosarran 17 not

he Guyana A m a t e u r Swimming Association (GASA) holds its annual Mashramani Long Course Swimming Championships from Friday to Sunday at the National Aquatic Centre at Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

This Meet will be used as trials for selection on the 2019 Carifta Swimming Championships team and the Preliminary squad for the 2019 Goodwill Games and the action starts at

Leon Seaton 12:00hrs and finishes at 17:00hrs each day.

Among those expected to participate are Paul Mahaica,

26

Aleka Persaud Leon Seaton, Aleka Persaud and 16-year Lethem Swimmer Coleen Stephen (Continued on page 27)

t r o Sp

Rain ruins third ODI Groundstaff bring on the covers as rain delays the start of the 3rd ODI between the West Indies and England. (Getty Images)

NSC/Magnum Mash Cup

The ‘Bosses’ crush ‘Gold is Money’ -Back Circle outlast champs Bent Street

Part of semi final action between Sparta Boss and Gold is Money Saturday night at the National Gymnasium.

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