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Thursday Edition February 28, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 09 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Price $80
Online readership yesterday 107,107
Contracts with Exxon partners reveals ...
Guyana has no legal basis to monitor metered oil
Workers, residents block Berbice River - union urges examination of Rusal's operating licence
Pres. Trump a racist, con-man and a cheat - bid for presidency was a marketing strategy - says former lawyer
Kaieteur News
PAGE 02
Thursday February 28, 2019
$26M Cassava flour factory underway in Kwebanna - to produce cassareep, starch and other by-products this community but the entire Moruca sub-region, Mabaruma and even Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge and the other areas.” With assistance from the Ministry of Social Protection's Co-operative Society Department, the Kwebanna Farmers' Cooperative was established. Chairman of the Co-op, Fabian France explained that a number of studies were carried out on the sweet cassava before deciding on
The Cassava Flour Processing Factory under construction.
T
he construction of a Cassava Flour Processing Factory is underway in Kwebanna Village, Moruca, Region One. Works on the facility began in December 2018, at the cost of $10M. The funds also catered for the clearing and preparation of 30 acres of land, and the purchasing of cassava sticks for planting.
An additional $16M was allocated this year for equipping the facility, making a total of $26M invested by the government. The project has already created employment for several villagers who supplied most of the materials being used with jobs created for the actual construction. Toshao of Kwebanna and Vice Chairman of the
National Toshaos Council (NTC), Paul Pierre, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the project was initiated by the Ministry of Indigenous P e o p l e s ' A ff a i r s a f t e r consultations with the residents. He said that the residents were eager to embark on such a significant venture that will generate income for the community: “Cassava is one of our main produce… We said that flour production would be a good thing for us, boost agriculture and add value to the product. We are at a point of completion. This project will not only benefit
the project. France said, “We never had this opportunity before, this is the very first time. In the beginning, the [Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe] came in and kept a meeting. “She mentioned the tomato project in Region Eight and when she mentioned this cassava… I carry out a study on the sweet cassava, and it came turned out well. [Cassava flour]
stays for months even without sealing.” In addition to the over 30 farmers that will directly benefit from the project, residents will also cash in from surrounding areas including Santa Cruz, Barama and Manawarin. Training in the processing of the cassava flour will be conducted by the Ministry of Social Protection's Board of Industrial Training (continued on page 3)
Guyana welcomes Richard Allen to the shores of Guyana
H
e rowed here all the way from West Africa. His journey took three months. Richard Allen, a former Royal Marines Commando of the British Army, has been rowing across the Atlantic Ocean since last December as part of the Commonwealth Row Project. This is a solo and unsupported journey covering over 3000 miles, from Sierra Leone, West Africa, to Guyana, South America with the sole aim of raising awareness of the Commonwealth and the Guyana Foundation. (Visit Guyana, Brian T. Mullis)
Kaieteur News
Thursday February 28, 2019
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Contract with Exxon partners reveals…
Guyana has no legal basis to monitor metered oil By Kiana Wilburg
W
hen it comes to monitoring the quantity and quality of oil produced by Chevron and the like, most regulators around the world have taken every precaution possible, be it through laws, policies and contractual provisions, to guard against foul play. Guyana, in this regard, is the oddball. A perusal of the nation's Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), CNOOC and Hess, shows that there is no provision in place which speaks to the country's right to verifying the operator's oil production. Other nations like Trinidad and Tobago, for example, have rigid rules, agreements and regulations in place on this matter. With respect to its PSAs with oil firms, Trinidad has an entire section on Measurement. Provisions 19.1 and 19.2 under that Section say, “All
Petroleum produced, saved and not used in Petroleum Operations shall be measured at the Measurement Points approved in the Development Plan. The Measurement Point shall be at the end of the facilities for which the cost is included as a recoverable cost of Petroleum Operations under t h e C o n t r a c t . ” At provision 19.3 it adds, “The Production shall be measured in accordance with the sound and current practices and standards generally accepted in the international Petroleum industry. All measurement equipment shall be installed, maintained and operated by Contractor. “The Minister shall have the right to inspect the measuring equipment installed by Contractor and all charts and other measurement or test data at all reasonable times. The accuracy of Contractor's measuring equipment shall be verified by tests at regular intervals and upon the request of the Minister, using sound and current means and
GRA's Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia methods generally accepted in the international Petroleum industry.” Upon discovery of a meter malfunction, Trinidad's PSAs make it clear that the contractor shall immediately have the meter repaired, adjusted and corrected and following such repairs, adjustment or correction shall have it tested or calibrated to establish its a c c u r a c y. U p o n t h e discovery of a metering error, the nation also requires
North Sophia man kills wife, detained at hospital
TRAINING FOR GUYANESE Last year April, this
A
35-year-old North Sophia woman was stabbed to death around 19.00 hrs last night by her drunken spouse, who has since been detained. The victim, Nalini Ramdin, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation with multiple stab wounds to the chest and face. She was pronounced dead on arrival Her son, who took his mother to the GPHC, was too distraught to provide any details to staffers or the police. Kaieteur News understands that the spouse, who appeared to be intoxicated, was also taken to the GPHC. He remained under police guard.
Dead: Nadina Kalamadeen
$26M Cassava flour factory... From page 2 Department. The Ministry of Business will be assisting in training for the packaging. Not only will the factory produce cassava flour for use in the region and further afield, but it will be producing cassareep, starch and other cassava by-products. Once completed, the community will be seeking markets through the school's hot meal programmes and supply the three
that the contractor have the meter tested immediately and the necessary steps taken to correct any error that may be discovered. In the event a measuring error is discovered, the nation sets out in its PSAs that the Contractor shall use its best efforts to determine the correct Production figures for the period during which there was a measuring error and that the corrected figures shall be used. In determining the correction, the nation notes in its oil deals that the Contractor shall use, where required, the information from other measurements made inside or outside the Production Area. The oil contractor signed to a PSA is also required to submit for the Minister's approval, a report detailing the source and nature of the measuring error and the corrections to be applied. If it proves impossible to determine when the measuring error first occurred, PSAs noted that the commencement of the error shall be deemed to be that point in time halfway between the date of the last previous test and the date on which the existence of the measuring error was first discovered.
dormitories in the sub-Districts, Mabaruma, Moruca and Matarkai. Over the weekend, Minister GarridoLowe visited the construction site where works are ongoing. This project is expected to be completed within a month. Kwebanna has a population of 900, and its main economic activities are lumber, subsistence farming, hunting and fishing.
newspaper raised the issue of having systems in place to monitor oil offshore with the Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. Statia had said that special officers would be trained to monitor metered oil production by ExxonMobil. But efforts to follow up with him on this matter recently proved futile. Be that as it may, the tax chief on several occasions, said to Kaieteur News that he is aware of how important meter monitoring is to ensuring accountability and transparency in the oil and gas s e c t o r. T h e C h a r t e r e d Accountant had said that this type of monitoring is imperative as there are documented cases where the failure to do so has cost nations billions of dollars in revenue. I n t e r n a t i o n a l anticorruption agencies have also been warning nations on the road to first oil, like Guyana, to be vigilant when it comes to the determination of the volume of oil produced. In this regard, the Canada-based organization, Publish What You Pay (PWYP), has published a detailed report documenting
how many countries have suffered for failing to have an independent team monitoring the oil being metered and assessed by oil companies. The organization has said that the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate notes that, “even small deviations in the volume of production can have a significant impact on government revenues.” In their example, an error of just 0.35 percent at one of their metering stations would amount to a loss of four million NOK (US$660,000). PWYP also stated that ensuring fair taxation depends not only on tracking the volumes of the resource produced, but also that they are applied against each relevant fiscal instrument. The anticorruption entity also stressed that the solution to protecting government r e v e n u e s f r o m u n d e rreporting of production by oil companies is effective monitoring of both the quantity and quality of the natural resources extracted and exported. A failure to address this, it said has resulted in oil producing nations losing billions of dollars in profits.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday February 28, 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
The plight of the Integrity Commission
T
he Integrity Commission is in a bind: its world keeps extending, yet its back remains attached to the wall immovably and somewhat helplessly. Here it is that that the Integrity Commission is reaching out through a wider net cast: SARA, SOCU, the Guyana Police Force, and the Energy Department. That is a solid extension of what has already been started. Commendable, and with more likely to follow, through the identification of other state entities. An appropriate recommendation for the Integrity Commission to consider is to extend its microscope closer to the organizational bone of some entities. It is a good thing that the heads and senior officers in some state organizations are subjected to the reporting requirements of the Commission. But matters should not stop there. There is a well-known saying that a fish rots from the head; and, as such, places and professionals have been rightly required to declare and report. But taking this a step further, and clearly it is commonsense and reasonable to conclude that once an entity starts to decay, through possibly corrupt stewardship, the rot does not miraculously come to an abrupt halt there. Rather, the improper and dirty accumulation of what does not belong, what is criminally procured, could extend all the way through the sinew and bloodstream of some organizations from head to tail. In other words, the ugliness could span from the Chief Executive in the paneled room right down the line to those responsible for maintaining an antiseptic washroom. Therefore, it is suggested that the Integrity Commission consider going beyond the chiefs and include the cooks and clerks. Sometimes they are the foot soldiers on the ground; the collection agents and messengers, who work so well when things must be compartmentalized so as to insulate and protect the big dogs. Other times, when the smaller fishes observe and detect that a pattern of corruption exists at the higher echelons, they will feel a sense of invulnerability and engage in their own financially rewarding hijinks. There is that belief that that they are immune from exposure or sanction, since they know where the skeletons are buried, and who buried them. Who is going to complain? But with the Commission’s net of interested places and interested positions going through gradual extensions, there is already a serious problem, which the agency has gone public to make known. It is that the Integrity Commission has no investigators. It is a telling one, which does not redound to the advantage of the Commission. Here is a watchdog body saddled with naming officials who have to declare assets and in a timely fashion, but which is about all that it does or can do at the present time. In its present state, through being an investigatorless body, the Commission is reduced to the role of being a gatherer of paper, a repository of much paper, and little else. Because of this reality, the Integrity Commission runs the risk, and raises the specter, of being labeled a paper tiger. And this is not only in the literal sense. It has cardboard teeth, for all intents and purposes. The Commission can run all kinds of programmes, and analyze as much as it desires, but it does not have those human hands and eyes and minds, as well as boots on the ground, then it might just as well be a necessary evil to be tolerated and endured. The lack of sleuths in the house can only serve to embolden the reckless and the seasoned that their corrupt ways continue unthreatened, and that they will outlast the work of the Commission.
We seem to be living in a surreal society DEAR EDITOR, We seem to be living in a surreal society. The groundswell of complaints is more than the waters that flow in the Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo Rivers. And the complaints emanate from the bizarre mode of governance by the APNU+AFC coalition administration. Since the tumultuous events following from passage of the no confidence motion in the National Assembly, two important speeches were made by the President and one letter dispatched in his name. His first speech was in his capacity as Leader of the PNC, at a rally to mark the commissioning of the PNC branch at Vreed-en-Hoop on the West Coast of Demerara. In the course of his brief address, Mr. Granger brushed aside the looming constitutional crises, and called on his supporters “not to be daunted by the outcome of the December 21, 2018 vote, but to galvanize for what will be a resounding victory at the next general and regional elections”. The second event was, in his capacity as President, when he addressed the nation on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of our country attaining republican status. In a state of complete denial and as though absolved of any constitutional transgression, the President declared;
“Guyanese, today, are happy to live in a state that is committed to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press and respect for fundamental human rights.” Many Guyanese, including government’s own supporters, were flabbergasted to find that in their leader’s address, the Head of State offered no guidance, much less a hint, about the way out of the impending constitutional crisis facing the nation. Worse yet, was the President’s reference in his speech, to the happiness enjoyed by Guyanese to “live in a state committed to the rule of law...” Observers have opined that the ‘state committed to the rule of law’ the President referred to, couldn’t be the state of Guyana, where constitutional democracy is currently taking some serious blows. In the morning after his address, the nation was left standing as it were, at the crossroads, pondering which direction it should take. Following the address, a slew of guest columns and editorials were published in the mainstream media, some with strong political overtones, compared to others that took a more nuanced approach. ‘Now is the time,’ ‘Rewind?’, ‘Democracy at risk’ and ‘The consequences of holding office illegally’ were some of the more straight-talk-
ing editorials and commentaries that greeted readers in their regular dailies. The third event saw the dispatching of a letter dated February 25, to the opposition leader, inviting him for talks on two elections-related matters that have since been given wide circulation by the media. Neither of the two letters contextualized the two matters as regards the threat to constitutional democracy. Interestingly, the letter to Jagdeo was dispatched on the 25th February, the day after Granger departed for Cuba. Its contents were released to the media three days after. But of greater interest is the fact that it took one week after a meeting of GECOM on February 19th, for the Chairman to see it ‘fit and proper’ to write the President advising that elections was not possible within the 90-day time frame. Neither the President nor Patterson’s letter made any reference to their respective constitutional responsibilities, vis-à-vis the impending crisis facing the nation. It is as if routine matters were the order of the day, with no mention being made about a date for the holding of elections. A meeting is now fixed for March 6, thirteen days before the expiration of the 90-day time frame set for elections, but no date has been given for the President’s meeting with GECOM, nor has a time frame been offered for the convening or ending the life of
the current session of Parliament. It is therefore obvious that given the sloth with which government machinery, GECOM and the Parliamentary process moves, all things being equal, the nation is definitely headed into a crisis situation, save the agreement from the Opposition to extend the life of parliament beyond the 90 days. Suffice it to say, the opposition leader has already intimidated that he is not committed to any extension of the life of parliament beyond March 19, save it is summoned to provide the necessary resources for the holding of elections soonest. It is to be recalled that about three weeks ago, there was talk that ‘general elections would be held within the administrative capability of GECOM.’ The President’s invitation to GECOM to meet now, could have been extended since then, but since there must be in existence a detailed time table formulated in accordance with the APNU+AFC’s plans to thwart the constitutional stipulations and their obligations arising from the NCM, such a proposition could not be entertained. Left unanswered is government’s ‘quite legitimate’ legal challenge to the Chief Justice’s upholding of the NCM and the administration’s publicly stated determination to ‘go (Continued on page 6)
This development reeks of the intimidatory and a desperate grasping at straws DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the article titled, “City extends contracts with small garbage contractors” (SN February 26th). The following thoughts and comments are shared. Fair is fair, and what is right is right. Also, there is that little something called sanctity of contracts. And now what is happening to the owners and operators of garbage hauling services, Cevons and Puran Brothers, comes over wrong, and is wrong by any definition and standard. What could now be found defective in these contracts of some duration? If they were not deemed to be improper or egregious over the years, how come they are now? I think this development of escalating to the Attorney General’s office for some sort of pronouncement, if not guidance, reeks of the intimidatory and a desperate grasping at straws in the hope of being told what is desired to be heard. This is wrong in thinking; wrong in principle; and wrong
in approach. It would be interesting to see how this escalation to the AG’s office turns out. If the determination is that there is a problem, then what? Hauling before the courts, as hinted (if not threatened)? Rescind unilaterally or otherwise evade financial obligations, as has been the norm for City Hall? This is not a good way to do business; not a sterling example of governance seeking new heights. And even as I say so, I commend the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for their principled stands. From all appearances, this hinges on the terms and conditions agreed to in prior arm’s length, good faith negotiations. More succinctly, the money matters. I should like to believe that Central government, which was called upon previously to bail out to the tune of tens of millions of dollars, perhaps a hundred plus, would have done some level of analysis of the underlying contracts; and that it satisfied itself as to the merits and what was
rightly due to the contractors. So, it ponied up on behalf of a beleaguered City Hall and an overwhelmed citizenry. And yet, here is the unfolding equivalence of isolating the messenger and then stripping same in a desperate search for the goods, any goods that serves an unconstructive purpose. Now the AG’s office and possibly the courts are being recruited to give gloss to the palpably heavy-handed and low-minded.Again, this is conducting the business of the strapped and trapped taxpayers in bad faith. It exhibits a patently Rusal pedigree. These tactics and whatever is the underpinning long-term strategy should be reconsidered early. It is fine to appeal through renegotiation for reconsideration. This has to be done; is the required first step. There has to be a stop to doing business in the old ways. The better way, the recommended way, the way that always works is to: sit down, parley, get down to the nittygritty (fight hard but fair) and
walk away with something that presents both sides with opportunity and basis for going forward together. Do not try to bully the people; do not kick them in the teeth for own failures, incompetence, and corruptions. Give everyone the circumstances to give up something to get something. Stop the back door and scabs of small contractors (hope not friends and the old non-electronic linked-in crony network). There must be a new era of ethical, and even classy, operations and a new spirit dedicated to the right way through new standards and unimpeachable values. Can we have it? I do hope that this is not alien and unacceptable to the mindsets still firmly ensconced at City Hall. If not, then it is the same old ways with the old trash talk and the old dirty pileups outside and inside of an institution insistent on the unchanging and the unworkable. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Thursday February 28, 2019
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Kaieteur News
An Open Letter To The President Of “Sovereignty belongs to the people.” ematician. students and teachers are It died a second death in 2007 Guyana If you were to contact the right now laughing at your DEAR PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER, When I started to write this letter, I commenced with the salutation, “Dear Comrade Granger”. Then I instantly recalled that the word “Comrade” means “a companion, friend, or partner; a person who shares in, and contributes towards what another is doing”. With the realization that very much of what you do, (which, I presume, reflects your beliefs), are counter and contrary to what I believe and up-hold, I proceeded to delete that initial greeting, and replace it with the above, more mundane and general written utterance, which, I am certain, best befits our relationship. President Granger, I am shockingly appalled, and appallingly shocked (as so do millions of others throughout the mentally-stable world,) at the position you, and the supporters of your administration, have taken after the no-confidence vote was passed on December 21st, 2018. The constitution of Guyana dictates, that after such a vote, the President must dissolve Parliament, and set a date for elections, which date should be “within three months, or such longer period…etcetera, etcetera, etcetera (and, I am certain you, of most people, know the rest)”.The thing I find most troubling and perplexing is your Administration’s take on mathematics! I am no mathematician, but I do know a great deal of math; enough to challenge the average math-
teachers, (such as Mr. Ayube, Mr. Karran Persaud and Mr. Sahai) who instructed and guided me through my scholastic mathematical sessions, you will learn that, on several occasions, I was asked to leave the classroom in order to allow other students the opportunity to answer questions and attempt to solve problems. I solved problems and proved theories (be they arithmetical, algebraic, or geometric) from top going downwards, bottom coming upwards, sideways going all around, and from several other angles and positions (if you get my drift)! I was responsible for almost causing a geometry text book to be put out of circulation, while I was in high school, after I discovered that a theorem printed therein, based on ratios and proportions, was inaccurately expressed in terms of both the equation and formula. All of that being said, I cannot begin to perceive or discern, through any kind of empirical method, how 33 is less than 32! Is that the kind of mathematics the APNU + AFC administration wants the Guyanese children to focus on? Is that the kind of nonsensical logic you want your teachers to instruct by? Well, as a teacher who was Head of the Business Department at Charlestown Secondary School for several years, I can claim, with great certainty, that I have a pretty accurate idea of how teachers and students think. Thus, I wish to advise, with emphatic certainty, that most Guyanese
administration’s stupidity, inference, and expectations, with respect to the idiotic explanation for not accepting the no-confidence vote. David, the world is watching and laughing. You have demonstrated a blatant and obnoxious disregard for your country’s constitution and legal system. You have shown absolute disrespect, disagreeable contempt and shameless disregard for the rule-of-law. More particularly, you have exhibited and evinced a shameful, callous, and somewhat inexplicable disdain towards the Honorable Chief Justice, in defiance of her reasoned decision.You have disgracefully and shamelessly ignored obloquy from the public, including the Private Sector Commission and The Guyana Bar Association. And, interestingly, you have stubbornly chosen to ignore calls by international bodies, such as the United Nations and the European Union, to uphold the constitution, and to be respectful of “democratic procedures and the rule-of-law”. Do the right and honourable thing. Be reasonable; be considerate; be fair; be respectful; show some class; listen to your (good) conscience; be an ex-army boss of the highest calibre. Do the legal thing. Do not take your country down the path leading to constitutional crises! Be Presidential! May God bless you. May God bless the rest of us. May God bless Guyana. Thanks, Omadat Jagrup
DEAR EDITOR, I would like to respond to an article, “Mr Persaud cannot deliberately disregard his serious ethical responsibility” by a Fitz Alert, in KN Feb. 16th. Mr Alert stated that, “The electors who ensured Mr. Persaud’s party got 33 seats in the National Assembly cast their votes with the expectation, naturally, that Mr. Persaud would faithfully represent their interests, through the Party for which those electors voted.” What Mr Alert does not know or would not admit, is that very often “electors” often have a change of heart when a Government fails to meet its perceived “expectations”. Mr. Alert should be aware that the coalition did not score well in fulfillment of promises - nothing destroys expectation like broken promises. It induces a feeling of being cheated. It is on this premise that the “vote of confidence” had been conceptualized and inserted by framers of constitutions around the world. It is designed to give the representatives of the people (MPs) the opportunity to show their disdain for governments, whose policies are not in sync with the people’s interest. In our scenario, a No Confidence Motion is the only opportunity they have to
stand with a mind of their own in parliament, given the sword of “recall” held by the parties’ list, over their heads. Article 9 of our constitution clearly states,” Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under this Constitution.” Who would “their representatives “be? Undoubtedly, the parliamentarians! Article 9 clearly gives Charrandass or any parliamentarian the right to represent his constituency as he or she sees it fit. There is no article in the constitution that conflicts article 9 more than article 156.3.c. While article 9 gives the MPs (the people’s representatives) the right to take care of the people’s sovereignty, article 156.3.c took that right from the MPs and gave it to the beasts (political parties) and all the people’s representatives became “yes men” because of allegiance to the party. This is the reason the people are being cast aside by Governments after every election. Article 156.3.c. made the interest of the parties paramount to the people’s interest. In our scenario, the representatives of the people (MPs) finds themselves obligated to their respective party list instead of the people. Does this
in any way reflect that sovereignty belongs to the people? I think not. This is the reason that governance since independence has failed to improve the lives of the people. Instead of governments being servants of the people, they all became our masters. When the two monsters (major political parties) sat in parliament in 2007 and endorsed article 156.3,c. in its present form, it signaled the continuity of paramountcy of the parties - Burnham style. Sovereignty belongs to the people died a second death in 2007. The parties demanded the right to recall the representatives of the people (MPs) at their pleasure. If this is not paramountcy, what is? Mr. Alert wrote, “Elected Member, Charrandass Persaud, failed to honour the trust placed in him by the electors, and the oath he took to honour the relevant requirements of Article 156”. How does this statement coincide with article 9, “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their (Continued on page 6)
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Bus operators need commuters just as much as the commuters need them DEAR EDITOR, The very essential, much touted and long awaited Mini Bus Code of Conduct has finally become a reality. The travelling public which comprises mainly the working class and school children, who can ill afford any other means of transportation and who regularly use these buses, are eagerly waiting to see if the code is going to serve the purpose for which it was intended.
The hooliganism, bullyism, and downright lawlessness which were allowed to become so entrenched must come to an end. It can only happen with the support of the Mini Bus Union, the owners, the drivers, the conductors, the commuters, and of course, the Police. The Court would also have an important role to play, for this Code of Conduct to bring the much needed relief from this aggressive and hos-
tile behaviour pattern displayed by many drivers and conductors. Yes, there are some buses that both drivers and conductors are very polite, and they also adhere to the Laws as it relates to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.Many or most of them need to understand that they need the commuters just as much as the commuters need them. Archie W. Cordis
When will Fly Jamaica pay its refunds? DEAR EDITOR, When I had made my claim for two refunds at the end of November 2018, I was informed by Fly Jamaica that it would take six to seven weeks for this claim to process. Just imagine, such a lengthy period! It is now approximately 12 weeks and there is absolutely no communication by this airline on when payment will be effected. There are no responses to phone calls, emails, etc. which is nothing new to me, since I had encountered a similar situation in the third week in No-
vember in New York, concerning my return to Guyana. Then, I had to purchase another ticket to return to Guyana with Copa Airlines. The purpose of my letter is to bring to the attention of the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and to the subject Minister – Public Infrastructure (if I am correct) that urgent and positive action needs to be taken against Fly Jamaica to meet payments to its passengers who have sent in claims. This airline’s reliance and creditability are down to almost zero tolerance, and I say
so, based on this and previous travels, in which there were flight cancellations without notification, and its nonresponse to calls and emails. Editor, the respective authorities need to urgently address the payments of refunds to passengers and perhaps to assess whether this airline should still be flying to and from Guyana. ‘Enough is Enough,’ I am appealing for early action to be taken. Yours sincerely John Seeram
“Sovereignty belongs to the people.” It died a second death in 2007 From page 5 representatives and the democratic organs by or under this Constitution?” Clearly the people (electors) give the right to their representative to do as they see fit in their interest. The political parties subverted that right through article 156.3.c. Charrandas’ “yes” should not be construed as a vote for the PPP. His vote is based on his perception of the dissatisfaction of some 8000 electors that resonate to his seat and the constitution af-
Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
forded him that right through a vote of confidence. Albeit, he had to elude the maze set in article 156.3,c. by the two monsters to stop - “sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives”. Mr. Alert and all the commentators who try to condemn Charrandass’ action have not and will never venture into the thesis and presence of a vote of confidence in the constitution, because they know that will put their argu-
ments in checkmate. The list system has been a millstone around the people’s neck since independence. Only people can represent people. The list system is too vague and indirect to be effective, it should be done with. We need Constitutional Reform to elect our representatives through geographical constituencies. Article 156.3.c. must be abolished . Only the people in a geographical constituency must have the right to recall their representative by popular vote because sovereignty belongs to them. This is the only way we can break the shackles of paramountcy of the parties and stop our representatives from being “yes men”. With free men and women representing us, it would be expedient for a two-thirds majority for a No confidence motion. Rudolph Singh
In what capacity is Bharrat Jagdeo ‘instructing’ Irfaan Ali? DEAR EDITOR, I make reference to a Kaieteur News article dated February 22nd, 2019 titled ‘Irfaan Ali will say nothing more about his qualifications for now – Jagdeo’. Editor, I have allowed a few days to go by before documenting my thoughts. The reason is: I wanted to give Bharrat Jagdeo and his cohorts in the PPP ample time to respond to Kaieteur News that had he been misquoted. In the article Bharrat Jagdeo is quoted as saying he instructed Irfaan Ali not to speak about his qualifications until he (Jagdeo) says so. This is beyond shocking. Had this been a lie, I assume Bharrat Jagdeo would have so indicated. Given that he hasn’t, I could only assume it’s true. I am puzzled as to why Mr. Ali isn’t answering questions about his own qualifications? Why does Mr. Jagdeo have
to answer these questions? Or should I say dodge them? Isn’t Irfaan Ali an extremely competent candidate that is capable of leading a nation on the verge of colossal oil finds? This is the notion Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP is attempting to perpetuate. Shouldn’t a gentleman of such amazing capabilities be able to speak to his own qualifications? Or lack thereof, I am truly bemused. If that doesn’t boggle the sane mind, the next question will be; under what authority is Jagdeo ‘instructing’ Ali? Isn’t Irfaan Ali the Presidential Candidate and the de-facto leader of the party given his election (or should we say selection?) How is Mr. Jagdeo instructing the Presidential Candidate? Is it by virtue of his position of General Secretary that he is ‘instructing’ Mr. Ali? I am genuinely astonished.
It was quite embarrassing when Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali met with the Western Diplomats. During the meeting, Mr. Ali didn’t utter a single word, Jagdeo spoke exclusively. The party has been in a perpetual state of decline and the Bharrat Jagdeo-engineered selection of Irfaan Ali is icing on the cake. Many of us are wondering, when will the PPP learn/change? It didn’t happen after the minority government in 2011. It didn’t happen after losing the executive in 2015. Will it happen with 40% whenever polls are called next? I wouldn’t hold my breath. It will only happen with a permanent Bharrat Jagdeo exit from the PPP. But Mr. Jagdeo believes he is the best gift to the party and has a birthright to dictate and instruct as he pleases, so again, don’t hold your breath. Gerald Singh
We seem to be living in a surreal... From page 4 the full monty’ up to the CCJ. According to the SN editorial of Monday February 25; ‘The APNU+AFC government’s plan is that it will take no definitive action unless it exhausts all legal options to overturn the motion of no confidence, meaning that the case could go all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).’ In the circumstances, the question that arises is, will Government withdraw its legal challenges to overturn the NCM in order to demonstrate good faith to its own commitment that “there is no intention on the part of government to derail the constitutional or legislative process?” The necessity that the President should address the nation with a view to advising Guyanese on steps his government envisages, in light of the constitutional crisis, is now more imperative than ever before. The contents of the letter dispatched to the Opposition Leader should be viewed as a sneak preview of the coalition’s plan B. It would be naïve, therefore, to believe that APNU+AFC, but more particularly the PNC, do not have a plan to address the constitutional crises, and that they are simply drifting along
nonchalantly towards March 19. The President’s letter should be seen as a result of pressure brought to bear on the Granger administration by the diplomatic, donor community, CARICOM and sections of the local media, as well as threats of personal sanctions against those who would bear responsibility for plunging Guyana into “unconstitutional territory” because of their march of folly. Recall the plan of the administration to appoint a chairman of their liking to GECOM. There was also a plan to undermine the effect of the No Confidence Vote by seeking to twist the arm of the Speaker of the House and to reverse the decision of all the members present. Further, a plan was hatched to thwart the holding of elections within the stipulated 90 days by a vote in favour of fresh house to house registration. And the plan to extend their tenure in office beyond the 90 day period became an open secret when they revealed their intention to approach the Court of Appeal right up to the CCJ. Now the coalition government has reverted once again to their nefarious plan to harass, intimidate and hunt
down leaders of the PPP at a time when elections is in the air. According to Clive Thomas of SARA, “This is gonna be the start of a series of cases that we hope to roll out with increasing frequency for the rest of the year.” Whatever the government’s plan might be in response to the impending constitutional crises, the point is that the nation is completely in the dark. This is a clear sign, speculative as it might seem, that an anti-democratic and sinister plan is being hatched. In the circumstances, it would not be unreasonable to conclude that since the coalition administration has refused to come clean - first, by recognizing our country is on the cusp of a constitutional crisis of unprecedented proportions and secondly, by advising the populace in a clear and unequivocal manner about the steps the administration proposes to take to avert the impending crisis - it is imperative that there be not letting up of the pressure from all fronts until all acts of deception and foot-dragging are brought to an immediate end and a date for the holding of elections announced. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
Thursday February 28, 2019
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Kaieteur News
20,000 Blaze connections made in last 18 months - GTT US-controlled Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) says that it made 20,000 connections of its Blaze service in the last 18 months with a backlog in the processing applications. Speaking during a press conference at GTT’s offices at Lot 55 Brickdam on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, said that the quality of the voice service on the Blaze is much better than the traditional one. In fact, customers are giving up the traditional copper line (landline) phones, opting for the Blaze service. Those services are being offered to where Blaze customers are, with the number beginning with a 500 digit. The question would be asked as GTT has been mandated by the regulator, the Public Utilities Commission, to make at least 350 new landline connections every quarter. Nedd said that it is meeting the requirements for new voice connections. The company is facing, also, an unprecedented demand for internet services. He was asked about the fact that rates in Linden, Region Ten, are same for rates for Blaze, a faster internet ser-
vice elsewhere. According to the CEO, it is a fact that GTT has been making strides. In 2014, there was one megabyte DSL service for $10,000. This same one megabyte was reduced to $5,000. There was no protesting when the rates went down. “We are continuing to look at managing rates for all our customers,” he insisted. He also disclosed that the faster Blaze service, currently being rolled out, has made it possible for video service to be introduced as well. GTT is partnering with a third party, offering 100 channels for a mere $2,500, he said. There will be other services that will be coming, thanks to the possibilities of fibre internet, he says. Questioned about whether GTT is looking to phase out the old copper lines, in favour of fibre, which is linked to a US$30M sub-sea cable that comes via Suriname, Nedd admitted that there is a natural progression. He said that there was a time when dialup was big, coming from satellite. Then DSL came. Now fibre is here.
“If as a company we don’t look to constantly improve, we probably would be dead and out of business.” The fibre offers internet speed of up to 1,000 times the DSL service, he said. At GTT, there is improveme n t w i t h m a n y services now being conducted online, including application for voice and internet services. There is even a payment app- MMG. From January 2018, to now, there is a 400 percent increase in internet traffic, thanks to deployment of the fibre network. According to Nedd, the telephone company has the skills set and capacity to continue expanding. On the mobile side, the internet speed has been improving with a 10-gig plan for customers who use a lot of data. Over the next few months, GTT will also move to reduce lines in its stores by introducing more self-service possibilities. The company will also be aggressively pushing its internet rollout campaign and (Continued on page 8)
GTT’s CEO, Justin Nedd (center) and other senior officials at the press conference on Tuesday.
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
Workers, residents block Berbice River - union urges examination of Rusal’s operating licence Workers of Rusal and residents of the Kwakwani community, Region Ten, blocked the Berbice River, halting the company’s continued shipping of bauxite. According to workers, the actions started late Tuesday evening, with a wire rope attached to barrels and water tanks strung across the river. The escalating actions would come after more than 90 workers were fired by Rusal’s local operator, the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), two weekends ago. Since then, workers, including those whose services were terminated, have been holed up in housing area, 12 miles from Kwakwani, at the Aroaima property of Rusal. The standoff has drawn in Government and Rusal’s headquarters with the company refusing to deal with the workers’ union. Attempts by Government to mediate a resolution, including a return of the fired workers to their duties, have failed with the BCGI saying it is moving to
hire new staffers. Government has been meeting with them and company, almost one and half decades here, refusing to stand down. The company has hired former Chief Labour Officer, Mohamed Akeel, to advise them. Government sent food supplies to the fired workers who fear leaving the Aroaima site would diminish any possibilities of forcing the Russian-controlled company to rethink its decision to send them home. Yesterday, workers said that Rusal’s local shippers, Oldendorff Carriers, would have heard of blockage of river and therefore not send any vessels. “We want to send a clear message that it cannot be business as usual,” a spokesperson of the group on the Kwakwani waterfront area told Kaieteur News yesterday. About 300 residents and workers were at the riverside yesterday to lend support. Meanwhile, yesterday, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to
stand by workers dismissed by United Company Russian Aluminum (Rusal). Following a meeting with Director ofAluminium and Bauxite Department, Vladimir Permyakov, on Tuesday, Minister Ally met with representatives from the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union yesterday where she updated them on the status of affairs. During the meeting held at her Lamaha Street office, the Social Protection Minister expressed her extreme dissatisfaction with the way the Russian company is operating and stated that it will not be tolerated by the government. The Social Protection Minister told the union representatives that it was indicated to Rusal that government will not be accepting the conditions they put forward for reinstating the dismissed workers. “Government will not accept what is existing and I did indicate to them that we will go to the lengths, we will explore the
options and we are going to have to make a decision on this matter,” Minister Ally relayed. President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union, Lincoln Lewis, suggested an examination of the company’s mining licence be conducted, to ensure they are complying with the stipulated conditions. Lewis further cited chapter 98:01 (4) of the Labour Laws which gives the Minister authority to put in place arbitration proceedings. According to him from 2009 to present, Rusal failed to engage the union. In 2009, Rusal fired 57 workers for protesting for better pay and conditions. “We are requesting that you do that dating back to the issues commencing from 2009 because that gives you a backdrop under
the law that they refused to engage the union over that period,” the union resident said. Minister Ally confirmed that an examination of the company’s licence is currently being discussed. The Government of Guyana and the foreign owned company – RUSAL, are currently at loggerheads over 61 workers who were unjustifiably dismissed. The Government had sought to engage the Russian company on two occasions, the most recent being on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. That meeting was a follow up to a prior meeting after which it was expected that the workers would be reinstated. However, RUSAL’s representatives indicated on Tuesday that they will not be reinstating
those workers but rather have them reapply and sign a new labour contract. An act Minister Ally told the management of RUSAL is unreasonable and an unthinkable position on the matter. The company has a track record of dismissing employees. Back in November 2009, 57 workers were dismissed from Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) after a strike for increased pay and safer working conditions, closed the Aroaima and Kwakwani sites. In 2010 five Rusal employees were fired after a fallout over poor meals at the company’s Aroaima work site Also present at yesterday’s meeting were Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott and Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle.
20,000 Blaze connections... From page 7 expanding its mobile network reach. With regards to standards, GTT is rapidly moving to introduce international ISO-compliant ones before the year is out. As at February 22, the company reported, more than 99 percent of its landline service was in good working order. With regards to growth, the official disclosed that analysis found that there is growing interest in streaming, with Netflix, YouTube topping what customers are accessing. This interest is not expected to wane. GTT is aggressively expanding to meet the demands. With regards to downtime, Nedd disclosed that last year, there were major cuts to the
networks but backups would have cause customers not to notice. There was one cut to connections that lasted for one year, but customers would not really have been aware. He complained about the high statutory tax rate to the telecoms sector, which is 45 percent, one of the highest rates in the world. The CEO also believed that the 14 percent Value Added Tax on services is an inhibiting factor in the service that customers can experience. Another issue that GTT is facing is vandalism, with the most recent damage to its fibre cable occurring on Mash Day, February 23. It takes millions to conducts repairs, the company said. An attack on the network is tampering with security, he warned.
Thursday February 28, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Cake shop management cannot suffice for a modern economy. The style of governance since political Independence has not been conducive to development. It is ill-suited for modernization. Given the expansive nature of relations and issues which governments have to address, there is a need for greater devolution of power. Centralized government can no longer cope with the multiple, overlapping and multilayered aspects of governance. Governments today are dealing with ten times the number of issues that was dealt with, say thirty years ago. At the same time, the size of the government bureaucracy in most developed states is shrinking. Part of this shrinkage is due to the adoption of modern which is displacing workers and cutting costs. Guyana, however, is going in the opposite direction. The more modern the bureaucracy, the more swollen and overstaffed it
becomes. The more complex government becomes, the more centralized is decision-making. The greater demands on resources, the bigger the bureaucracy. The public bureaucracy is now a cancer. It is sucking the life out of public administration. Merely keeping this inefficient and revenue-guzzling monstrosity alive is costing taxpayers in excess of 500 million dollars per day. This is wanton wastage. That money could have been put to help boost private sector development to create jobs for the thousands of young people who are unemployed. The more the government implements technology, the more inefficient it becomes. It is all part of what is known as cake shop management. Take for example the situation on our roads today. There is a major problem with congestion into, out of and within the city. The authorities do not have a comprehensive plan
to deal with this issue. They have had had three and half years to develop such a plan. They have not. Correspondingly, there is a need for expanded infrastructure to address traffic control, regulate public transport vehicles and reduce accidents. Now these are multiple problems which mean that the responsibility for dealing with these problems should be devolved to lower levels so that decisions can be taken and many things done at the same time. An integrated approach is needed with simultaneous action on many fronts and at all levels. Instead, what is taking place is that decision-making is centralized and one decision is being at a time. A good example of this is the roundabout in Kitty. It has been a fantastic success and has solved congestion at one of the busiest junctions where traffic from five points converge. Yo u w o u l d h a v e e x -
Dem boys seh ...
Guyana got nuff blind man Old people always remind anybody who would listen that when blind man seh he gun pelt you he already got brick in he hand. But some people don’t listen. One Ally hear Jagdeo talk bout no confidence vote. De Ally woman didn’t know that Jagdeo done had de majority just like de blind man wid de brick. Is when de brick land that all de confusion start. People start to run to places dem never visit since de last elections. Some of dem mek promise and even do things dem didn’t even plan to do. Of course, Jagdeo tun de president again. He tell public servants not to obey de government because he gun charge some of dem. Fuh de first time, people go to work hearing that dem mustn’t obey dem employers till after de elections. Dem boys want to know wha gun hap-
pen if de same government go back in power. Wha gun happen to dem workers who refuse? De same thing happen wid SOCU and SARA. Dem two organizations was threatening to charge nuff people fuh all kind of thing. But dem tek long. Dem boys seh SOCU and SARA tek suh long that all who get threaten get comfortable. Jagdeo even tease SOCU and SARA, threatening to lock up some of dem. Now dem boys hear Jagdeo and all of dem who own property at Pradoville now getting charge. Since de charge announce de place get quiet. People who was cussing SOCU and SARA suddenly get dumb. After a time comes anodda time. Talk half and wait to see who gun get pelt.
pected that roundabouts would have been constructed at most of the other junctions. These are not costly infrastructure. Smaller and less costly roundabouts could have easily been designed quickly at all the other busy junctions without the sort of infrastructure investment of the Kitty roundabout. In most cases all that is needed is for lanes to be redrawn. But that is high science for those accustomed to cake shop management. And so the one step at a time, one roundabout a year is the approach to the traffic problem. This is not how modern governments are run. This is stone-age governance. Guyana is going to continue to be left behind the rest of the world. It has seen Guyana retrogress and we will always be in a fire fighting mode rather than ensuring forward thinking and planning. A country today simply cannot be run like a cake
shop. The world is too modern, and too many things are taking place to allow for such a style of governance. Once the policy is made by the government, the mechanics should be left to lower level officials who should be held accountable for ensuring its implementation and who should be held responsible for any failures. Things have got to change in Guyana and this change has to begin at the top because this is where the main problem is. There is a great deal to be done; there are the resources to do most of it. What is required is for faster decision-making so as to allow for the multitasking. Guyana cannot go forward with this stone age way of doing things.. If Guyana wants to become a modern developed society, it has to dump traditional ways of doing things. You cannot overtax the business sector and
still expect jobs. You cannot hassle Cubans who are coming to Guyana and expect that they will continue to keep the business sector afloat. You cannot push around investors and expect them to invest in the economy. Plantain chips and breadfruit chips and other small businesses cannot make the economy grow. It cannot generate the massive jobs needed to impact on unemployment. It will not lift large numbers out of poverty. This is catchhand approach to helping poor people. Cake shop management cannot run a modern economy. Never has; never will.
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Today we may stay but if we don’t stay, so what? On January 31, 2019, the Chief Justice (CJ) ruled that the no confidence vote (NCV) of December 12, 2018 was valid. There was no grey area in her ruling. The decision was a rejection of two arguments put forward by the state. - the vote of 33 against 32 was not a valid majority and Charrandass’s vote was an invalid ballot because he legally could not have voted because he is a foreign citizen. Now here is a curious part of the decision by the CJ that has put the hold of power in a vortex and it has been swimming in that whirlpool since and it is the opinion of this columnist it will con-
tinue to stay swimming if the stay by Justice Rishi Persaud is not granted today. The CJ refused to grant a stay of her judgement. What is a stay? It is a request to temporarily halt the enforcement of the decision laid down until appeals are exhausted. Let us use the most lucid, pellucid, graphic and unambiguous hypothetical example of what a stay means in a civil matter. Most Guyanese know there is a long stretch of road called the Ogle airport road. The passage ends at the entrance to the airport. That is where you turn to get into the compound of the airport. Now at the end of that path-
way, there is an obscure strip that runs at the back of the airport that was there for more than a hundred years built by the colonial governor. It is that strip the executives of the airport use to enter the compound. One day some boys used that little unknown pathway and went fishing at the trench that is a public drainage system at back of the airport. The security of the airport stopped them telling them they are on private property. One of the boys’ fathers sued management asking the court to rule that the invisible street is in fact public property that belongs to the citizenry. He
argued that he has locus standi because he is a resident of Ogle. The judgement of the court is that the little pathway is public property accessible to the citizenry. The airport’s lawyer gives notice of appeal and requests a stay of the decision. What does this mean? If the judge refuses the stay then persons other than those who work at Ogle can use the strip and the boys can access it to fish in the trench. The ruling is now law until finality in the other appeal tiers of the judicial system. If the judge grants the stay, the status quo remains - it is private property, a facility only for those who work at Ogle. So the boys continue to fish accessing that roadway and other people now use it to get to the backdam of Ogle and homeless persons walk there to use the trench to swim. The appeal is heard and the court rules that it is indeed private land. The lawyer of the boy’s father addressed the court informing
the judges that he is taking the matter to its logical conclusion in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). He asked for a stay in the decision because he strongly believes he will win in the CCJ. His argument was persuasive and a stay is granted. What does the stay of the Court of Appeal means? The judgement will not be enforced and that public access remains until the CCJ rules. Despite the victory by the airport, the boys can continue to fish riding their bicycles on that strip. If the Court of Appeal doesn’t grant the stay, no one except airport officials can use the road. This has been a very long example of what a stay means. I know what a stay is because when Juan Edghill lost in his bid to jail me for contempt of court over my column on his nasty politics, his lawyer, Ashton Chase asked for a stay. Justice Insanally told Chase; “Stay what? The Chief Justice in the NCV case did not
Frederick Kissoon grant a stay but the government continues as if there wasn’t a successful NCV. What happens today if Justice Persaud does not grant a stay? Simple! The government will continue as it did after January 21, meaning that it did not call for elections to be held in three months’ time which the constitution stipulates. After the judgement of the CJ, the government said the status quo remains. If there is no stay today, the status quo remains. This is Guyana, after all.
Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Sustainable growth, infrastructure focus of IDB Annual Meeting in Chengdu, China The Inter-American Development Bank Group will hold its Annual Meeting in Chengdu, China on March 2731, with the participation of authorities and leaders from the public and private sectors. The meeting will discuss the challenges that Latin America and the Caribbean region faces in economic growth, sustainable infrastructure investment, innovation and the future of cities, among others. This will be the 60th An-
nual Meeting of the IDB Group’s Board of Governors – the Bank’s leading decisionmaking body that represents its 48 member countries. Most of the Governors are finance or economy ministers or central bank presidents. Additionally, the Annual Meeting includes the participation of thousands of business, social and financial industry leaders. The IDB Group comprises the InterAmerican Development Bank
(IDB), which provides resources and financing to the public sector, IDB Invest, which focuses on private sector operations, and BID Lab, which mobilizes resources and knowledge to promote innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean. During the event, the IDB Group will release its annual macroeconomic assessment of the region, which this year will focus on global economic impacts on Latin America and
the Caribbean, and infrastructure financing. In addition, the IDB’s Climate Change and Sustainability Sector will issue its annual Sustainability Report. This year, the report looks at the impacts of IDB projects in cities from a sustainability angle. The Annual Meeting will begin with a meeting of mayors from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The Annual Meeting will include the Innovation for Development seminar, a Business Forum for private sector leaders, as well as seminars on regulations to support greening of financial systems and green instruments and finance opportunities. The Mayors Forum 2019 will gather more than 40 mayors from the main cities of Latin America, the Caribbean and China, as well as renowned international experts. Participants will share experiences and good practices in sustainable urban development, focusing on green finance and sustainable infrastructure, air quality, sponge cities, and clean energy, among other. Speakers will include Naoko Ishii, CEO Global Environment Facility (GEF); Cristiana Pasca Palmer, Executive Secretary of the Con-
vention on Biological Diversity; Jonathan Woetzel, MGI Director and Senior Partner Shanghai; James Scriven, CEO of IDB Invest, along with mayors from Latin America and the Caribbean, China, and Asia. The Innovation for Development seminar will provide an opportunity for representatives from the private sector, academia, entrepreneurs and governments of Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to share lessons learned and best practices on how to use innovation and technology for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Panels will discuss issues that range from the future of FinTechs to using artificial intelligence for social good. Speakers include Stella Li, President, BYD Motors, JongKap Kim, Chief Executive Director, K-ICT Born2Global, Korea; Oskar Mielczarek de la Miel, Managing Partner, Rakuten FinTech Fund/Mobility Instruments, Japan; and Chuhan Wang, Head of Strategy and Growth, Liulishuo, San Francisco, USA and China. The Business Forum – Boosting growth through infrastructure and deeper connectivity between Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean– will bring together more than 800 participants from over 40 countries to dis-
cuss opportunities and priorities for expanding investment and public-private cooperation in international trade, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and logistics. Speakers will include IDB President, Luis Alberto Moreno; Minister of the Interior, Public Works and Housing of Argentina, Rogelio Frigerio; Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, Fang Xinghai; Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance of The Bahamas, Kevin Peter Turnquest; CEO of Grupo ICA, Guadalupe Phillips; CEO of Grupo Terpel, Sylvia Escovar, President & CEO of Canadian Solar – PV, Shawn Qu; among others. In addition, Investment Promotion Agencies from Latin America and the Caribbean will share infrastructure investment opportunities with potential investors, enabling participants to take part in informational meetings through an innovative matchmaking platform. Among the speakers for the green finance event are Sean Kidney, the CEO of Climate Bond Initiative, Marcelo Barbosa, the President of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil, and Cheng Daming, executive director of the China International Capital Corporation. Members of the media must register for the event . More information can be found at the Annual Meeting website, with additional information about hotels and other options at the host country website.
Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
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$44M in ambulances among measures to improve health care in Region One Minister Karen Cummings is flanked by Dr. Vishal Ramjas and other staffers of the Mabaruma Regional Hospital.
T
he Public Health Ministry is currently on a campaign to guarantee universal health coverage for all Guyanese, and in the quest, more doctors and ambulances will be deployed to interior locations this year to help improve frontline medical care, At least this is according to the Region One [Barima/Waini] Regional Health Officer [RHO] [ag], Dr. Vishal Ramjas. According to Dr. Ramjas, public health infrastructure, regulatory compliance, a spike in human resource and emergency medical services are among the areas that have been identified for improvements in the Region's health care delivery system this year. “The water ambulance will be for Moruca SubDistrict while approval has been given as well for the purchase of a road ambulance for the Kumaka District Hospital,” Dr. Ramjas said. The ambulances which were procured at a cost of G$44M, will aid especially in the transfer of emergency cases in a timely manner to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, the official said. The Region is also
expected to receive four additional General Medical Officers [GMOs] who will complement the current batch working in the Region. “We have 189 staff in the region, 61 of whom are at the Mabaruma Hospital. We have been working at a human resource deficit of 50 per cent but with the additional staffing, the burden on the current staff will be reduced significantly,” Dr. Ramjas revealed. P r e s s e d o n accommodation and other amenities for the additional staff, Dr. Ramjas said the Region has already begun construction of doctors' living quarters in the Mabaruma Hospital Compound. The building is being erected at a cost of G$18M and will house four new staffers comfortably. According to the health official too, the Mabaruma Hospital is being identified by the Ministry of Public Health for upgrade in the SMART Hospital initiative which is being funded by the British Department for International Development [DFID] with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO] acting as the executing agency. The 'SMART Hospital'
concept refers to a health facility which is both safe and green. Hospitals and other health facilities embracing this concept must provide standard and efficient healthcare before, during, and even immediately after in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. The initiative will result in enhanced safety standards; a reduction in downtime and damaged hospitals from natural hazards, as well as a reduction in water and electricity consumption. “Mabaruma Hospital is part of the Smart Hospital initiative and will be retrofitted, and services are going to be improved as we deliver optimum care to the patients,” Dr. Ramjas pointed out. Currently, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital provides maternal child health services, in-patient and outpatient, chronic disease screening and clinics, laboratory services [blood testing, hormone testing] and tuberculosis screening and treatment. The hospital also offers x-ray services, dental care, malaria screening and treatment and other services as the main hospital to some 29,000 persons residing in Region One.
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Thursday February 28, 2019
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Region Two medical practitioners trained to identify, handle TIP cases
Regional Executive Officer, Region Two, Dennis Jaikaran; Coordinator and C-TIP Unit, Ministry of Social Protection, Tanisha Williams – Corbin, are flanked by medical practitioners and members of the RDC.
M
e d i c a l practitioners, including doctors, nurses and medics in Region Two [PomeroonSupenaam], are better equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge to identify and handle Trafficking in Persons [TIP] cases. This follows a TIP s t r u c t u r e d Aw a r e n e s s Tr a i n i n g f o r m e d i c a l practitioners, hosted on Tuesday, by the Ministry of Social Protection's CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit (C-TIP) at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in Anna Regina. Regional Executive Officer, Region Two, Dennis Jaikaran, commended the CTIP Unit for hosting the training programme, especially at a time when the region is said to have many
unaddressed cases of TIP. He encouraged the participants to use the skills and knowledge gained to aid in alleviating the instances of TIP in the region. “Participants, your mandate would be given by the unit and that you should follow. Whatever mandate is given to the region; it is our duty to formulate a programme guided by the unit to take it to the next stage. TIP has become a serious thing and we all have to work together to address it,” Jaikaran remarked. The training programme was developed with the primary objectives of helping the participants to understand the crime of TIP, how the anti-TIP legislation in Guyana is applied and the national referral mechanism
for combating TIP in Guyana. C-TIP Unit Coordinator within the Ministry of Social P r o t e c t i o n , Ta n i s h a Williams-Corbin, agreed that the training is indeed timely since the Unit has been receiving many reports of TIP cases in the region. According to WilliamsCorbin, TIP is a violation of human rights. She said the act of recruiting an individual, by means of threat or force and for the purpose of exploitation such as prostitution or slavery, must be present and connected to each other for the crime of adult TIP to occur. In the case
of child TIP, the individual must be below the age of 18. Common forms of TIP include domestic servitude, servile and child marriages, child soldiers, forced labour and begging, sexual slavery, prostitution of another and illicit removal of organs. TIP victims suffer from physical injuries and disabilities to victims, sexually transmitted diseases, psychological or mental issues and substance or alcohol abuse. Williams-Corbin stressed that “trafficking like other forms of violence is a health problem and should be addressed in a clinical encounter.
Therefore, health workers should stay within the confines of diagnosing medical problems and not ask patients about exploitative situations or trafficking in persons.” Coordinator of the Ministerial Task Force for TIP, Oliver Profitt, explained that during 2018 there has been a significance increase in TIP. However, the Task Force was able to conduct awareness in many regions and training of Corps of Wardens, Diplomats, Mines Officers and Interpreters. The Task Force also completed a User-Friendly Booklet on TIP Act and
drafted a proposal for increasing the efficiency of the Judicial Sector in addressing TIP cases. According to Profitt, a 2019-2020 National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons is in place to address the issue countrywide. The Action Plan is divided into four main parts; prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. The training, which also targeted time teachers and members of civil society in Region Two, was slated to conclude yesterday [Wednesday, February 27, 2019].
Kaieteur News
PAGE 16
Thursday February 28, 2019
“Only complete land demarcation will solve issue between cattle and rice farmers" - Region Six Chairman
T
he dispute between cattle and rice farmers in Region Six has raised many questions, with very few answers and solutions to the problem. Just recently, there were reports that several cattle were allegedly shot dead by rice farmers. This was dubbed as an alarming development in the agricultural sector throughout the region. Over the years, during the past and present administration, there was never a solution that could have tamed the situation before it escalated to a point where it could not be controlled.
Rice and cattle farmers, instead of working together to develop the agricultural landscape of the region, are now engaged in a bitter dispute. Regional Chairman, David Armogan, has suggested that the only way the issue could be dissolved is to completely demarcate lands within the farming areas, to separate cattle and rice farming. For this process to kick off, a geometric plan has to be developed by the Guyana Lands and Surveying Department, that particular plan, will in itself, specify the course of a boundary staked out. "They need to be
complete demarcation with a fence, the facilities of water and so need to be put into the cattle area because people are just grazing all over the place because no area is designated for cattle," the chairman stated. Armogan further said, "You have to demarcate where cattle should be and where rice land should be." He explained that there are no stringent laws and regulations in the region and there never was, in relation to agricultural land but that in itself "is what is causing the problem, everybody is doing everything everywhere. There was never a land policy in place", he said.
Cows grazing in the rice lands Prime Minister's Representative to Region Six, Gobin Harbhajan, had previously indicated that he had made moves to have in place a notice served to cattle
Gobin Harbajan
David-Armogan
farmers whose animals would have damaged rice crops. The notice detailed that the rice farmers will be compensated for whatever damages took place due to the actions of the cattle. However, the Regional Chairman told Kaieteur News that, that system has always been in place and it is not something new that is being activated. Armogan expounded that "there is a rice assessment committee h e a d e d b y a magistrate/lawyer (legal person). Whatever damages are done to rice, that is what the rice assessment committee is for. It goes to assess the damage and whoever is responsible for the damage will pay. That has always been there for years". He opined that although it is a temporary way cushioning the issue, having notices served with consideration for compensation will not solve it. He added that at some point the Agriculture Minister was actively looking into the situation to designate the Kookrit Savannah area, where the problem exists, as a communal pasture, "because if you give parcels of land to people, maybe they can develop it by themselves for cattle rearing but if you do
that, the future people coming in now who want to get into cattle rearing will have no land to do so". A decision was made during the last regime to not give out parcels of land, but to rather convert the Kookrit Savannah into a communal pasture, since that is what it was designed to do, Armogan said. He admitted that the major hurdle would be to stop persons from planting rice in the Kookrit Savannah area "and that is why no politician wants to make that decision because it will cause problems for people". Over the years rice farmers have complained that cattle farmers are allowing their animals to graze on their land, damaging their crops in the process. They had told the media that they tried engaging with the cattle farmers about the issue but they had never shown any interest in resolving the problems. Farmers complained that they endured millions of dollars in losses, while some were adamant on getting the authorities involved, some had threatened to take matters into their own hands. It was only last week some cattle were found shot and killed, that matter is currently still under investigation by police in Berbice.
Kaieteur News
Thursday February 28, 2019
City building codes among issues to be addressed by GCCI, new council
In the last decade, there has been an increase of high rise buildings being constructed in the city.
I
n addition to the controversial parking meter project, the city's building codes, and general rates are among the key issues set to be addressed by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Officials attached to the Council revealed this week that the matters were listed as a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GCCI and City Hall. The GCCI, earlier this month, met with the new Georgetown M&CC led by Mayor Ubraj Narine to discuss the issue of parking meters, the parking meter project, the placement of garbage receptacles around the city, and the levying of local authority taxes as well as other matters affecting the city. The Chamber said it
Mayor Ubraj Narine believes that it is irresponsible for the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to continue with the metered system due to a lack of transparency during the implementation process, a lack of adherence to public procurement procedures, and the absence of feasibility studies and citizen consultations.
Greenidge meets Estonian President on margins of CARICOM meeting
Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and President of the Republic of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid
V
ice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and President of the Republic of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid, yesterday held discussions on a number of issues and areas of cooperation, including that state's support to Guyana in the area of e-governance and information and communications technology (ICT). They met on the margins of the Thirtieth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in
St. Kitts and Nevis. Following an offer of support from the Government of Estonia to CARICOM to help build its capacity in eGovernment, President Kaljulaid attended the meeting where she delivered a formal presentation to the heads on the subject. Diplomatic relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Estonia were established on April 19, 1997. Guyana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Hamley Case, was recently accredited Ambassador to Estonia.
The Chamber noted, too, that it is open to discussions on other key matters which include drafting the new building code. With the increase of high rise buildings being constructed in the city in the last decade, the drafting new codes had been a topic for discussion at the Council for the past several years. Given the importance of the issue, President David Granger had called on the Council to set up a National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). However, after the calls were made the body has been established. Former Mayor Patricia Chase -Green had noted that the establishment of such a body is not that straight forward. She said to get the job d o n e p r o p e r l y, t h e committee would need input of the Ministry of Communities and other stakeholder agencies. Attorney - at- Law, Rex Mc Kay, S.C who has been particularly outspoken on the issue, had highlighted the fact that there are scores of commercial buildings in residential areas—activities (continued on page 19)
PAGE 17
Kaieteur News
PAGE 18
Thursday February 28, 2019
Multi-million dollar hinterland tertiary dormitory to be commissioned within weeks
T
he approximately $ 1 8 6 M Hinterland Student Dormitory located in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara is set for commissioning in early March. The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs is currently finalizing preparations for this monumental occasion. The spanking new facility which is aback the current Hinterland Student dormitory is the first of its kind for hinterland students who are pursuing a higher tertiary education. Students currently attend the University of Guyana (U.G), the Cyril Potter College of Education (C.P.C.E), the Government Technical Institute (G.T.I), the Guyana School of Agriculture, Carnegie School of Home Economics,
the E.R Burrowes School of Art and the Guyana Industrial Training Center. The 16-apartment facility boasts a male and a female dormitory with each apartment housing eight students at any given time. It boasts a kitchenette, toilet and bath area and also a study area, while the dormitory itself boasts a cooking area, a library and a play area as well as accommodation for two
dormitory supervisors. C u r r e n t l y, s e v e r a l students attending tertiary institutes are being housed at the Secondary Student Dormitory, Liliendaal, and at the Indigenous Residence in Princes Street. Last year, Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said the Ministry was eagerly awaiting the completion of the facility since tertiary students will be
able to advance their education in a more conducive environment. This dream is soon to be realized. Fifty-five-year-old retired Head Mistress, Mrs. Va l e r i e D a v i d , f r o m Mabaruma is the Facility's Administrator. Mrs. David gave 38 years to the teaching profession. Over the past ten years, an estimated 600 students have benefited from
hinterland scholarships to attend a number of tertiary institutions in Georgetown, among them the Guyana Technical Institute (G.T.I), Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Guyana Industrial Technical Centre (G.I.T.C) both as resident and nonresident students. The contractor executing the project is BK International with
consultancy services provided by Kalitech Inc. In recent years, accommodation has always been a challenge, hence the reason the Ministry decided to execute such a project. Educating the nation remains first and foremost on Governments agenda and the provisions of such critical facilities will greatly aid in its bid to bridge the gap between the Hinterland and the Coastland.
Govt. resuscitates plans to erect 50-foot Totem Pole at Umana Yana
M
inister of S o c i a l Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. George Norton, recently met with a number of stakeholders to discuss the implementation of an initiative to have a 50 ft. totem pole erected within the environs of the Umana Yana. Totems or totem poles are monumental sculptures carved on poles, posts or pillars with a series of totemic symbols which represent family lineage, mythical or historical incidents specific to indigenous culture. The concept to have a totem pole erected was initiated in 2015 through discussions on the preservation of indigenous culture in Guyana.
Those discussions were then led by Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, and Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Sydney Allicock. The erection of the totem pole was scheduled to be done during the commemoration of the nations' 50th Independence celebration as part of the activities to celebrate the golden Jubilee. Award winning Guyanese sculptor Winslow Craig was commissioned to sculpt the 50-foot pole made from bulletwood log which upon completion would be erected in the compound of the Umana Yana in September 2017, during the Amerindian Heritage Observances. However, some setbacks were encountered and the pole was not planted as
Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, meeting with stakeholders. scheduled. Minister Norton, during his meeting with stakeholders over a two-day period, noted that the concern expressed by stakeholders to have the totem pole erected is understood, as the project
was completed and that the process to have the totem pole planted must be expedited. Minister Norton added that the process to have the artifact constructed was no easy feat. Consultations were had prior to the
selection of an artist as well as the effort to bring the project to life. These were all aspects during the process which must be taken into account as resources were expended. Minister Norton who now holds responsibility for
the Department of Culture also expressed that the final aspect to bring this project to completion is long overdue. Minister Norton is expected to host a follow-up meeting during the month of March to determine definitive deadlines.
Kaieteur News
Thursday February 28, 2019
PAGE 19
Council votes to extend contract of small garbage contractors
T
he Georgetown city councilors have voted to extend the contracts of smaller garbage contractors until March month-end even as officers of the Council lobbied for renegotiation with the city's main collectors. The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown at a Statutory Meeting decided that the small contractors will continue to work until March 31, 2019.
Nineteen Councillors voted in favour of extending the contract, five abstained, one voted against. The council voted to engage the large contractors, Puran Brothers and Cevons Waste Management on the way forward. The contract for the small contractors was signed in August 2018, with Puran Brothers and Cevons' withdrawal of service for outstanding monies owed to them. The Mayor and City Council owes $148M to
waste disposal companies, Puran Brothers Inc. and Cevon's Waste Management. The money represented outstanding arrears. Last October, the two companies were considering strike action if measures were not taken to have these payments completed. At the time, Kaleshwar Puran, General Manager of Puran Brothers Inc., City Hall owes his company $73M in arrears for services rendered. Puran said that the City's
Mason allegedly robs woman of cell phones, cash
G
lentoir Hart was brought before city magistrate Faith McGusty, and made to answer a charge of robbery which allegedly occurred in 2018. The accused pleaded guilty and offered to give an explanation to the charge which alleged that on June 2, 2018 at Lamaha Springs, South Ruimveldt, he robbed Ayeola Williams of two cell phones and a quantity of cash including foreign currency. Hart who was not represented by an attorney told the court that he is 21 years old with two children. He said that he does masonry as his source of income. The defendant who could not give his address to the court stated that he resides at “last entrance in a squatting area behind North Ruimveldt.”
When asked what his explanation was, Hart said, “I don't know anything about what this woman is claiming. They lashed me to my face with a Guinness bottle your worship.” Based on his explanation the magistrate entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Police prosecutor Adduni Inniss objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the seriousness of the allegation and the penalties it attracts. Also, the prosecutor highlighted that no proper place of address was given and that the defendant had given his occupation as a mechanic to the police. Magistrate McGusty then upheld the submission made by the prosecutor and refused bail for Hart. She instructed that he return to court on March 20, 2019.
City building codes among issues to be... From page 17 prohibited under the by-laws. He specifically identfied the area east of Oronoque Street—an area bounded on the west by Oronoque Street, on the East by Irving Street, on the North by Lamaha Street and on the South by Church Street. According to Mc Kay, the
55 companies presently carrying on trade or business within the restricted area (East of Oronoque Street) are in defiance of the by-laws, particularly #67 to 70. The effect of the law is that no building used for any manufacturing, trade or business shall be erected or built on any lot in that area nor
shall any building be used for such purposes. Mr. McKay attributes the current situation to the misfeasance by the authorities approving applications for building permission in which to carry on trade or business within the restricted area of Queenstown in breach of the building by-laws.
business accounts for 75 percent to 80 percent of their revenue, and that the current lack of payments puts a strain on their business. Mr. Puran said that his company has been providing services to the city, nevertheless,
because Puran Brothers Inc. has a passion for Waste Disposal Services. Morse Archer, Chief Executive Officer of Cevon's Waste Management, told Kaieteur News that the City owes the company $75M for
services rendered from May 2018 to date. The operational cost, according to Archer, is about $15M per month. Archer said that there has been no positive feedback from City Hall concerning this matter.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 20
Thursday February 28, 2019
Jury acquits man of fish cleaner's murder Q
uaison Jones, called 'Blondie', was yesterday found not guilty of murdering Marlon Greene, his fellow fish cleaner. The 12-member mixed jury deliberated for about two hours after receiving guidance from trial Judge James Bovell-Drakes. State Prosecutors Tamieka Clarke and Tiffini Lyken had alleged that on January 17, 2011 at Meadow Bank Wharf, East Bank Demerara, some fish cleaners were attracted by loud hollering. When they ran to the
location they allegedly observed Jones cuffing away at Greene. It was reported that a closer look revealed that Jones was armed with a knife, and there were bloodstains on the blade. Greene's windpipe and jugular vein were severed, according to the Pathologist who gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage. This was Jones's second trial heard at the High Court in Georgetown. In 2014, Jones was tried for this same murder and was found guilty by the jury. Following the conviction,
trial Judge Navindra Singh imposed a 57-year jail sentence. Being dissatisfied, Jones filed an appeal against the sentence and conviction with the Court of Appeal. At the Court of Appeal, Jones's lawyer Ronald Burch-Smith had argued that the sentence was severe and that trial Judge Navindra Singh, who imposed the sentence, did not properly put his client's case of self defence to the jury for consideration. Burch-Smith argued that self-defense does not always see someone retreating and running away. He had said
that in criminal law self defense means that a person may use reasonable force in the defense of himself or another. According to the lawyer, Justice Singh failed to direct the jury to consider self defense, accident or even provocation, when he urged the jury to convict Jones of murder if they found that Greene died as a result of injuries inflicted on him by his client. Burch-Smith had submitted that based on the evidence, his client was part of a group of men who had
DEAD: Marlon Greene attacked Greene, and that none of the witnesses called
Quaison Jones called 'Blondie' by the prosecution indicated who was the aggressor.
Three families displaced by fire receive Government assistance Karen Chung with her items
T
hree families who have been displaced through recent fires, yesterday received donations from the Ministry of Social Protection to begin rebuilding their lives. Social Protection's Technical Officer, Sonia Philander, handed over basic household items to the families on behalf of Minister Amna Ally. The families received kerosene stoves, mattresses, kitchen utensils and dry goods. They have been asked to visit the Social Protection ministry during the week to collect a voucher which affords them additional food items. Affected by the fires was Morette Morris, an office assistant attached to the Education Department at the Regional Democratic Council, Region 4(RDC) Tr i u m p h , E a s t C o a s t Demerara. She resided at Beterverwagting. Caroline Sasnarine and Karen Chung both of Mon Repos East Coast Demerara
were also fire victims. Earlier in January of this year, the ministry also contributed significantly to a donation made to two families in Linden. Construction material was handed over to Oscar Anthony and Roslyn Gordon to rebuild their homes. As part of its mandate the Social Protection Ministry has a responsibility to protect Guyanese in every aspect and to keep with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), one for
eradicating poverty; as such the ministry ensures that support is provided to persons affected by disaster of any sort, to rebuild their lives. The SDGs One is a bold commitment to end poverty in all forms and dimensions by 2030. This involves targeting the most vulnerable, increasing access to basic resources and services, and supporting communities affected by conflict and climate-related disasters.
Caroline Sasnarine receives her donation.
Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 21
Roads to be constructed and rehabilitated across the country The following bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB, on Tuesday and Wednesday last, and constitute tenders and retenders for roadwork the Ministry of Public Infrastructure intends to embark on this year. Rehabilitation/Construction of Hinterland Roads 2019, Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9
Roads to be constructed and rehabilitated .. Rehabilitation/Construction of Hinterland Roads 2019 Lots 4, 7 & 11
Geometric Improvement - Hunter Street, Georgetown, Region 4
Rehabilitation/Construction of Hinterland Roads, Lots 10 & 13
(Continued on next edition)
PAGE 22
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Taxi driver slapped with three counts of rape, other charges
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
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A taxi driver was yesterday hauled before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after being slapped with six charges which include three separate accusations of rape. Lindon Daniels was not required to plead to the three charges of rape. The first charge alleged that Daniels, on February 18, 2019, at New Providence, East Bank Demerara, engaged in sexual penetration of a woman over the age of 17. Also, it was alleged that the defendant on February 13, 2019, at New Providence, East Bank Demerara, engaged in sexual penetration of a girl under the age of 16. Finally, it was alleged that the accused on January 30, 2019, at Kuru-Kuru Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, engaged in sexual penetration of a woman over the age of 17. Daniels denied the other three charges that he was allowed to plead to after they were read to him. It was alleged that on Feb-
ruary 11, 2019 at New Providence, East Bank Demerara, he stole a Samsung cell phone, $1,000 and US$60. Furthermore, he allegedly stole one Samsung cell phone on January 30, 2019, at KuruKuru Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. He was also accused of assault. That charge alleged that on February 11, 2019, at New Providence, East Bank Demerara, Daniels assaulted a woman by pulling down her underwear. Police prosecutor Richard Harris objected to bail being granted to Daniels based on the seriousness of the allegations. Therefore, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly refused bail for the accused. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on March 1, 2019. According to reports, Daniels allegedly drove the victims to a lonely area and raped them. After committing the acts he would take away the women cell phones and drive away leaving them in the area.
Cops, law officials trained in bloodstain pattern analysis Ranks from the Guyana Police Force are among 20 individuals from the criminal justice system who are undergoing a sixday training course in blood pattern recognition. The course is being organized by the U.S. Embassy and the Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) through its grant Strengthening Criminal Justice Project (SCJP). Touted as “a new forensic skill set for Guyana’s Police,” the training commenced last Monday and ends on Saturday. The release explained that bloodstain pattern recognition and analysis is an area of forensic science where experts examine the size, shape, location, and distribution patterns of bloodstains in order to determine the physical events that occurred at a crime or sudden death scene. “This new skill set will support Guyana’s Police Force (GPF) to solve serious crimes, including homicides and other investiVACANCY Experienced skilled carpenters, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda Female cleaner office & home age 25to 50 Tel# 233-2745
gations involving blood deposits. “The weeklong training includes a mix of theoretical and practical sessions.” Mr. Jon Forsythe, an expert in the field and a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with over 38 years of policing experience will lead the training. “The course, offered in Guyana for the first time, will give GPF personnel the unique opportunity to gain in-depth exposure to knowledge on recognition of bloodstain patterns and their significance in criminal investigations. “Participants will learn the history of bloodstain pattern analysis as it pertains to forensic science. They will learn about human anatomy, biology of blood, where the stain originated from, including the value of proper collection for DNA profiling.” All levels of justice sector officials will benefit from the training. In keeping with a comprehensive approach, the event will also include investigators, prosecutors, members of the judiciary and the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory. Embassy and INL grantee Justice Education Society of British Columbia will organize and facilitate the training.
Thursday February 28, 2019
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
ERC stages unity play captures Guyanese unity and division Audiences of local theatre will soon be treated to the unique Guyanese play “I AM US”. The gala opening is on Saturday March 9. There will be one more show on Sunday March 10, 2019 at the National Cultural Centre. The play is presented by the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), with a basic message of preserving tolerance and peace, despite the challenges elections can bring. Admission is free. The one-of-a- kind Guyanese play, with a mixed cast of almost a dozen characters, represents the hurdles faced by two neighbouring families of the two major ethnic groups. Members of both families display qualities of trust and togetherness in everyday life but suspicions and mistrust surface during an upcoming election. The play has its share of humour which the Guyanese audience would welcome. However, questions often avoided are brought into the open; what we perceive of each other and how we overcome the historical divisive-
ness of elections, while converting our strengths and weaknesses to achieve togetherness as one nation. The ERC believes that several messages in the play are relevant and challenges every Guyanese to ponder their sense of purpose for a united Guyana. The play forms part of the ERC’s efforts to promote harmony and good relations while at the same time allowing the opportunity to address inhibiting factors. Relevant questions, and which are often avoided, are what we perceive of each other; how we relate to each other; how do we overcome the historical divisiveness of elections and how our interdependency and commonalities are assets for togetherness? The premise of the play is that we cannot speak of coming together without speaking to each other while addressing inherent issues that lead to the harbouring of suspicions, stereotypes, mistrust and divisiveness. It is frank and honest in this much
needed discourse helping to carve that challenging path to the infusion of harmony and unity. Through its honest portrayal of the historical divisiveness of elections, it is intended to highlight hypocrisy and foster and support
Teen picks handcuff to escape police custody An 18-year-old man appeared yesterday before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty and denied a charge of escaping from lawful custody. Ryan Gasper at the time was appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the charge was read out to him. It was alleged that on December 11, 2018 at the Ruimveldt Police Station, having been in police custody for the criminal charge of robbery under arms, he escaped from lawful custody. The accused was represented by attorney at law George Thomas who informed the court that his client is a mason who lives with his mother and other siblings at Lot 92 Middle Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown. The attorney said that Gasper was previously charged for the offence of robbery under arms. That was subsequently dismissed. He vouched that his client will return to court for every hearing and he is ready to abide by any conditions laid down by the court. Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the fact, that the accused while in custody made good his escape and thus he poses a flight risk. Also, the prosecutor highlighted that the defendant had a previous matter before the court in which he was granted bail, however there were difficulties in having him return. The facts of the charge indicated that on the day in question the accused was sitting on the prisoner’s bench in the in-
quiries office of the Ruimveldt Police Station waiting to be taken to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer a charge of robbery under arms. Gasper who was placed in handcuffs was able to pick the locks of the cuff and when he decided on the right time, the accused ran out of the inquiries office and made good his escape. Moreover, prosecutor Blackman asked that if bail is
granted to Gasper it should be of a substantial amount and for reporting conditions to be attached. Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty then granted bail to the tune of $50,000 under the condition that Gasper report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Monday until the completion of the matter. Gasper will return to court on March 20, 2019.
efforts to promote harmony through direct examination of related basic societal factors which believably contribute to suspicion and a sense of mistrust among Guyanese. Its underlying theme is why Guyanese cannot afford to be disunited and the re-
dounding benefits for current and future generations. It climaxes in enthusiastic celebrations in keeping with patriotism and togetherness, offers crucial impetus for the realization of the spirit of the national motto. The play forms part of the
ERC’s efforts to promote harmony and good relations while at the same time allowing the opportunity to address inhibiting factors. The Commission believes that, especially in the current context, the messages therein are pertinent and timely.
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Trump’s bid for presidency was... From page 11 commented that only black people could live that way. Cohen claimed Trump said that Black people would never vote for him because they’re “stupid”. Expounding on his contention that Trump is cheat, Cohen said, “It was my experience that Mr. Trump inflated his total assets when it served his purposes, such as trying to be listed among the wealthiest people in Forbes, and deflated his assets to reduce his real estate taxes.” Further, he said that Trump directed the Trump Foundation, “which is supposed to be a charitable organization”, to repay a “fake bidder” $60,000 after the individual was instructed to bid that price on a portrait of Trump, so that the bid price for his portrait would be the highest one at the Art Hamptons event. “Mr. Trump directed me to call business owners, many of whom were small businesses, that were owed money for their services and told them no payment or a reduced payment would be coming. When I advised Mr. Trump of my success, he actually reveled in it.” Cohen said that Trump had an affair with a porn star and instructed him to pay “hush money” to the woman, so that she would maintain her silence. He provided a copy of the $130,000 wire transfer he had sent, on Trump’s behalf, to the porn star’s attorney during the closing days
of his presidential campaign. Trump also instructed Cohen to use his own personal funds from a Home Equity Line of Credit to avoid any money being traced back to Trump that could negatively impact his campaign, Cohen testified. “I did that, too – without bothering to consider whether that was improper, much less whether it was the right thing to do or how it would impact me, my family, or the public.” While Trump was President, Cohen said, he wrote a personal check for the payment of hush money as part of a criminal scheme to violate campaign finance laws. “When I say conman,” Cohen waxed, Trump instructed him to threaten educational institutions Trump passed through, to never release copies of his transcript to the public, including high school grades and SAT scores. Cohen noted the irony of Trump strongly criticising former US President Barack Obama in 2011 for not releasing his grades to the public. Cohen said that nothing Trump said ever indicated that he loves America or wants what is best for the country. He said that Trump had shown him, back in 2008, what he claimed was a $10 million IRS tax refund, and that he could not believe “how stupid the government was for giving ‘someone like him’ that much money back”. Cohen went on to talk about Trump’s lack of respect
for the late John McCain, who was prisoner of war in Vietnam, “because he likes people who weren’t captured”. Even through this, Cohen said that he had “handled” negative press articles about Trump’s deferment from the Vietnam draft. Trump’s claim for not serving in the military was that he had a bone spur, but he hadn’t even provided medical records to Cohen, who was his personal lawyer. The former Trump lawyer said that he harbours suspicions that Trump and his campaign were directly involved in collusion with Russia, to influence the outcome of the 2016 Presidential Election. He said that there were many incidents that made him suspect Trump colluded with Russia. “Sometime in the summer of 2017, I read all over the media that there had been a meeting in Trump Tower in June 2016 involving Don Jr. and others from the campaign with Russians, including a representative of the Russian government, and an email setting up the meeting with the subject line, ‘Dirt on Hillary Clinton.’ Cohen said that Trump’s desire to win made it so that Trump would work with just about anyone. His very testimony yesterday, Cohen warned, is placing his family at risk of personal attacks by the President and his current lawyer. He said that he has never asked for, nor would he accept a pardon from the President.
Thursday February 28, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Pres. Trump a racist , con-man and a cheat - bid for Presidency was a marketing strategy - says former lawyer The latest testimony by Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, has revealed that the businessman hadn’t expected to win the US Presidential Election in 2016. In fact, Cohen said that Trump was primarily motivated by his desire to make his image more marketable. Earlier that morning, before his testimony, Trump tweeted “Michael Cohen was one of many lawyers who represented me (unfortunately). He had other clients also. He was just disbarred by the State Supreme Court for lying & fraud. He did bad things unrelated to Trump. He is lying in order to reduce his prison time. Using Crooked’s lawyer!” His testimony, at the second of three congressional sessions for him this week, is his first public accounting before Congress of his decade of involvement with the president. The House Oversight Committee heard a scathing testimony from Cohen, during which he called Trump a racist, a conman, and a cheat. “Donald Trump is a man who ran for office to make his brand great, not to make our country great. He had no desire or intention to lead this nation – only to market himself and to
Trump’s former personal lawyer, called the President a racist, conman and cheat during his testimony to the House Oversight Committee build his wealth and power. Mr. Trump would often say, this campaign was going to be the ‘greatest infomercial in political history.’” Cohen told the Oversight Committee that Trump didn’t even see himself making it past the Republican primaries, let alone, win the election. Nevertheless, Trump won an election with Cohen by his side. The lawyer testified that he was often directed by the President to lie in
order to further his business interests. As a real estate mogul, he said that such actions were considered trivial, but when Trump became President, he saw Trump’s directives as “significant and dangerous”. Trump, Cohen said, knew about the release of the hacked Democratic National Committee emails ahead of time. The matter in question is a collection of Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails stolen by one or more hackers operating under the pseudonym “Guccifer 2.0” who are alleged to be Russian intelligence agency hackers. “I was in Mr. Trump’s office when his secretary announced that Roger Stone was on the phone. Mr. Trump put Mr. Stone on the speakerphone. Mr. Stone told Mr. Trump that he had just gotten off the phone with Julian Assange and that Mr. Assange told Mr. Stone that within a couple of days, there would be a massive dump of emails that would damage Hillary Clinton’s campaign.” He said that Trump was ecstatic about the leak against Clinton, and that it is only one of many indications of Trump’s unsavoury politics. Another indication
pointed out by Cohen is the instance, he said, when Trump asked him to name one country run by a Black per-
son that isn’t a “shithole”. His racism, Cohen waxed, is much “worse” in private. One time, Cohen said that
they were driving through a struggling neighbourhood in Chicago and Trump (Continued on page 24)
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Thursday February 28, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Maxwell seals 2-0 series win for Australia with third ton BENGALURU (Reuters) Glenn Maxwell smashed his third Twenty20 international hundred to make short work of a steep target and guide Australia to a seven-wicket win over India that sealed a 20 away series victory yesterday.Chasing 191 for victory, Maxwell hit his ninth six and seventh four in consecutive deliveries to bring up the winning runs for his side with two balls remaining, staying unbeaten after a 55-ball knock of 113.India captain Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 38-ball 72 to anchor the hosts to 190-4 after Australia skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bat.But with the in-form Maxwell, who hit 56 in the opening win at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, on song on an easy batting surface the target never really looked out of Australia’s
Glenn Maxwell’s 55-ball hundred helped Australia romp home with seven wickets to spare ©Getty Images
Virat Kohli lays into a pull shot off Adam Zampa ©Getty Images reach.In the last match, the dismissal of the 30-year-old Maxwell triggered Australia’s batting collapse before the
Thursday February 28, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Step out of your routine, Aries. Do this every so often to increase your knowledge and expand your horizons. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Are you satisfied with your current career, Taurus? If not, start by making a plan. There are specific steps that you can follow to take the greatest advantage of the available opportunities. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't fear any changes that lie ahead, Gemini. Even if you think you don't adjust well, you have more adaptability than you realize. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Make your dreams a tool for gaining insight, Cancer. In the past, some rulers believed that their dreams held great insights and they employed people to interpret them. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Follow your instincts, Leo. Even if you have a tendency to listen more to reason, put it aside today. While your ears hear words, your intuition can hear what's between the words and unsaid, providing you with a bigger picture than whatever is presented. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Feed your mind new knowledge, Virgo. Visit a bookstore or read some interesting information on the web.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try to see nightmares as safe ways to understand feelings, Libra. No one likes to experience them, and we'd sooner forget them once awake, but the best way to ensure they don't return is to understand them. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Are you living your dreams, Scorpio? Are you still in touch with them? The energy from today's planetary aspects can lend strength and encouragement to this part of your life. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Check out advancing your career or education today, Sagittarius. The energy can favor expansion and growth. When was the last time you learned a new skill? CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Do you recognize your intuition as a valuable asset, Capricorn? Some people do and some don't. Which group are you in? AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Use your creativity to make things happen today, Aquarius. Remember that creativity doesn't always take the form of a finished product. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Find some new ways to expand your horizons, Pisces. The web has an infinite amount of information to explore, and your community and local colleges offer many courses from which to choose.
team were left needing to scored 14 in the last over for a tense three-wicket win on the final delivery.
He played a rash shot to get out that day but was more risk averse while batting on Wednesday to see his side home and enhance his chances of making the squad for this year’s 50-over World Cup.Australia lost Marcus Stoinis and Finch early but Maxwell then added 73 with D’Arcy Short, who made 40, for the third wicket and then another unbroken 99-run stand for the fourth with Peter Handscomb to make the chase seem easy. Handscomb remained unbeaten on 20.Earlier, Kohli hit half a dozen sixes, three of them coming in consecutive deliveries from Australia paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile, and two fours in his knock. The stylish right-handed batsman added 100 for the fourth wicket with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made 40 off 23 balls. Dhoni had faced criticism for his inability to hit big shots during India’s loss in the first T20 and looked determined to take the attack to the bowlers from the onset. The 37-year-old hit three fours and an equal number of sixes in his knock.Lokesh Rahul once again made good use of his opportunity by getting India off to a strong start with a 26-ball 47 after regular opener Rohit Sharma was rested.Rahul had scored 50 in the first T20 after opening the innings in place of Shikhar Dhawan, who struggled during his knock of 14 off 24 balls yesterday on his return to the side. The sides will next play a five-match one-day international series, starting in Hyderabad on Saturday. Scores: Australia 194 for 3 (Maxwell 113*, Short 40, Shankar 2-38) beat India 190 for 4 (Kohli 72*, Rahul 47, Dhoni 40) by seven wickets.
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Marvellous Gayle takes Windies close but England survive Chris Gayle reached 10,000 runs in ODIs © Associated Press
Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler put on 204 runs together, West Indies v England, 4th ODI, Grenada, February 27, 2019 © Associated Press ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Veteran Chris Gayle struck a scintillating 25th OneDay International hundred and passed 10 000 career runs but the task of completing their highest-ever successful run chase proved too much for West Indies and they slipped to a 29-run defeat to England in an entertaining fourth ODI here yesterday. Faced with a daunting target of 419 at the Grenada National Stadium after Jos Buttler and captain Eoin Morgan had pummeled high quality hundreds, West Indies appeared poised to spring a massive surprise when the left-handed Gayle smashed a breathtaking 162 off 97 deliveries. But despite Darren Bravo’s 61 from 59 balls and Carlos Brathwaite’s maiden ODI half-century in gathering 50 from 36 deliveries towards the end, the Windies suffered a late collapse to be all out for 389 off 48 overs – their highest ever ODI total. The hosts lost wickets in clusters as speedster Mark Wood, with four for 60, triggered a middle order collapse before leg-spinner Adil Rashid polished off the tail with with five for 85, in an anticlimactic end to the highscoring affair. They were seemingly down and out at 301 for six in the 36th over before Brathwaite and Ashley Nurse (43) dragged them back into the contest with a sensible 88run, seventh wicket partnership. But with the hosts requiring 32 runs from the last three overs and the balance tilting in the Windies favour, Rashid snatched four wickets in the 48th over to dash the hopes of a the capacity crowd. Nurse top-edged a heave and was caught by Liam
Plunkett coming around from short fine leg and off the very next ball, Brathwaite sliced to Morgan at cover, effectively ending the home side’s bid. Devendra Bishoo and Oshane Thomas then fell without scoring to the final two deliveries of the over as West Indies lost their last four wickets without adding a single run. With the result, England took a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series heading into Saturday’s finale in St Lucia. England had earlier put on an electric exhibition of powerhitting with an ODI record 24 sixes as they raced to 416 for eight of their 50 overs, their third-highest ODI total. Buttler top-scored with 150 to claim Man-of-theMatch honours while Morgan chipped in with 103, the pair posting 204 in a magnificent fourth wicket partnership which floored the Windies. Opener Alex Hales, in his first match of the series, stroked 82 at the top of the order while opening partner Jonny Bairstow slammed 56. The visitors took their cue from Hales and Bairstow who provided a rollicking start when they posted 100 off 83 balls to put West Indies immediately on the back foot. While Hales struck eight fours and two sixes in a 73ball knock, Bairstow belted four fours and sixes in his 43ball stay. Fast bowler Thomas (2-84) then struck two key blows, removing Bairstow playing on in the 14th over before having Joe Root caught at the wicket for five in the 18th over at 120 for two. Hales added another 45 runs for the third wicket with Morgan before holing out in the deep off off-spinner Nurse,
but his dismissal only paved the way for the Morgan and Buttler show. Together, they put the Windies bowlers to the sword as England gathered a whopping 154 runs from the last 10 o v e r s . Buttler slammed 13 fours and a dozen sixes of just 77 deliveries while the left-handed Morgan faced 88 balls and counted eight fours and halfdozen sixes. The partnership was finally broken in the 48th over when Morgan holed out to his opposite number Jason Holder at long off off left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell. Needing to mount a record effort, West Indies suffered two early setbacks when John Campbell (15) drove Wood to mid-off in the fourth over and Shai Hope (5) tickled a catch behind in the bowler’s next over. With the Windies stumbling on 44 for two in the sixth over, Gayle took matters into his own hands with his second century in three innings, following his 135 in the opener in Bridgetown last week. More importantly, he put on an exhilarating 176 for the third wicket with Bravo who punched four fours and sixes in a stylish 59-ball innings, before posting another 69 for the fifth wicket with Holder (29). For his part, Gayle
thumped 11 fours and 14 incredible sixes – two in the seventh over from seamer Chris Woakes which leaked 21 runs and another couple in the 12th over from pacer Ben Stokes which cost 22 runs, as he raised his half-century off 32 balls. Gayle needed only another 23 deliveries to raise three figures, reaching the landmark with a rare sprinted single in the 20th over, before motoring to his next fifty off 30 balls. He ripped apart Rashid in the 31st over which cost 21 runs but the fireworks ended in the 35th over when he backed away and was bowled missing a tired heave at Stokes. Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer (6) had earlier perished in the space of three deliveries in the 24th over from Wood but it was the wicket of Gayle which made the difference, with Holder following in the next over stumped off Rashid.
Ferrari working ‘‘flat flat out out’’ in... from page 30 issue with the front-left corner. “From there, there wasn’t anything I could have done to avoid the impact. I wasn’t in control anymore and went more or less
straight into the barriers. “We are flat out trying to understand. Obviously it would be a lot easier if there was a lot of run-off and the car didn’t hit anything right after because now, as you
can imagine, it’s fairly damaged due to the hit. “We have to be careful understanding what exactly is the problem and that’s what everybody is looking at here at the track and at Maranello. It’s important to us.”
Thursday February 28, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Regional First-Class Cricket
The Bajans inspect the pitch which s hould favour spin today. (Sean Devers photo)
Wounded Jaguars must come out fighting to dent B’dos Pride Teams clash at Providence from today By Sean Devers Four-times defending Champions Guyana Jaguars began this season with four consecutive wins before losing three of their last four leaving them in a precarious position; needing to win their last two games to be assured of a record equalling fifth successive title. Today from 09:30hrs the wounded Jaguars must come out with more positive intent if they hope to dent the Barbados Pride on a Providence track which had some grass on it yesterday but which should favour spin today. Despite their two-match losing streak Jaguars still hold the lead with 117.2 points from eight matches but Pride with 90.6 point are third on the points table but like Leewards Hurricane (in second place with 93.4 points) they both have an extra game to play. Jaguars replaced injured pacer Clinton Pestano with Jamaican off-spinner Ramaal Lewis in the only change to their squad and could play Lewis and the left-arm spin pair of Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie if they suspect the pitch will turn from early in the game. Pride have an unchanged squad and their batting should hinge on the work of the inform Johnathon Carter who has 552 runs with an unbeaten century and four fifties from seven matches. However, Tion Walcott and Shane Moseley are the only other batsmen in the young squad with 300 runs for Barbados who won their last game against the Windwards for their fourth win from seven matches. Pacers Miguel Cummins (17) and Marquino Mindley (12) could have their work cut on what should be a slow track despite the grass on, but Barbados’s leading wicket taker Jomel Warrican (24) who 21 wickets in seven Tests, could do the bulk of the bowling today. Barbados Coach, 64-yearold Emmerson Trotman who scored the first ever Regional 50-over century, an even unbeaten 100 against Guyana at Bourda, feels a lot will depend on the experienced Carter to shepherd the young guns against a team which he feels is a strong unit and much respected by Bajans.He said the team’s strength is it’s all round
B’dos Pride say a prayer before practice yesterday.
Off spinner Ramal Lewis is the only change in the Jaguars squad and should relish the Providence pitch. ability, adding that while it is still possible for them to win the title they will take one game at a time. They last time the teams met, Barbados were beaten in their own backyard this season, while the last occasion the Jaguars lost to the Bajans was in 2014, when set 68 to win Guyana collapsed for 66. Guyana’s last game was an embarrassing two-day defeat at Sabina Park and with one game less than their main challengers, Skipper Leon Johnson has to step up and contribute and bat with a more positive mind set. Johnson has scored three fifties in what has been a disappointing season for him and will needed to work on his conversion rate; he has only converted five of his 41 scores of 50 into hundreds and he needs a big hundred in a game that could end inside three days. Anthony Bramble is Jaguars’ leading run scorer with 475 runs including two hundreds but he has fallen away badly, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the only other batsman with 400 runs (464),
needs to find the gaps more and be more consistent since he has not reached 40 in his last seven innings. Vishaul Singh, with three fifties, could bat at three, while Chris Barnwell, who has two fifties in six matches, could also be a number three option. Sherfane Rutherford has played a string of reckless shots since his 54 in his 106 runs in five matches and could lose his place in the team, while Chanderpaul Hemraj has not managed much since his century and will want to convert a start into something meaningful at the top of the order today. The all-rounders’ contributionhas bailed out the top order on too many occasions with Romario Shepherd (2 fifties) and Raymon Reifer (161 runs including a fifty from four matches) hoping to continue this trend. Without Pestano and Keemo Paul (both injured) the fast bowling should be done by Shepherd (28 wickets), Reifer and Barnwell, while the tournament’s second leading wicket taker Permaul (34) will spearhead what could be a
three-prong spin attack. The Guyana Team will come from: 1.Tagenarine Chanderpaul 2. Chandrapaul Hemraj 3. Raymon Reifer 4. Leon Johnson (C) 5. Vishaul Singh
6. Anthony Bramble (wk)/ (VC) 7. Christopher Barnwell 8. Romario Shepherd 9. Veerasammy Permaul 10. Gudakesh Motie 11. Akshaya Persaud 12.Sherfane Rutherford
13. Ramaal Lewis Coaching Staff: Rayon Griffith – Head Coach Shivnarine Chanderpaul – Assistant Coach Neil Barry Jnr – Physiotherapist
Sparta Boss versus Back... from page 31 Selwyn Williams and Jermin Beckles are the other players with some amount of quality and they will have to play out of their skins to stop the rampaging juggernauts Sparta Boss. The third place playoff could also provide the fans with the perfect start for what is being touted as a night of excitement. Former champs Bent Street no doubt will have added motivation to win this encounter to assure their supporters that a penalty shootout could go either way and their loss was just unfor-
tunate. Daniel Wilson, Sheldon Holder, Solomon Austin, Pernel Schultz, Clive Nobrega and Sheldon Profitt will spearhead their pursuit for the win. On the other hand, how well ‘Gold is Money’ recovers from their humiliating loss in the semis will be the talking point of the evening. Colin Nelson, siblings Hubert Pedro and Randolph Wagner, Phillip Rowley, Cleon Forrester as well as brothers Michael and Jamal Pedro will be looking to reclaim their status as one of the top expo-
nents in the format so fans should expect a hungry and angry side. Exhibition games will precede the two official engagements. Winner of the tournament will pocket $600,000, with the second and third place receiving $300,000 and $200,000 respectively. The fourth place side will collect $100,000. Meanwhile, the promoters are asking fans to continue to co-operate with security personnel as they’ve done throughout the tournament. Other sponsors include: Trophy Stall, Insurance Brokers and Nigel Hinds.
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
GFF presents prizes to winners of the GFF-Stag “Super 16” yearend tournament The top four clubs of the GFF-STAG “Super 16” Yearend Tournament – Den Amstel FC, Buxton United FC, Fruta Conquerors FC and Western Tigers FC – were yesterday presented with their prizes for their respective first, second, third and fourth placements in the tournament. In a short and simple ceremony at the Guyana Football Federation’s Boardroom, Den Amstel walked away with two million dollars, a trophy and equipment; Buxton United with one million, trophy and equipment; Fruta Conquerors with five hundred thousand dollars, trophy and equipment and Western Tigers with a trophy and equipment respectively.In brief remarks, Brand Manager of STAG Beer, Nigel Worrell, said the company looks forward to the partnership every year and emphasized Ansa Mc Al’s com-
mitment to football stakeholders and the sport: “Partnerships like these help to build the foundation for football and generally for any sport. The fact that we saw a somewhat underdog team winning the championship is testimony to what football is all about, for what the contribution of partnerships like these can actually result in. Our contribution over the years to football and, sport in general, is testimony to Ansa Mc Al’s commitment to the people and, of course, the sport as a whole.” President Wayne Forde, in acknowledging the enduring partnership between the GFF and Ansa Mc Al, expressed gratitude for same. He noted that progress has been observed: “This is the second version of the GFF annual year end competition and what is clear
is that there has been progression from Year One to Year Two and I think that’s the evidence business people look at when making decisions and planning for the future. There’s a lot to take away from the competition. Every year we see evidence of growth, including more community participation and hopefully, the prize packages can grow incrementally with some of the other changes which will be made.” “The focus or the thrust of the tournament is to bring communities together,” Forde continued.“It’s an occasion for the football family to come together as one and celebrate the game and it was really heart-warming that that we saw a club that clearly entered the tournament not as a favourite emerging as the champion.” The media was com-
STAG Beer’s Brand Manager Nigel Worrell and GFF’s President Wayne Forde during the presentation ceremony. mended for their contribution to the success of the tournament: “Your work and the coverage that you give to all of the football activities that take place – whether at the Federation or the Association level – is immeasurable in terms of the contribution to
the popularity and awareness of the sport and the incentives that our young stars that are emerging need to have to try harder and do better as they grow in their own football careers,” said Forde. The GFF-Stag “Super 16” Yearend tournament featured
the then top eight Elite teams, two teams from Regional Member Associations, that is, Berbice FA and EssequiboPomeroon FA,as well as invited clubs including Police FC, Soesdyke Falcons, Eagles FC, Santos FC, Buxton Stars and Rivers View.
Ferrari working ‘‘flat flat out out’’ in Jaguars Sports Club is Patrick ettel crash Vettel and Sons Mining Ten/10 Champion trying to understand V Even as Guyana celebrated its 49th Republican Anniversary on Saturday, the party for Essequibians was held over at the Pomona Cricket Ground the following day as cricket crazy fans witnessed Aurora Knightriders going down to Jaguars SC by 37 runs in the final of the Patrick and Sons Mining Ten/ 10 knockout cricket competition which was played last Sunday. On a day where the sky was as blue as the Caribbean Sea and the sun showing off its strength, four of South Essequibo’s most competitive teams were on show in front of a packed, vocal and joyous crowd doing their thing to some groovy chutney and soca music emanating from the stands. In the first semi final, Jaguars got the better of Tap
Shattas. Opting to bat first on a pitch tailor made for the faster bowlers, the Jaguars roared to a respectable 105-5 with Chandie Jairam slamming 46 and Norman Fredericks supporting with 34. Shazim Saleem with 2-15 and Raymond Ali 2-30 were the wicket takers for Tap Shattas who could only muster 75-5 when their overs expired. Wayne Burrowes (34) and Imran Wahaab (16) were the main contributors. Bowling for the Jaguars, Feizal Mohamed took 2-14, while Husbard Thomas grabbed 2-22. The second semi final between arch rivals Aurora Knightriders and Rising Stars was a thriller. Having won the toss and electing to take first strike, the Stars rattled up an imposing 108-4 with skipper Latchman Rohit leading the way with 43 and David Will-
Rafman Ally softball on Sunday at Success Rafman Ally will be hosting an inter village softball cricket competition on Sunday at Success ground, East Coast Demerara. Organiser Ally informed that Speedboat and Accomplishment will be playing the final of a previous competition prior to the start of this tournament. The inter village competition will be played on a 7-a-side basis and is expected to commence at 12:00hrs. Trophies and other prizes will be up for grabs and teams can contact Ally on 622-1672 or 645-5010 for registration. The competition is being supported by Shakers family, Boy Mechanic Shop, Rameez Electrical, Aditya Electrical, Vishal Kissoon, Kevin Mechanic Shop and Choke Service Station.
iams a cameo 30. Bowling for the Knightriders, Garfield Phillips, Weyon Friendz, Zafar Ahmad and Ravi Beharry had a wicket each. Needing 109 for a place in the final, the Knightriders were off to a shaky start when opener Roddy Spencer was bowled by pacer Rohan Ramdass without scoring. But Beharry (53) and Gangabeharry Ramdhanie (34) entertained the large crowd with some brutal strokeplay to ensure the target was achieved with 4 balls to spare. Rohit grabbed 2-14, while there was a wicket apiece for Ramdass and Otis Roberts. In the final, the Jaguars were inserted to bat and after eight overs were 79-4. However, some lusty blows by Skipper Chandie Jairam pushed the Jaguars’ total to 123. Norman Fredericks supported with 34. Pacer Weyon Friendz claimed 2-22, while Ravi Beharry had 1-32 with his off spin. With their eyes on the 124 for victory, the Knightriders found the going as tough as having a canoe crossing the Demerara River as they found themselves at 87-8. Feizal Mohamed snared 3-18, Javid Azeez 2-26, while a wicket went to Husbard Thomas, Jairam and Fredericks. The proprietor of Patrick and Sons Mining presented Jaguars SC with the winning purse of $80,000, while Aurora Knightriders took home the runner up prize of $20,000.
Ferrari are struggling to identify the issue with their crashed car, according to driver Sebastian Vettel. Omnisport - Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari are working hard to identify the mechanical issue that saw him crash in Formula One testing yesterday. The German went into the barriers at Turn 3 at the Circuit de Catalunya but emerged unhurt. Ferrari immediately began checking the car in Barcelona, having acknowledged that it had been the cause of the crash, and later stated that it would not be back on the track “for a few hours”. And Vettel revealed that the team were having some difficulty due to the damage sustained by the car in an incident where he no longer
had control. “We don’t know much more than everyone knows,” Vettel told report-
ers. “Inside the car, I was going into Turn 3 and then, by the feeling, there was an (Continued on page 28)
Impact of partnership ... From page 31 building the youth, doing the ground work that is necessary to get the results that we admire when we see other countries achieving.”It was posited that with this level of investment, Guyana will take its right place up the ladder of success at the Caribbean and regional level noting that success in one area tend to impact success in other areas. ”So yes we are focusing on the nutrition of our young people, we are focusing on the development of the youth but we at NAMILCO recognize our corporate/social responsibility and we take it very seriously and we are happy to be able to make that impact in collaboration with the Guyana Football Federation in hosting and launching this year’s U17 National Intra Association Leagues. The respective RMA’s are expected to kick off their leagues in the second week of March.
Thursday February 28, 2019
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Concacaf Nations League Countdown
National Track and Field Centre to host Guyana vs Belize match Golden Jaguars had second training match The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced that the Concacaf Nations League final qualifier match for Guyana against Belize will be held at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora on Saturday March 23 from 18:30hrs. The match will see Guyana playing one of the most critical matches in its football history, which can enable the country a chance to qualify for the Concacaf Gold Cup. In an invited comment, GFF’s Competitions Director, Ian Alves said efforts were made to utilize the National Stadium, Providence: “Due to the significance of the match, serious efforts were made to have the use of the National
Stadium, Providence. However, these did not find the kind of favour that the Federation was hoping for and, as a result, we will host at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Notwithstanding, we are still encouraging the Guyanese public to come to Leonora in support of the Golden Jaguars. Special transportation arrangements will be put in place, the details of which will be shared with the media in the coming days.” Meanwhile, the Senior Men’s National Team, known as the Golden Jaguars, continued their preparation for the match with a training fixture against a select team from the Upper Demerara Football Association. According to Assistant
Coach Charles Pollard, it was another successful outing for the team: “I’m happy with the performance of the team but there is still room for improvement. We need to continue to work and we need more repetitions that will get us better. We have the next three weeks and I’m confident the players will come up to speed by then. We were generally good tactically but we need to be consistent. Tactical discipline is a big factor in the game.” That training match was held on Monday, February 25 at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence. The third training match is scheduled against the West Demerara Football Federation at a date to be announced.
Impact of partnership already yielding fruits - Finance Controller Fitzroy McLeod GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power, U-17 Intra Association Leagues By Franklin Wilson The fruits of their partnership with the Guyana Football Federation to nurture and develop players at the Under-17 agegroup level throughout the nation has already began to bear, so says Finance Controller of sponsors, National Milling Company of Guyana, N A M I L C O . McLeod was delivering remarks at the launch of the second edition of the National launch on Tuesday morning last at the company’s Agricola, East Bank Demerara, Headquarters. Apart from the fact that this competition was the first of its kind in Guyana where the federation negotiated a single deal for all its Regional Members Associations (RMA), NAMILCO is celebrating its 50th year of service to Guyana and would have without the shadow of a doubt, been on every Guyanese table via its Thunderbolt Flour, a world class quality product. McLeod noted that it’s the aim of the company to also see Guyana produce world class quality players thus their partnership with the GFF to build and develop youths. He alluded that one of the positives experienced to date is a broader talent base of players being drawn upon in the national age group teams as well as the various Academy Training Centers.
The Golden Jaguars compete in their practice game against Upper Demerara Football Association recently.
NSC/ Magnum Mash Cup
Sparta Boss versus Back Circle a colossal matchup -reputation at stake in third place playoff
Fitzroy McLeod
”We’re seeing the impact of much higher activities in all of the Academies and therefore the talent is coming through, the quality of the competition is of a much higher standard; we’re seeing much more diversity in our teams with all the regions being represented.” McLeod also noted that the company is seeing much more competence in the hosting of the various leagues around the country by the RMA’s. ”This all culminates in creditable, credible performances at the age group international level. We’re seeing really good results and as Mr. Greenwood mentioned, this resulted in the U17s being ranked 18th in the Concacaf Region. All this augurs well I believe, for the future of the tournament, for the future of NAMILCO’s asso-
ciation with the tournament, being able to have our flagship product associated with this event and so we expect that this year’s tournament is one of the most well organized; the most exciting one that we’ve had so far.” The top NAMILCO Executive encouraged members of the press to ensure that they provide maximum coverage for the various leagues in helping to spread the word. ”To reflect the excitement that is happening on the ground, development work that is taking place, ground breaking development that is actually taking place . I’ve had the pleasure of just driving around and seeing some of the coaches in the different regions going on unheralded in the morning sun (Continued on page 30)
Riveting action is anticipated among the teams in the two feature games on Saturday. On the heels of their clinical annihilation of pre-tournament favourites ‘Gold is Money’ the question now is whether East Ruimveldtbased Back Circle possesses enough firepower to stop the insatiable hunger for success of Sparta Boss. In a little less than 48 hours, this question will be answered when the two teams meet in the final of this year’s National Sports Commission (NSC)/ Magnum Mash Cup, at the National Gymnasium. The futsal kings as all would know have an imposing record whenever they reach the latter stages of competitions and no doubt will start as clear favourites to
claim the ultimate prize against a team that has shown enough resilience to earn respect. Sparta Boss’s undeniable statement against ‘Gold is Money’ in their semi-final clash demonstrated their seriousness to go all the way, while Back Circle’s come from behind victory to eliminate defending champions Bent Street presented a similar declaration. The Bosses have enjoyed far more success than Back Circle, but admirers of the format know that both teams are worthy opponents and display similar attacking styles combined with strong backlines. It sets up nicely to be one
of the most enthralling final for some time which makes it a must see encounter. The teams leading marksmen Sparta’s Jermin Junor and Back Circle’s Stephon McLean performed outstandingly in their respective semifinal appearances and they will be aiming to duplicate those feats. However, where Sparta holds the edge is in their supporting cast which included the recently acquired Ryan Hackett, who slammed in a hat-trick in the semis, while the experience of Gregory Richardson, Eusi Phillips and Sheldon Shepherd may prove too much for Back Circle. (Continued on page 29)
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Thursday February 28, 2019
Kaieteur News
GMR&SC National Race of Champions
Champion drivers to enjoy cash incentives - Air Services backs event This season of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions will be more rewarding for participants with lucrative cash prizes for the top drivers in selected categories.Those categories are the Choke Starlet Cup, Miracle Optical Street Tuner Cup and Prem’s Electrical Sports Tuner Cup. At the end of the three leg season, the top driver from each of the sponsored class will pocket $500,000 each. However, a prerequisite for entry to the any of these categories indicates that the sponsor’s logo for the category must be attached to the hood of the vehicle desirous of participating.In addition, cash prizes are also up for grabs for novice bikers. A total of $275,000 is up for the best performing newbies with the top man set to pocket
$100,000; sponsored by the Mohamed’s Enterprise.As was the case last season, the GMR&SC will continue to honour the top mechanic of the year and there has been much friendly banter between the technicians who are determined to outshine 2018 winner, Balram Mahadeo. Some of the confirmed drivers for the National Race of Champions that speeds off this Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, includes, two-time 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. Meanwhile, a release from the GMR&SC indicated that Air Services Limited is the lat-
The Street & Sports Tuner along with the Starlet Cup championships will have lucrative cash prizes for the first time this season. est sponsor to come onboard Sunday’s event. 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, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, E-Networks, Powerline, B.M. Auto Sales and Supreme Ventures Enterprise.Admission to the venue on race day will cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children.
$275,000 will be up for grabs by novice riders, sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprise.
Major upsets in FBF/NSC/ASTP school Windball tourney
T
he Al Sport and Tour Promotions (ASTP) 28th Annual Easter Term School Windball Cricket Champions Trophy continued recently in the Georgetown Zone with the first knockout games at the National Gymnasium. The competition which is sponsored by the Forbes Burnham Foundation (FBF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) saw defending female C h a m p i o n s M a e ’s Secondary defeat Brickdam Secondary by 84 runs. Mae’s batted first and tallied a total of 180-0 from their allotted overs. In the record opening stand, Afruica
Gentle smashed 150 inclusive of 23 sixes, while Brickdam could’ve only mustered 96-1 in their reply with Princess McPherson top scoring with 52 in the losing cause. In the opening game, Charlestown Sec o n d a r y g i r l s e d g e d St . M a r y ’s Secondary by one run i n a very close clash. Batting first, Charlestown tallied 1330 with Althea Barnwell top scoring with 80 runs , a s c o r e that contained 12 maximums. Barnwell had support from Shania Maglorie who smashed 48. St. Mary’s had a positive reply but fell short agonisingly close after fin-
FIFA bans former Zambian football official for taking bribes ZURICH (Reuters) - World soccer body FIFA imposed a lifelong ban yesterday on the former deputy boss and head of finance of Zambia’s football association, Boniface Mwamelo, for having accepted bribes. “The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found Mr Boniface Mwamelo, the former treasurer and vice-president of the Football Association of Zambia, guilty of having accepted bribes in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics,” FIFA said in a statement. Along with a ban for life from all national and international football-related activities, Mwamelo was given a 10,000 Swiss franc ($10,015) fine.
The Goed Fortuin team pose for a photo ishing the chase on 132-1 with Zebenah Green top scoring with 62 runs. In the male division, Richard Ishmael Secondary got the better of defending Georgetown Champions, Charlestown after they failed to chase 30 runs for victory, finishing on 23-3. Male division action in the West Bank Demerara Zone saw another big upset with Goed Fortuin knocking out defending Demerara champions,
Patentia Secondary. Goed Fortuin batted first and scored 110-0, with Satesh Persaud 54 (9x6s) and Ravi Ragnauth (48) playing unbeaten. However, Patentia fell by two runs after amassing 1080. Shemar Seetal 55 (8x6s) and Ganesh Persaud (30) played well but couldn’t finish the match. Goed Fortuin will play Zeeburg in both the Male & Female quarterfinals this Sunday.
Princess McPherson
Kaieteur News
Thursday February 28, 2019
PAGE 33
WCC/Farmers Cup T20 Agape Lumber Yard T20 Moses stars as SS Jaguars overcome Wins for Independence A, Zeelandia; Good Success beat Sans Souci Mc Gill, Belle Vue and All Youths
Members of the WDCA and sponsors prior to the start of the tournament.
Nazeer Mohamed
Nokta Moses
Wazir Khan
Gurnauth Khemraj
Seon Venture
Navishaul Pooran
A fine all-round performance by Nokta Moses handed Sans Souci Jaguars a comfortable victory over Zeelandia, while Good Success defeated Sans Souci when play in the Wakenaam Cricket Committee Farmers Cup T20 tournament continued on Sunday last. Batting first at Zeelandia, Sans Souci Jaguars posted a challenging 172 all out in 20 overs. Nokta Moses struck 67, while Satrohan Shiwnandan made 21 as Navishaul Pooran claimed 3-27 and Ryan Atkinson 338. Zeelandia were bowled out for 113 in reply. Pooran scored 37 and Jashpaul Gangaram 23. Nokta Moses captured 3-26,
while Beesham Moses had 3-27 as Sans Souci Jaguars won by 59 runs. At the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, Good Success won by 17 runs. Good Success took first strike and managed 143-7. Nazeer Mohamed made 26, Gurnauth Khemraj 23, Wazir Khan 22 and Mahase Ramnarine 21. Seon Venture snared 2-21, Cleon Venture 222 and Heera Sukram 2-26. Sans Souci responded with 127-8. Seon Venture slammed 44 as Wazir Khan picked up 3-23 and Nazeer Mohamed 2-25. The competition continues on Sunday with Good Success playing Noitgedacht at 12:30hrs at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.
Independence A, Mc Gill, Belle Vue and All Youths registered victories when the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) Agape Lumber Yard T20 tournament commenced last weekend. At Joe Vieira Park, Dynasty went down to Independence A by eight wickets. Dynasty were bowled out for 63 in 11.5 overs following their insertion. Kisha Persaud made 21 as Chevon Williamson captured 416 and Reaz Esau 3-13. Independence A replied with 64-2 in 7.5 overs. Seepaul Dhanpaul scored 21 and Wazeer Hussain 20. At Wales, Mc Gill beat La Grange by 62 runs. Mc Gill managed 153-5, taking first strike. Keshram Seyhodan struck two fours and four sixes in scoring 44, while Abdul Razack made 31 with three fours and Travis Persaud 22. David Manohar took 2-11. La Grange All stars scored 91-7 in 20
overs in reply. Ghansham Singh got 26, Jadesh Ramroop 18 and George Carrington 15. Sudesh Persaud snared 3-22 and Seyhodan 2-15. Belle Vue overcame Wales by six wickets. Wales were bowled out for 117 in 18.4 overs, taking first knock. Dexter Solomon made 37 as Fazil Bacchus grabbed 4-17. Bell Vue responded with 119-4 in 18 overs. Ryan Seecharran made 33, while Bacchus got 26 and Kerwin Bennet 25 not out. Kevin Lyndo had 2-15. On Saturday at Joe Vieira Park, Independence B lost to All Youths by two wickets. Independence B batted first and scored 113-6. Ganesh Ram scored 28 and Aaron Seepersaud 19; Amir Imran claimed 316. All Youths responded with 114-8 in 19.5 overs. Imtiaz Ghani made 55 with one four and seven sixes as Anand Bharat picked up 310.
Zeeburg Claim WDCA T20 title
Delroy Tyrrell to represent T&T at Carifta Swimming Championships Delroy Tyrrell will be representing his adopted homeland Trinidad and Tobago at the Carita Swimming Championships 2019 which will be held in Barbados from March 20. The Guyanese by birth swimmer earned his spot by competing in the recently held ASATT National Age Group Long Course swimming championships held at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva from February 20 to 24.Delroy won gold in the boys 15-17 age group 50M backstroke with a time of 28.87 sec. He followed this up with a 102.77 sec in the boys 100M backstroke, earning the silver medal and the fastest time for the swim calendar year so far.However, the Trinity College Student was not done. He swam 2:20.02 sec to win gold in his age group 200M backstroke. However, in January he swam 2;19.33 sec in the 200M backstroke.The fifth form student hopes to win a scholarship to study medicine abroad while continuing his swimming career.
Delroy Tyrrell
The victorious Zeeburg team. Host Zeeburg defeated Cornelia Ida by two runs to win the final of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 tournament which was contested on Saturday last. Batting first Zeeburg managed 203-9. Malcolm Hubbard struck 66 while V. Balgobin made 29, Balbinder Shivpersaud 22 and Andre Seepersaud 21. Richie Looknauth claimed 458 and M. Wazidali 2-22. Cornelia Ida responded with 201-7. Akshaya Persaud slammed 98 while H. Bissoondyal got 26 and
Looknauth 25; J. Gomes picked up three wickets. Zeeburg pocketed a trophy and $100,000 while Cornelia
Ida took home a trophy and $50,000. Persaud received $10,000 for being named man-of-the-match.
Guyana vs Belize 23 Days to go
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