Triple murder K NEWS convict assaults prosecutor after jailed for life AIETEUR
p. 12
Saturday Edition February 29, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 09
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
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“We are ready for Elections!”- GECOM Cash-jet pilot p. 12
Police ranks carrying ex-GRDB accountant Peter Ramcharran from the prisoners’ chute
loses $100M private hangar p. lawsuit 15 against CJIA - given permission to take moveable property
Ex-GRDB accountant Peter Ramcharran being taken to an ambulance
Hit-and-run death of teen…
Driver denies owning Convicted ex-GRDB accountant damaged car registered collapses in prisoners’ chute in his name p. 30
p. 15
Taxi driver sent to jail for inappropriately touching girl, 11 p. 15
Political parties sign electoral code of conduct
p. 8
Man critical 29p. after shot during fight over bar stool at night club
T&T hopes talks with Guyana lead to getting oil, gas for downstream industries p. 7
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Saturday February 29, 2020
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Saturday February 29, 2020
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
March will reveal the creature among us Before we know it, elections 2020 would be over. Now February ends, and March is near, it could be the beginning of a new chapter in Guyana’s social and governance milieus. What will it be? How will we be? After the counting, clamouring and clashing over one or the other disputed, unsettled issues raised, and which positions and sets the stage for more than the verbal and the statistical, to where are we capable of going? What has occurred in the distant and recent past has not been comforting: it may be prelude, but the sordid past is gone. We must deal with the future that starts on Tuesday, March 3rd, which is right now, as in this moment. May our aspirations, ambitions, and visions be about national fellowship for a new Guyanese order, a fulsome and reinforcing one. As part reality check, and part cautionary note, it is sufficient to note that passions are roiling, that there is so much more below the surface in simmering impatience. Since so much is at stake, there are great rages and fevers and anticipations that are still unchecked and rearing to be put to the test, to be unleashed at a moment’s rumour, an incited monetary spark. Lick a finger and stick it into the air and it is there. That sense and confirmation that there is so much more kindling in this particular electoral mix, which requires only the slightest of stirrings and the barest of flickers to reveal the true picture of where sentiments and things stand in elections Guyana right now. If it is this way now in concluded February, then there is nothing of the soothing promised in March, and in heaving elections afterlife. One would have thought that there would be grudging admission that putting heads together is the best way forward, for separating from the strangulations that trap in the quicksand. It has not been that way at all. Men test the waters and push every sly envelope for any tricky advantage that could be extracted, while they pretend at bland innocence should the usual heated protestations come. When this society, at this most fateful juncture in its existence, demands leadership of the highest integrity and reliability, there are those histories and new stories that make the rounds and, which only inflame the already overheated environment. Genuine leaders must continuously prove who and what they are, the manner in which they manage what is ahead. We call upon them to be so, we challenge them, we go so far as to demand this of them all. In late February, the contentious private polling stations took centre stage: one says, it is necessary and rational, another that it is disenfranchising and discriminatory. We cannot help ourselves in the calumnies that we pile on each other. The positives from that not-so-small storm are that a programme of listening and compromising followed, with reluctant agreeing emerging. The bottom line is that it did. This is what makes life manageable anywhere, that affords opportunity for moving forward, which, for once, came into decisive play here. Amidst all of these disturbing truths, there have been promises of post-elections order. That is a miracle best believed in the observation and delivery of a degree of disciplined atmosphere, not just for a week or a month, but for a considerable time thereafter. At best, it may hold for a time. There unfortunately are those who are prepared to incite towards unsettling ends for their own purposes, which feather nests, and leave the masses in disarray. This was hinted in post no-confidence developments from two Decembers ago, after court decisions, during arguments about registration. February ends today and the political and social prognoses are palpably discouraging. Now March comes like a roaring lion; sacrificial lambs may be needed. From the UN to religious houses to sane people ask and pray for the civility of peace, reciprocal respect, tolerance. March will reveal if it is that kind of creature that walks with Guyanese.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
No bars should be open on Monday DEAR EDITOR, So it is official that Monday is E-day. Thousands of Guyanese would be heading to their respective polling stations to choose a party or coalition that will lead them for the next five years. Already, the government has announced that it will be a national holiday. It will be recalled that
the Ministry of Education had announced first that there will be no school on March 2nd for elections day. However, there should be some further orders. Monday is no ordinary day. It will be a day when Guyanese will have to remain sober and levelheaded. It will be a day when we
have to be on the alert. It will be a sacred day. I am therefore reminding the Minister of Public S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j R a m j a t t a n , a n d Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, that Monday should not be a day when liquor restaurants and bars should be open. They should make it clear that such will be the case.
In fact, there should be enforcement by the powers that be to ensure that these facilities remain close, to ensure law and order. It is expected that the police would conduct such enforcement for the greater good of Guyana. For one day, we have to do what is required, what is right. Cobeer Persaud
Saturday February 29, 2020
This is not a new phenomenon, or imposition by GECOM DEAR EDITOR, I am not certain that the headline in the Kaieteur News of 26-02-2020 that “GECOM adds 12 more polling places following discussion with Opposition” represents new school construction or availability. It is, however, well known that GECOM has, from time to time, acceded to requests to increase the number of polling places/ stations, and that it is a feature of several communities across Guyana that many polling divisions/ sub-divisions do not host public buildings, mainly schools, suitable for use as polling places. It is not a new
phenomenon, or imposition by this Commission, and existed long before these elections. The designation of private buildings, used for public purposes (churches, schools, halls, etc.), as polling places where public schools are not available has been accepted practice before today and poses no automatic threat to the conduct of free and fair elections. As far as I am aware, no private residences, with persons in residence or conducting business on elections day, are being employed as polling places, and the private ownership of
a building does not affect its suitability as a polling place. The location, accessibility, space, lighting and security are more relevant factors, which determine the suitability for polling day usage. Article 6 (3) of the Representation of the People Act Chapter 1:03 authorises the Returning Officer of the district to, subject to the approval of the Chief Election Officer, appoint polling places in each division/sub-division in the district, and no one would be pleased if the number of polling places were reduced or located away from the relevant polling division. Sincerely Oscar Dolphin
A worrying trend at Republic Bank DEAR EDITOR, I take this opportunity to highlight a worrying trend at Republic Bank. A few months back, it was publicised in the media that the bank went into its customers’ accounts and extracted service charges of $500 on each account without notifying their customers of such charges. After much push back from customers, the bank recanted and reversed those charges. For security reasons, I am not fond of using the banks ATMs; however, because of the length of time it takes to complete the simplest of transactions within the bank during normal banking hours, I chose to conduct a deposit at the ATM. I had $20,000.00 to
deposit, but it appeared that I accidentally inputted $2,000.00 by mistake, omitting a zero at the end. I was shocked when I checked my account online and observed that the bank charged me $300 to correct the deposit amount from $2,000.00 to $20,000.00. It appears that Republic Bank has implemented a host of charges that are draining its customers’ accounts. I hope the regulators for the banking sector take note of this issue and other issues emanating from Republic Bank and implement corrective measures to protect customers using the banking system. Heinous acts like these by such a large financial institution that raked in over $3.8B in profits after taxes last
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year will only push the ordinary man farther and farther away from doing business with these corporate monsters only interested in taking as much as it can. Republic Bank and all other banks should not be permitted to deduct charges from any customer’s account without first obtaining their approval and those charges should be published so that customers should be aware of the charges before conducting transactions. Marcus Perry
Every effort must be made to produce a credible election DEAR EDITOR, People are on edge over Monday’s election — whether it would be relatively peaceful and free and fair, and what would be the outcome. Voting is sacrosanct, a constitutional, democratic right. There must be peace and order. There must be no fraud and skullduggery. Regardless of which party wins a free and fair election, the electoral verdict must be respected. But Guyana has had a history of disputed elections. Elections are dangerous and imperfect. The people are asking that the sanctity of the right to vote be respected and the ballot counted, and for a peaceful environment. This request, the law, must be enforced by officials working for GECOM at the headquarters and various voting places, and ensured by the international (and local) observers and diplomats. The right to vote must also be forcefully defended by Guyanese, as the vote determines which party will govern them. Regrettably, every election is a nail-biting event as people watch elections in Guyana with dread. As in the past, now there are legitimate fears of electoral fraud. When it comes to manipulation of the vote —
whether through intimidation, bribery, or outright rigging — Guyanese implicitly understand that it is a question of “how much”. There were charges of attempts at voter suppression (tampering with voting places and removal of names from the voters’ list). Some charge that names of non-Guyanese have been added onto the voters’ list. No evidence has been offered. Many people say that there are signs that something weird is going on relating to the voters’ list and polling places. It is noted that the dead and tens of thousands who migrated are still on the register. There would be some 200K extra unused ballots for those not voting; there is a fear that these could be abused – ballot box stuffing and 100% voter turnout in some locations. Will there be lower percentage turnout (662K names; 71% turnout last time)? This writer believes it will be much higher. According to Guyana’s electoral laws, representatives (agents) from
all political parties are permitted to witness the voting and the counting of ballots in polling stations. They are authorised to stay and sign the statement of poll (SOP) certifying the count. They receive a carbon copy. The SOP is to be sent to the electoral commission and posted on the door and online immediately, so they could be double checked by all parties and the public for transparency and to prevent fraud. That system broke down at several polling stations in 2011 and 2015. Observers who witnessed election fraud in other countries told me that some methods of fraud include removing a few names of a party’s supporters from the voters’ list in every polling station (four or five ballots in every one of 2300 stations adds up to some 10K); making small changes to large numbers of tallies to alter results; impersonating other voters; and other ways. A foreign observer should be placed at these sensitive polling places to (Continued on page 6)
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Saturday February 29, 2020
Given his serial constitutional violations, Granger would qualify for impeachment in any normal country DEAR EDITOR, The storyline being peddled by defenders and supporters of Mr. David Granger is that he faithfully embraces the constitution and the rule of law, that he is a man of integrity, one who, as the banner states, is honest. The reality is starkly and dangerously different. On taking office in May 2015, Mr. Granger swore before the Chancellor, the then Chairman of the Elections Commission, and the world, that he would honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution. In fact, based on cases brought by a single law firm, from the first year of his election as President, Granger set about violating his Oath, bending the Constitution to his personal, previously unsuspected agenda. It was only the alertness of a few lawyers and the astuteness of the Courts that the Constitution and the rule of law have not so far been rendered completely meaningless. The cases number more than three dozen. Even if we
note that several of them arose out of a similar cause, that number has no parallel in Guyana or indeed in any country of the Caribbean, of constitutional violations by an executive or head of state. Some of the cases may have arisen out of pettiness on the part of the Granger Administration, such as the wrongful dismissal of PPP/C’s Clinton Collymore, while another wrongful dismissal case brought by Ms. Anna Correia, Manager of the Amerindian Land Titling Project had deeper and more sensitive overtones. Some of the cases dealt with violations of other fundamental rights combined with abusive use of power by Granger as the cancellation of the titles to farmlands in the MMA-ADA project. Another – Raywattie Harrychand v. Attorney General - had to do with violation of Article 139 Protection of Personal Liberty, with the Court showing its disfavour by awarding $4,375,000 as compensation to the hapless victim. Tularam Ramassar was the victim of a
Every effort must... From page 5 prevent a recurrence of problems and to guarantee a fair election. Results should not be announced until all the ballots have been counted, input into the computer, and certified. Every effort must be made to produce a credible election,
in the words of President Granger. The Guyanese nation can’t ask for more. GECOM, the President, and police must ensure a peaceful election to calm anxiety. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram (Political Analyst)
similar violation coupled with the additional violation of Article 142 – the right to property. He too was awarded a substantial sum by the Court, as much as a form of compensation as a show of disfavour by the Court. An egregious case of Granger’s personal disdain for the rights of individuals and contempt for the Courts is the case of NH International Limited, in which the Caribbean Court of Appeal ordered the payment of billions of dollars to the Trinidadian company for work done under contract and awarded by an arbitral tribunal. That amount so far remains unpaid while Granger, Trump-like, used his questionable power of pardon to save the Finance Minister from being jailed. A similar but on a lesser scale was Linda Persaud v Minister of Finance which resulted in a mandamus order against the Minister of Finance. Then we get to the direct violations of the Constitution cases. Granger sought to remove Carvil Duncan as a member and chairman of the Public Service Commission, which too reached the Courts, and in the Red House (Cheddi Jagan Research Institute) case, the Court ordered the reversal of the decision. But Granger did not only direct his lawlessness against identified individuals: he did
it against large groups as well. In one case, Euclin Gomes successfully approached the Court to have a decision by Granger through his ministerial appointee Ms. Simona Broomes directing the Public Service Commission to cease all interviews and meetings until further notice, ruled as unconstitutional and unlawful. A similar directive by Granger, conveyed on this occasion by his effective shadow President Joseph Harmon to the Police Service Commission, not to consider promotions of members of the Police Force, resulted in an action brought by Rajendra Jaigobin, and met the same fate in the Court. And in a case the consequences of which are now playing out in GECOM, Granger appointed Justice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM in clear violation of Article 161 of the Constitution. And in my personal capacity, I had to bring an action to get Granger to honour a decision by the National Assembly on a No Confidence Motion which shortly after the vote on December 21, 2018, he had honourably announced he would respect. Honour for Granger is short-term and opportunistic. In order to frustrate the consequence of a democratic vote, Granger paid lawyers from near and far to argue that
the majority of 65 is 34, a mathematical absurdity which sycophants from our University of Guyana supported. I had to bring a similar action in relation to the House to House registration exercise supported by his PNC-R, but which was clearly unlawful as the High Court and the Court of Appeal found. The violations by Granger and his Administration extend even further. The man and his Administration had to be compelled by the Court to bring into operation the Judicial Review Act, which is one of the most effective legislative tools available to citizens to protect from abuses by the State. Another case of Granger and his Administration having had to be compelled by the Court to perform a statutory duty, was with respect to the constituting of the Deeds and Commercial Registry. Some persons may be tempted to place all the blame for these cases on the Attorney General. Basil can be blamed for many things, but it is unfair to blame him for the unconstitutional acts and abuses concocted within Granger’s super Ministry, which also happens to be super inefficient. As we mark fifty years of republican status, we need to be reminded that Granger and his Administration have violated the Constitution on more occasions than all the previous seven Presidents
combined, including Forbes Burnham! Had such an achievement arisen from positive deeds, Granger would have been the greatest President of Guyana ever. As it is, he has been such a serious violator of the Constitution that he would qualify for impeachment in any normal country. Elections are a right protected by the Constitution of Guyana and one of the pillars of Article 1 of the Constitution. Granger’s unilateral and unconstitutional attempt to impose James Patterson on the elections machinery together with his other serial violations of the Constitution, and together with his threat to reduce the power of the National Assembly and to strip persons of their citizenship, do not augur well for this country. That Granger is yet to commit to honouring the people’s vote next Monday, together with the daily machinations of GECOM, is causing serious concerns among large segments of the population. If Granger and his Administration had spent half the time in the National Assembly passing progressive laws as it did outside in violating the Constitution and the rule of law, Guyana would have been a far better place five years after his election. Instead, democracy in Guyana is facing its most serious threat since the seventies. Christopher Ram
Let’s not play with the future of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, It is no secret that the March 2020 elections will be the determining factor for the onward trajectory in which our country is he a d e d , fueled by the onset of the oil and gas industry. For this particular reason, I believe, a colossal effort is being made by all political parties during their respective campaigns whether at rallies, small meetings or on social media, to convince voters as to why each is the best choice. This election however brings out a different side of campaigning never before seen in Guyana. I have been following the campaign of both major political parties since it started in January, and as the road to the polls becomes narrower, I’m sure many persons reading this will agree - the re-election campaign of President David Granger has moved from the usual ‘stop here, stop there’ fashion of campaigning, into a full-
blown political movement. A movement that has evolved from its inception in January, to one that has seen the mobilisation of youths, women, men and people from all walks of life, regardless of ethnicity or race, joining the effort to ensure David Granger is reelected to the presidency. I beam with pride when I see the many pictures plastered on social media displaying young people of all races attired in creative outfits displaying their clear choice as to who they trust to run this country. While a gloom and doom picture is being painted of the future by some, many are well aware of the progress made under this government in less than four years, and many have shown that they want it to continue. While no government can ever be perfect, I do believe that the David Granger administration deserves an A+ for the efforts placed in making
Guyana a better country, both at home and on the global stage. From 2015 to now, we have a cleaner city, better infrastructure, better health care, and of course, less corruption in public offices. Investors now have confidence in the fiscal management of Guyana, and this is clearly seen in the many foreign companies that are coming in by the droves to set up their operations. Very soon Guyana will be the hub of economic activity of the Caribbean, but we can only achieve that if we place the reins of this country in the right hands. For me, I cannot imagine no better person than President David Granger. This is why I support this administration for another term. This is why many youths, like myself, will continue to join the movement to re-elect the President for a second term.
While the opposition continues their tradition of ‘cuss down and cuss out’ campaigning, a breath of fresh air comes in the form of this movement that come March 2 will result in a resounding victory for the APNU+ AFC Coalition. We a r e n o l o n g e r a country in which only a few have access to information, Guyanese all over can see the progress made under this government, and that is why we are no longer a set of people at a rally - this is a “movement” of people who believe in honesty and decency, who believe in giving the presidency to someone who is legitimately qualified to sit as president for the next five years. Let’s not play with the future of Guyana, let us ensure come March 2 that Guyana continues to breathe freely with a leader who is capable of taking us into further economic prosperity. Respectfully yours, Merendra Mathoo
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 29, 2020
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T&T hopes talks with Guyana lead to getting oil, gas for downstream industries
W
hile it has engaged Guyana on the technical assistance it is able to offer, Energy Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Franklin Khan is hopeful that discussions on co-operation between the two could include the supply of gas as feedstock to the domestic downstream industries and crude oil for its the Guaracara Refinery when it restarts. Khan made this disclosure during his country's annual Spotlight on Energy Conference which came to an end this month and was organized by the T&T Energy Chamber. There, the Minister noted that new entrants to the oil industry, such as Guyana,
Grenada and Barbados, do not have the domestic infrastructure in place to monetize their oil and gas resources. On this note, he said that T&T is prepared to collaborate with them in the monetization of crossborder fields and hydrocarbon resources. Commenting further on this front, the Energy Minister noted that there have been complementary exchanges with the respective Governments on this matter. In relation to Guyana, Khan said that there have been preliminary discussions on cooperation in the domestic energy sector. “Such co-operation could include the supply of gas as feedstock to the domestic
downstream industries and crude oil for the Guaracara Refinery when it restarts,” the Energy Minister said. This year as well, Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe noted that gas makes up approximately 25 percent of Guyana's discoveries in the Stabroek Block. Plans are in the pipeline to bring 30 to 50 million cubic feet of natural gas to shore for the purposes of electricity generation and provision of cooking gas. This would be supplied by the Liza field alone. Further to this, Khan also noted that the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, has indicated that Barbados is not averse to the marketing of gas discoveries in T&T given its spatial and infrastructure limitations. As
regards Grenada, he said that the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) has a commercial agreement in place for the purchase of gas from Global Petroleum Group Limited (GPG), the company that holds a Production Sharing Agreement with the Government of Grenada. He said that NGC continues to liaise with GPG, the Operator of the Grenada offshore project. In 2020, Khan said that GPG plans to undertake an appraisal-drilling programme to further assess the feasibility of bringing the gas to market. The Minister said that this will provide an indication of the quantity and quality of gas available for sale to the NGC.
Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister, Franklin Khan
Eco Atlantic not giving up just yet on Engages third party to study Orinduik's heavy oil - possible commercialisation By Kiana Wilburg
T
he partners of the Orinduik Block have not given up all hope on their heavy oil finds that were made last year. In fact, Eco Atlantic which holds a 15 percent working interest has engaged a third-party consultant with heavy oil development and economics expertise to help conduct preliminary evaluations related to production s c h e m e s a n d commercialization. The exploration company said that technical and commercial evaluation work is ongoing and it is considering alternatives for further drilling and testing along with a number of development scenarios and production alternatives. The Company said it remains optimistic in considering the development scenarios and, as the project progresses, will provide further information on plans and timing. It was on August 12, 2019 that the Company announced a major oil discovery on its Orinduik offshore petroleum license in Guyana. Evaluation of logging data confirms that Jethro-1 is the first discovery on that Guyana License and comprises high quality oilbearing sandstone in the Lower Tertiary age.
Eco Atlantic CEO, Gil Holzman The well was cased and is awaiting further evaluation to determine the appropriate appraisal activity. On September 16, 2019, Eco Atlantic announced a second oil discovery on the Guyana License. Wireline logging and sampling of the oil confirmed that Joe-1 is the second discovery on the Orinduik License and comprises a high-quality oilbearing sandstone with a high porosity of Upper Tertiary age. Both wells were drilled within budget and the reservoirs were considered to be high-quality sands with good permeability. Kaieteur
News understands that fluid samples were taken in both of the wells and were sent for analysis by the Operator which is Tullow Oil. Results of that testing confirm that the samples recovered to date from Jethro-1 and Joe-1 are mobile heavy crudes with high sulphur content. Eco Atlantic has since noted that the oil tested to date appears not dissimilar to the commercial heavy crudes currently in production in the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, the Campos Basin in Brazil, Venezuela and Angola. Gil Holzman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eco Atlantic said, “After completing a successful drilling campaign in 2019, we continue to benefit from a very strong balance sheet and remain fully funded to conduct further exploration and appraisal drilling activity on the Orinduik Block.” He added, “Our recently updated Competent Persons Report reaffirms the high prospectivity of the license and the considerable upside potential contained within the Tertiary and Cretaceous horizons. As such, the Joint Venture Partners (Tullow and Total) are working on incorporating the learnings gained from other regional discoveries, such as the Carapa well result (in the Kanuku Block), into our
existing geological models, as this will enable us to identify the most high value targets on the Block.” While it is Eco's intention to conduct a drilling program later this year, Holzman was keen to highlight the need to integrate the new data learned from recent discoveries in the region into understanding the block's geology which may result in further drilling and appraisal activity taking place in 2021.
H ow ever, a final decision on further drilling activity and the overall budget will be made in the coming months he said. The CEO added, “It is important to note that we remain convinced of the significant upside of Orinduik, are well funded, have strong shareholders and partners, and are confident that further drilling activity will be conducted as soon as practically possible and will prove the Block's potential.”
As at 31 December 2019, Eco said that it had cash and cash equivalents of CAD $25.4 million with no debt and remains fully funded for its share of further appraisal and exploration drilling at Orinduik Block offshore Guyana of up to US$120m (gross). It also added that as at 31 December 2019, it had total assets of CAD $27 million, total liabilities of CAD $0.3 million and total equity of CAD $26.7 million.
Mahdia bus driver shot dead during armed confrontation
A
36-year-old bus driver was on Thursday evening fatally shot while engaged in a scuffle with miner. Dead is Cleon Gomes of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Region 8. Gomes was shot to his left shoulder at around 20:30 hrs by a member of the Guyana Police Force. Kaieteur News understands that Gomes was engaged in an altercation with a 25-yearold miner of Mahdia at the No. 72 Bus Park. The two men were arguing, but this later turned bloody after the miner armed himself with a cutlass and chopping at Gomes. A Police Sergeant who was present at the time of the fight repeatedly warned the miner to desist from his actions, but this plea fell on deaf ears. The miner continued to chop at Gomes and the rank, who was armed with his service pistol, reportedly fired a shot in his direction. But instead of hitting the intended target, the (continued on page 26)
The dead bus driver: Cleon Gomes
Kaieteur News
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Saturday February 29, 2020
Political parties sign electoral code of conduct R
epresentatives of various political p a r t i e s assembled at Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)'s Kingston office yesterday for a hasty signing of the GECOM code of conduct, just three days before general and regional elections. Federal United Party (FEDUP) and Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP) did not sign the code of conduct, as their representatives were absent. GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh said that the absence of any party from the signing should not be an indication that they are not in agreement with the code. In an address, the Chair urged that the general and regional elections be free of hate speeches, incitement and provocation “which may invoke emotions in an already charged atmosphere”. By signing on to the code the parties have recognised, according to the document, that peace and public order,
freedom of political campaigning, and compliance with electoral laws and regulations are essential and of paramount importance to the conduct of free and fair elections. The code widely forbids any acts of mudslinging during elections season, and other abuses aimed at tearing down other candidates or groups, especially as it relates to gender, race, class, ethnicity, language, religion, age, place of origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, political beliefs or affiliation. The code also urges a peaceful post-election environment, including the acceptance of a valid election result or, in the case of an election petition, restraining the enthusiasm of supporters while awaiting judicial review. After the signing, each party gave brief remarks. Notably, A New and United Guyana (ANUG)'s financial s e c r e t a r y, J o n a t h a n Ye a r w o o d e x p r e s s e d disappointment at GECOM for the late signing of the
Man charged for allegedly killing friend with scissors
T
wenty-four-yearo l d O r a l Benjamin, a miner, of Port Kaituma, was yesterday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, after he was charged for allegedly stabbing his drinking buddy. An unrepresented Benjamin was not required to plead to the indictable offence which alleges that between February 23 and February 24, 2020 at 14 Miles Arakaka North West District, he murdered Joseph Calistro. According to information, Calistro and Benjamin were imbibing at a shop when Calistro reportedly became intoxicated and wanted to fight Benjamin. However, Benjamin tried to avoid Calistro and walked away. Calistro, who was reportedly armed with a pair of scissors, followed Benjamin and assaulted him. This annoyed Benjamin, who then allegedly disarmed Calistro
and stabbed him with the scissors. Calistro was taken to the Arakaka Health Centre where he was treated and sent away. However, Calistro later returned to the Health Centre hours later with a breathing problem and was receiving oxygen, when he later succumbed.
Remanded: Oral Benjamin
Signees to GECOM's electoral code of conduct code. “This should actually have been done two months ago… We knew the election was coming. Everybody in Guyana knew it was
coming. It should have been done a lot earlier so that the political parties could have been abiding by it,” Yearwood said.
“Supporters of the political parties have been slinging mud left, right and centre. Nobody has been checking them. Nobody has
been condemning those supporters.” He suggested to the Chair that in the future, the code be presented to the parties much sooner.
Trini supplier sues GuyOil over $80M for breach of contract
A
Trinidad company is heading to court, asking for over $80M from the state-owned Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil). The contract with Commissiong and Company Limited was ended by GuyOil last year after a back a forth over a performance bond. Commissiong is claiming, through its lawyers Mohabir A. Nandlall and Associates, that it was given a hard time after refusing to pay, when what appeared to be a clear demand for a bribe was made. According to the Statement of Claim, Commissiong is asking for US$291,055.05 and GYD$23.5M, being the sum due, owing and payable for works done, according to an
agreement dated May 24th, 2019. GuyOil contracted the Trinidad company for the fabrication and erection of two 10,000 barrel storage tanks for its Providence terminal. Court documents disclosed that GuyOil in February 2019 invited bids to supply, fabricate and erect two 10,000-barrel storage tanks at Providence. An agent of the Trinidad company visited the site and was assured that international bonds would be accepted. On February 22nd, the contractor submitted a bid and a bond issued by Furness Anchorage General Insurance Company Limited for US$2,500. On April 25th, GuyOil's Company Secretary Illisa
McTaire-Jones issued a letter of acceptance for the contract price of $110,285,913. The letter asked for a performance security bond for $3,308,577 within 15 days. The performance security could be either a bank draft or an insurance bond, which was to be valid until the end of the defects liability period. It was assured that with the issuance of the acceptance letter and the furnishing of the performance security, the contract for the works would stand concluded. On May 24th, a written agreement was signed. A f e w d a y s l a t e r, Commissiong submitted a tank construction material list to GuyOil and thereafter started buying materials to
fabricate the tanks. The contractor was even approached to build a third tank for GuyOil. The company claimed that in July, it submitted bills for advance payments. But it was instead asked for a bribe. The company refused, and on October 7th, Commissiong was informed that GuyOil would be terminating the contracts. Commissiong is contending that as GuyOil terminated the contract, it is obligated to pay the supplier. It also said that that oil company, which operates a number of service stations throughout Guyana, wrongfully terminated the contract and breached conditions , and therefore Commissiong is entitled to punitive damages,.
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 29, 2020
PAGE 09
LIFE WILL GO ON AFTER MONDAY!
E
lections will come and go on Monday. After the elections, there will be a winner and a loser. The winner will be elated. The loser will be deflated. But that is the system under which a government is chosen, and the faster people begin to accept, the better their life is going to be. I do not plan to lose any sleep over the elections. Whoever wins, I still lose. Exxon and her partners have picked up my fifteen million dollars which was left at the negotiating table. At my age, I can do with a lot of things with fifteen million dollars. And with Big Aunty also entitled to her fifteen million dollars too, it means in my family alone, some 30 million Guyana dollars is due to us. The children and grandchildren are grown and they can fend for their own share. A lot of people have worked hard and expect their party to win. But it does appear more likely than ever now that there will only be one winner and the other side will have to be content with heartbreak. That is the winner-takeall system of democracy, and it is something which everyone has to live with. People are going to be stocking up on food today. Most will seclude themselves in their homes until the day after the results of the elections are announced, which would
probably be four or five days after the elections. I am asking the rich people to have some consideration for the poor people and not empty the supermarkets tomorrow. Life will go on after the elections, and there is no use in hoarding foodstuff, because when that happens it is poor people, who cannot afford to stock up their shelves, who will suffer. Guyanese have to place their trust in the honesty of the polling day officials. These people have been doing a good job since 1992, and they should be allowed to continue. The polling stations officials saved the day in 2015 and 2011. These polling officials and clerks and scrutineers, ensured that things went smoothly and thus avoided controversy with the results. There were checks and balances, oversight and penalties if regulations were not adhered to. These allowed for things to run smoothly and the easy transmission of results.
The source of the problems which the country experience after elections has nothing to do with the competence of the polling day officials, but rather, with the political parties whose leaders do not wish to concede defeat. All eyes will be on Guyana from Monday. The international community is keen for there to be stability, because they know the effects of instability on investments, and countries like the USA, Russia, Canada and the United Kingdom have huge investments in Guyana. They want to protect these investments. Many people believe that whatever the western countries want will happen. But this is a mistaken view. What the western countries want is democracy, since this is the only guarantee they have that their investments will be safe. As such, they have been signaling a long time now that they want credible elections, and for the results to be respected.
Clarification
I
n a report yesterday in Kaieteur News under a headline 'Crime Chief targeting me - Roger Khan', it was stated that he was preparing to file a lawsuit against the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James; Crime Chief Michael Kingston and the Police Complaints Authority. However, it was clarified yesterday that the Police Complaints Authority is not included in the lawsuit. In fact, Khan has filed a complaint with that body.
Dem boys seh...
Don't touch li'l children
D
em always got sick people and dem boys don't mean people wid cold and fever. Dem mean people who sick in dem mind. Guyana got nuff of dem sick people. Dem boys was in de court when a magistrate send a man to jail fuh eighteen months because this man couldn't keep he hand off an eleven-year-old girl. He like to touch and he actually touch this li'l child private parts. Since he like touch he going to a place wheh men like touch men. When people go to church dem does hear who get touched by de Holy Ghost or by de Spirit. This man gun get touch, and he would be like Marmite, which is untouched by
hands. In de same court, anodda man didn't have nobody to hold him, so he fall down some steps in de prisoners' chute. Dem boys believe he throw down himself because he don't want to sleep in jail no more. He had a good life before de government change. Then he go to Canada and Soulja Bai bring him back. Everybody know that in Jagdeo time once you run you safe. Nobody wouldn't bring you back. De man come to court walking, he lef in a wheelchair. That dem boys does she, that when you wake up you never know how you going to sleep. Is de same thing wid a
state prosecutor. She do she job. She prosecute a man who burn down a house and kill three people. De prosecutor do a good job and de jury find de man guilty. De judge clap three life sentence on him. But he gun only serve 20 years because although de judge seh he not eligible for parole until 30 years, de judge was talking about jail years which is shorter than de real year. At least dem boys think so. De man pelt de prosecutor in court and he mother pick up fire rage and attack de same prosecutor. Nobody ain't hurt, but fuh sure de court got to mek sure its officers safe. Talk half and fight temptation.
The Americans, the Canadians, the British and the European Union want the will of the people to be respected, and they will lean heavily on the parties to ensure this happens. The United Nations normally does not get involved in issuing statements about elections, but this year has been exception. The United Nations Resident Representative in
Guyana has been quoted as saying that: “The dignified acceptance of the results by political parties will help to build confidence and trust in state institutions and create a foundation for cooperation beyond the election.� She said that the United Nations is willing to support peaceful elections. Life has to go on after the elections. Whoever wins will not change whether the average man has to work or
not. And so it is important that life goes on, so that people can earn their daily bread and daydream about Exxon repaying that US$55B which was left on the negotiating table. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
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Saturday February 29, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The connection between slo' fyaah/ mo' fyaah, Buxton and the NCM
T
here is no sociologist I know who writes on Guyana that has rejected the paradigm traditionally used in academic literature to describe this nation – a plural society. In Guyana, the bifurcation is almost neat. The two major race groups, whose numerical
strength is separated by a few percentage points, have little in common in the following areas - occupation, culture, religion. By culture we include fashion, aesthetics, music, sports, and marriage, among other factors. This almost neat separation also takes in the Portuguese, who virtually frown on football and cricket. To find a
Portuguese playing cricket in this country is as common as locating Jamaican businessmen in Iraq. There is nothing essentially unstable or dangerous when two separate spheres of existence live alongside each other. The perpetual danger with Guyana's ethnic bifurcation is that each sphere sees the
capture of government as important in protecting and patronizing its ethnic and cultural constituencies. In reality, these two worlds in Guyana are East Indians and Africans, and the pursuit for political and administrative power is done through political parties – PPP and PNC - that belong almost exclusively to
Indians and Africans. The plural nature of this society is more than a hundred years old, and the dangerous potentials that reside in it have come to the surface several times, with the most tragic being the internecine race violence in the first half of the sixties. There has hardly been a letup since then. A plethora of scholars and independent observers the past seventy years have argued that the violent and tragic temperatures inherent in Guyana's plural make-up can only be abated if there is some form - no matter how diluted, how weak, how amorphous - of powersharing, which can eventually bring about a secure future through constitutional reform. Two expressions, each coming from the wombs of the respective major parties – PPP and PNC – have been attempts to generate powersharing dialogues. Both have failed. These two are the bandwagon of “slo' fyaah/mo' fyaah” invented by Opposition Leader, Desmond Hoyte. “Slo' faayah/mo' fyaah” subsequently morphed into the “Buxton troubles.” The other was the plot to topple the government by the opposition PPP in 2018 through the no-confidence motion (NCM). Desmond Hoyte became a very psychologically devastated politician after he saw the direction the Cheddi Jagan government went into after it won the 1992 elections. Hoyte had broken out of his Burnhamite, Freudian prison and sought to fashion a new, multiracial, democratic Guyana. Jagan did not take a similar pathway. Hoyte resented the rule of Mrs. Jagan and Jagdeo, and figured out the 2001 election was the beginning of permanent PPP victories. “Slo' fyaah/mo' fyaah” was the planning of national resistance to weaken the PPP regime and bring it to the table. Hoyte and the PNC were demanding powersharing. It was a traditional, normal protest that almost succeeded in achieving its goal. Space would not allow for a delineation of the factors that caused its death. B r i e f l y, t h e P P P infiltrated “Slo' fyaah/mo' fyaah” with agent
Frederick Kissoon provocateurs who beat up Indian people and burned business places to make Hoyte look bad. Hoyte then caved in to the demands of civil society and the business community to douse the fire. “Slo' faayah/mo' fyaah” took up residence in Buxton from Mash Day 2002. Space would not permit an elaboration. The other attempt at power-sharing was the NCM in 2018. The PPP plotted the NCM with a deeply c h a g r i n e d A F C parliamentarian – Charrandass Persaud – who was inconsolable over what he considered was the AFC's betrayal of Guyana. The PPP found Charran a willing ally in its fight to confront the APNU+AFC regime. Two emotions overtook the PPP. It felt that it did not lose the election. Three of its top leaders pointed out the action of a very senior U.S. envoy at the time. I prefer not to say more of what I know about that individual's role. Even if it accepted it lost by a coat of varnish (the result was 50.3 percent versus 49.7 percent), the PPP felt that APNU+AFC had no moral mandate to govern Guyana as if it won a landslide. My opinion is that t h e A P N U + A F C government behaved as if it did. With an election two days away, there is talk about the need for a minority government, to force constitutional changes to bring about the eventual dissolution of winner-takesall politics that is unworkable and catastrophic in a plural society. My honest, deeply felt belief is that only a minority government can push the PPP and PNC into constitutional change. If either one wins a majority, I believe they will not change. The PPP and PNC are historical leviathans who love power and enjoy hogging it. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Saturday February 29, 2020
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Saturday February 29, 2020
“We are ready for Elections!” - GECOM T
he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) is prepared and ready to produce free, fair and credible general and regional elections on Monday. That was expressed by the Chair, (ret'd) Justice Claudette Singh S.C. as she fielded questions from media operatives at GECOM's Kingston office, following the signing of the electoral code of conduct by political parties. The Chair had been asked about what was left to be done by GECOM to prepare for elections, to which she responded “Well, I would say GECOM is ready. Everything has been done.” She then allowed Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield to apprise the media about GECOM's current operations. The Commission and its Secretariat have had to work in overdrive to ensure that it could be prepared for elections in a short period, and with considerable public pressure following public unease over the events of the December 2018 no
GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh confidence motion. Lowenfield said that GECOM is advanced in its preparation for the commencement of polls. One decision he said GECOM has recently made is to have another team of election agents from the political parties be requested to accompany the Deputy Returning Officers (DROs)
from their offices to uplift the statements of poll and boxes from presiding officers. This is to ensure there is utmost transparency in the electoral process. He explained that the DROs will deliver the statements to the Returning Officers, who will in turn deliver those to the Chief Elections Officer.
Lowenfield was asked whether GECOM has contemplated a timeline for the declaration of election results. All he offered is that GECOM hopes to get that done at the earliest possible time, as it is difficult to ascertain exactly how long the process will take, as well as the possibility of an election petition. The Guyana Press Association (GPA) had recently criticised GECOM for its sloth in responding to critical questions of national interest posed to the entity by media operatives. Of this, Lowenfield said that the media centre established at the Ashmin's building in downtown Georgetown will
be working diligently to inform the public of matters of interest throughout the period. Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward informed the media last night that GECOM's review of the Opposition's proposition for a decongestion of polling stations in certain People's Progressive Party (PPP) strongholds was completed. The number of polling stations remains at 2,339. Ward said that some polling stations in Mon Repos were re-located. Previously, the 18 polling stations for that village were cramped into just two schools. Ward said that there would now be five polling places, instead of two. With
respect to Foulis, the polling place at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) there has been moved to Jai's workshop, Ward said. No adjustment was stated for the third location identified by the Opposition, Chesney, Corentyne. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e People's Progressive Party (PPP) noted in a statement yesterday that the police commissioner Leslie James gave assurance of the Force's readiness to provide adequate security measures for the elections. He reportedly stated that ranks will be deployed to secure all polling places, as well as to ensure security arrangements for ballot boxes.
Triple murder convict assaults prosecutor after jailed for life
S
entenced to life imprisonment for the Sophia triple murders, 51-year-old Gavin Graham yesterday launched an attack on State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, dousing her with a non-corrosive liquid substance. The assault occurred at around 15:30 hours in the courtroom of Justice Sandil Kissoon. Justice Kissoon, who is presiding over criminal trials at the Demerara Assizes at the Georgetown High Court, had just finished imposing sentences of life imprisonment on Graham, when he (Graham) decided to lash out at the State Attorney. The man, who stood in the prisoner's dock just a few metres away from the Prosecutor, hurled insults at her before picking of the bottle of liquid within his hand reach and tossing it across the courtroom in her direction.
Drenched in the substance, Prosecutor Lyken fled the courtroom, as police ranks standing nearby the dock sought to restrain the infuriated prisoner. He nevertheless continued to shout threats and insults in the direction of the Prosecutor and the Judge as the officers sought to restrain him. The outburst caused members of the jury and others present at the hearing to flee the courtroom. Even as he was shackled and taken to the holding area for prisoners at the lower level of the Supreme Court, Graham continued threatening and cursing State Counsel. The ruckus drew a crowd of Court staff and curious onlookers. The attack on Lyken, however, did not stop there, as Graham's mother, who was also present at the proceedings, trailed the lawyer to her car where she continued to pour more of the substance on her.
Dead: Tabola Abrams
Sentenced to life: Gavin Graham The woman, who is said to be in her seventies, was detained for the assault and taken to Brickdam Police Station. Graham, of Lot 16 River Valley, Wismar, Linden, was convicted on three counts of murder for the unlawful killing of his ex-lover, Ta b o l a A b r a m s , h e r boyfriend Shawn Whyte and (continued on page 31)
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Law mandates all hospitals to report diseases of int'l concern to Health Ministry - CMO
T
he law requires that all hospitals, including private facilities, report to the Ministry of Public Health all diseases of international concern. This is according to Chief Medical Officer [ C M O ] , D r. S h a m d e o Persaud, as he alluded to plans engaged by the Ministry to counter any possible case of the novel coronavirus. While some of the
diseases of international concern are well known, Dr. Persaud pointed out that there are some that health workers may not be familiar with, and, therefore, hospitals must bring them to the attention of the Ministry. “We have named some [diseases] but if there are unusual occurrences [they have to notify us] because most times we may not know what it is [such as] a disease [detected] in a traveller or
[caused] by a particular condition...,” said Dr. Persaud. According to the CMO, “we have about eight syndromes that we manage including fever with haemorrhage, fever with joint pains, diarrhoeal diseases; we have even included sexually transmitted infections and skin conditions too, because some persons might present [with that].”
Dr. Persaud, who was sharing these views on Kaieteur Radio's Your Health Matters, revealed that the Ministry, through his office, also requires that hospitals report cases where persons are exposed to chemicals or radioactive material. “If they show signs or symptoms of any of those, they have to immediately notify the Chief Medical Officer, and we take it from there.” With the global coronavirus threat, the Ministry has been relying heavily on its surveillance capacity. “In order to ensure efficiency of surveillance, I have epidemiology nurses and surveillance officers who would also be regularly interacting with them at both public and private facilities,” said Dr. Persaud. He revealed too that there are some smaller facilities that “we are working on now, and of recent we were able to identify from some graduates at the University of Guyana, some extra surveillance officers. We have one now on the Essequibo Coast, another young lady in Region Six, who is also getting the system fully operational there, and we are looking at some of the other areas.” In the outlying areas such as in Linden, Bartica, Mahdia, Mabaruma and Lethem, Dr. Persaud said “we have point persons who have been working along...they have already been engaged with us due to the migrant situation with the Venezuelans and to
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud monitor their health conditions too. We are building on these things as we go along.” Given the surveillance capacity that the Ministry has been building, Dr. Persaud said that the Ministry is not required to set up a new team with the emergence of “every new disease”. “The same team, we are upgrading their knowledge, we are providing them with additional training. I myself and my Deputy, Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle, we have been going out, we have done training at all the ports. I have gone to Mahdia, Dr. Boyle went to Lethem, so we are fanning out a lot...we were in Region Six doing some training [and] we plan to expand even more on this effort,” Dr. Persaud assured. Classified as COVID-19, this novel coronavirus has been regarded a global threat. However, the CMO has noted that to safeguard
one's self could be as simple as embracing rigid hygienic measures, including regular washing of the hands. In dealing with the threat of the virus here, CMO said, “Our point of contact would be anyone who has travelled to China within the last 21 days and we have extended even for persons coming from that region [Asia]. “A lot of times persons may go through, because of travel routes and airlines and so on, Korea, Japan or to Singapore; there are varying ways, so we track those also,” said Dr. Persaud. As a result of this threat, passengers arriving in Guyana are required to undergo health checks, including a temperature check, and a detailed questionnaire is completed with them, Dr. Persaud said, as a means of acquiring necessary information about their travels. Thus far there have been about 53 persons who were flagged and screened upon entry, Dr. Persaud revealed. “So far, of the 53, we have had four, including a child, who wasn't well. [For] those persons we sent out medical teams directly to their homes wherever possible...,” said Dr. Persaud who assured that their symptoms were eventually ruled out as coronavirus. About two other persons have reportedly been screened at private hospitals and their symptoms were eventually ruled out as the virus. In fact, according to Dr. Persaud, one of the persons screened was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.
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2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1525 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND M AT R I M O N I A L JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-1525 BETWEEN:(ETWAROO) DIANNE nee SKEETE Petitioner/ Applicant –and(ETWAROO) DESMOND Respondent TO: DESMOND ETWAROO (Last Known Address) Lot 55 New Road Vreed-enHoop West Coast Demerara, Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 20th day of December, 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by DIANNE ETWAROO nee SKEETE the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 27th day of January, 2020 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) Consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire
LEGAL NOTICE 1 CONTD
LEGAL NOTICE 2 CONTD
Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) an Answer and/ or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28 (twenty-eight) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday 15th day of April, 2020 at 9:00am in Family Court of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/ Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts (Georgetown, Demerara). The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 30th day of January, 2020
TAKE NOTICE that on the 22nd day of November, 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by CANDACY ROMONA HILL nee ANGUS the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 4th day of February, 2020 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) Consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/ or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28 (twenty-eight) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 31st day of March, 2020 at 9:30am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.
LEGAL NOTICE 2 2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1423 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND M AT R I M O N I A L JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-1423 BETWEEN:HILL (CANDACY ROMONA) nee ANGUS Petitioner –and- HILL (DARON PAUL) Respondent TO: DARON PAUL HILL Formerly of: Lot 198 Block E, South Sophia, Guyana
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts (Georgetown, Demerara). The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 6 th day of February,2020
(continued on page 26)
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Kaieteur News
Saturday February 29, 2020
Mahdia bus driver shot dead during armed confrontation From page 7 bullet struck Gomes instead. He collapsed and was rushed to the Mahdia Public Hospital, but later succumbed to his injury while receiving medical attention. It was reported that while Gomes did receive several chop wounds, it was the gunshot wound that caused his demise. The body is presently at Lyken's Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy. Kaieteur News was also informed that Gomes' relatives, after hearing the news of his demise, stormed the Mahdia Hospital and began destroying furniture. Sources close to the investigations revealed that the Police Sergeant has since been placed under close arrest, while the miner was arrested.
LEGAL NOTICE 3 2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1446 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-1446 BETWEEN:SUKMANGAL (TARAMATIE) nee RAMPERSAUD Petitioner –vSUKMANGAL (KHEMRAJ) Respondent
TO: KHEMRAJ SUKMANGAL (Last Known Address) Lot 150 Montrose, East Coast Demerara, Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 28th day of November, 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by TARAMATIE SUKMANGAL nee RAMPERSAUD the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 13th day TO LET of January, 2020 the Petitioner Decent working couples, One was directed to effect service bedroom apartment in of her Petition on you by Georgetown, Parking & Tele- publication of this Notice in phone $45,000. Tel# 623-8759/ two (2) Consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News 675-7842 Newspapers, a daily printed, LEGAL NOTICE 3 CONTD Newspaper published and circulated in proceed in your absence and and around Guyana and on may make any Order it the Worldwide Web (Online). considers appropriate, AND FURTHER TAKE including granting the NOTICE that if you desire Divorce. you may appear or attend in The Registry of the Family person or by your duly Division of the High Court is authorized agent or Attorneylocated at the Law Courts at-Law at the Registry of the (Georgetown, Demerara). The Family Division of the High office is open to the public Court at Georgetown, between 8:00am and 3:30pm Demerara where you will be Mondays to Thursdays and issued with a certified copy 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays of the Petition together with except on public holidays related documents. and on such other days as the AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Registry is closed. Defend this Divorce, then Dated the 15thth day of upon receipt of the certified January, 2020 copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28 (twenty-eight) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday 16th day March, 2020 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 29, 2020
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Cash-jet pilot loses $100M private hangar - given permission to lawsuit against CJIA take movable property
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pilot who built a private hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) but is now in jail in the United States, has lost a $100M lawsuit against the entity. Khamraj Lall had sued the airport back in 2016 after his licence to use the hangar was not renewed. He wanted court orders that would compel the airport to allow him continue use of the hangar so that he could have recovered $600M he had sunk into the construction. CJIA was defended in the matter by Andrew Pollard, SC, and Gina MacedoSingh, Esq., of Hughes, Fields & Stoby. Lall was represented by C.V. Satram of Satram & Satram. In the High Court, Justice Diana Insanally found that Lall had committed the illegality of constructing the hangar without first obtaining building permission from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), which was itself a breach of the licence. It was also found that there were no equitable
considerations in land law in Guyana, and accordingly, the orders the Plaintiff was seeking - claiming that CJIA had encouraged him to make the expenditure and was therefore equitably obliged to renew the licence until he had recouped his investment - could not be granted. Lall, who is in a US jail serving a 13-year sentence for money laundering and other charges, is the owner of the Exec Jet Club, which operated a private jet charter service at the CJIA. In 2012, Lall was authorised by the Government of Guyana to construct a hangar at the airport. He signed a licence agreement with the CJIA where he was allowed the use and occupation of a plot of land for a term of three years. Lall built the hangar and commenced air charter operations between Guyana and several foreign countries. In November of 2014, Lall was arrested in Puerto Rico on allegations of money-laundering (US$600,000). He pleaded
The private hangar at the CJIA
Lost lawsuit: Khamraj Lall
guilty. The following year, he was arrested in New J e r s e y o n c h a rg e s o f trafficking in narcotics between Guyana and the U.S.A. In the course of the trial, it emerged that Lall had used his private jet for trafficking in narcotics, and operated these flights from the hangar at Timehri, according to court documents in the lawsuit. The plaintiff's licence expired in October 2015, with CJIA refusing to renew it. This led to the claim by Lall. The judge ruled that
CJIA was a statutory corporation, and as such was a separate legal entity, independent of the Government of Guyana. She found that although Lall had not directly proven that the Government did authorise him to carry out his Exec Jet project and to expend the $600M he claimed he did, even if it had, any agreement would have been between the plaintiff and the Government. As such, this could not automatically be binding on CJIA. The judge found no
Convicted ex-GRDB accountant collapses in prisoners' chute
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esterday, just over two weeks after he was convicted for omitting $145M from a Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) ledger, the entity's ex-accountant Peter Ramcharran, who is serving a three-year jail sentence, collapsed in the prisoners' chute. Ramcharran, who still faces several similar charges, was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for report and fixture for another trial. The convict, who was handcuffed and shackled, was escorted by police ranks to the prisoner's chute. From there, he was expected to make his way into the courtroom. However, after a few minutes elapsed, police ranks were seen rushing to the chute. Ramcharran never made it into the courtroom. Instead, police ranks found him lying at the bottom of the stairs with blood pouring
Peter Ramcharran from his face. He appeared to be unconscious. Emergency
Medical Technicians were called in. After some time, Ramcharran regained consciousness. His mother also came to his aid. Ramcharran was then strapped in a wheelchair and placed in an ambulance. Ramcharran was scheduled to receive statements yesterday for the commencement of trials into the other charges against him. The offences, according to SOCU, took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, at GRDB's Lot 16-17 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown headquarters. Ramcharran was sentenced to three years imprisonment for one of the five falsifications of account charges. Based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the remaining four charges will be tried in one. The matter was adjourned to March 11, for report and fixture. Ramcharran was found guilty for omitting $145M
from the rice entity's ledger. Chief Magistrate McLennan in giving a synopsis of her ruling, held that SOCU Prosecutor Patrice Henry was able to prove all the elements of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. The Magistrate underscored that she is of the view that Ramcharran intended to willfully deprive the entity of the monies with his unlawful action. It was on March 6, 2019, that Ramcharran, 39, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, made his first court appearance before Chief Magistrate McLennan following his extradition. He was slapped with 39 fraud-related charges. The charges leveled against him alleged that he fraudulently c o n v e r t e d a n d misappropriated funds. The offences, according to SOCU, took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, at GRDB's Lot 16-17 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown headquarters.
evidence that CJIA had agreed to either the project or the expenditure, or had done anything other than authorise the plaintiff to use the land for the three-year term. In fact, the court found that there was no provision in the licence for any automatic renewal, and Lall failed to prove he was
entitled to this. She dismissed the plaintiff's claim, and ordered him to pay costs of $100,000 t o t h e C J I A . The good news for Lall was that the court allowed him to collect all or any chattels/movable property he had stored at the hangar when the licence had expired. Lall, who was based in New Jersey, was sentenced (continued on page 29)
Taxi driver sent to jail for inappropriately touching girl, 11
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ne year after he was charged for touching the private parts of an 11-yearold girl, Rishi Seepersaud, 40, a taxi driver, of Station Street, Kitty, was yesterday found guilty of the offence and jailed. The sentencing was handed down by Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. The defendant was out on $100,000 bail during the trial of the matter. The Magistrate ruled that she found sufficient evidence against the defendant, and as a result sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment. Seepersaud had pleaded not guilty to the charge, which had stated that on September 8, 2018, at McDoom Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. The matter was held in camera and members of the public and media were asked to exit the courtroom. A c c o r d i n g t o information, on the day in question, the child was a passenger in Seepersaud's vehicle and while in the vicinity of McDoom Public
Jailed: Rishi Seepersaud Road, he parked his vehicle, turned up his music volume and touched the child's private parts. The child then told her mother what transpired and the matter was reported to the police. An investigation was carried out. Seepersaud was later arrested and charged for the offence.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday February 29, 2020
8 Scientific Facts Everyone Should Know About Leap Day By Ethan Siegel (Republished from Forbes.com)
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metrics. First, it only takes the Earth 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds to rotate through 360°. But secondly, because the Earth moves through space in its orbit around the Sun, it has to rotate a little bit extra to position the Sun in the same relative location as it was in the previous day. That extra bit of required motion is what makes days, on average, 24 hours.
nce every four years, at least under most circumstances, humanity inserts an extra day into our calendar year to help keep time: Leap Day. February 29 is a date that only rarely graces our lives, but plays an enormously important role: to keep our annual calendar and the passing of the seasons aligned over very long timescales. Despite a bizarre historical origin and a series of urban legends surrounding it, Leap Day exists for scientific, not superstitious, reasons. Without a Leap Day, the physics of planet Earth would quickly cause the seasons to move out-of-phase with our annual calendar, and the equinoxes and solstices would drift around the days, months and seasons. In fact, if we did Leap Day every four years without fail, things wouldn't line up very well, either. Only if we properly account for our planet's axial rotation and revolution around the Sun can we keep our calendar correct, and that's what Leap Day is all about. Here are eight scientific facts everyone should know.
2.) Some days are actually longer than others. Have you ever wondered why the earliest sunrise and latest sunset don't occur on the summer solstice, and why the latest sunrise and earliest sunset don't line up with the winter solstice? It's because the Earth orbits the Sun in an ellipse, which means when the Earth is closest to the Sun (perihelion) it moves at its fastest, and when it's farthest from the Sun (aphelion), it moves most slowly. Combine that with the fact that perihelion/aphelion doesn't line up with either the solstices or equinoxes, and you'll find that some days have less than 24 hours while others have more. The 24 hour day that we're used to is just an average of all the days throughout the year, and even at that, they don't line up perfectly.
1.) There are not really 24 hours in every day. The Earth's motion has two basic parts: our rotational motion around our axis and our revolutionary motion around the Sun. Typically, we think about our rotation as lasting 24 hours, which is why a day is 24 hours, and our revolution as requiring 365 days, which is why a year is 365 days long. O n l y, t h e s e e ff e c t s a r e inseparable, as both motions are always occurring. If Earth were totally stationary, remaining in the same position, then a full rotation through all 360° would equate to a day. But that full 360° rotation isn't a day: it's slightly less by two
3.) The Earth completing one revolution around the Sun doesn't add up to a calendar year. I n a s t r o n o m y, a s i n mathematics, a complete revolution is defined as when the Earth returns to the same position it occupied in space a full 360° orbit ago. In astronomy, this is what we call a sidereal (sigh-DEER-ee-ul) year, or the amount of time it takes the Earth to return to the same relative position it occupied earlier with respect to the Sun. But a sidereal year is not the same as a calendar (also known as a tropical) year. The Earth rotates on its axis while it revolves around the Sun, and that axis precesses over time, which means that the Earth is
oriented slightly differently with respect to the Sun when it completes one astronomical revolution versus the year prior. The difference between a sidereal and a tropical year is small - only about 20 minutes - but that means a calendar year, which is what you need to make the seasons line up, is actually 20 minutes shorter than a full revolution around the Sun. 4.) The combined effects of Earth's axial rotation, orbital revolution, and precession give an uneven number of days in the year. Now we're getting to the fun stuff. If you do the math to the best of our knowledge, you wind up figuring out that there are 365.242188931 days in a true calendar year. This is not an even number. If we had 365 days in a year each year, each passing century would throw our calendar out of whack by almost a full month. If we put a single Leap Day every four years, we'd account for 365.25 days on an annual basis, which is very close but not quite right. In fact, this is what the old Julian Calendar, which we followed for ~1,600 years, did to account for the years. By the late 1500s, this difference was so apparent (our calendar was off by about 10 too many days), that the calendar needed to be revised. In Italy, Poland, Spain, and Portugal, the dates October 5 through 14, in 1582, never existed. Other countries skipped those 10 days at a later date; Isaac Newton was born on Christmas Day in England only because they hadn't skipped those dates by 1642. Elsewhere in the world, Newton was born in January 4, 1643. 5.) The Gregorian calendar accounts for Leap Days extraordinarily well. The way we make up for the mismatch of our calendar year with the demands of Earth's combined motions is brilliant and relatively simple: every year that is divisible
by 4 is a leap year, unless it's also divisible by 100 but not 400, in which case it's not a leap year. This means that 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, etc., will all be leap years, because they're all divisible by 4. But if your year marks the turn-of-the-century, it's only a leap year if it's also divisible by 400. The year 2000 was a leap year, but 1900 wasn't and 2100 won't be. All told, the adoption of the Gregorian calendar gives us 365.2425 days in a year, which means we won't be off by even a single day until more than 3,200 years have gone by, at which time we might want to skip another Leap Day down the road. If we excluded every year that's divisible by 3200 from having a Leap Day, we wouldn't be off by a single day until ~700,000 years passed. 6.) Over the long term, we'll need to change our calendar yet again. If everything were constant ?— our rotation rate, our axial tilt's orientation, and our orbital motion around the Sun ?— this calendar would be practically perfect, but only for now. Every time there's an earthquake, our rotation rate slightly speeds up, but that effect is swamped by the gravitational effects of the Sun and Moon on the Earth, which slow us down. The slow-down effect is known as tidal braking, and clocks in at an average of 14 microseconds per year. That might seem negligible, but over time, it really adds up. If we examine the daily patterns that the tides imprinted on our soil from long ago, known as tidal rhythmites, we can calculate what Earth's rotation rate used to be. 620 million years ago, just before the Cambrian explosion, our day was a little under 22 hours long, which means that back when Earth first formed, our day was only 6-to-8 hours long. The lengthening days mean that, as time goes on, we'll need fewer and fewer days to complete a tropical year. 7.) In four million years, Leap Days will be unnecessary. This extraordinarily slow effect of tidal braking will start to become important as the millennia continue to tick by. While right now, we're only adding a single leap second every 18 months or so to accommodate it, the day continues to lengthen. After another 4 million years go by on Earth, the day will lengthen by another 56 seconds: the
exact amount necessary for a tropical year to require exactly 365 days. At that point approaches, we'll want to first reduce the number of Leap Days and later get rid of them altogether, as they'll become completely unnecessary. If humans are still around and keeping calendars at that point, we'll want to think about further transitions, as we're going to need to begin skipping days (in a reverse-Leap Day scenario) in order to keep our seasons aligned with our calendar. 8.) The ultimate fate of the Earth-Moon system will be wildly different from what we experience today. As the effect of tidal braking continues, not only will Earth's rotation slow down, but the Moon will slowly spiral away from the Earth. In a few hundred million (but less than one billion) years, the Moon will be so distant from Earth that there will no longer be any total solar eclipses; they will all be annular instead. Assuming we survive the Sun's transformation into a red giant and planetary nebula/white dwarf combination, a day on Earth and the Moon's orbital period will both lengthen until they match: until they both take about 47 of our modern days, which will occur ~50 billion years in the future. Instead of the same face of the Moon always pointing towards the spinning Earth, the Moon and Earth will be mutually locked, just as Pluto and Charon are with one another today. **** We should all appreciate the need for Leap Days; without them, the Earth's seasons, equinoxes, and solstices would all shift over time, rather than falling on the same date year after year. But, simultaneously, we should also appreciate that the length of a day is not constant, just as the number of days in a year is not constant. As time goes on and the Earth's rotation continues to slow, we'll need fewer and fewer days to make up a full calendar year, which will mean we'll require a constantly changing calendar system. But for now, particularly on the scale of a human lifetime, the Gregorian calendar — where Leap Days occur every 4 years but not on centuries that aren't also divisible by 400 year intervals — will do just fine. Enjoy your extra day this year however you see fit, and remember that without these Leap Days, our calendar simply wouldn't add up.
Saturday February 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Meditating sisters escape unhurt as fire strikes at Yoga Centre
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fire of unknown o r i g i n , yesterday, badly damaged the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre located in Kingston, Georgetown. The incident occur around 04:30hrs, luckily the persons that were in the building at that time escaped uninjured. Two sisters were inside the building meditating when the lights in the building suddenly went out and the fire started. It reportedly lasted for an hour. One of the sisters who identified herself as
Parbattie Singh stated that “Me and my sister were meditating when I heard this banging sound. At first I thought it was something minor, but after the loud noise there was thick black smoke coming from the other end.” “When I saw the smoke all I could have done was grab my sister and run out the building. I was so confused I did not even called the fire station” According to Ms. Singh, she and her sister have been using the yoga centre for meditating purposes for the
past two years, and they have never encountered any problem. Due to the wooden structure, the fire spread quickly and destroyed the building. In an interview, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle stated that the roof of the yoga centre was severely damaged and that there was structural damage to other parts of the building. According to Mr. Gentle, in order to contain the blaze, four fire tenders were at the scene of the incident loaded with water. “We got a call at 04:34hrs. When we got here
Man critical after shot during fight over bar stool at night club
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fight at the popular Blue Martini Club over who initially sat on a stool, turned bloody, with one man being shot twice. The injured man, 51year-old Neil Dutchin of Lot 4 North Road, Bourda, is currently at a private city hospital, and is said to be in a critical condition. The incident occurred yesterday at around 2:30am. Police reports indicate that Dutchin was at the bar located at Lamaha and De Abreu Streets, Newtown, imbibing with a friend - a construction worker. They were sitting at the bar. Dutchin reportedly left to use the washroom
facilities and returned shortly after to find the suspect sitting in his seat. Dutchin is said to have informed the man that he was “sitting in the seat first” and a heated argument ensued between the two. The suspect then left the bar. Thinking that was end, Dutchin and his friend resumed imbibing, but this was soon disrupted again as the suspect returned with another individual, armed with a handgun. They confronted Dutchin and another argument ensued. Dutchin was then shot twice - once to the right side abdomen and once to his upper left thigh. The shooter and his
accomplice then ran out of the bar, and boarded a waiting white car which sped away east on Lamaha Street. Dutchin was picked up in a bloodied state and rushed to the hospital where he was admitted and remains in a critical condition. He had to undergo surgery to remove the bullet from his abdomen. Police later visited the scene and according to sources, no spent shell or fingerprints were found. However, Kaieteur News was informed that a broken number plate matching the one on the getaway car was recovered.
Cash-jet pilot loses $100M private... From page 15 ate last year for trafficking hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into New Jersey and N e w Yo r k , a n d t h e n laundering over US$10.2 million in cash drug proceeds. Lall, 52, of Ringwood, New Jersey, was found guilty previously by a federal jury in Trenton, of all eight counts of a superseding indictment, including counts charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, structuring monetary instruments, and conspiracy to commit money laundering and structuring. According to documents filed in the case and the evidence at trial: From April 2011 through November 2014, Lall, a private pilot, smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from
Guyana to New Jersey and New York on his privatelyowned jet aircraft and then laundered the proceeds. Lall used the proceeds of his cocaine empire to purchase jet planes, houses, and cars. He also paid over US$2M in cash stuffed into suitcases to a Florida contractor to build an airplane hangar in Guyana. Over a 3-½ year period, Lall also made (or had others make) 1,287 cash deposits totaling approximately US$7.5M into more than 20 different bank accounts in New Jersey and New York, much of it in $20 bills. In order to avoid detection and circumvent bank reporting laws, all 1,287 deposits were for amounts less than $10,000. In November 2014, Lall was flying one of his jets from the U.S. to Guyana and
stopped in Puerto Rico to refuel. An outbound search of the plane uncovered $470,000 in cash stuffed into a suitcase hidden in the tail of the plane, and another $150,000 in cash hidden under a seat. In addition to the prison term, Lall was sentenced to five years of supervised release. The Court previously ordered Lall to forfeit his interest in two jets, two airplane hangars, multiple properties, a Lexus SUV, among other property traceable to his crimes. The Court also entered a money judgment against Lall for US$9.3M. The hangar at Timehri was seized by Government because of non-payment of the lease. Lall has lost his flying and other licences.
The burning building with four trucks, this building was on fire and we were able to extinguish the fire, there is severe damage to the top of the building and the ground floor also has some damage.”
When interviewed, security guard Navindra Narine, who was on duty at the time, said he observed that the fire started on the northern side of the building. The yoga centre is
located next to a recently constructed complex which currently houses the observer Mission of the European Union. An investigation has been launched.
Community in shock over Rose Hall businessman's gruesome death
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n outpouring of tributes flooded social media when the news sank in that popular businessman Lomenzo "Sham" Johnny had been brutally murdered just a short distance away from his home and business. The community of Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town and from nearby villages were in absolute shock when they learnt of the businessman's demise. Described as a quiet, pleasant philanthropist who "never troubled anyone", Johnny's death and the circumstances surrounding it continue to be investigated by investigators in Berbice. President of the Rose
Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and friend of the deceased man Hilbert Foster said via a Facebook post that it was “the worst day ever” when he heard the news. He said he was preparing to head to Georgetown that day when he heard that his "friend and supporter" was murdered by some "sick minds". He recalled that Johnny was always eager to partner with him and his club "to make a positive difference in the lives of many". Foster said the last time he heard from the businessman was on Monday evening. "I shall miss him dearly and our (continued on page 31)
Dead: Lomenzo ‘Sham’ Johnny
The home of the businessman
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Hit-and-run death of teen…
Driver denies owning damaged car registered in his name
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alram Nellie, the driver who police have detained in relation to the death of 17-year-old Kwon Trotz, is denying ownership of a vehicle that is registered in his name. This is according to police officials, who also said that the 21-year-old is insisting that he is not the individual who struck down Trotz. Nellie, of St Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo, turned himself over to police on Thursday, just a few hours after a wanted bulletin was issued for him. Police had found a To y o t a D e l t a , l i c e n c e number PYY 2003, in a container last Saturday at Da Silva Beach, East Bank Essequibo. An official said that the vehicle, which was damaged at the front, is registered to Nellie. Police have also questioned a woman who assisted in purchasing the car and allegedly arranged to have it hidden. They said that fragments at the accident
The damaged car
The container in which the vehicle was stashed scene appeared to have come from the vehicle. Kwon Trotz, a labourer, was struck and killed at around 23:00 hrs on Friday, February 14, on the Farm Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. The accident occurred a short distance from the young man's home and the driver fled the scene.
Balram Nellie
Saturday February 29, 2020
Woman dies after being struck by car driven by cop
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58-year-old pedal cyclist was on Saturday last killed after she was struck down while riding along the Anna Catherina Public Road, West Coast Demerara. Dead is Romona Hunt called “Mitzy.” A c c o r d i n g t o information received, the woman was hit by a car being driven by a Corporal attached to the Leonora Police Station. Kaieteur News was informed that the accident occurred at around 22:30hrs. The woman was on her bicycle when the vehicle, with licence plates PNN 5547, struck her as the driver attempted to overtake another car. The dead woman's sister, Penelope Kirton told Kaieteur News that her sister was returning from a nearby grocery shop when she was hit. As a result of the impact, the woman sustained severe injuries about her body. “She went to the shop to get some stuff and was already on the other side of
Dead: Romona Hunt called “Mitzy” the road with her bicycle when this car passed and hit her down.” The woman stated that family members obtained CCTV footage of the accident. The same was seen by Kaieteur News. “He was speeding, and you see in the video, he pitch her body one way and bicycle pitch another way.” The woman was picked (continued on page 31)
Saturday February 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Triple murder convict assaults prosecutor after... From page 12 stepfather, Clifford Sampson. The three persons died of injuries they sustained after their home at Lot 636 'C' Field Sophia was set ablaze by Graham. During the trial, State Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken, Tuanna Hardy and Nafeeza Baig presented the case that Graham set fire to the twostorey house which was at the time occupied by Abrams, her paramour and stepfather, and about 10 other individuals including children, after the woman ended their six-year
relationship. In her testimony, the victim's sister Candacy Buelow had described the address as a “family yard” where several relatives occupied a two-storey property. In recounting the events leading up to the fire, she said that on the day in question she arrived at home around 18:15hrs and went to her sister's home to borrow a DVD player. She said that her sister told her something and she warned her about Graham. On another occasion, Buelow said her sister received a phone call
from Graham, and again, she issued her a warning about the man. According to the witness, her boyfriend arrived at home around 22:00hrs and they got into a heated argument. After things calmed down, Buelow said she heard the dogs barking in the yard and ventured outside to see what was wrong. The woman said she looked around the yard and saw no one. As a result, Buelow said she went back inside of her home and secured the doors. She said awhile after, she heard a loud
Community in shock over Rose... From page 29 cricket and charity work have lost a great supporter", he said. He is calling on the police to capture the perpetrators who senselessly murdered "this special human being". Foster said Johnny did not deserve to leave the earth the way he did, because he was a "decent person with the kindest heart". Meanwhile, other prominent members of society in Berbice have also sent out tributes to the man they held in high esteem. Businessmen and their families from Rose Hall and Port Mourant who knew him well also described him as one of the kindest persons, someone who assisted the less fortunate and appreciated everyone from the communities. He was regarded as one
of the few persons who always greets his customers with a smile when they enter his shop. Many customers who were present when his body was found, had said that whenever they visit his shop to purchase items he would greet them and carry on conversations. A few also said that he was free handed and always gave "a small change" to them when asked. One person who was not related to Johnny burst out in tears and simply said "He didn't deserve this". Shiran Ramnauth, a former TV Editor from Berbice expressed that "he would always help with groceries (food items) and give them to persons that can't afford it. I am also aware that when schools seek donations, he never questions them, but willingly gives".
Woman dies after... From page 30 up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy was conducted by State Pathologist Nehaul Singh who determined the cause of death to be as a result of multiple injuries.
Meanwhile, Regional Commander, Superintendent Simon McBean told Kaieteur News that the rank has been placed under open arrest as investigations continue. As it relates to charges, Commander McBean stated that a file is being prepared to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.
Meanwhile, the three persons that were arrested still remain in custody as police continue to investigate. Lomenzo Johnny was found in a swamp in a farm lot, by two construction workers who turned up to work early Thursday morning. His face was covered in blood and there were wounds to his head, his feet were bound with a shoelace from his sneakers that was thrown near his body along with other pieces of his clothing. A scissors and a piece of wood, believed to be the murder weapons, were also near the body. Johnny had ventured from his premises on Wednesday night for a jog, as he usually did every evening. The keys to the premises were kept on him. His killers, after committing the grisly act, reportedly went to his home and shop, located some 300 metres and ransacked his home. They took a safe that may have contained cash and other valuables. Police had said that a .25 pistol with 28 matching rounds were found in the upper flat of Johnny's home and shop. The perpetrators did not find them, since they were stashed away.
explosion and went outside, only to see her sister's home on fire. Buelow told the jury that she began calling out for her mother and sister for them to wake up, because everyone was sleeping. In tears, Buelow said that as the house was on fire, she heard her sister screaming, as efforts were being made to open the door to her home. When the door finally opened, the witness said that her sister, her sister's boyfriend, her niece and other relatives ran out of the house. When her sister came out of the home, Buelow said her nightgown was on fire, and relatives had to scramble clothing from a nearby line for her. She recounted “We had to lash the fire off of her.” Graham had denied all charges. And even in the face of unanimous guilty verdicts by a mixed twelve-member jury panel for all three deaths, the man maintained that he had nothing to do with the death; that he was set up. “I don't know anything about this case here,” Graham told the Judge in
response to the guilty verdicts. Attorney -at -law, Ravindra Mohabir sought to provide the court with a plea of mitigation on behalf of the convicted felon. He failed in his attempt, as Justice Kissoon found that there were no mitigating circumstances in the facts provided to the Court. The Judge handed down a decision in keeping with the appeal made by the State Counsel. Lyken told the Court that Graham had rightfully been found guilty of the crimes. She noted that three innocent lives had been lost at the account of Graham, who premeditated on the act before committing it. The Prosecutor noted that it was a clear case of murder. “Imagine waking up and finding yourself trapped in a fire in your own home. A fire caused by this man!” “ I am saying that he wilfully committed the act; he premeditated, left his home miles away, purchased gasoline and travelled to Sophia , where he doused the home of his ex- lover and her family before setting it alight with the occupants inside,” Lyken said
The Prosecutor noted that not only did he cause the loss of life for three adults but he could have killed more people, including children, who were also occupants. “This is a clear instance of domestic violence, it tore an entire family apart; children have been left without parents “the prosecutor added She asked the Court to impose a sentence which would send a message to society that such acts would not be condoned. Additionally, Lyken called on a female relative of the deceased to provide the Court with a victim impact statement. The woman told the court that their family was severely impacted by the incident. “We are still trying to heal and find closure and we are glad that some type of justice has been served,” the woman said, moments before Justice Kissoon sentenced Graham to life in prison with a possibility of parole after serving 30 years for each murder. The Judge noted, however, that the sentences will run concurrently.
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East Bank gearing up for Sports Extra Inter Village Tournament
Women’s T20 World Cup: India beat New Zealand by three runs BBC Sport - India survived a late scare to edge past New Zealand by three runs in a thrilling finish to secure their place in the semifinals of the Women’s T20 World Cup. India reached 133-8, with Shafali Verma, 16, again impressing with 46. Amelia Kerr’s magnificent 34 from 24 balls then gave New Zealand hope, but they fell just short. India are two points clear at the top of Group A with a maximum six points from their first three games. They play Sri Lanka in their final group game in Melbourne today, New Zealand faced Bangladesh at the same venue yesterday. Asked to bat first by New
Zealand, India, who had beaten Australia and Bangladesh in their first two group games, once again got off to a fine start thanks to Verma. The teenager continued her impressive tournament with her 46 coming off just 34 deliveries, featuring four fours and three sixes, though she was dropped twice on 25 and 32. India looked well set at 802 after 11 overs, but the spin of Leigh Kasperek (1-19) and Kerr (2-21) helped to drag the match back into New Zealand’s favour, with India losing five wickets for 31 runs in the middle order. New Zealand struggled early in their reply, with Poonam Yadav claiming the
- Registration starts this weekend
Shafali Verma has scored 114 runs in three innings so far at the T20 World Cup. (Getty Images) key wicket of captain Sophie Devine - who had reached 50 in her last six innings - for 14. But, after being reduced 39-3 from eight overs, Maddy Green (24) and Katey Martin (25) rebuilt the innings. When Martin went to leave New Zealand 90-5 with
Saturday February 29, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There is such a thing as being too honest, Aries. You've experienced in the past how your determination to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth can cause hurt feelings. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You want nothing more than to be alone today. For that to happen, you need to turn off your phone, shut off the computer, and hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't be surprised if a lot of uninvited visitors show up today. You could host an impromptu social event as neighbors stop by to bring news of changes in the area. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can expect to run a lot of errands today, even though you would probably prefer to stay at home. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You have energy to burn, Leo, and you intend to use it. Ask friends to join you in the park. Or set up a roundrobin tennis match for the afternoon. Enjoy your day outdoors, but take care not to push too hard. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you could receive word of a promotion or exciting new challenge at work. Although this is something you've wanted for a long time, you may hesitate to accept immediately.
Saturday February 29, 2020
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Money and friendship rarely mix, Libra. Keep this in mind today if a friend hits you up for a loan. You'd be better off helping her strategize ways to earn more money. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't be surprised if a lot of uninvited visitors show up today. You could host an impromptu social event as neighbors stop by to bring news of changes in the area. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can't help but feel a bit frustrated today, Sagittarius. There are places to go, people to see, and you can't seem to get out of the house. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you overindulged last night, you're likely paying the price today. If your head is screaming and your blood feels like molasses, you know that too much of a good thing can make you feel rotten! AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Without a doubt, there's a lot of work to be done around the house. With today's planetary configuration, you feel especially vested in making your home look its best. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You probably aren't feeling your best today, Pisces. No doubt your illness is a result of recent overindulgence. You can't blame anyone but yourself for your crashing headache and queasy stomach.
three-and-a-half overs remaining, it looked like being a comfortable victory for India. However, Kerr’s late flurry gave New Zealand hope and left them needing 16 to win off the final over. Kerr and batting partner Hayley Jensen struck 11 off the first five deliveries to leave them needing a boundary off the last ball to force a super over, but they could only run a scrambled single after an excellent yorker by Shikha Pandey.
Annual Forbes... From page 36 and for putting such an idea into action. He said that the Forbes Burnham Foundation has improved in their sponsorship yearly. Johnson said that the GTTA would like more females to get involved in the game since there are many incentives on offer. The Forbes Burnham Foundation is also happy with the way the competition was organised and pledged their continued support. The GTTA also took the opportunity to thank the Burnham Foundation and its President Mr. Vincent Alexander for their continued sponsorship of the tournament. (Samuel Whyte)
Villages along the East Bank corridor and the Linden Soesdyke Highw a y w i l l start getting their thoughts and aspirations together for the inaugural Sports Extra Promotions Inter Village Tournament which is expected to kick off in March. Sports Extra will be collaborating with the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) which they have already met with to discuss plans for the tournament, registration will commence this weekend. A release form the organiser states that the tournament would be played on a round-robin/knockout format with the fixtures set to be finalised at the end of the registration period which starts on March 1st and ends March 11th. Prizes will be awarded to
the top four Villages and it is anticipated that this tournament would re-ignite the inter village rivalry on and off the field of play. Over One Million Dollars in cash and other incentives will be up for grabs along with bragging rights for the next year. A number of other initiatives that would benefit fans and student/ players were also discussed when the organizers and association met and would be disclosed in the coming days. Each Village would be required to register a total of 25 players and 3 officials and only players living in the respective Villages would be allowed to play for the Team. Interested Villages can register by calling 682 3241, 621 3120 or 676 9256.
Saturday February 29, 2020
All of the respective medalists at last Sunday’s tournament.
Venture, Khan lead Sans Souci to WCC/ Bel Air Rubis/Trophy Stall T20 title
The victorious Sans Souci team (minus three players) with their hardware. Led by sterling all-round performances from Seon Venture and Kamal Khan, Sans Souci defeated Good Success by six wickets when the teams collided in the final of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee/Trophy Stall/Bel Air Rubis T20 tournament on Sunday last. Venture and Khan shared six wickets between them before retuning with the bat to steady the chase at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Batting first, Good Success lost the early scalp of Mahase Ramnarine caught off Seon Venture without scoring before Tulsieram Ramadeen and Imran Khan added 39 for the second wicket to repair the early
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damage. Left arm orthodox spinner Kamal Khan ended their resistance when he trapped Ramadeen lbw for 10, while Imran Khan was caught off Oyono Sampson for 21 which included two fours and one six. Off-spinner Devon Rambaran had Charles Benjamin caught for three before Nazeer Mohamed and Wazir Khan added another useful partnership. Mohamed struck five fours and one six in a top score of 36 while Khan was taken off Seon Venture for 16 with two fours. Venture then ripped through the rest of the batting to finish with 4-16 as Good Success were bowled out for 109 in 19 overs. Khan
had 2-15. Sans Souci were put on the back foot early in the chase; Imran Khan sent back Jaggernauth Manbodh (00), while Wazir Khan accounted for Heera Sukram (01) and Cleon Venture (11). However, Seon Venture and Kamal Khan steadied the chase nicely as they took their team within sights of victory. Venture struck two fours and five sixes before he was stumped off Imran Khan for 51, while Kamal Khan hammered with seven fours and one six in an unbeaten 42; Sans Souci scored 112-4in 12 overs. Wazir Khan and Imran Khan took two wickets each. Seon Venture was named man-of-the-match.
ASK-G hosts Nationals The Association do Shotokan Karate – Guyana held their national tournament last week Sunday at the YMCA on Thomas Lands and Camp Street. In the open male black belt division, Roger Peroune was a class above his competitors winning both the Kata and Kumite divisions, while Kaieteur News’ Angelo Harris was second in the Kumite followed by Charles B e n j a m i n a n d Av i n a s h Ramlogan. Ramlogan was runner-up in the Kata followed by Benjamin and Charles. In the female open, which was a purple belt showdown, Zulima Bell and Teshana Lake shared honours in the Kata and Kumite, respectively.
Angelo Harris (Yams Photography).
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GFF commissions UEFA donated buses; to bolster GFF Youth Development Programme The bilateral relationship between the Guyana Football Federation and The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), mere months old has already began to bear fruits with the latter entity donating two mini buses to the GFF through its Assist Programme. UEFA Assist, which was set up in 2017, provides support for the other confederations and their member associations in four specific areas – capacity building (football and operations), development of youth football, infrastructure projects and helping UEFA’s member associations to create cooperation programmes with associations from outside of Europe. UEFA Assist – an assistance programme that responds to the needs of national associations and confederations across the globe. Through this programme, the GFF has now been further empowered to fulfill its mandate of building a solid foundation at the youth level. A simple but historic ceremony yesterday at the GFF saw the commissioning of the two buses by President Wayne Forde with assistance from Executive Member and Rupununi Football Association President, Ryan Farias along with Technical Director, Ian Greenwood. President Forde described the occasion as a watershed moment for the GFF, symbolic of their International Relations Strategy, which continues to bode well for the reputation of the Federation and Guyana as a football nation. “These strategic partnerships are essential to our quest to acquire badlyneeded football development resources along with technical and administration capacity. These buses were donated by UEFA and I am so humbled and grateful for this kind gesture. I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Aleksander Ceferin – President of UEFA, for his generous contribution to the Development of Guyana’s Football. I wish to also thank Ms. Eva Pasquier and Mr. Howard McIntosh for working closely with me over the past year to consolidate the bilateral
partnership between the GFF and UEFA. These buses will contribute to significant savings to the operations of the GFF Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme, which will allow us to fully implement the next phases of this groundbreaking National Youth Development Structure. Greenwood spoke to the fact that the donation aligns to the national football philosophy: “The acquisition of the team buses is a landmark achievement for the GFF and is integral to the Academy Training Centre Programme. They will provide the logistical and transportation support for the InterAcademy League and fixtures scheduled throughout 2020 and beyond. Vital quality control will be conducted across all the ATCs utilising this logistical support for our Coach Educators.” Greenwood further noted that the GFF National Football Philosophy has a key pillar to ensure our player’s performance clock target of 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is attained to develop Guyanese elite performers. “The team buses will ensure clear alignment between strategy and our reality as we are now able to ensure that support and transportation is provided to our players to attend national team training and weekend camps at the GFF National Training Centre.” The GFF shared quotes from UEFA Head of International Relations, Eva Pasquier and One Concacaf and Caribbean Senior Project Manager, Howard McIntosh. Eva Pasquier commented: “UEFA Assist programme is proud to support Guyana Football Federation in their continuous effort to develop football in the country. When we learned that there are young players walking for hours to play the game and then they walk back, the provision of the mini buses is just a perfect thing to do – bringing people and football together.” Howard McIntosh stated: “Concacaf is proud to facilitate any collaborative efforts in the Region to assist in the development of the beautiful game. This gift will help the GFF to continue its many programmes which have yielded success for the GFF and Guyana.”
Saturday February 29, 2020
South Africa crush Thailand to top group, England beat Pakistan SYDNEY (Reuters) South Africa crushed Thailand by a record margin to inch closer to the semifinals of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup, while England also remained on course by beating Pakistan in another Group B match yesterday. South Africa rode Lizelle Lee’s blistering century to post 195-3, the highest total in the history of the tournament, before crushing Thailand by a record 113 runs to go top of the group with their second victory in two matches. Lee smashed 101 off 60 balls and added 131 runs with Sune Luus (61 not out) to power South Africa to an imposing total before they returned to skittle out Thailand for 82 with five balls to spare. The Thais have now fallen to two of the biggest
defeats, in terms of runs, in the tournament’s history including their 98-run thumping by England on Wednesday. The Thais began well though, dismissing rival captain Dane van Niekirk early and restricting South Africa to 37-1 after the six powerplay overs. Lee then cut loose and Thailand’s inexperience showed. The Asians dropped at least two catches, including one from Lee when the opener was on 45, misjudged a couple of skiers, could not stem the flow of sweep shots and fluffed a run-out opportunity. Thailand used seven different bowlers inside nine overs to try and stop Lee who smacked three sixes and 16 boundaries to bring up her maiden Twenty20 100 before departing from the very next
ball. “It was just one of those days where things paid off for me,” Lee said afterwards. “We struggled in the powerplay and didn’t get as much as we wanted but Sune and I had a good partnership and that set us up.” Thailand crumbled early in the chase, losing three wickets in three deliveries, including a run-out, in the eventful fourth over of their innings from Shabnim Ismail (3-8). For the Thais, who succumbed to their third successive defeat, only Onnicha Kamchomphu (26) and Chanida Sutthiruang (13) managed double digits. Beaten by South Africa in their opening match, England were clinical in their 42-run victory against Pakistan with skipper Heather Knight once again leading by example.
Knight followed her century against Thailand with a belligerent 62 to help the 2009 champions to a strong 158-7. Like in that match, Natalie Sciver shared the scoring responsibility with her captain smashing a breezy 36. Pakistan could not build significant partnerships and were all out for 116 in the final over despite Aliya Riaz’s defiant 41. Quick Anya Shrubsole (325) and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn (3-15) shared six wickets between them. “I thought one of the spinners would get the award...happy to get another win on the board,” Knight said after collecting her second successive player-ofthe-match award. England face West Indies in a virtual quarter-final tomorrow.
Vishaul, Hemraj give champions lead FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, CMC – Discarded Test left-hander Vishaul Singh was eyeing his ninth first class hundred as five-time reigning champions Guyana Jaguars took command of their sixth round contest against Jamaica Scorpions. The 31-year-old Vishaul closed yesterday’s day two unbeaten on 93 to steer the visitors to 287 for six in reply to Scorpions’ first innings of 216 at the Trelawny MultiPurpose Stadium. Opener Chandrapaul Hemraj missed out on three figures when he fell for 83 while captain Leon Johnson got a start with 35 but failed to build. Left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli was the hosts’ best bowler with three for 84, accounting for the two wickets to fall in the final session. Resuming the day without a run on the board from two overs the previous evening, Jaguars lost the obdurate Tagenarine Chanderpaul cheaply for eight with the score on 21, the left-hander squared up by seamer Alwyn Williams and bowled offstump in the morning’s sixth over. However, Hemraj then anchored two successive half-century stands to pull the innings around and put Jaguars on top. First, he put in 60 for the second wicket with Johnson, who faced 73 balls and counted four fours, as Jaguars reached 75 without further loss at lunch.
When Johnson added just one run before going stumped off Bulli in the third over after the interval, Hemraj and Vishaul combined to put on a further 98 for the third wicket. Hemraj, also a left-hander, faced 173 balls in 3-¾ hours and struck three fours and sixes while Vishaul, who played three Tests against Pakistan three years ago, punched seven fours off 171 deliveries in a shade over 3½ hours. Jaguars suffered a double blow with the score on 179, however, when Hemraj and Chris Barnwell (0) perished in the third over before tea. Hemraj edged a booming drive at left-arm spinner Patrick Harty (2-67) and was taken by Jermaine Blackwood above head height at first slip and two balls later, Barnwell scooped an ordinary delivery to captain John Campbell at cover. On 183 for four at tea with Vishaul unbeaten on exactly 50, Jaguars flourished in the final session as Vishaul posted 34 for the fifth wicket with Raymon Reifer (16), 32 for the sixth with Anthony Bramble (25) before adding 42 in an unbroken seventh wicket stand with Kevin Sinclair (20 not out). Scores: JAMAICA SCORPIONS 216 (Jermaine Blackwood 59, Dennis Smith 23; Veerasammy Permaul 759). GUYANA JAGUARS 287 for six (Vishaul Singh 93 not out, Chandrapaul Hemraj 83, Leon Johnson 35; Dennis
Left-hander Vishaul Singh. Bulli 3-84). In scores from the other two matches: Pride (417) & 6-0 vs Volcanoes (258) – 2nd day, 6th round BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados Pride, leading by 159 runs on first innings, were six without loss in their second innings at the close on the second day of their sixth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship at Kensington Oval here Friday. Scores: BARBADOS PRIDE 417 (Kyle Mayers 140, Kevin Stoute 46, Kemar Roach 41, Justin Greaves 38, Shayne Moseley 36, Shamarh Brooks 33; Josh Thomas 3-83, Ryan John 3-107) and six without loss. WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 258 (Kavem Hodge 53, Andre Fletcher 52,
Preston McSween 47; Chemar Holder 5-73). Red Force (287) vs Hurricanes 147-5 – 2nd day, 6th round BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Leeward Islands Hurricanes, replying to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s 287, reached 147 for five in their first innings at the close on the second day of their sixth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship at Warner Park here Friday. Scores: T&T RED FORCE 287 (Terrance Hinds 89 not out, Isaiah Rajah 41, Joshua DaSilva 37, Khary Pierre 35, Jason Mohammed 30; Jeremiah Louis 3-62, Nino Henry 2-43). LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 147 for five (Amir Jangoo 72 not out; Uthman Muhammad 2-33).
Saturday February 29, 2020
International Karate-Do Organization establishes Academy in Guyana
A Group of IKO Academy Karatekas at their Launch at the New Thriving Restaurant, Main Street. World governing Karate body, the International Karate-Do Organization that is headquartered in Miami, Florida has just established a traditional Shotokan Karate Academy in Guyana, called the IKO Academy of Guyana. The International Karate Organization which is headed by American Eighth Dan Black Belt Shihan, Adrian Ellis, a seven time United States National Champion, World Champion, Gold Medalist in the Goodwill Games, and an inductee into the Hall of Fame who has been involved in martial arts for over forty years, has taken the decision to found a karate academy in Guyana to propagate the goals of Master Funakoshi, the father of modern karate. This new and recently launched martial arts entity here in Guyana is headed by
Seventh Dan Black Belt Shihan Jeffrey Wong who is its Chief Instructor and Chairman and who brings to the academy fifty years of experience in Shotokan Karate-do. The IKO Academy of Guyana, which is endeavoring to properly develop a very special martial arts culture throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, has placed a lot of importance and emphasis on its academy and programmes being internationally affiliated, accredited and recognized, so that Karatekas of Guyana who attend this institution could be assured of receiving a high quality of training, and its belt rankings recognized not just in Guyana or the Caribbean but indeed throughout the world. Apart from being directly representative of the
Official Logo of the International Karate-Do Organization Academy of Guyana. International Karate-Do Organization in Guyana, the IKO Academy of Guyana is also officially affiliated to and accredited by the World Karate Martial Arts Organization (WKMO), which is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland and which has a membership base in over 100 countries in the world.
Vice President of the International Karate-Do Organization in Guyana with responsibilities for Marketing/National Brand Identity Development Waynewright Orderson has disclosed to the Guyana Chronicle that among the benefits to be gained by Karatekas, Instructors, Judges, Referees and other officials of the IKO Academy of Guyana through their association and affiliation to the World Karate Martial Arts Organization and International Karate-Do Organization shall benefit from participating in credible World Cup tournaments, and authentic Continental and World Championships held all over the globe, along with Technical Seminars, Referee and Judge Courses held in Europe, Asia, North America and other continents.
Milo under-20 schools’ football tourney continues this weekend The 2020 Milo Schools’ under-18 football tournament continues today and tomorrow at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue with a total of six round two group matches. Three games each will feature on both days with South Ruimveldt Secondary opening the action today against St. Joseph High at 12:00hrs. Following that match will be Annandale Secondary against East Ruimveldt, while 2019 losing finalists Lodge Secondary will clash Caramel Secondary in the feature game today that kicks off at 15:30hrs. Lodge will fancy their chances of going all the way after decent performances throughout the last season of school football, although the shadow of defending Champions Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) that needled them in
Play between Canje Secondary (defence) and South Ruimveldt last Monday.
the final last year still lingers. Round-robin matches begin tomorrow at 12:00hrs with St. John’s College matching skills with Golden Grove Secondary followed by The Bishops’ High versus Tucville Secondary at 13:45hrs, while the feature encounter will see Queenstown Secondary being pitted against New Central High at 15:30hrs.
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The eight Milo Schools’ under-18 football tournament is sponsored by Beepats and coordinated by Petra Organisation. The competing schools are Bishops’ High, South Ruimveldt, New Central, Cummings Lodge, Carmel, Golden Grove, St. Stanislaus College, Christ Church, St. John’s College, Marian Academy, Charlestown, East
Ruimveldt, St. Joseph, Canje, C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r, Annandale, President’s College, Golden Grove, Ann’s Grove, Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen and Friendship. The first prize of $400,000 will go towards a school project, while the second, third and fourth-placed sides will pocket $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively towards a school initiative.
FBF Windball Cricket continues Latest play in the Forbes Burnham Foundation (FBF), National Sports Commission (NSC), AL Sport & Tour Promotions “Hit It For 50” Schools Windball Cricket continued at the National Gymnasium with several matches in both Boys and Girls competition. The latest action show in the Girls department Cummings Lodge Secondary making 66-4, with Ashley Radyal 42, while Fantasia Plass took 2-3 for East Ruimveldt Secondary who responded with 69 with Shania Kingston scoring 43. In more girls action, Soesdyke Secondary rattled up 144-0, Shennon Baird 66 and Tenisha Hoyte 58. Camille’s Academy replied with 148-2 to win the contest with Tamica Simon 44. Charlestown Government Secondary scored 133-2, Donna Lowe 64 and Marissa Brower 45; East Ruimveldt Secondary replied with 136-1 with Shekiera Williams 56 and Yosunda Hoppie 47. In the Boys segment -
Shekiera Williams hit 56 Camille’s Academy were restricted to 85-5 with Rhan Jahman 38, while Laranzo Raganandan took 2-12 for Saint Joseph High who replied with 89-0 to win. Laranzo Raganandan led the victory charge with 40. Soesdyke Secondary hit 135-1, Tydell Lovell 79; Brickdam Secondary fell short at 67-2, Totoram Vishwanauth made 22. The Business School 604, Newcawl Nichols 22; Josh Alves 3-10 for Cummings Lodge Secondary who replied with 63-0, Josh Alves led with 37.
Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship
Guyana to face Cayman Islands in tomorrow’s Round-of-16 clash Having ended as the runner-up team in Group D of the Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship and earning a place in the roundof-16, Guyana’s ‘Lady Jags’, ranked #23 in Concacaf will oppose #16 ranked Cayman Islands tomorrow evening from 19:00hrs in the Dominican Republic. Cayman Islands finished third in Group F behind winners Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago, the top three nations from the four groups earning a place in the round-of-16. ‘Lady Jags’ went down to Mexico 3-0 in their final group match on Thursday night last after positing wins against Nicaragua and Puerto Rico, respectively. The ultra defensive posture against the Mexicans when a number of the leading players were rested is expected to change with the Cayman Islands in a must win clash as only the winning team would be advancing to the quarter finals. This is Guyana’s first ever trip to this competition and the ‘Lady Jags’ have proved that they belong.
The loss against Mexico ended Guyana’s six game winning streak which stretches back to them winning Group ‘A’ of the Concacaf Qualifying last July here. Guyana along with St. Kitts & Nevis were elevated to the Group Stage due to the fact that two of the Confederation’s Member Federations, Costa Rica and Panama were selected as co-hosts of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, in August of 2020. The Concacaf Council met and decided that as a result of the FIFA decision, both Costa Rica and Panama would be given automatic berths to the World Cup as host nations. Concacaf would have already been granted three slots at the FIFA World Cup and a fourth was granted which increased its quota of teams to four. The final two slots are to be filled by Concacaf for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup would be decided at this 2020 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship, the two finalists would earn that right.
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Kaieteur News
Bel Air Rubis Service Station U-17 Inter-County
Unbeaten Demerara set to dethrone Berbice today By Sean Devers Defending Champions Berbice beat Essequibo at Enmore in the opening round before losing to unbeaten Demerara who defeated the National U-15s at Everest, while Essequibo beat the U15s at Bourda in the penultimate round on Thursday. While Demerara (18.5 points, net run rate 2.447) is the only side to win both of their games and the U-15 have lost twice, if Essequibo (8.1) can beat Demerara at Bourda and Berbice (8.6 points, net run rate) gets the better of the U-15s at Everest by a very wide margin it will leave three teams with two wins and a loss and the title will be won on Net run rate. But unless something dramtic occurs today Demerara are likely to win the title. But all of that is conjecture. What’s reality is what transpires on the field today. Once the home team can beat Essequibo at Bourda all the other equations will go
Mavindra Dindyal is the most accomplished batsman in the Tournament. out of the window. On Thursday last, Demerara, chasing the 108 made by Berbice reached 1112 in 21.5 overs as Alvin Mohabir took 5-19 and Romel Datterdeen had 3-18.
West Indies U-16 batsman Mavindra Dindyal, who finished unbeaten on 50 from 52 balls with eight fours and a six and Jaden Campbell whose 58 lasted 48 balls with six fours and a six, shared in
an unfinished 83-run third wicket stand to see their team to an emphatic eight-wicket win. Also on Thursday, despite an accomplished 78 from 100 balls with eight fours and a six from Rampertab Ramnauth, the U-15s were restricted to 152-9 in 50 overs. Jarred Allicock had 4-28, while Renaldo Scouten supported with 3-18 for Essequibo who replied with 153-8 in 48.1 overs with Manof-the-Match, 15-year-old Scouten making 49 from 36 balls with three fours and four sixes. Fifteen-year-old Skipper Aryan Persaud, who had three chances, finished unbeaten on 51 from 143 balls with two fours, helped them to a two-wicket win. Today’s fixture at Bourda should be a keenly contested affair with Berbice hoping for an Essequibo win to keep their title hopes alive. Demerara will hope for contributions with the bat from Dindyal, Campbell,
Yearwood, Anthony Khan, Ajay Gainda, Nicolas Rajpat and Romel Datterdeen, while Datterdeen, Jagdesh Dowlatram and Thaddeus Lovell should take care of the fast bowling. The spin department should comprise of Left-arm spinner Zachary Jodah, Chanderpaul Ramraj and Rudranauth Kissoon. Essequibo’s challenge should come from Aryan Persaud, Jarred Allicock, Devon Ramcharran, Alex Ali, Renaldo Scouten, Quentin Sampson, Nicko Vincent and Terrence Softly. The overall standard has been low with bowlers dominating as most of the batsmen struggled to score freely with the 203 made by Berbice being the only total above Essequibo’s 153-8. Undisputable, the tournament’s most accomplished batsman is the elegant Dindyal of Demerara, while gifted Berbice U-15 lefthander Ramnauth with scores of 78 and 18 is the leading run
scorer in the tournament. Ramnauth is set to follow in the footsteps of fellow Port Mourant batsman Roopnarine Ramgobin, the only player to represent the West Indies at U-15 and U19 levels in the same year. National U-15 left-hander Ramnauth (78), Berbicans Mahendra Gopilall (58) and Zeynul Ramsammy (50), Demerara’s Shemar Yearwood (54), Dindyal (50) and Jaden Campbell (58) and Essequibo Skipper Aryan Persaud (51*) are the batsmen with halfcenturies to their names so far, while Essequibo’s allrounder, the powerfully built Renaldo Scouten reached 49. Spinner Alvin Mohabir (5-19) has taken the only fivewicket haul of the tournament after being left out of the Demerara team for the first round. Essequibo’s Jarred Allicock’s 4-28 is the next best figures, while Berbice and West Indies U-16 pacer Isai Throne looked the best fast bowler on show.
Annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Table Tennis Competition 2020 successfully held - Orin Hickenson takes open category The Annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Table Tennis Tournament which was organised and coordinated by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) was successfully held over three days. It commenced on Friday February 21st, Saturday February 22nd and culminated on Monday February 24th. The competition which was played under the rules regulations and authority of the International Table Tennis Federation was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Home Stretch Avenue, Georgetown. Orin Hickenson won the male open category when he defeated Elishaba Johnson 4-
1 in the final. The final score was 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 and 11-8. Nigel Bryan and Jonathan Van Lange secured joint third place. The B class category was taken by Elishaba Johnson who staged a come from behind to defeat Jonathan Van Lange, 4-3, after being 31 behind. The scores were 1012, 4-11, 11-7, 9-11, with Johnson winning the last three games 12-10, 12-10, 119. Jamal Nicholas and Isaiah Layne placed secured joint third place. Winning in the C class category was Narren Persaud over Umar Percival 3-2. Abdool Rahim and Mark Evans placed third. Elishaba Johnson was again in winner’s row when
The respective winners, sponsors and members of the GTTA pose with their silverware at the presentation ceremony. he won the 21years and under title from Jonathan Van Lange by a 4-1 margin. The scores were 11-5, 11-4, 11-9, 7-11, 1210 with Isaiah Layne and Colin Wong jointly occupying the
third spot. According to coordinator National Coach Linden Johnson, the competition attracted over 100 participants. There was stiff
competition among the players throughout the tournament. The competition over the years has seen improved participation.
Outstanding performers along with organisers and sponsors pose for a photo opportunity.
According to Johnson, the GTTA commends the Forbes Burnham Foundation for their foresight in sponsoring the competition (Continued on page 32)
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Historic! GFF President Wayne Forde (3rd left) is joined by GS (ag) Ian Alves (2nd left) and members of the Technical Team following the commissioning of the two buses donated by UEFA.
GFF commissions UEFA donated buses; to bolster GFF Youth Development Programme Bel Air Rubis Service Station U-17 Inter-County
Unbeaten Demerara set to dethrone Berbice today Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship
Guyana to face Cayman Islands in tomorrow’s Round-of-16 clash Vishaul, Hemraj give champions lead
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